Sister 2 Sister August Issue by Lila Polite

august 2011

GIVING IT TO YA STRAIGHT, NO CHASER

How good sex got her in trouble!

rocks single mo

therhood

Her relationship with & their kids’ other mothers

update on & former 702 singer

quirky dating habits Plus her obsession with a celebrity we all know and love

NeNe Leakes Bow Wow shaunie O’Neal Keyshia Cole Lil scrappy

Finding the perfect diet • 10 fabulous must-have nail colors!

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{Departments} 20 On the Couch

August 2011 • Volume 23 • Number 8 Oprah and Michael Jordan

Ladies, we decided to flip the script this time: What can we do to be better women for our men? Before you get upset, take a minute to read on as Dr. Jeff breaks down men’s most common complaints.

22 Beauty These fly and fabulous nail colors will give you some new options for summer and fall.

24 Office With a View Monif Clarke, founder and designer of Monif C. Contemporary Plus Sizes

26 Food, Food, Food Summer’s almost at an end, so fire up the grill while you can and try this menu of juicy barbecue plus fixins.

30 Health

Bow Wow and his mom Teresa

With all the diet plans out there, how do you choose what’s best for you? We break down the skinny on the most popular diet systems around.

33 Stomps and Shouts • LeCrae: the gospel-rap rebel • Gospel music is still something big!

36 Redesigning Women Are you jealous of Serena Williams and other sistahs blessed with booty? We’ve got the latest in options for adding some junk to your trunk.

Meow

Keyshia Cole, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson and their son DJ

12 Oprah’s epic farewell 14 Hugging Stedman, chatting with Michael Jordan and catching Kelsey Grammer’s glow at O’s afterparty

15 Keyshia Cole and her sister Elite are doing well 15 Ray J’s working on a how-to book for committed couples 16 Pastor Jamal Bryant’s date for his 40th birthday party was a pleasant surprise 16 Zane has another original series on the way! 17 Bow Wow’s mom Teresa lays her secrets out to inspire others 18 Have you heard of Dwight Phillips? 18 What’s happening in the movie industry? 19 Jamie’s Shoebox 2

S2S | AuguST 2011

54 Home Improvement Need some ways to pinch pennies on your monthly energy bills? We’ve got some tips on cutting back that you might not have thought of before.

56 Who Does She Think She Is?! She’s Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells, an upand-coming female boxer

78 Sound Check • Melanie Fiona doesn’t mind waiting • Is Shanell running Young Money? • Gorilla Zoe hustles his way to his third album, King Kong • The Electric’s eclectic music crosses borders

84 Peaches and Firecrackers • Letters to the Editor

August 2011 • Volume 23 • Number 8

Musiq

Malik Yoba

NeNe Leakes

‘Basketball Wives’ (l to r) Shaunie, Jennifer Williams and Tami Roman

Celebrity Avenue 70 NeNe Leakes doesn’t take all of the blame for on-screen drama

71 Scrappy drops the ‘Lil’ and Moma Dee drops her son’s ex, Diamond

72 Shaunie O’Neal denies instigating on ‘Basketball Wives’

72 Malik Yoba returns to TV in SyFy’s ‘Alphas’ 73 Producer Chuck Harmony knows a thing or two about hits

74 Kita and Mo: keeping T.O. in check 74 Dropping: Gracie Awards and The Help 75 Date Night with Ray Edwards 76 The evolution of Musiq 77 The new sound of Freddie Jackson 4

S2S | AuguST 2011

August 2011 • Volume 23 • Number 8

Features

46 Nivea

38 Jill Scott

Sweet songstress Nivea is gearing up for a comeback. She stopped to chat with us about what she’s been up to since we last heard from her and also break it down on her relationships with The Dream and Lil Wayne. Why exactly are Weezy’s baby’s mothers as close as they are? Why did she and Lil Wayne fall out of love again the second time around? How did Ciara play a role in her hiatus from the industry? And is Nivea dating anyone now? Check it out!

Jilly from Philly is back with a new CD and a new body to match. Find out what she has to say about her son’s father, what it’s like being a single mom, how divorce affected her life and why being dickmatized isn’t enough for her anymore.

Raven-Symoné went from child star to multimillionaire—all before the age of 25. How has she managed to stay successful—and stay out of trouble while doing it? Why does she find sagging pants to be sexy? Why doesn’t she watch reality TV? What does she have to say about her weight loss? Read on to find out.

Chris Hicks

Raven-Symone

S2S | AuguST 2011

Chris Hicks, the executive vice president of Island Def Jam Music Group, opens up his home to provide us with a behind-the-scenes look into the life and work of one the biggest gatekeepers in the music industry.

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Volume 23 • Number 8 Publisher Jamie Foster Brown Managing Editor Lorenzo Brown Senior Editor Ericka Boston Assistant Editor - Online Sonya Eskridge Online Coordinator Tracy Scott Assistant Editor Ariana Gordon Editor at Large Sabrina M. Parker This Month’s Contributors Joy Buchanan, Stephanie Dayton, Dr. Jeff Gardere, Janelle Harris, Keosha Johnson, Valerie Kefallinos, Genet Lakew, Jan F. Lee, Monique Reuben, Morgan Schimminger, Calvin Terrell, Marcus A. Williams Associate Publisher Randy Brown National Advertising Sales Dina Rositani Marketing and Advertising Coordinator Alicia Baltimore Graphic Designer Kia Kelliebrew Interns Myeisha Essex, Tiara Kennedy, Shaniqua Thompson, LeAndra Valentine

Cover Photo Credits Photographer Rob Ector taylor-ectorstudios.com Makeup Artist Alex Lucas alexlucasatlanta.com Celebrity Stylist Philonese West Salon Ramsey Signature Salon Atlanta, GA Wardrobe Stylist Leah Taylor taylor-ectorstudios.com National Distributor Curtis Circulation Company • 730 River Road • New Milford, NJ • (201) 634-7400 Sister 2 Sister (ISSN 1071-5053) is published monthly by SISTER 2 SISTER, INC., 2008 Enterprise Road • Bowie, MD 20721, for the Basic Price of $18.00 per year. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. The views expressed by guest writers are not necessarily those of Sister 2 Sister. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s express written consent is prohibited. Sister 2 Sister is not responsible for unsolicited material. Address all correspondence, including requests for advertising rates, to: Sister 2 Sister • P.O. Box 41148 • Washington, DC 20018 or call (301) 390-1111

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by Jamie Foster Brown

Photo by Barry Brecheisen/WireImage.com

Stevie Wonder performs a special tribute to Oprah as Jamie Foxx looks on.

It was a historic time in Chicago when Oprah recorded her final episodes. My sister, Stella Foster, a big-time columnist with the Chicago Sun Times, was invited to bring a guest along to two of Oprah’s farewell shows and she chose me. Good sister! Stella is the one who got me started with this magazine in the first place, and I’m the one who put her down to work for the Chicago Sun Times as a secretary to a well-known columnist. Later, my hubby and I forced her to start writing in Sister 2 Sister. Then, lo and behold, when opportunity knocked at the Sun Times, she was already a seasoned writer and able to take over her boss’s column. Ain’t God good?! But back to the O! What was it like being at Oprah’s farewell shows? Well, you don’t just sit there like a bump on a

S2S | AuguST 2011

log and watch. I went to the show, featuring memories of her all-time favorite guests, and it was a tearjerker. Man, there was the story of the young poet Mattie Stepanek, who lived with muscular dystrophy and died at 13, and a young woman burned severely in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Whoa. The highlight of that show was the story of Tererai Trent, a woman from Zimbabwe who went from being refused an education, forced into marriage at age 11 and whipped daily by her very abusive husband, to receiving her PhD in the United States. She’s trying to build a school in her village, and Oprah donated $1.5 million to the cause. Her story was uplifting after listening to the guests who’d come on before her. Being at an Oprah taping is not easy. We had to be at the

Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Wireimage.com

epic farewell

Michael Jordan surprises Oprah onstage.

Audience members hold white paper over their faces during one of Oprah’s final episodes.

Iyanla Vanzant will have a new show on the OWN Network in January.

Photo courtesy of Iyanla Vanzant

Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Wireimage.com

United Center by 5 p.m. for them to start telling us what to do around 7 p.m. There were people walking there from miles around, sort of like going to Mecca or something. The audience had to rehearse everything so that they knew when they were supposed to stand up, when to hold up the books and T-shirts, etc. That was very unique; we were rehearsed and tired before the show started! But there was so much excitement and anticipation. We were given LED finger lights to wave around during performances. So cool. I wish I could find more of those lights. They gave us pages of dos and don’ts: no cameras, no cell phones, no big purses, no gum. Kleenex was there for us under the seats. (But for anybody who’s been to TV tapings, that’s sort of the norm.) After the first show, Abe Thompson, who’s like the mayor of Oprah-ville, took us to Oprah’s other building beside The Oprah Store, which is closed now. Abe is just a beautiful guy, inside and out. Back in May, he took me with him to the unveiling of Oprah Winfrey. Then, during that event, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley gave the street in front of Harpo Studios an honorary name. I didn’t know how to process the joy I felt for Oprah during the final episodes, knowing how much she’s sown into millions of lives while watching her faithful and loving staff wish her well, though they didn’t know what was in store for themselves. They had loved her and served her for so many years. Some of them will work on Rosie O’Donnell’s new one-hour talk show that will shoot in the same studio and air on OWN. Others will not only miss their jobs, comrades and financial security, they will also miss Oprah.

AuguST 2011 | S2S

MEOW

hael Jordan ic M h it w g in tt a h c , Hugging stedman lsey grammer’s glow at and catching Ke

nklin and Oprah at ie Foxx, Aretha Fra m Ja e, es Tyr r) to (l

the af terparty

Stedman su everyone b rprised speaking d y Oprah’s tapuring (l to r) Sted ing. and Jamie man

That special night of surprises for Oprah’s final episodes was followed by a great afterparty. Fabulous food and drinks were served, but not all of the stars came because the taping went long. In particular, Will and Jada left because Will needed to return to New York. But I did see Suze Orman, Tyrese, Jamie Foxx and our guy Michael Jordan, who was having a ball with my sister Stella Foster. We were teasing that we could whip his butt in bid whist. Of course Michael poo-pooed that by saying all he had to do is get a good partner and he would whip us. Hmph, Michael. It’s on!! Stella used to play cards with Michael years ago, so they have history. He told us about his new Michael Jordan Steakhouse opening this fall in Chicago. It will be inside the InterContinental Chicago hotel. The other restaurants he’s lent his name to are in Connecticut and New York. I hugged Oprah’s longtime love Stedman at the afterparty. When I saw him later he asked, as usual, “What are you guys doing with all that money? You’re still making money over there at the magazine?” As if our money can be compared to Oprah’s money! I think he says that just to keep me from borrowing a few bucks from him. He’s funny. When Stedman spoke at the surprise episode, calling Oprah his sweetheart and telling her he loved her, she and others were shocked. I know some of you thought Stedman was no longer around. Well, he is, and it seems that he wanted people to know that. While at the afterparty, I mentioned to Oprah that it was so impressive that she had affected the lives of 64,688 people around the world through her godly service. She acknowledged that that was awesome, but she said that when the 451 Morehouse men came in it was the height of the night for her. After that, nothing else mattered. I must say I agree with her. All those well-educated, well-dressed Black men, each carrying a lit candle marching in from every corner of the darkened United Center, was overwhelming. It was so empowering to see that instead of images of our beloved sons in jail, on drugs or dead. We’ve lost so many of our precious sons, but we can’t forget to celebrate the ones who are here making a difference. I told Oprah, in reference to the power of television, that she

S2S | AuguST 2011

had been continuing Jesus’ work. And I remember her telling me once that Jesus didn’t have television. Boy, I wish He could come down here now and get on television. I watched “The Jerry Springer Show” after leaving Oprah’s taping. I hadn’t seen it in years. I can’t bear to see folks hurting one another. Mean girls. Bad girls. Bullying. It breaks my heart. So many of our children are fighting and cursing one another. I’m losing brain cells just thinking about it. I hung a bit with a good friend of mine, Derrick Rutledge, who has just come so far. He does Oprah’s and Michelle Obama’s makeup—imagine! We sat, ate and drank and caught up on old times while Stella ran around entertaining everyone. She is Miss Chicago. Later she introduced me to Nate Berkus, who was a contributor on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and has a home-decoration show now. I also got a chance to meet and dance with Kelsey Grammer and his new wife, Kayte Walsh. Kelsey’s a yummy. He was so humble and even better-looking in person. He met his wife on a train, and they dated a year before marrying. He was grinning and looked so happy. For a moment I thought we all had gotten married, his joy was so infectious. Years ago, I asked Oprah what she wants God to say to her at the end of the day. She told me, “Well done, Oprah, well done!”

Photos by S2S

(l to r) Newlyweds Kelsey Grammer and Kayte Walsh with Jamie

and her sister Elite are

Photo by Finley Fotos

Photo via Twitter

Keyshia Cole, pictured with her son DJ and husband Daniel “Boobie” Gibson, had a very private wedding in Las Vegas.

doing well

I found out that Keyshia Cole is still loving and taking care of her family. Elite is back in the house that Keyshia provided for her. She’s worked with Keyshia in the studio and has a single on iTunes and Amazon called “Family Again.” Elite plans to drop a mixtape this summer. She’s been doing more appearances than Neffe lately because Neffe is a bit tired of that

Keyshia Cole’s sister Elite Noel has a single on iTunes.

glamorous life. Sort of. I also heard that only a few people were present when Keyshia got married in Las Vegas, including her foster mama Yvonne Cole. But Keyshia and Boobie were planning to have a big wedding later in the summer.

-to book working on a how ples for committed cou

Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

Ray J is working on a book about how to be faithful in a relationship.

R&B-singer-turned-reality-show-star Ray J is writing a book. Publisher and bestselling author Zane is publishing the work, titled How to be Faithful in a Committed Relationship, under her Strebor Books imprint. Believe it or not, Ray J, 30, said he wants to be faithful. In the book he discusses the different reasons he believes he hasn’t been successful in past relationships and works through what it takes to be faithful. The book should come out next year.

AuguST 2011 | S2S

MEOW (l to r) Jamie, Pastor Jamal Bryant and his exwife Gizelle at Pastor Bryant’s 40th birthday party at the World Trade Center in Baltimore

date for his 40th birthday party was a pleasant sur

Author/producer Zane is working on another show for Cinemax called “The Jump Off.”

Act Catering served a yummy spread of lamb, crab, shrimp and chicken. Lots of friends, food and handsome men dressed in black were there. Oh, I almost forgot the most important part! Jamal arrived with his ex-wife Gizelle on his arm. If God can forgive, then why can’t we mortals? But it does make you wonder why men of prominence, respect and high positions in church, community and government, risk it all and face disgrace for sex. Hello, Arnold Schwarzenegger! Sex is powerful, and it attracts those with power. With all the stress and responsibilities put on them, they may look for more outlets for relief in extramarital affairs, the excitement of new sex or even same-gender sex. I don’t know. It’s something for you guys and gals to debate via the forums on s2smagazine.com.

Author and TV producer Zane started shooting her new Cinemax series, “Zane’s The Jump Off,” in July. This is a follow-up to her successful “Zane’s Sex Chronicles” series, which had about 5 million viewers per week on Cinemax. The network told Zane that they wanted to do another show with her, so she started writing. “[‘Jump Off’] was chosen out of 10 ideas that I presented,” Zane said. So what’s the show about? It follows five fraternity line brothers as they mature in their love lives, careers and varied personalities. One of the guys, Dimitri, aka The Jump Off, is a professional football player who opens a nightclub called The Jump Off. He employs several of his buddies: Earnest, who is divorced, works as a bartender at The Jump Off; Woody, who is separated, serves as the club’s manager, and Gabriel, who is married, is Dimitri’s financial advisor. The fifth character, Spencer, is a single radio personality. He’s Hispanic while the other characters are African-American. Casting wasn’t complete when I talked to Zane. “Like my first series, this will be groundbreaking and something different than anyone has ever seen,” Zane said. “It’s too easy to emulate what is already out there and it does not excite me to be a follower.” The show is scheduled scheduled to air in April 2012. I’m looking forward to it!

has another original series on the way! 16

S2S | AuguST 2011

Photo by Martin Studio Photography

Remember Pastor Jamal Bryant? We published his story of redemption last year. For the first time, he talked about having fallen from grace with his Lord and Savior as well as his parishioners at the Empowerment Temple in Baltimore. He lost his way, had extramarital affairs, shamed his family and lost his wife. Pastor Jamal Bryant knows it’s good to get things out and into the open when one wants to redeem himself. Perhaps you remember him from TV One reality shows where he was a spiritual consultant to Omarosa (“Donald Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger”) and K-Ci and JoJo (“KCi and JoJo Come Clean”). I went to his 40th birthday party recently and was greeted by belly dancers. I got a chance to see BET’s Jeff Johnson at the party along with his beautiful significant other. My friend Zane, the zillion-selling author, slid in, and Jim Britton’s Class

Photo by S2S

prise

Photo by Earl Gibson III/ FilmMagic.com

mom lays her secrets out to

Teresa Caldwell is writing a book while she works as her son Bow Wow’s manager and runs an online clothing store.

inspire others

When I was in Atlanta recently, I got a call from Bow Wow’s mom Teresa Caldwell to meet her for lunch. She’s been busy, y’all. I told you all that she closed down her clothing boutiques in Atlanta, but she hasn’t stopped selling must-have threads. She’s doing more now than ever. She isn’t just the mastermind behind her superstar rapper/actor son Bow Wow’s brand, which she still oversees, she’s also an entrepreneurial fireball who’s stepping out of the shadows of her son and into the spotlight for herself. Teresa launched her new online store, shoptasteonline.com, which offers a variety of styles for today’s fashionista. In addition to the store, Teresa is in pre-production for a new fashion/lifestyle Web show titled “Taste TV.” It teaches women how to recreate hot, new, ripped-from-the-runway looks using items from their own closets while introducing exciting new options and pieces from Teresa’s own Taste Boutique. (Personally, I wanted to snatch the shoes she had on and rip the runway right on out of that restaurant.) Episodes will include Teresa styling several of her celebrity friends and ShopTasteOnline VIPs, all while helping viewers create new looks for all occasions. Teresa is most excited about the debut of her first book, From Victim to Victorious, which is scheduled for release in spring 2012. From Victim to Victorious covers a lot of topics that teens and young adults need and want to read about: from sensitive areas like sexual abuse, pain and hard times, to making the right choices in life. For the first time ever, Teresa divulged her personal struggles. She doesn’t shy away from any topic that can empower young adults and give them tools to meet life’s trials head-on! Like a big sister, Teresa encourages readers to use challenges as stepping-stones. She hopes that the book will become a beloved reference that readers can return to over and over. AuguST 2011 | S2S

MEOW

What’s happening

S2S | AuguST 2011

Photo by Earl Gibson III/ FilmMagic.com

Tyler Perry made $10 million in 2010 from DVD revenue for Precious and I Can Do Bad All By Myself.

Before the end of May, Jumping the Broom, co-produced by T.D. Jakes, had grossed more than $31 million and was still showing in almost 1,500 theaters. That’s about the same as the movie Something Borrowed, which came out around the same time. Madea’s Big Happy Family (from Tyler Perry) had earned $51.7 million, the last time I checked. But check out the crazy part: the movie studios get more than half, even though they don’t do anything other than release the film! They get first take of all the ticket sales and release what they want, when they want to. If the movie doesn’t do well, they pull it. The company that distributes the movie to theaters, also take their profit from ticket sales, so if a movie makes $1 million, the filmmaker is the last to get paid. A company such as Sony Pictures, pays to release to theaters and stores and market the film, so after

Photo by Ben Brown

they recoup their money, then the filmmakers get the rest. Once the executive producers of the film make their money back, then the profit sharing kicks in. So what’s happens in DVD sales? Folks who help to make films have had to sue to get their cut from the studios and distributors that make most of the profit from DVD rentals and sales, and sales figures are often kept secret. Remember Master P? He once made a small fortune producing direct-to-DVD movies. He’s still in the business, but now filmmakers like him need to figure out how to self-distribute via Netflix, Video On Demand and other outlets. The film companies started cutting out theaters and sending films straight to DVD to make more profits because they no longer need a theatrical release beforehand. But even that plan is failing, as DVD sales are down because of businesses like Netflix and Redbox, not to mention file sharing. Also there are websites streaming movies and TV shows for free, and, of course, there’s bootlegging. This is especially harmful to Black movies, so after a while our favorite writers, directors, and actors will stop making their ar t because they can’t continue to work and taking a loss on a film. That’s why we need to support the artists we love, because even if a movie makes A scene fr om T.D. millions at the box office, there are Jakes’ Jum ping a lot of companies taking cuts the Broom , a film before those profits reach people that grosse d more like Lee Daniels and T.D. Jakes, than $31 m illion at who want to produce another the box off ice. great project.

Jonathan We nk

Did I tell you guys about the handsome Dwight Phillips? He’s a multiple Olympic gold medalist from Decatur, Georgia. He is now in Shanghai preparing to compete for his four th long jump World Championship at the International Association of Athletics Federations competition. I met him in Atlanta some time back at a restaurant. I ate off his plate. I think it was shrimp or something (hee-hee). Dwight, 33, is married (sorry, ladies) with two kids. He has a degree in film and broadcasting, which is why he opened Rebel Star Media. Nine months ago his team had never touched a camera. Now they have almost finished their first film. He’s smart because he can’t run competitively forever. All of us have to develop other revenue streams.

Dwight Phillips is an Olympic gold medalist in the long jump.

Bottom photo by

Have you heard of

Illustration by Kia Kelliebew/kelliebrew.squarespace.com

If you remember, back in 2000, S2S received a very controversial letter penned by a White woman who signed off as “Disgusted White Girl.” What you’re about to read is the beautiful response to that letter, which I love because it reminds me of how incredible and deisrable my Black sisters are all over the world. We abbreviated this letter a bit to highlight my favorite parts. Read and enjoy! A Black man’s response to the “Disgusted White Girl” letter Dear Jamie, I would like to respond to the letter written by “A Disgusted White Girl.” Let me start by saying that I am a 28-year-old Black man. I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in Atlanta, Georgia, with a bachelor of arts degree in business management. I have a good job at a major corporation and have recently purchased a house, so I consider myself to be

among the ranks of successful Black men. ... I just want to set the record straight: I want a “Disgusted White Girl” to know that not all successful Black men date White women. Brothers like Ahmad Rashad, Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, Morris Chestnut, Will Smith, Blair Underwood, Samuel Jackson and Chris Rock all married strong Black women. And, to flip the script, there are numerous White men, in and out of the spotlight, who openly desire Black women: Ted Danson, Robert De Niro and David Bowie, to name a few. It was the Black woman that taught you how to cook and season your food. It was the Black woman that taught you how to raise your children. It was Black women who were breastfeeding and raising your babies during slavery. It is the Black women [who] had to endure watching their fathers, husbands and children beaten, killed and thrown in jail. Black women were born with two strikes against them: being Black and being a woman. And through all this, still they rise! It is because of the Black women’s strength, elegance, power, love and beauty that I could never date anyone except my Black Queens. It is not just the outer beauty that captivates and draws me to them. It is not the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and shades that I love them. Their inner beauty is what I find most appealing about Black women. Their strong spirit, loving and nurturing souls, their integrity, their ability to overcome great obstacles, their willingness to stand for what they believe in and their determination to succeed and reach their highest potential while enduring great pain and suffering is why I have fallen in love with Black women. I honestly believe that your anger is geared more toward jealousy and envy than snotty looks [you claim to have received]. Bottom line, I am looking for a virtuous woman: someone that can be a good wife and mother to my children, someone who can be my best friend and understand my struggles. I am looking for a soul mate. I am looking for a sister. Signed, Black Royalty

Meow was written with the assistance of Ericka Boston and sabrina M. Parker

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Page 1

Sister 2 Sister August 2011 Issue

ON THE COUCH

How to be a

to Your Man by Dr. Jeff Gardere

kay, ladies, we know you put your all into taking care of your man. Truth be told, most of them appreciate the incredible work you do to be a great lover, partner and friend. But, as we have often learned in life, we can always improve on anything we do—especially when it comes to relationships. That’s because, quite simply, all relationships are a work in progress and require monitoring. When you have a good thing, it can be a little bit too easy to become complacent and rest on your laurels. Sometimes that can cause the relationship to become stale and your guy to become discontent or even resentful. Making just a little bit more effort to do things a little differently or otherwise improve your game may be what’s needed to have a healthier relationship. Now, of course, you may be getting mad, asking yourself what more can you do for those ungrateful wretches of the male species. Well, before I share some tips on upping your game, Sister 2 Sister talked to some men to get their feedback (ahem, their complaints) on the issues they are having with their female counterparts. Here is some of what they had to say:

“Women are just too judgm ental.”

“Women don’t appreciate chivalry.” 20

S2S | AuguST 2011

ns. Why bother “They ask too many rhetorical questio answers? asking if they dont’ really want to hear the with an attitude!” ‘ s wrong?’she says, Nothing’ ‘ When you ask What’

“Women talk too d@*n much.” “They nag all the time.” traveling.” n e h w n io ct e ir d f o “They have no sense “They are not open to child-rearing suggestions.”

“They constantly take without giving back.” Based on these complaints, I am going to lay out some strategies that will not only silence your critics once and for all but also improve your relationships and put you both firmly into the comfort zone of love. Be specific in what you are asking and want from him. A lot of times when a woman engages her man in a conversation and asks questions, she doesn’t really want an answer; she just wants him to listen and be there. In reality, she wants him to be a sounding board or just show support. So, ladies, be specific in what you want from him. This way he can give you info, a shoulder, an ear or even just play answer-man. Just don’t leave him guessing.

Be constructive before being critical when expressing your feelings about him. Most men really do try to do well in their relationships and please their woman. But as rough and tough as they appear, we all know that men can be big babies. The worst thing you can do is complain about how they are coming up short (especially in bed). Instead, you have to treat them with kid gloves and give them positive feedback on what they are doing well, and then add on what they can do better.

Verbally take note and show appreciation for any kindness that he exhibits. Black men in this society feel as though they are constantly under emotional assault and that they are often undervalued. Given the state of racial affairs, they feel that way for good reason. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge any actions, acts of kindness or sacrifice. Yes, that is a lot of work on your part, but it will result in you being more cognizant of your man’s good qualities, and in turn you are reinforcing him to do even more for you. Seems like a win-win!

When it comes to conversation, get straight to the point. It’s true, men are from Mars and women are from Venus. That’s why women like to talk, talk and talk. And men like to keep it short when it comes to conversation. And usually, men absolutely hate to discuss their feelings. Women can be on the phone for hours while men are all about keeping conversation short and sweet … unless the relationship is shiny and new. As soon as he stops viewing the relationship through rose-colored glasses, the challenge is over and the conversations get shorter. That being said, when it comes to chats with your man, unless you are talking sports (and we all know that’s one con-

versation that could last for hours), keep it short and to the point, because after about three minutes he’s reduced to caveman-speak, consisting of nods, grunts and gestures. Bottom line? He’s no longer listening. Don’t repeat yourself when it comes to giving instructions or asking for something. Nobody likes a nag, whether it’s a woman or a man. A basic rule in a relationship is that you ask for something or give a direction once— twice at the most. If you have to say it three times, he is not listening or just does not want to do what you are asking. Instead, address with him the consequences of the action not being done. At that point it becomes his choice and his responsibility.

When you travel together, be open to letting your man give bad directions. That’s right, I said it. The male has been socialized to lead the pack, even if it means leading it in the wrong direction. So before you correct your guy, let him get lost and in trouble first. That way he will be more open to you giving him the proper directions.

Even though your maternal skills might be superior, be open to parenting with your man. Though many people are very successful when it comes to being a single parent, why parent alone when you don’t have to? Co-parenting provides a better balance for modeling behaviors to the kids. Yes, it is true that men don’t make the best mothers, especially when they’re not always around, but they make the best fathers. And give them credit for at least trying. Don’t turn them off, and if you need to, gently steer them in the right direction. Parenting should always be a united front.

Don’t ever forget that an equal partnership is the healthiest kind of relationship. It is true that at times women are socialized to take, take, take from men who are socialized to think that real men just give, give, give! But it is a new day and modern times. Gender roles are not nearly as rigid. No one wants to be taken for a ride or feel that they are being used. So ladies, be sure to give as good as you get. Each of you should put 100 percent into the relationship. That will lead to him feeling good about you and the relationship you share, which will lead to him giving you even more.

AuguST 2011 | S2S

THE BEAUTY PLACE

5 Summer Sh appy Sorbet Sally Hansen’s Sn nwide) tio na res ($5, drugsto

Orly's and o

e ($4, Milani’s Dude Blu ide) nw tio na res sto ug dr

Photo by Lorado/istockphoto.com

5 Fall Shad

by Ericka Boston and Ariana Gordon

ust like colorful candies, nail polish can be addictive—we know! We sampled batches of assorted varieties, from the summer’s eye-popping neons and colors juicy like fruits to the fall’s dazzling jewel tones and new-and-inspired neutrals. When it comes to choosing a polish to turn your nails into tantalizing eye candy it’s hard to stop at one. Here are 10 shades sure to satisfy your craving: Sample some now, and save the rest for later.

S2S | August 2011

Essie’s Tea & Crum

pets ($8, Target)

OPI’s Russian Navy ($8.50, Ulta, JCPenney and Trade Secret)

hades For Now…

om 7.50, OrlyBeauty.c Orly's Hook Up ($ s) re sto ly pp su nd other beauty

Orly’s Vava OrlyBeauty.cvoom ($7.50, beauty sup om and other ply stores)

When simple polish just won’t do, try these fun extras to add pizzazz to typical tips. Tip: Be su re to press dow n firmly and stretch the stri to securely p fit your nail b efore filing awa y excess “p olish.”

1. Lacking the artistic streak necessary to create mini-masterpieces? Express yourself with Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips ($5, drugstores nationwide). They give the look of a fresh paint job, with or without the fun and funky designs. We went crazy for Frock Star and Fly With Me.

t ($8.50, Ulta, OPI’s Planks a Lo de Secret) JCPenney and Tra

ades For Later… Sonia Kashuk’s Fatig ued ($4.99, Target)

Take it up a notch

2. Can’t stay within the lines? Liquid Palisade was made for you ($22, liquidpalisade.com). Brush this miracle in a bottle on to keep polish from sticking to your cuticles and anywhere else you don’t want it (great for French manicures, too). You’ll never have a sloppy mani–pedi again.

lor ($8.50, OPI’s Cuckoo For this Co Secret) Ulta, JCPenney and Trade Tip: Apply one coat over a base color. You’ll get a work of ar t on each finger as the polish “shatters” into sexy pieces.

3. If you believe in shattering expectations, then why not extend that to your nails, too? OPI’s Shatter nail polish ($9, select beauty supply stores) and China Glaze’s Crackle ($8, select beauty supply stores) give a broken/chipped effect that lets slivers of your base color show through. We’ve been rocking China Glaze’s Lightning Bolt and OPI’s Silver Shatter colors.

e) 4, MAC counters nationwid MAC’s Rougemarie ($1

Head over to s2smagazine.com/nailcare, where experts answered your nail questions! August 2011 | S2S

OFFICE WITH A VIEW

Designer Monif Clarke (center) with models wearing clothes from Monif C.

Founder and Desi gner, Monif C. C ontemporary Plu s Sizes by Janelle Harris

ize has nothing to do with sexiness; it’s an attitude, and Monif Clarke gets a rush from helping curvy women tap into that power when they get dressed. With her degree in math and computer science from Rutgers University, Monif didn’t set out to design a plus-size clothing line, but as part of the 67 percent of American women cut from a thicker cloth, she was frustrated with the frumpy outfit options. “I remember saying to my cousin, ‘If somebody could make the clothes that I read about in magazines in plus-size, they would do really well.’ And she said, ‘Well, why don’t you do it?’ I thought she was crazy,” Monif said with a laugh. “But next thing you know, I was in a factory in London figuring out how to manufacture clothes.” She emptied out her 401(k), her mother Elaine emptied out hers, and they enlisted the assistance of Monif’s father and brother to officially launch the Monif C. Collection in 2005. Since then Monif has seen her clothing wrapped around stunning celebs like Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and a pre-Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson. Monif, a Brooklyn-born, New Jersey-raised businesswoman, insists that a passion for the

S2S | AuguST 2011

needs of her customer is the key to her staying power. “Even if it means stepping outside of what she’s used to wearing, I can educate her on how to wear it well. I have a white jumpsuit coming out in a couple weeks,” she gushed with enthusiasm. “And a lot of people would say, ‘A white jumpsuit for plus-size women?’ But I think it’ll look amazing.” Before she dove into entrepreneurship, Monif knew corporate America was not her thing. That epiphany took her from a postgraduation stint at a suit-and-tie insurance company to an information technology outfit. Then she directed an Upward Bound program in Harlem. Now, as a self-taught designer, she spends about two months putting together seven or eight pieces and, with the help of three staff members, turning them into a hot collection for a dedicated clientele. Monif just started taking a salary from the profits from monifc.com and the brand’s flagship boutique in Manhattan—one of the sacrifices she’d made in order to live out her dream. Even still, it’s always had its perks. “I have the best closet of gorgeous clothes in the world right here in my office,” she said with a smile.

With no income, how did she do it? “Savings, and only buying essentials … [I] drove the same car for 10 years, cut excessive spending on things like going out, vacations, eating out, etc., and [I] reinvested every dollar back into Monif C.”

FOOD, FOOD, FOOD

Summer grilling by Valerie Kefallinos

avor the last few days of summer with a flavor-filled barbecue. Grilling sauces, like one made with balsamic vinegar, will make any barbecued fare succulent. Welcomed favorites like hot buttered corn and cold crunchy slaw pair per-

fectly with grilled meats. Add in some tasty sides, like a chilled green bean salad, and a refreshing beverage, like an appleblackberry chiller, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a delicious warm-weather menu.

Start to finish: 30 minutes (prep time: 20 minutes) Servings: 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 glasses 1 cup blackberries 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 gallon fresh-pressed apple juice (preferably unpasteurized) 1 tablespoon coconut milk

S2S | AuguST 2011

In a medium-sized pot, combine blackberries, water and sugar, then bring to a simmer and stir so that the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool. Blend mixture to a puree and strain using a wire mesh colander to remove seeds. Add lemon juice to the blackberry puree and combine with the apple juice in a large half-gallon-sized pitcher or punch bowl. Serve over crushed ice and drizzle with coconut milk.

Photo by Ingrid Heczko/Dreamstime.com

Apple-Blackberry Chiller

on Steaks Maple-Barbecued Flatir Start to finish: 1 hour (prep time: 20 minutes) Servings: 4

Photo by Candyspics/Dreamstime.com

Maple-Barbecue Grill Sauce 1 cup ketchup 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt In a small pot, combine ketchup, water, cider vinegar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Change temperature to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until mixture is thick and brown. Set aside and let cool. Flatiron Steaks 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper Marinate steaks in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper for about 20 minutes. Brush half of the maple barbecue sauce liberally on steaks before grilling. Grill each steak 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 minutes over medium heat or until cooked. Brush the remaining sauce on the steaks after grilling.

Balsamic grilled Ch icken Legs Start to finish: 1 hour (prep time: 20 minutes) Servings: 4

Photo by Boris Ryzhkov /Dreamstime.com

Balsamic Grill Sauce 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 chicken legs (rinsed and patted dry) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper In small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar and sugar to a simmer. Increase heat to medium and, once the bubbles reach the middle of the saucepan, deglaze with water and whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken legs, vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Add half of balsamic grill sauce and fully coat the chicken legs. Cook on a covered grill over medium heat for about 30 minutes or until chicken legs are fully cooked. Brush with remaining sauce halfway through cooking and again at the end before serving. AuguST 2011 | S2S

Photo by David Smith | Dreamstime.com

FOOD, FOOD, FOOD

ith grilled Corn w r Margarita Butte

Start to finish: 15 minutes (prep time: 5 minutes) Servings: 6 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon lime rind 1/2 teaspoon non-alcoholic margarita mix 1/2 teaspoon lime juice 6 ears corn In a small, chilled bowl, combine softened butter, salt, lime rind, margarita mix and lime juice. Using a spatula, transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and form into a small log, then refrigerate until firm (about 20 minutes). Grill corn directly over low heat for about 2–4 minutes on each side. Remove margarita butter from fridge, unwrap and cut into medallions with a knife. Serve with grilled corn.

Start to finish: 2 hours (prep time: 15 minutes) Servings: 4

Cucumber Carro t Slaw Photo by Ockra | Dreamstime.com

1 cup grated carrots 1 cup cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks 1 cup shredded cabbage 1 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped finely In a large mixing bowl, combine carrots, cucumber, cabbage, white vinegar, sugar, pineapple juice, ginger and cilantro and toss together. Allow to chill in fridge about 2–3 hours. Stir to coat and strain excess juice before serving.

mato Salad green Bean and To Photo by Lsantilli/Dreamstime.com

Start to finish: 1 hour (prep time: 30 minutes) Servings: 4

S2S | AuguST 2011

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cloves of garlic 1 cup green beans, cleaned and cut in halves 1/2 cup of water 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On an aluminum sheet pan, roast cherry tomatoes with olive oil and garlic for 20 minutes in the oven. Set aside to cool. In a medium-sized frying pan, sauté green beans in water over medium heat until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and rinse with cold water. Drain excess water and, in a large mixing bowl, toss with roasted cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Chill in fridge about 20 minutes before serving.

ÂŠ Procter & Gamble, Inc. 2011

Home is where I create a sanctuary of clean and calm.

P&G and the home brands you know and trust are proud to introduce My Home Made Beautiful, a program designed to provide you with tips, ideas and inspiration to help you get more out of life at home. Visit myblackisbeautiful.com to learn more.

brought to you by

, the makers of

HEALTH

a g n i d n i F

u o y r o f s k r o that w chanan

u by Joy B

Before

After

Both Dr. Ard and Dr. Mastin recommend… • Diets that are structured but flexible enough to accommodate your lifestyle needs. • Having a strong support system of women you can relate to. • Changing your daily lifestyle to eat healthier all the time, not just when you’re on a diet or actively trying to lose weight.

S2S | AuguST 2011

ystified grams Dem Diet Prothe lowdown on six popular diet plans We give you

plan, but you could spend up to $500 a month.

Atkins This diet is based on four phases. You spend two weeks in the first phase eating only 20 “net carbs” (according to the website, net carbs are the carbohydrate content of a food excluding the fiber content). In the second phase you can begin adding back carbs (not calories), starting with 25 net carbs. You primarily eat lean meat and green vegetables. Your body begins to burn fat instead of glucose for energy, a state called ketosis. You only begin to add fruit, nuts, low-fat dairy and whole grains after you’re losing weight and exercising more. Atkins doesn’t require you to cut a specific number of calories.

South Beach There are no counselors, and no food to buy. You can eat carbs, just not refined or white grains (white potatoes, white rice, white bread or most baked goods, including cornbread). You also avoid saturated fats, such as those found in butter or fatty meats, as well as trans fats, such as those found in margarine and Crisco. Instead consume unsaturated fats such as those in olive oil, nuts and nut oils and fatty fish (think salmon). Calorie counting isn’t emphasized, but it’s recommended that you eat smaller portions.

Weight Watchers You are given a specific number of “points” that you’re allowed to consume every day. The point system is supposed to help you shrink your portions (and, thus, calories consumed) and teach you how to eat less while still eating your favorite foods. There is an emphasis on exercise and getting support. If you attend the in-person meetings, you will weigh in (but the results are confidential). It costs about $40 a month for inperson meetings with a $20 sign-up fee. It’s $17.95 a month with a $29.95 sign-up fee if you skip the meetings, and get your counseling and planning online.

Jenny Craig You meet with a counselor (either at a Jenny Craig center or over the phone) who designs a diet plan based on your lifestyle. You buy pre-packaged meals from Jenny Craig and meet with a weight counselor weekly, either in person or virtually. Prices vary based on your diet

NutriSystem You choose a diet plan based on your needs and order food from NutriSystem. You don’t meet formally with a counselor or a group, but there is an online forum where people post tips, ask and answer questions and offer support. A basic food plan can cost up to $352 a month for one person.

Medifast You eat five meals a day that you purchase from Medifast and a sixth “Lean & Green” meal that you make yourself or order elsewhere. It can be no more than seven ounces of a lean meat and three servings of vegetables from the Medifast approved list. There are vegetarian plans available. You can choose how you get support: online for free, or pay a fee to see a coach at a Medifast weight control center. Basic plans can cost $10–$12 a day for the five meals—up to $360 a month for one person.

My Weight Doctor My Weight Doctor centers are currently only found in Maryland and Virginia near the D.C., metro area. The diet plans emphasize eating five to six small meals during the day instead of three large ones. A physician on staff with the center runs a series of tests—blood pressure, diabetes screenings, etc.—and creates a personalized weight-loss program, which may include prescribed appetite-suppressing medication. My Weight Doctor doesn’t accept insurance; patients pay for the services themselves—which can cost $199 to $649, depending on the plan the doctor recommends, and does not include a $398 enrollment fee. Patients do, however, receive itemized receipts that they can submit to their insurance companies for reimbursement.

Dr. Ard and Dr. Mastin said you can lose weight on any of these plans, but sticking to healthy lifestyle changes (including regular exercise) is the only way to lose the weight and keep it off. AuguST 2011 | S2S

STOMPS & SHOUTS BY CALVIN TERRELL

l the gospel-Rap Rebe

S2S | AuguST 2011

s diligent as I think I am, some amazing gospel artists still get by me. The artist in question is LeCrae. He’s the new gospel sensation born in Houston, Texas, and he didn’t get by our senior editor Ericka Boston, who put me on to him. When LeCrae was only 23, he released his first album, titled Real Talk. The response was amazing, and it quickly became crystalclear that this artist was talking about things that everyday people could relate to. If you wanna know how real LeCrae is, he’s is not just your average rapper: In 2005, the University of North Texas graduate co-founded Reachlife Ministries, a nonprofit organization that works with other groups to strengthen communities via the Word of God. While in school, LeCrae majored in media management and minored in sociology. “It was definitely hard,” he said. “I went to school to get the grades. I didn’t always get the good grades, but I learned something.” LeCrae’s other CD releases include After the Music Stops and Rebel. He’s proud of his music, but he should be especially proud of his current release, called Rehab. “It was a Grammy-nominated album,” he said. “It was also nominated for a couple of Dove Awards. I’m really excited about the project because it seeks to offer hope and healing to all who would listen. It’s a project that anyone from any walk of life, whether they’re into gospel, R&B or hip-hop, they’ll appreciate the music on there.” His current single is called “Just Like You.” LeCrae had a good time at the Grammys, and while he didn’t snatch the trophy in his category, he did get a chance to meet people like Kem, Marvin Sapp and rapper/singer Drake. I asked LeCrae what it’s like hearing his music on the radio. “I love it,” he said. “It’s nothing better than being able to do what you love and at the same time be able to encourage people … just to have people from all walks of life say, ‘You’re telling my story.’” LeCrae grew up with his mother and has two sisters and a brother. “My father kinda went on to pursue a woman named ‘Cocaine,’” he said, “and so there was a bit of a strained relationship.” For a short period, LeCrae moved to San Diego with family members and he really looked up to his uncles, who were heavily into criminal activity. “But those were the only guys I knew to look up to,” LeCrae said. He describes his mother Ormie as “an incredibly strong woman,” who grew up inspired by women such as Angela Davis and Maya Angelou. She always kept their literature near LeCrae. Mom also taught him the value of education and kept him reading a lot. “I love her to this day,” he said. “She’s one of my best friends.” Today, his mother is living in Dallas and working in the school system, where she’s passing along her love and inspiration to other young people. God bless Mom! Today, LeCrae lives with his wife Daragh and their children in Atlanta. He met his wife in college and they’ve been married for five years. “She is a no-nonsense woman,” he said. “She’s one of those sisters that you see and you don’t mess with her unless you’re serious. I saw a lot of my mother in her. She’s just a strong woman and a leader in her own right.” They are members of Blueprint Church and have two beautiful children: David, 3, and 2-year-old Amaya, who’s in charge of the show.

STOMPS & SHOUTS BY CALVIN TERRELL

t was good to see so many of my friends when they visited my town during the Still Something Big tour. The star-studded event starred BeBe and CeCe Winans, Mary Mary and special guest VaShawn Mitchell. Now, I have to tell you that I was surprised that the concert began at an early 6 p.m., but I wasn’t the only one. “I just found out, too,” BeBe said as photographer Alex Macklin and I chilled in the singer’s dressing room. “I’m so tired,” poor BeBe said as he collapsed in his chair. A stagehand dropped by the dressing room, looked in at BeBe and said, “Fifteen minutes until showtime.” Meanwhile, BeBe was unmoved and certainly unbothered. Instead he said, “So how have you been, Calvin?” I have to say that when I mentioned BeBe’s participation on the BET show “Sunday Best,” BeBe didn’t have much to say about the matter. “I’m not on that show anymore,” he said. Alright, end of story! Alex and I stopped by Mary Mary’s dressing room before the concert. They were fully dressed, not to worry! They were just getting it all together. I don’t want Erica and Tina’s hubbies, Warryn and Teddy, to come after us! It was great seeing the two sisters, who are still just as sweet as they were when

S2S | AuguST 2011

they recorded their first huge hit “Shackles (Praise You)” back in 2000. After the concert, Alex and I ran into VaShawn Mitchell. He’s making quite a name for himself, too! VaShawn is originally from Chicago, but now he lives in Atlanta. His hit song “Nobody Greater,” from the CD Triumphant, is burning up the charts as well as radio station waves across the country. Though VaShawn is a great songwriter, he didn’t write “Nobody Greater.” Darius Polk wrote the phenomenal hit. “Last year, when I was looking for music for this project, so many people were talking about how they’re going through and losing jobs,” VaShawn said. “I really wanted to record something that points people back to their source … so this song just fit perfectly in the scheme of what I was trying to do.” VaShawn really thanks God for another special blessing: this tour. “I think that this is the greatest learning experience that I will ever have in my entire life: to sit and watch and glean from and be mentored by BeBe, CeCe and Erica and Tina. You can’t pay for it,” VaShawn said. He really loves his fans and made me promise to tell people to hit him up on his Facebook and Twitter pages @VaShawnMitchell.

Photos by Paul Warner/WireImage.com

is Still Something Big!

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American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries American Family Insurance Company

Nicki Minaj

Blow up Your

Lifts

Add more volume, shape or width to really fill out a pair of jeans with a butt lift. While there are different “brands” of butt lifts out there—like the Beverly Hills Butt Lift and the Miami Thong Lift—all created by different practitioners who develop different techniques, the procedure generally consists of taking fat from one part of your body and putting it into your butt and then shaping it into your dream derriere. Lee “It’s really two procedures in one,” said Dr. Anthony e by Jan F. m de. So Griffin, the Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon who c t b a c k si e t rf a e tt p u a b n’t have a can ss e d w it h developed the Brazilian Butt Lift. Dr. Griffin usually n e is b le at they do an o t eve ryo t even complain th very wom e , takes unwanted fat from the lower back, stomach, ry e t e rg h g ig s to lastic su women m procedure nces in p inner thigh and sometimes arms using the VASER a w v fe d a a h it re ere a all. But w ultrasound-assisted liposuction device. craving. H ’s e sh e curv have the l.” u -f g “booty you lookin

N 36

S2S | AuguST 2011

Background photo by Melonstone/ Dreamstime.com

Photo by Gregg DeGuire/apimages.com

Photo by KENNELL KRISTA/SIPA/apimages.com

Amber Rose

Photo by Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup via AP IMAGES

Serena Williams

REDESIGNING WOMEN

Once the fat cells are injected into your butt, they incorporate themselves into your body as normal cells would. For example, significant weight loss, as well as aging, could affect the procedure’s longevity. The risk of infection is low because you’re using your body’s own cells; however, the amount of volume you get is limited to the amount of fat you have available on your body. Sometimes Dr. Mendieta tells his patients to gain a little weight before the procedure, “which is the best prescription you’re ever going to get,” he said jokingly. As for recovery, you could return to work seven to 10 days after surgery, and after about three to four weeks you won’t have any restrictions on your activities. Cost: The national average surgeon’s fee for a butt lift was $4,500 in 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), but Dr. Griffin estimated that the entire procedure can total $15,000–$20,000, including the hospital stay and anesthesia.

Implants Also known as gluteal implants, butt implants are solid or semi-solid silicone implants that are placed under or over each buttock muscle to add more volume to your booty. Miami-based plastic surgeon Dr. Constantino G. Mendieta sometimes uses implants in conjunction with a butt lift to create a bigger, shapelier butt if a patient does not h a v e

enough fat on their body, but most times he will opt for the butt lift instead of the implants. “Butt implants have a certain inherent risk,” Dr. Mendieta said, including the implant shifting or flipping over, hardening, developing fluid around it and/or infection, and these risks can happen at any time during the course of life. Dr. Griffin does not suggest implants as an option at all. Not everyone is a candidate for implants. Dr. Mendieta has found that patients who are thin heal better and the implant success rate is higher. The recovery for butt implant surgery is longer than for a butt lift, and staying off your bottom is imperative because the body is adjusting to a foreign object. You could return to work in about two to three weeks, and it would take about a month to feel normal again. Cost: The national average surgeon’s fee for a buttock lift was $4,379 last year, according to the ASPS.

Contouring If you already have a full booty but it’s hidden by surrounding fat deposits, like a muffin top or lower back fat, then butt contouring may be your best option. After using liposuction to take out unwanted fat, practitioners are able to sculpt and contour your body into the shape you choose. Dr. Griffin uses VASER lipo, which can be performed under local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, risks for anesthesia complications are eliminated and recovery time is just a couple of days. Cost: The national average surgeon’s fee for liposuction is approximately $3,000, according to the ASPS.

Photo by Israel Enrique García Mckee/ Dreamstime.com

Procedures that sculpt the body require your surgeon to have an artistic eye and hand. Request to see images of previous surgeries from your doctor. You wouldn’t want to walk away with an asymmetrical or misshaped tush!

for a bigger derriere?

ith the big-booty craze growing in popularity, people are looking for cost-effective ways to attain a more attractive tush. But being cheap has cost some their lives. Unlicensed and untrained con artists are providing liquid silicone or silicone gel butt injections in their apartments, hotel rooms and even salons for a fraction of the cost of a professional procedure, leading to tragic stories of permanent lumps within the skin, infection, skin ulceration, organ failure and potentially fatal pulmonary blood clots and even death. Although the FDA has approved certain forms of silicone for cosmetic use, it has prohibited the injection of liquid silicone or silicone gel to fill wrinkles or augment tissues anywhere in the body for public and health safety reasons. You should only seek treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon administered at a medical facility.

AuguST 2011 | S2S

A Jamie Foster Brown interview

ill Scott is something else, honey. I love when my babies use their experiences to teach others. Jill is no exception. She is so real. And so wise. She’s lookin’ amazing, and seems to be feeling amazing, too, with a hot new album and an awesome outlook on life. But that’s not all we talked about. I love that Jill tried to educate women on how not to get caught up in that socalled thing called love. Is it really love? Or is it just about how he makes you feel when you don’t have any clothes on? I’m telling you, babies, Jill really laid it out there. She wouldn’t talk about her baby’s father, but she does talk about the dangers of getting caught up in the physical pleasures of a relationship. Sex without substance. Think on it, ladies. How did Jill manage to stay friends with her ex-husband? How does she tell the difference between the men who want something real and those who are just after her flesh? How did a porn star inspire Jill when it came to weight loss? And what does it mean to be “dickmatized”? Our time together was short but sweet, and I can’t wait to chat with Jilly from Philly again sometime soon. ***

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Jamie: Hey, Jill! Jill: Hi! Jamie: You gon’ sing a few notes for me so I can hear that pretty voice? Jill: [laughs] How have you been? Jamie: Actually, I’m fairly great. God has just shown favor in so many ways. So much is happening with us now. I can’t believe it. But you’re the one that’s doing well. I saw you on the “Mo’Nique Show,” lookin’ all fabulous! Jill: Thank you. Jamie: How did you lose the weight? Was it on purpose or…? Jill: Well, sure. I was pretty big after I had the baby. It was too big for me to be comfortable, so I just hired a trainer, Scott Parker, and we started riding bikes and taking walks and swimming and kickboxing and having fun! Jamie: Was this in Philadelphia? Where were you? Jill: Sometimes in Philadelphia, sometimes in L.A. Scott is located in Los Angeles, but he would fly in. Jamie: Oh, okay, wonderful. Now, you got an album. Jill: Yup, The Light of the Sun. Jamie: What are you talkin’ about in there? Jill: A lot of things, actually, but mostly it’s the battle

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JILL SCOTT

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between the mind, the spirit or the heart, I suppose, and the flesh: Broke up and trying to get it back together, but in the meantime I meet someone who, what I call, “dickmatized” me. [laughs] My girlfriend April Perry gave me the phrase. Jamie: [laughs] Jill: And I have been calling it that ever since. Jamie: Are you talking about the drummer? Jill: No, not at all. Jamie: Oh, well, who dickmatized you? Jill: Oh, I’m not gonna tell you that! [laughs] Jamie: Now how did that happen, girl? Do we lose our minds? Jill: How did it happen? Just somebody giving you the goods but not necessarily giving you the rest—or not expecting the rest from them. You know, just someone to spend some time with, but it doesn’t go any further than that. You know, these things do occur. Jamie: So this is something that happens to women—and a lot of women—is what you’re saying? Jill: It is! Definitely, without a doubt,

fame—fame definitely became an issue for us. That was hard. Jamie: Oh, that’s right. It did, it did. How’s he doing now, by the way? Jill: He’s doing just fine. I talk to him maybe about once every month, I guess. Jamie: Oh, okay, okay, okay. How’s Jett? Do they hang out or get together? Jill: My ex-husband and my son? Jamie: Yeah! You said he’s like your best friend now, right? Jill: No, no, no. I said that we were best friends. I mean, we’re still good friends, but we are not— Jamie: Oh, I see. Jill: We got a divorce, and divorce is never pleasant. Never. I don’t care what anybody says. Jamie: You know, that’s something. I was just with NeNe [Leakes] and Jennifer [Williams] and we were all talking together. And so, you know, they were saying [to Jennifer], “You’re independent now. You’re an independent woman,” and all that. And I said, “But Jennifer, divorce is hard. This is not something you celebrate.” Jill: No. Divorce is definitely a difficult

time, especially with me traveling, and the men that I have dated, they travel as well. You know, so we can see if this is something sincere: Is there sincere friendship or is it less than that? And I don’t want less than that—at all. So that’s been a big help for me—and also just realizing what I have to offer. I’m so much more than my flesh! Jamie: You are a thinking girl. Jill: Yeah, I am! But I also enjoy life. You know, I really enjoy my life! I love the sun on my skin and I love a fresh apple in my hands. I enjoy life. I want someone to enjoy life with. Jamie: Now, let me ask you this: Have you found this person? Jill: I have men that come into my life that want to be intimate with me physically, and that is what it is. You can tell typically by the second date what they’re after—maybe the third. Jamie: How do you tell? Jill: Because the conversation sways to sexuality and sex. And I think that, for me, they try to break my resolve. And if they’re trying to break my resolve I already know that this is a conquest and nothing more, so I just back away gently.

You want someone to participate in your life … and that wasn’t what I was getting from my dickmatizing friend.” where you get caught up in the whole sexuality of your relationship but it’s not going anywhere, so what I’ve discovered is, although it may be a lot of fun, it is also a waste of time and you might be blocking your blessing—blocking somebody who wants to be more to you than just a great time in your life. And that’s what I realized, that I was blocking myself from finding someone that may suit me a whole lot better in every way and not just one. Jamie: Did you find someone who could suit you better? Jill: Nope! Not yet. Jamie: Okay, but when you were married to your husband, weren’t you dickmatized in a sense, too? Because you all were way in love. From what I recall, it was just wonderful, you know? Jill: Yeah, we had a lot of great years together. I mean, I think we spent a total of 11 years together. But he was, and is still, one of my best friends, and life,

chapter in the life. But sometimes it’s what you have to do in order to move forward. Jamie: Now, so let me ask you this: How do you become un-dickmatized? Or is there any way to block from being dickmatized? Jill: Well, I don’t know if there’s a way to block it. But I think once I took my time and realized that, first of all, this wasn’t the end for me. You know, you want someone that is a partner in your life, a partner in family, a partner in fun, a partner in lovemaking, a partner in finance. You want someone to participate in your life and you participate in theirs, and that wasn’t what I was getting from my dickmatizing friend. [laughs] So I wanted more and I think that, for me, I’ve decided a few things. One, there’s no physical intimacy with me until at least the fifth date. That way I can see who you are. You know, sometimes six, five dates can take a long

Jamie: Okay. Jill: And I’ve made a lot of friends [laughs]. Some for life, but nothing that I would call a relationship. Jamie: You don’t have any guy friends you go to to discuss things with? Jill: Most of my friends are male and yeah, they give me advice. I tell ’em about a certain guy and his qualities. I’m pretty specific, and they’ll say, “Well, you know that’s not you.” Or they’ll say, “This is not a good choice,” or “Stick it out. You never know.” That kind of thing. Jamie: When you went to Botswana, that was beautiful for you. I remember you talking to me about that. Jill: It was. Jamie: And would you want someone that would want to go back there? Now you said you like holding an apple, the sun in your face. That’s the kind of thing that you learn to appreciate when you’re over in Africa and places like that where life is not as noisy. So would AuguST 2011 | S2S

JILL SCOTT you want somebody that could understand that and share that with you? Jill: Yes! Absolutely! I want a friend! Someone who isn’t going to be mad at me for whatever level of success I have. You know, who will be supportive and appreciated and helpful. I don’t subscribe to that the man has to make more money than the woman. A man just has to be a man in the relationship. You know, fair-minded, someone who listens, who is strong-willed but bendable. A friend! Jamie: It’s so interesting that you are talking about this because a lot of times we pass over the one that is more compatible with us for the one that dickmatizes us. Jill: Right. And I really feel like being dickmatized can lead to a lot of places that we don’t necessarily wanna go. Jamie: Exactly. Jill: I have plenty of girlfriends, too, and, you know, some of my friends have given their dickmatizing mate or friend or whatever—the one who is dickmatizing them—

own actions. You chose this, so you can un-choose it. If all this is is just a physical intimacy and then he’s gone—you know, he don’t spend the night, he don’t call and check on you; see how you’re doing, he doesn’t ask you how your day went, [then] he doesn’t care about you in that fashion. Why don’t you deserve to be cared about? Why don’t you deserve to be loved and appreciated? I don’t understand. But we all go through things. Jamie: We go through that, but now you’ve learned—are there certain questions that I should be asking this guy? I am physically attracted to him, okay. Are their certain questions that I should be asking him in my mind to know—I’m gonna tell you this, because for me, I had that in my life, but my father’s voice was louder than his you know what was long. [laughs] My father was like, “What is he talking about when you all are vertical? What are y’all talking about?” And my father was constantly in my head. See, a lot of women grow up and they don’t have that male telling them how to love

he’s bringing paper towels or some cherries or, you know, just something—a toy for my son—my father never shows up empty-handed. I think that’s a good sign. Jamie: I think so, too. I hadn’t even thought about that. Jill: Yeah, I think that’s a good sign ’cause that means that’s somebody who is going to participate. Whether it’s just a drink for you and him, you know, like an iced tea or something. It’s just thoughtful enough that I’m thinking about you, too. That’s a good sign. Jamie: That is so interesting that you said that, because my father, he cooked. My father cooked! He was always participating. He even braided our hair and stuff. Jill: Right, that kind of action. If a man has a child, he should be talking about his child. If he’s not talking about his child on a daily basis, this may not be somebody you want to date because he’s not being proactive in his child’s life, so that means he won’t be proactive in your child’s life. These are the things that I’ve learned over the years and they’ve been

My ex and I, we just got to a place where the fame was just a little bit much for the two of us together.” I don’t think it’s like a purposeful thing but it is just what it is. It’s just simple; it’s just sex, and great sex, and that’s all it is. But some have given them money. You know, there’s a lot of gigolos, too. Giving them money, and having babies with them. Jamie: Yeah. Jill: And, you know, that’s not your friend. You just have a physical intimacy with them but other than that there’s no other intimacy. Jamie: Right, right. But I think a lot of women are so needy right now; they want to have somebody, Jill. You know what I mean? And they’re willing to share, they’re willing to give up so much. It breaks my heart, Jill, and I can’t tell you because I deal with so many women like that. They get left at the altar, left at the house, left with the child, left with everything. Jill: Yeah, and all the responsibilities and the things that occur when you are an adult. All those things happen, but we have to take accountability for our actions, too. I definitely learned that, and you have to be accountable for your

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and how to be loved. And all of his daughters did well, and I just have to give him that because he used to get on my nerves and we hated talking to him. He sat us down every Sunday morning telling us how men think, what we should do. “You sitting on a gold mine; don’t let everybody go diggin’ in it.” I mean he drilled that in us, but at the same time, Jill, he made us love men. Jill: Mmm. Jamie: He didn’t bring us up to hate and resent men. Jill: Right. I think that’s a poor choice, too. Jamie: Yes! Jill: I love men! I absolutely adore men, but I don’t want all men. I want the man who is right for me, the one who makes me glow from within. The one who shares his thought process with me. Jamie: But this is what I’m asking you: How do you recognize him? Because there are certain things that my father taught me to pay attention to in a man, which led to my choice. Jill: My father never shows up to my house empty-handed. Never. Whether

very beneficial to me because I’m not married. I definitely do not want to ever get married and have a divorce again, if I can help it. My ex and I, we just got to a place where the fame was just a little bit much for the two of us together. Jamie: How is it with Jett’s father, though? Are you all friends? Does he participate in his life? Jill: I really have no comment. Jamie: Well, how is it being a mom? Jill: It’s pretty extraordinary. Jamie: Why is that? Jill: It’s hard work because he’s so interested and curious and abundant with thoughts and questions, and he’s fun, but the challenge is trying to keep that energy up to be where he is. You know, he’s 2, I’m 39. Jamie: [laughs] Jill: That’s a whole different game. So this is one of the reasons for me trying to work out—and enjoying my body, making sure that I get up and get moving. My intention is not to be thin; I just want to be healthy. And honestly, for the record, I don’t really like to talk about it that much.

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JILL SCOTT

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I might gain it back! I might lose more, I don’t know, but whatever happens it won’t make me more or less talented. It won’t make me a better writer. Jamie: Was there a porn star that inspired you to get thin? Is that what they’re saying? Jill: Vanessa Del Rio is one of my inspirations. I absolutely adore her for the fact that she knew what she wanted to be, made a choice and became that to the best of her ability. From what I understand, she said she wanted to be a whore from the time she was 13 years old. Jamie: [laughs] Jill: To have that kind of definitive state of mind and point of view, you know, regardless, I don’t judge people like that, so I’m like, if that’s what she wants to do and the fact that she’s done it? Jamie: Oh my god. Okay, now let me ask you some questions real quick. Why Did I Get Married, will there be a part three? Will you be in there? Jill: I have no idea. Jamie: What about Botswana, are you going back there? Jill: The “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” I keep hearing good words that they’re working on scripts for all the people who enjoy the show. But other than that I don’t have anything really definitive. Jamie: Any more films coming up? Jill: I’m looking, but I just want the right thing. I want a director that’s gonna challenge me and make me a better actress. Jamie: Now you changed to a new label. Why was that? What happened there? Jill: I was just ready to grow. Jamie: What label are you on now? Jill: I am on my own label, and I am distributed through Warner Bros. Jamie: Okay, and so when will you be touring? Jill: I start touring [July 28], I believe. I’m doing the Budweiser Super Fest. It’s called the Jill Scott Block Party with Mint Condition, Anthony Hamilton, Doug E. Fresh as host and DJ Jazzy Jeff on the wheels. Jamie: You’re kidding me? This is gon’ be awesome! Jill: Yeah, I love it. Jamie: [laughs] This was brief, my darling. I’ve never had to talk to you so fast like this. But this is too important—that dickmatized thing? ’Cause too many of our girls get into it. Jill: Yeah! And the next thing you know we end up having children by somebody that don’t give a d@#n! That’s a problem! All I’m saying is that, Jamie, women have to start making decisions for themselves with their minds and then we also really have to try our best to be honest with ourselves about what kind of relationship we’re in. That’s all I’m doing. Jamie: I couldn’t believe you go on the fifth date. I was with my husband in May; that Negro didn’t touch me until November. Trust and believe! My father was so—girl, he was like, “No, we ain’t playin’ here.” So a lot of us feel it today. Today we breastfeed our children on sex and violence. That’s what they get every day, a daily diet of it. The music, everything is. You know, all the images and it’s very, very difficult for children. They’re growing up with this and you see it. Jill: Sex is a normal and natural part of life, but what we have to do is teach them healthier sex habits. That’s all. Jamie: And choices! Jill: Healthier sex choices. Believe me; I know now. Trust. Jamie: [laughs] Okay, baby. Good luck. Stay in touch. Tell Mom and Grandma and everybody hi for me, honey. Jill: You got it.

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A Jamie Foster Brown interview

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he first time I spoke to Nivea was way back when she and Lil Wayne fell in love the first time. Those two were so sweet. The second time we spoke, I was having a conversation with The-Dream and he put Nivea on the phone just to chat with me for a little bit. That was when they were married. So it had been a long time since Nivea and I had spoken, and so much had changed. We had a lot to catch up on, like why Nivea parted with Jive Records, how she lost her manager and her incredible popularity in Japan. We also talked about the fact that no matter their differences, she’s able to co-parent her three kids with ex-husband Dream and her son with ex-fiancé Wayne, which can’t be easy. And, what’s more, they all seem to not only still like each other, but also still love each other. What a healthy environment to bring those babies up in! Even more amazing is the fact that all of the moms involved—Nivea, Lauren London, Sara B., Toya Carter and Christina Milian—seem to love and respect each other. Nivea and I talked about that and why these beautiful ladies got so lucky and are able to all get along. Nivea is such a sweetie, and in the midst of everything going on, she still manages to laugh and maintain that sweet spirit. What’s up next for her? How’s her comeback shaping up? How does she feel about the music that her exes create and what’s on the radio now? What has she learned about the music industry? And how is she getting her cougar on? Let’s catch up with Nivea and find out. *** Jamie: Is that Nivea? Nivea: [laughs] Hi, how you doing? It’s been years. Jamie: And you grew up… Nivea: I so grew up. [laughs] Jamie: They said, “That’s Nivea over there.” I’m like, “Where, where?” Nivea: [laughs] Jamie: I was looking straight in your face. I’m still looking for this baby. And the baby had a baby. Or two babies. Wait a minute— Nivea: The baby had babies. Jamie: The twins are from Dream? Nivea: Yep. Jamie: How old are the babies? Nivea: My boys are 5. My daughter Navy is 6, and the little one is just a year and a half. Jamie: How many kids you got? Nivea: Four. [laughs] Right after Navy I was pregnant with the twin boys, so they were really all kinda together. The little one didn’t come until ’09. Jamie: Okay, Neal was Wayne’s and the other three were Dream’s? Nivea: Yes, ma’am. Jamie: You were breaking up with Dream while you were pregnant? Nivea: No, not until almost a year and a half afterward, yeah. Jamie: You with your little self got four kids? Nivea: I’m not little. I’m tryna get—[laughs]. No, we are working on it. But no, I definitely did that, and I’m glad and they’ve grown up on me. Jamie: So now are all the kids—you know, Christina’s kids, your kids, Wayne’s kids—all you all get together? ’Cause I

know that Wayne’s kids get together. Nivea: Yeah, all the time. [My kids have] also had time with their little sister, Violet, as well. Jamie: Who gets together all the time? Nivea: Oh, the boys and Reginae. Jamie: Which boys we talkin’ about here? Nivea: All of his sons, they get together and they either link up and go home with [Wayne] in Miami or they’re in and out on the road or at their grandma Ms. Cita’s house. You know, they definitely get their time in with each other. Jamie: Well, how many boys are there now? Nivea: There’s three. Jamie: Lauren has one and the Asian girl has one. Nivea: Sarah, yup. Then me. So, yup, we are definitely making sure they spend time together and they love each other. It’s so cute—as they should. Jamie: Yeah, that is so wonderful. And then Wayne, that’s something that he has time to be with them, too. Nivea: I mean, he makes it because it’s difficult, you know, all over everywhere—on a plane or a tour bus. It’s very difficult, but we work it out. Jamie: I think that’s wonderful. Now, your fourth album was pushed back to this year, right? Nivea: No, actually I got out of my record deal with Jive in 2005, and Dream and I did an independent deal overseas in 2006, right after I had the boys. And after that I just started to take some time off and be a mommy to my children. And I just now started back up, making my approach back into the industry with looking for management now and also about to shop for a record deal, so I’m basically starting over as of now. I was working with someone and the production got funny, so I’m just now about to get settled again back into the studio and working to finally be able to put some new music out this year! So I’m excited. Jamie: How did the production get funny? Nivea: I really don’t know. There were some other issues going on with that particular person. Jamie: Now who do you all have the independent record deal with? Nivea: It was with Formula Recordings over in Japan. Jamie: How did you all get that? Nivea: Because when I was touring over there back in ’02, between ’01 and ’04, I still remained in contact with a lot of the representatives or different people over there that we had met, so they reached out and said, “Hey, Nivea, do you have any new music? People are asking about you.” So he and I decided to just formulate our own company and do some music. It was the album called Animalistic, and we wrote and produced every record together and we released it to all of the regions over there. It wasn’t an American album so you can’t get it unless you order it off of Amazon. It was definitely different [laughs], but I enjoyed that record. Jamie: Did it do well over there? Nivea: It did. It was [distributed to] about three or four regions: I think, like, the Philippines, definitely in Japan, and certain areas over there, so it wasn’t a widely spread record, but where it was it did do well. Jamie: Girl, this is amazing. It’s amazing how well you can do in foreign countries, yet we don’t go. Nivea: And it’s shocking to me, honestly Jamie, all the way around. Because there’s not a day that goes by, whether it’s Twitter or in the streets, that people aren’t bringing up my music and different songs. I mean, it’s been about five or six

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NIVEA years since anybody heard from me on the radio or TV, so it’s just great to still be receiving that want and support from people when, you know, it’s been so long. Jamie: Well, what do you want out of life now? I know you want to get back in the studio. Nivea: Oh my god, so much! I’ve never reached my goals, as far as being an entertainer, so I definitely want to jump back on the horse again and start that back up. That’s the first thing, but I’m also interested in so many other things. As far as writing, I want to write for sitcoms; I write comedies all the time. And, of course, fashion is still a very big thing of mine. I would love to write songs and do music more on a behind-the-scenes level. Jamie: Why can’t you do that now? Nivea: I'd love to do more behind the scenes in music. But I've honestly been somewhat hidden on purpose. I've been home with the kids and wanted it to be that way to set their foundation before I broke away again. Because at the end of the day, as the world knows, their fathers are very successful and, you know, life just takes its turns and you do what you do and make the best out of it. And so I decided to take this time with them, and now that I’m pulling away from it it’s kinda like a new beginning for me, which is great! I’ll be ready and I can give more now that I’ve been able to balance out what I wanted to do first at home with my kids. And, to add to that, it’s been important for me to try and attempt to do things independently, which is never really that easy. However, I am starting back now in the studio and am currently seeking management. Jamie: Do any of the kids, especially the 5-year-old, do they have any musical interests? Nivea: Yes, yes, yes! All of them, honestly. All of them are into melody. Melody is everything for my children. Melody and rhythm. If they get into something they can catch it right away—immediately. Navy memorizes songs in one time of hearing it and she’s singing it back verbatim. But definitely, me and her father want to get her into some acting roles or whatever because she’s really, really, really good. And she just gets it. Y’all probably are going to see her in the future. Jamie: Is she the oldest one? That’s Dream’s baby? Nivea: Yeah, she just turned 6. And she can sing, she can dance. [laughs] Jamie: Well, can Dream sing? ’Cause I just thought he just wanted to be a producer. Then all of a sudden I see his little booty out.

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Denim Shorts, J Brand; Drape Top, Estella Boutique; Nude Patent Pump, Sergio Rossi; Bangles, Ted Rossi; Copper Shimmer Earrings, TheSixInch.com

Nivea: Exactly. Well, he always wanted to do both. He was in a group when he was very young—in the beginning before anyone knew who he really was. Jamie: Will you all still work together? Nivea: I’m more than sure that we all will end up working together, especially on my new efforts. Jamie: Now wait a minute, let’s go back. I remember when you and Wayne were talking about how much you all were in love. Isn’t love something else, girl? Nivea: Isn’t life something else! [laughs] Yes, it is. Many moons ago. Jamie: And why did you all call it off? Because when I talked to you all, y’all were just so in love. Nivea: I guess that’s what happens. You can’t really predict what is gonna happen. All you can do is say, “I feel like this right now,” and I guess that’s just the way it was! Jamie: Have you felt like that since with anybody? ’Cause that was strong. Or was it puppy love? Nivea: Oh no, no, no. It was definitely strong, very real. But that was the same thing with me, of course, and Dream as well, back in ’04. I fell in love and we got married and that happened and that didn’t work out and now—and then I was back with Wayne [laughs] again, and now, you know. So I don’t know. Things happen the way they happen, but I do love the fact that all three of us—I can call them and still ask them for advice or whatever. We’re still the best of friends, and they are great fathers and I love both of them. Jamie: I think it’s great. I mean… Nivea: Yeah, I know it’s unfortunate, of course, when things don’t work out on a personal or romantic part, but we do have lives that we all brought in the world together and that’s our main focus and the most important thing to us, so I’m glad that we’re keeping that in sight despite whatever happened in the past, which was a while ago, and we’re—definitely all three—past that. And we can just be parents at this point. Jamie: Are y’all grown people now? Nivea: Yes, we grown! [laughs] I’m a very drama-free person, and both of them are as well. Jamie: Well, how did you feel when he married Toya? They were trying to got back together. I guess he was searching. Nivea: It was a lot going on, though, at that time in our lives. A lot of people, all they see is what they see. Like, they don’t realize the Squad Up had broke

up, I was having management problems—it was too much. We were very young. Jamie: Who? What had broken up, the Squad Up? Nivea: Yeah, you remember Wayne’s group. Jamie: Oh, they had broken up. A lot went on. Nivea: Yeah, it was a lot going on, so I don’t want to say, “Oh, god.” You know, what happened—he and I both... we just couldn’t… that wasn’t the thing to do at that time, clearly. Jamie: I think it’s really good that with all that has gone on, none of the women, Lauren London—you get [along] with her, too, right? Nivea: Yes! That’s my baby. I love her. Jamie: And Toya loves her. Toya still loves you. [laughs] Nivea: Yeah, I love Toya, too. Me and Toya, that’s my baby, for years. Jamie: Wayne picks his women well. [laughs] Nivea: Well, honestly, Wayne is just lucky ’cause it could have been horrible! That doesn’t happen. And I see why people give us so much flack because that’s unheard of, and nobody’s gonna—I mean, honestly I’mma be real with you. The real, real, real, real, real, real, real story is never ever ever gonna be really told in that sense because that’s very personal and private, but I will say all the women involved—which is me, Toya, Sara and Ms. Lauren London—are all very respectable women. We respect each other and we are not crazy, and regardless of what it looks like, it’s hard for us to speak on it because even if you’re trying to defend yourself it’ll look as if you’re trying to throw somebody under the bus or this, that and the third. And because we all—including Wayne, The-Dream and everyone—have enough respect for each other not to say, “Oh, this is what happened.” We’re not gonna do that. It is what it is. Life happens. Everybody got some patch of doo-doo in their life, too. So we’re just taking it as it is and we are raising our children and being happy and pursuing our careers. Jamie: I saw you—I guess it was like a little video a couple years back that Rolling Out had. Do you remember? Nivea: Oh my lamb, Jamie! Looking like a drunk, a drug addict fool. Well, this is what happened. I did an interview with Rolling Out. This was in ’08, when I’d just got back with Wayne or whatever, but I was so upset, Jamie. I never gave them clearance for the video, right? They did

not release that video until a year later, right at the top of Dream’s and Wayne’s projects’ release. And they put the video out on the Internet. I almost ran up there and killed that man. And then his excuse was, “Well, everybody keeps emailing me, asking me what’s going on with you.” I was like, “But you had no right to do that.” Jamie: What was wrong? You were upset with— Nivea: Well, you know what it is, Jamie? A lot of people who know me personally know that I am very real. That’s how I talk, that’s the way that I act. … I was sitting there talking like I was talking to a homegirl, and it was an extreme amount of misrepresentation [for a professional interview]; that’s why I didn’t want to clear it, but they put it out anyway. [laughs] And it’s funny. I look back at it and laugh. You can take things too to heart, so it is what it is. People gon’ laugh and poke fun or whatever they will. I laughed myself, but I was still upset with him for doing that without my permission. Jamie: I’m glad you can laugh at it. I know what the mothers teach [their kids, but] what do The-Dream and Wayne— Nivea: I know that they have life lessons that are even different from my own, and we all have incredible stories and life journeys to share with our children. I’m not worried about what will be put in them or what they’ll be taught or shown or what would be learned in their home environment because of so much that their parents have seen and experienced and gone through. Jamie: A lot of these women act crazy. They won’t let the men see their children. Nivea: Yeah, I don’t believe in any of that. I feel like that’s personal, but once you’ve made the decision to say, “I’m going to bring a life into this world, and we’re going to raise this life,” then it’s not about wherever he and she messed up; that was y’all. Whelp! Whatever. Deal with that separately. … You’re hurting your child, and you’re also repeating a vicious cycle because, honestly, we don’t speak on it but we’ve got a lot of Black men that want to be in their children’s lives, and it’s just like a slap in the face when I see a woman say, “No, you’re not going to because you did dadada to me.” Yeah, but look at what you’re doing worse to your child! You need to ignore him and let him be a father to his children. How many Black children are we going to raise without their fathers?

AuguST 2011 | S2S

NIVEA Jamie: Right. Nivea: They don’t realize if we don’t start to become more unified we’re never going to really advance in the world. It’s always gon’ be one to two, three Black people doing great. It’ll never be a community or a group of Black people doing well because we don’t even know how to, first, be neighbors to each other. I help complete strangers all the time. “You need help? I’ll take your stuff,” whatever. We don’t do that anymore. And we don’t realize how simple that is. And honestly, I will say this, Jamie, my children have allowed me to even think this way. I probably wouldn’t have thought that way without them. But it’s just sad. I lost my mom in ’09, right, a month after I found out I was pregnant with Neal. So I went through the worst pregnancy of my life and a lot of things that I was just starting to get from my mom that I did not get as a young girl. It’s just unfortunate. And me and my hairstylist, like,

part [of the industry] and about to start back singing as well. I only wish that there was a little bit more… hmmm… censorship? Or more awareness when it comes to the radio. Now, granted, my children are gonna be raised in a musical family, so we’re going to listen to the radio, we are going to listen to music, and it bothers me that dead smack in the middle of the morning or in the middle of the day I can hear words like “sex” and “bend over,” and all this—“put it in”—and it’s like, wow! If I don’t cut on the Disney station... [laughs] Jamie: Right, right, right. Nivea: And like I said all four of my children are very melodic. If its anything like, “dun dun dun,” they are going to get it immediately. And they want to sing but I have to change the station because in a minute somebody is going to say “kiss me and touch me there” and all this stuff. And I just hate that. It’s nothing for the kids. But that’s a

about whatever I’m talking about and what I’m doing, and people tend to use that against you. And I’m not ready for that type of backlash ’cause I’d wanna fight everybody. Like, “What’d you say?!” Jamie: [laughs] Nivea: [laughs] You can’t do that. So I am considering the ones who are interested in following my comeback. My musical journey? Let’s do it! But in my house and around my children, I’m not comfortable with that type of exposure at all. Jamie: Is it hard dating in the music world? Do you have a significant other now? Nivea: I’m dating, yeah. But he’s not in the music industry, thank you Lord! [laughs] Jamie: This is pretty serious then? Nivea: It’s been a minute, and we are really good friends and that’s the most important thing. But it ain’t no marriage

I don’t think people are ready for my kind of real. [laughs] I’m not trying to be’ ‘ a certain way; I’m just passionate about whatever I’m talking about and what I’m doing, and people tend to use that against you. we’re gearing up now to start to go around. I’m star ting up a charity where—not for media coverage or anything like that, but I would really like to talk to these young girls. I’m hearing so much about girls in these shelters and these 12- and 13-year-olds having babies and they have no parents at all. They have no one there to tell them it’s not the end of the world. You scared, you didn’t mean to do that or whatever the case is—they’re just sitting in shelters, waiting ‘till they can get a job so they can take care of a baby or two that they have and it’s the most depressing thing. And, you know, I want to think that I had a bad childhood—a lot of us women—and all we have to do is sit down and have a conversation with some of these girls and inspire them and give them something ’cause it’s just bad. Jamie: What do you think about all the images and the music and stuff that they see? Nivea: Well, see, I hate that. I’m so onesided with it. I will say this: It aggravates me to a certain extent ’cause I’m still a

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whole other issue ’cause, like I said, I’m one-sided. It’s not for the radio or an artist to raise your child. That’s for the parent to say, “No, you won’t listen to that.” Because I have other relatives and stuff and that doesn’t bother them; their children can listen to whatever. Mine are not. Jamie: Now do you talk to Dream or Wayne about that, ’cause theirs is very sexual. Nivea: No, not at all. But Wayne and Dream have been explicit artists since day one. They clearly make music for adults. I’m not saying don’t make that music; I’m just saying it gets a bit [much] on the radio. Jamie: Are you going to do a reality show? Nivea: Honestly, I’ve been approached but I wasn’t interested because, like I’ve been saying, I’m a very private person. And on some real, it ain’t even about the kids and all that; it’s about that I don’t think people are ready for my kind of real. [laughs] I’m not trying to “be” a certain way; I’m just passionate

and all this and that. This is my friend for life, and that’s the most important thing. Jamie: Let me ask you something: What did you learn from your experiences? What would you do or not do? Nivea: You know, Jamie, that question expands across the universe. In music what I would not do? I would not ever not pay attention again, and I will never not take advantage of what’s in front of me. Jamie: You didn’t pay attention to what? Nivea: I didn’t pay attention to a lot of things that were going on. I was young. I didn’t care. I trusted my manager. I let him sign, read and do everything on my behalf. I will never do that again. [laughs] Jamie: What was the second thing that you said? Nivea: I said I would never not take advantage. Now there were moments in my early musical career—because I’ve never had a regular job. During high school and when I got out, I was

just in the studio every day trying to make a demo, which got me my deal at 18, which had “Don’t Mess with My Man” on it, which had “Don’t Mess with the Radio”—my first two singles and half of my album was on my demo. I don’t want to say it wasn’t no big deal, but it was kind of like this is all I’ve ever done, so I didn’t realize the magnitude of what could have been if I had just realized what was going on and just cared a little bit more—and not thinking, “Aww, this will always be my life. I’ll always be here.” Jamie: Do you think that you focused more on being in love than on your career at that time? Nivea: Not at all. That just happened. I focused more on… I don’t know. I was so young, honestly. [laughs] I was all over the place; I really was. I wasn’t happy with my management situation, right at the time where I could have really maximized my singing career it got really, really, really, really crazy and I had to flee the situation. I mean, there were several things that contributed to why I was kind of just starting and then all of a sudden disappeared—and then The-Dream and Wayne stuff. Jamie: How did you meet your manager? Nivea: I met my manager one summer and— Jamie: Did he get you your deal? Nivea: Yes, he sure did. He was an extremely brilliant con artist. [laughs] Jamie: Oh, okay. [laughs] Nivea: He didn’t even go to 10th grade. He was an extreme con artist. But it is what it is, and he believed in me so I believed in the beginning. … All four years of my high school life we recorded every day and we hopped around from Organized Noize at the Dungeon Family to Noontime here in Atlanta, with “Noonie” [Lee] and Chris Hicks and Ryan Glover, and we left that situation and went to New York and met with Jive. Got that deal when I was 18, and then Mystikal—everything just kind of kept going. And then soon as I left him, I found out a lot of people were in cahoots with him at that point—my manager, I’m saying—and it was very difficult for me to get back into the industry, believe it or not because a lot of people were like, “What’s going on with your manager? Why you not dadadada.“ I didn’t have any representation. It was really crazy and that’s where—during that period I had a lady who was managing me and that didn’t work out. Jamie: Well, how did you live? How were you eating? Nivea: Well, I had a little money. [laughs] Just a little. And also I had moved away to New Orleans, then I moved back to Atlanta, and that’s when I was about to start working on my second album, Complicated. And that’s when I met Dream and we did “Okay” together, my single off of that, with the Youngbloodz and Lil’ Jon. And it was just so much going on at

Multicolored Dress, Robert Rodriguez; Jewelry, Estella Boutique; Python and Lime Green Pumps, TheSixInch.com

AuguST 2011 | S2S

NIVEA

that time. I had gotten pregnant, we were about to be married, so, honestly, it was a big a## turn-off for the industry. They were like, “You’re about to be wifed up with a baby. Uh…” Ciara was coming out, so it was easy to kind of just kick me to the side, which is what pretty much happened. Jamie: How did you feel about that? Nivea: I felt horrible about it, but at that time, too, it was a lot of stuff goin’ on with the merger with LaFace. [And] they had

until years later on the Internet when people just downloaded it. Jamie: You’re kidding me? Nivea: No, I’m not kidding you. They never fixed that situation. And then my manager had got me into—not me but I would have to say me because it’s Nivea, not his name; you know, it’s my name—a lot of debt with the label. So, for both of us, the best thing to part ways was the best for Nivea and Jive Records. I was in the red with them and they had screwed up my

Jamie: What is your address? Because you know I’m down there all the time. Nivea: Come over and have a lunch, a meal, a drink or whatever! Jamie: Can you cook? Nivea: Yes! Well, my friend here, he’s a chef. Jamie: That’s great. How did you meet him? Nivea: From mutual friends, actually. And he’s younger than me. I’m on my cougar. I’m just kidding. [laughs]

god is good, and I’m stronger than ever. … But [while growing up], drugs tore my family to shreds! misprinted a lot of records. I think it was me, Amerie and a bunch of other people, so that album wasn’t even distributed in most of the stores in America. [laughs] Like, they put out the first shipment then had to snatch them back because they wouldn’t play in people’s CD players. So Complicated never really even came out

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album, so I said let me go, and they said uhhh, okay. And that was that. And the next year is when Dream and I did the distribution deal with Formula Records. Since then I’ve been doing things here and there, but just for independent reasons I’ve released songs, like, over the internet, just to give people something.

Jamie: Yeah, don’t say that. Nivea: He’s been in the Navy and now he’s in school. Jamie: What was it about him that you liked? Nivea: He didn’t give a you-know-what about Nivea.

Jamie: [laughs] Nivea: He didn’t even know what was going on; he thought I was just some girl with colors in my hair. Then he was like, “Oh, that’s the girl…?” And he still didn’t care. I had to go up to him like a man. So I guess that made me want to really get his attention because he was not caring about me. Jamie: Does he have children, too? Nivea: He has one son. Jamie: But he’s a grown up? He’s not a kid? Nivea: He’s young, but he’s not your average young man. He’s been married, he’s done a lot—seen the world. So we can relate on a lot of different levels, even though there’s a slight age difference. Jamie: Is he in his 20s? Nivea: Yeah, he’s in his 20s. So am I! It’s my last year. Jamie: Okay, darling. This was so good to— Nivea: —finally talk, right? Jamie: Before we get off here, what happened with Mommy? Now you mentioned that she passed away not too long ago. Nivea: Yeah, my mom, unfortunately, had several different ailments at a very young age. She had her first heart attack when she was 16. She was born with congested heart failure, so we’ve spent years of her going in and out the hospital having major heart attacks and surgeries. And she was a smoker, which didn’t help. So she had diabetes, everything. Back in ’08 she hit a turn for the worst and actually had to have some dialysis treatments but got out of the hospital, was fine and everything, and she had a pacemaker put in and it was working fine, and one night at my house in ’09 she just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. Jamie: Oh my gosh. Nivea: So eventually everything just shut down on her. Her kidneys started to fail—they said she had a heart attack in her sleep after everything had started to shut down. And it was just crazy because she had just gone through all that in the hospital and was out and everything was fine, and then she just went a few months after all of that. Jamie: Dream, is it his grandparents? Nivea: Yeah, his mom passed when he was very young, at 15. Jamie: Right, his grandfather raised him. Is his grandfather still okay? Is the family alright? Nivea: He passed away when he was young. I think right out of high school. Yeah, when he was a young adult. Jamie: Wait a minute! Nobody’s there now? What about grandmothers? Nivea: Our children together now only have—well, Christina’s parents for Violet, and my children only have one grandparent and that’s my father. Jamie: That’s interesting. Nivea: It is so sad. And my children very much remember my mom ’cause she lived with us, so they know her and they’re like, “What happened?” You know, they were 4 and 5, so they were like, “Why Nana’s not here?” It was the worst—and I’m pregnant. ’09 was a living hell for me. I hate that year. But God is good and I’m stronger than ever. Jamie: Where’s your father? Nivea: He actually is here now. Jamie: So your father was in your life. That’s very good ’cause so many girls don’t have one. Nivea: What a horrible life. I mean horrible, as far as both of my parents were, unfortunately, on drugs for half of my life but, he’s always been there and we always come back together. But drugs tore my family to shreds! Jamie: You keep coming up with more bombshells that you’re dropping on me. They were on drugs? Nivea: But like I said, you just got to keep pushing forward and not let things take you down. Jamie: Alright, sweetie pie. Kiss the babies, okay? Nivea: I will.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

to Save on Your by Keosha Johnson

ou’ve been blasting your A/C from morning ’til night, and soon you’ll be cranking up the heat. No matter what time of year, you’re likely bracing yourself for the big energy bill that inevitably arrives while wondering how to bring it down. You know the basics when it comes to saving on energy bills, such as turning off the lights when leaving a room. But these little-known tips can help you cut down on your energy costs in a big way. ity and gas, if

you

type (electric the d em by energy ermine which utility costs 1. Get Ayouurdutitilitey bills and separate ththes et td or sh nd a e bills and h long

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choose r e allows you to y source. id is v Th ro . p se u y ty e der th r energ e nd for a utili energy provi ower, as you

arou nsumers choose which such as wind or solar p ’s energy agency. “Just lik 3. Shop te sta s let co ices ... you ct your state ergy options,

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S2S | AuguST 2011

Photo by malerapaso-istockphoto.com

Before you go out and buy anything to address those high-e nergy costs, check to see if there are federal or local programs that offer tax credits , rebates or other incentives on the very products you’re looking to purchase. The websit e DsireUSA (dsireusa.org) provides a federal and state-by-state list of incentive progra ms for consumers. Your energy provider might also have savings plans you can opt into.

4. Purchase

gadgets to “Vampire wasted en power” is a term used cut energy u erg se to powered o y used by plugged-in describe standby p ow ff. top compu We’re talking about home electronics wh er, the your micro en they’re ter a wave, coff “I don’t thin nd more. e e maker, desk k m any pe by electron ics in our h ople are aware of th omes,” Jen e power th use three o nife at’s consum r fo ed turned off.” ur times more powe r said. “Some game c r than othe rs, even wh onsoles can There are se en they’re cutting dow veral new products on the ma n on vamp rke traditional ire power, lik su e advance t that are aimed at plugged in rge protector enable s you to turn d power strips. While to it on or o a ff at the sa users to ind power to a me iv ll means you idually select which d time, a smart power the devices st e c while cuttin an maintain the elec vices to provide pow rip allows er to. That tricity to yo g power to ur th against po wer surges. e game console. Th TV and DVD player ese device You can pu and Best B s also prote uy. rchase the c m at Lowe ’s, Home D t epot

5. Look online

t your On EarthAid.net, you can connec k your trac y icall mat auto and ts utility accoun s tips to home-energy usage. It recommend s, and you lower your energy usage and cost can earn reward points that can be prodredeemed as discounts at stores and ucts across the country.

At the end of the day, saving money on your energy bill does not necessarily require buying expensive new appliances or fancy equipment. As Tom said, “There is nothing more cost effective than starting with the basics and making sure that’s covered before you look to any of the alternative energy strategies.”

AuguST 2011 | S2S

WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS?!

She’s

g n i m o C an up-and

“Fire” training at Gleason's Gym

magine going to the gym for a free training session and ending up with a whole new career path. That’s exactly what happened to Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells. She had her sights set on being an actress, but after a coach noticed her natural abilities in the boxing ring, Keisher shifted gears and focused on fighting. “Boxing kind of came to me,” she recalled. Given her 12 amateur titles, including four New York Golden Gloves, that’s probably a bit of an understatement. Becoming a professional boxer was definitely not on Keisher’s radar. She’d aspired to be a lawyer, accountant or even a doctor before she decided to focus on acting. The Brooklyn, New York, native took a few acting courses, but the inevitable rejection every actor experiences really got to her. Add in the relationship issues she’d endured with the men in her life, and she spent her late teens and early 20s angry at the world. “I’ve always had that fighter side of me,” she confessed. Boxing turned out to be surprisingly therapeutic for Keisher, often leaving her too tired after a training session to be confrontational. “I let it out on the bag, in the ring or on my sparring partner, and I’m good to go,“ she explained. Keisher’s manager was responsible for her newfound therapy, wanting her to build some extra arm muscle for a possible role in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Although she didn‘t land the role, Keisher fell in love with the boxing regimen. Two months later she was recruited by Lee Shabaka, who would train her throughout her entire amateur career. It took less than a year for Keisher to reel in her first amateur win.

S2S | AuguST 2011

by Morgan Schimminger Keisher’s family, which includes two sisters and a younger brother, has been super-supportive of her fighting. Her mom, a supervising lab technician at Beth Israel Hospital, was initially apprehensive until she saw how impressive her daughter was in the ring. “She was the loudest one in the audience rooting for me,” Keisher recalled. Her dad, who runs his own online business, is also quite proud. Keisher may have a tough fighting style but this athlete isn’t afraid to be glamorous. “I wear makeup in the ring,” she said. Her fiery nickname came from a hair color she’d had in the past—a flurry of red and gold tresses. “It was kind of like Sideshow Bob from ‘The Simpsons,’” Keisher joked. But don’t think that just because Keisher loves fashion and makeup she doesn’t go full-force for every fight. “I want to be recognized as someone who brings beauty and grace to the sport, at the same time achieving success,” she said. Her fashionable nature has drawn some commentary from fellow female boxers, but she never lets the negativity get to her. Though jealousy does occur, Keisher said it really is like a tight-knit community. “We are all struggling to make it as boxers, so we tend to develop a certain kinship,“ Keisher said. Despite that feeling of mutual admiration, Keisher always fights to win. She rounded out her amateur career on April 17, 2008, at Madison Square Garden, by securing

round flyweight bout. When we chatted with this fighting machine, she had a 4-in-1 record since turning pro last year. Keisher wants to use her success to help promote the field of women’s boxing since their matches are usually viewed as less competitive than men’s. “It’s just that the media has not put our sport in the forefront,” Keisher said. There is a hope, though, that with the addition of female boxing to the 2012 Olympics, the sport will gain some real momentum. Keisher also feels it’s her duty to use her record in the ring to help get

Keisher "Fire" McLeod-Wells’ professional victory win against Melissa "Mighty" McMorrow

Photo by Avalon Hodges

Photos courtesy of Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells

her fourth New York Golden Gloves title with a 4–1 decision in the 114–pound women’s finals. She impressed a boxing promoter with her skills so much that after years of not allowing female boxers to be showcased at B.B. Kings in New York, he gave her a shot at the event almost a year ago. Keisher did so well and drew such a sizable crowd that the promoter promised to open up the ticket to more female fighters. He has honored that promise, and even had her back to fight back in February, where she beat out the competition in a six-

Keisher "Fire" McLeod-Wells’ professional victory win against Laura Gomez

Keisher "Fire" McLeod with her Championship belts and four NY Golden Gloves necklaces.

the word out. “My job, besides winning, is gaining more recognition for women’s boxing with exposure,” the 34-year-old declared. Of course, Keisher can’t do it alone. “People need to buy tickets to support the female fighters,” she said. “I think that we can be more mainstream, which is going to generate more money, because right now, we get paid pennies compared to the men.” Relatively new to the professional circuit, Keisher said she is pulling in more money now while not having to fight as often. Optimum Sports Agency, which represents her, is confident Keisher’s talent and desire will lead her to become the face of women’s boxing. This star athlete hopes she can inspire others to play against type. “To anyone who thinks they can’t do something because of what society deems,” she said, “just don’t go by what people say. Go by what’s in your heart.” AuguST 2011 | S2S

Jamie: You know why I ask you this? I even give speeches about your family, your father and your mother. And sometimes Black men are not given—a lot of times they’re not given the opportunities that a Black female would be given, in terms of work or whatever. I said, whoever can get their foot in the door, be it the man, be it the mother, be it the child, then the rest of the family is to follow behind them … to increase the family wealth and to do better in life. And your parents, they believed in their child, and so now, everybody in the family benefits from that. The family grows and becomes more economically stable, or richer. The reason why I talk about that is because a lot of times, the male might resent the woman; if it’s a wife he may resent her making more money than him. And I see that a lot. Raven: Yeah, but at the same time you have to be careful because not all families can handle that. Sometimes the kids or somebody else will make the money and they’ll take advantage of that person and not be their own person and just feel like they don’t have to do anything to step up and help the family and they just put it all on one. Thank God for my family for never feeling that way. Yes, we’re all in the industry—you know, my mom’s my business manager, my brother, right now that he’s old enough, helps me out with certain things and my dad was my manager for a long time—but there was always that mindset of “you’re not going to put all the pressure on me.” And I see that sometimes when you’re in the industry, and a lot of parents might do that “where I don’t have to work because my child’s working,” and that’s a lot of pressure on that child. … Yes, it’s good [for the family] to benefit but don’t get lazy with it. Jamie: You’re absolutely right, and that’s another way of looking at it. A lot of stars have been put under that kind of pressure, and I remember Oprah did a series where she had to learn how to say no. Raven: I know how to say no very well. Jamie: Okay, now let’s get back to the weight thing. You were saying you had to take the stress off of you and change your lifestyle. Stress from taping every day or what? You’ve taken breaks before. Raven: Technically I didn’t take a break before. This was my very first real break of sitting in the house for, like, two years with literally nothing to do but wake up, decorate my house, handle my dog and think about how I wanted a job. But [laughs] there came a moment, kinda like when you’re breaking up with someone where that wanting to be with them stops. Wanting to have a job and actually enjoying yourself and enjoying this free time. And I finally got to that one. I paid more attention to what was going on with me as a human

A Jamie Foster Brown Interview

S2S | August 2011

Photo by Keith Munyan

remember when Raven-Symoné was 6 years old and came to visit. She sat on my husband’s lap. This was when we were just starting out and she was so excited to play on the family computer. She was on the cover way back then, just as cute as ever, already charming us all with her quick wit, happy demeanor and ready smile. And here we are, almost two decades later. We haven’t been in touch lately, but it felt like a family reunion to talk to her again and hear all that’s been going in her life. Between her new show, “State of Georgia,” and her weight loss (she’s always been superfine in my book!), we had a lot to catch up on. We talked about what she likes in a guy and why she’s always the one to make the first move, and why she likes pants that sag a little (I still can’t get behind that one). We spoke about her two-year hiatus when she got to clear her mind and do some growing. We even talked about how she stays out of the drama that comes with young, hip Hollywood set. Later, I even got to go out to L.A. to hang out with Raven on the set of her new show. We had a ball, and you can watch the exclusive footage on s2smagazine.com/RavenSings. This is one young lady who has not been spoiled by the fame and the dollar signs, and I’m so relieved that this rare breed is not extinct quite yet. But anyway, Raven is back and I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed her. She’s even more amazing than before, and still thoroughly charming. If you don’t believe me, just keep reading. *** Jamie: It’s so good to talk to you! Raven: I know. It’s been forever. Jamie: I know, I know! I gotta see you. Ah, I don’t even know what you look like anymore! Raven: I don’t even know what I look like anymore. Jamie: [laughs] Girl, how’s the show going? Can you tell me how that got started? I hear you’re superfine. Raven: I was fine before. I guess it just depends on what state you come from. [laughs] Jamie: When I first interviewed you, you were 6! Nineteen years ago, huh? [laughs] That’s amazing. You know, I was asking my husband today, I said, “Honey, wasn’t it Raven’s parents that left Atlanta and sold everything and went up to New York?” Did I remember that correctly, Raven? Raven: Yes. Jamie: They just believed in you, right? Raven: They did. They packed up everything they had and went about their business to make it happen in New York. I signed up with a company—it was Atlanta Young Faces that sent me to Ford. And that’s what happened.

being, not as the person that everyone sees on TV, and so it was a growing moment. At 15 years old, I had a show that was named after me, I had cast and crew that if I was sick one day there’s not a lot you can do, you know? And I had that stress; when normal 15-year-olds were just worrying about who’s gonna take them to the prom or what the bully up the street is going to do to them, I had to worry about people firing me and taking away checks from other people. That’s a lot of stress. Jamie: Mm-hmm. Raven: So my body reacted the way that it does with stress, and it’s not necessarily what some people might’ve wanted; however, I was happy because I never was the type of person to stress over the weight and whatever. As long as I looked cute and had my cute little outfits that fit, I was fine. It was everyone else who was kinda havin’ issues. But I just took care of myself. I’ve been doing the same regime, just keeping my portions smaller. And I do not really enjoy that Thanksgiving after-feeling anymore—which I did enjoy before, which everybody loves during Thanksgiving. That’s not what soothes my stress now. Now I do my spiritual growth and I just know how to handle it a lot better. As soon as that kicked in, that’s when the next phase of the breakup comes: first you’re angry, then you’re content, then you’re ready to go forth. The way the universe works, the first thing that came up was this show, “State of Georgia,” which was just a blessing. Jamie: This is really interesting. When I was saying that you took a break before, I was thinking about—’cause you went to school, but that wasn’t a break either. You took a break and you went to college, didn’t you? Raven: No, I didn’t go to college. This is my first break in 23 years. Jamie: Oh my god! What’ve they been doing to this baby all these years? Did you go to a prom? Raven: I went to homecoming. I didn’t get to go to prom but I did a movie about a prom, which is just as good. Jamie: [laughs] Raven: Trust me, it’s not—you know. Jamie: [laughs] Raven: There’s an age bracket that everybody goes through. When you turn 18 you’re like, “Oh my god, I’m almost legal.” Twenty-one: “Oh my god, I’m legal.” And then 25. But there are other numbers in your makeup where you star t going through mental-growth periods, and when you’re in the industry, technically you’re not supposed to do that because you have to listen to what other people say, which is why you have rebellion, and so I was going through that whole period with other people saying, “We need you to be here at 4:00 in the morning and do this interview,” and I’m like, “Wait a second: I don’t want to do that anymore; I’m tired.” But I said that in my mind. I would never say that in public because it’s about promoting the show and the work that I’m doing, and I’m all about my work. So instead of speaking up, I just went south a little bit. But it worked out for the best because I got to take my break and I got to AuguST 2011 | S2S

do my own personal growth as a human and being okay with the fact that I’m turning 25. ’Cause that’s a big deal— no matter what age it’s like, whoa, I’m getting older, I have responsibilities that I knew I had before, but now it’s, like, evident. Jamie: Twenty-five is a big number. Raven: Well, I’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by people older than me. I really only have two friends that are my age that are female. Let’s see, my youngest-oldest friend is close to 35. And my oldest friend is like 60-something. [laughs] So it’s kinda funny, you know, ’cause I go to these [friends] and I’m all like, “What am I doing? Why am I having this issue?” And they’re like, “Oh, that happens. Just get over it. It’ll come. You can’t force it; you gotta go through,” and there’s different ways of handling it. You can either read and go internal and figure it out or you can act out and get caught slippin’ on some TV station. Jamie: Well, where’s Daddy now? Is he still working with you, too? Raven: No, no, no. He wrote his book, which, I think, did very well, and this is my time to really be an adult. My mom handles my money because she’s always done that and I really don’t trust anybody else to do that ’cause I know she’s never stolen from me and my dad has never stolen from me, thank God, so I really would never put anyone else in that. But at a certain age I just said, “You know what? I’m becoming an adult and I really need to just see if I can handle this on my own.” And my dad and my mom gave me a psych evaluation, in their own little way, and certain situations that they’ve put me up against, I passed with flying colors, so they look from afar and they let me make my own decisions and I have to sail, but at the same time, they keep in [my] mind, “Anything that you do, onscreen or off-screen, will always be there. Just remember that whatever you do, your grandchildren are going to see,” so that’s what I say now. Jamie: I can’t believe you said that because I’m just devastated by some of the things that these artists do and they have no concept, or they don’t pay any attention to what effect it could have on their children. Raven: Well, it’s not just the artists, Ms. Jamie, it’s people in general. Even the people that aren’t artists that are putting stuff on the Internet—whether you’re a kid or grownup, that is going to be there forever. Jamie: Mm-hmm. And they don’t understand that. I even told a friend to tell your daughter to stop tweeting about, oh, she’s upset and she just can’t stand it, life is so hard, and she’s very emotional, and she’s writing all these things down. I said, “You just asked me to have her work for me.” And I said, “I’m not going to hire her.” She’s up and down and every little thing just upsets her. Raven: Exactly. And a lot of times in this industry people don’t do that because you’re super-talented, you come with good recommendations, and then you get all these crazy stories. But I’ve been very fortunate with my family. You know, they’ve always said, “Listen, you can’t blame all of your issues on other people. You have to just look at the situation, be very, very open and say did you mess up?” And sometimes I do, and when I do, I call it: “Listen, I know I messed up but however, blah, blah, blah.” Like, take the blame for the wrongness that you do, and I try my best not to do anything that’s gonna embarrass my family ’cause my family’s first. ’Cause I am from Atlanta. They don’t play; I will get hit upside the head. And so, like, I don’t want any bruises right now.

S2S | AuguST 2011

Photo by Keith Munyan

Raven-Symoné

Photo by Keith Munyan

Jamie: [laughs] Is it hard being a Black woman in the business when you’re not super-thin? Was that ever a problem? Raven: Well, I think that being any type of woman in any type of business is an issue, no matter what you look like, and it just depends on what part you’re trying to accomplish or take over. But the problem doesn’t really come with weight anymore because now there’s so many shows and people out there that look like “normal” people. Jamie: Mm-hmm Raven: I’m like, “Oh, now you guys want to do normal people on TV? That’s hilarious!” But there’s always going to be issues, no matter where you come from, no matter what you do. And I don’t like to say—and I know people are going to get mad, but let me explain myself: I don’t like to say that I’m a Black woman; I like to say that I’m a human female. Because no matter what color I am, anywhere I go, somebody’s going to have a problem with it, if they were taught to hate. So it really doesn’t matter. And separating ourselves and doing that and living as if we were in separation, then there will be separation. And I think that with my generation, yes, we come up against the same issues that generations in the past have come up with, but that’s with people from that past. If we were able to take out and take off and just do as we do—’cause I went to a school with every type of nationality, therefore, I can chill with just about any nationality. But that’s because my parents taught me, “Listen, you can learn

Honey, who’s Loretta Devine, and the trials and tribulations of trying to be famous. And it’s kinda like a little bit more mellow “Laverne & Shirley.” Jamie: Now, who’s Laverne and who’s Shirley, in terms of character here? Raven: Me and Majandra Delfino. She was in “Roswell” and some other amazing shows. But it’s really cute, really funny, ABC Family, and I love that I get to play this character at this age because rarely do people see me drink or act crazy or, you know, I never really get to stay on the screen too tough, so this is really showing me at my age in “Georgia”—well, actually, me at Georgia’s age—and seeing what a girl like her can go through. Jamie: Well, they say that the character’s outgoing and cheerful like you. Did you have to audition for this? Because it’s the “State of Georgia,” you’re from Georgia. Was it written for you, or…? Raven: No, it wasn’t written for me. It was actually a pilot that ABC Family had. I went in with ABC Family and Yvette Lee Bowser ’cause myself and Yvette were coming up with a show to pitch to ABC Family—and they bought, actually, the show that me and Yvette wanted to do together. But as they were going through that whole process of buying and paperwork, they were like, “Well, we have this other script that we think you might be interested in.” Jamie: Let me ask you this: You came out of this two-year hia-

Most guys do feel intimidated, but I’m also the type of girl who’s friends with guys before even going to the romance version.” something from everyone!” Don’t get all crazy now—when somebody acts up and starts calling me all types of names and craziness, my history comes through, but I don’t live that way. I have to remember that they were taught to say that; that just doesn’t happen right out of the womb. Jamie: Do you ever hang out with other Black females in television? Because you are very fortunate but there are many who have had some gigs and been in some movies but they are still struggling. They’re not working a lot; at least they’re saying that it is harder to get work now. Raven: It’s harder to get work, most definitely. It’s harder to get the same accommodations that you had when you first started back—well, when I first started back in the day. That made me sound really old, but nowadays I really am feeling like it was back in the day. But you have to remember that the economy didn’t just hurt the everyday man; it hurt Hollywood and everything else. And there’s always been issues. Jamie: I want to talk about the “State of Georgia.” Tell me how that happened and what it’s about, and do you feel anything different with this role? You are older now. The first one you had when you were 2, then you were 15, and now you’re 25. [laughs] Raven: Okay, so with the “State of Georgia,” it is super-awesome. Loretta Devine, Majandra Delfino and myself are in this new show written and created by Jennifer Weiner, a New York [Times] best-selling author. She did In Her Shoes. And it’s about a girl who comes from Georgia to New York to become famous. She lives with her best friend and her Aunt

tus of just relaxing. Were you ever afraid that you couldn’t get back on, and when you decided to come out of it what did you do first? Did you call up people and say, “I’m ready to come back now,” or how did that happen? You were never afraid, evidently. Raven: I’m always afraid, even when I take the weekend off, I’m like, “Oh my god, am I going to remember how to act?” But once it started, I did. I said, you know what, guys, let’s go hard, let’s start planning, better make this new show happen because I need a sitcom before I get too old and have to start up my talk show. [laughs] Jamie: What are your dreams? Do you dream to get married at any time? Or is it all about business? Raven: Oh, I’m about my business. I got stuff I need to get. [laughs] And I got dream grandchildren and dream kids that I need to get taken care of, and I don’t want them to be spoiled brats but I want to make sure that if they want to start a business of their own, their mom can make sure that they can have that fallback type of life. I would like to get married. I already have my wedding planned out. I just have to insert the man. Jamie: [laughs] You are so silly. Well, how can you insert the man? You sound like you know exactly what you want. You’re very strong in your feelings. Is it easy to find a guy that can deal with that? Because some guys feel intimidated by that sort of assertiveness. Raven: Most guys do feel intimidated, but I’m also the type of girl who’s friends with guys before even going to the

AuguST 2011 | S2S

Raven-Symoné romance version. I only have really two friends that are girls. All of my friends are guys. And I actually like it a lot more because there’s no jealousy. … But if it’s somebody who I’m really going to talk to, I always go up to them. Because guys don’t come up to me. I haven’t really figured that out yet. Maybe because I’m mean-muggin’ all the time? Jamie: [laughs] Raven: I’m not really a going-up-to type of… Jamie: Well, what do you say to them when you go up to them? This is funny! Raven: Thank you. It depends on how I’m feeling that day. If I’m being Raven-Symoné and be like, super in the public eye, I’ll just go up and be like, “You know you look good. I will talk to you later,” and then I walk away. Or if I’m just chillin’ and I’m being a regular little citizen, I’ll go up to them and be like, “Whooo,”—probably the same sentence, actually, ’cause I really don’t have anything to hide. If I like you, I like you, you’re super-cute, you should talk to me. And then I’ll probably be over it, but you should talk to me anyway. Jamie: Do you like older guys? Do you have preferences or—? Raven: I have a preference. You have to be talented. You have to have good teeth. And you have to make sure that, without being super-egotistical, I don’t emasculate you, because I just have this thing. I don’t do it on purpose; I just need to test my boundaries. And some guys, they don’t want to say anything ’cause they’re afraid. And then some guys do. But some guys do it to where it’s like, “Yo, calm down! You know what I’m saying? Like, you’re out of control.” “I was just playing.” Then some guys get pissed off. Like, I’m so picky; it’s ridiculous. Which is why I stay at work. Jamie: Now listen, so can he wear his pants down up under his booty? Raven: Please do. Jamie: Please do? Raven: Just because, you know, I need you to have some swag. Oh my god, please. Jamie: [laughs] Okay. So he has to be talented. What kind of talent? Raven: Any kind of talent. You have to be absolutely a master at your craft—and you have to have ambition. If you’re not talented—if I can’t be your fan, I can’t be your ride-or-die [girl]. Like, I have to understand what it is for me to ride or die with you. If you’re just chillin’ up in the house, I’m gonna need to talk to your mama; I don’t have time for that. Jamie: You’re not going to look for someone who’s going to match you in terms of what you have acquired, or are you? And then how do you figure that all out, you know? Raven: Well, I was told multiple times that I should, but some of the time when you’re trying to find a guy like that, they’re very egotistical and they start cheating. Or they get jealous and they start with that, um, Katt Williams had a wonderful standup show about that, how guys just start some crazy stuff and start acting like girls. Like, I just need you guys to be comfortable in your own skin. Let me do me, you do you, and then when we go have a date, we’ll be together. But right now I gotta work, too. And don’t get mad; I don’t have time to clean up the house. I gotta go work.

S2S | AuguST 2011

No one will ever keep me down. Know this: I have nothing to say about the Hollywood Records experience, except for they did not drop me.”

Photo by Keith Munyan

Jamie: The interesting thing here is that a lot of women, when they get with a guy, they allow their boyfriends, husbands, whatever, to become their manager. And I don’t see that happening vice versa, where the woman becomes the manager of the guy. Why does that happen? Raven: I don’t know why it happens. Nobody gonna be touchin’ my money but my family by blood. Jamie: Right. Raven: My generation, there’s not a lot of good representation of couples staying together or couples not fighting and going through the till-death-do-you-part situation. And there’s not a lot of that. And there’s also this thing of, you know, over the years, the guys that we can talk to, the history of their childhood has been compromised. Jamie: Right. Raven: There’s not a good sense of both parents in the home or how to really be a man, so it’s difficult when they get into these situations, we’re—the females were always raised [to] take care, do this, do this, but make sure you can handle your own. And then you’ve got these guys that are like, “Well, are you gonna baby me?” I’m not your mama! But I also cannot have a guy take care of my finances or be my manager because I don’t know who you are—you’re not by blood. Maybe that’s just my naïveté. But I’m not doing that right now. Not gonna happen. Jamie: What do you think about these guys that cheat, like Arnold Schwarzenegger? You’ve got men that risk everything for sex. [John] Edwards, now, he’s getting ready to be indicted for using money for his concubine. Are you afraid that somebody would ever cheat on you? Raven: I’ve already had somebody cheat on me. I’m good with it. That’s why I kinda keep this distant view of that whole thing because it’s inevitable, if you’re with someone who feels like they need to cheat. So I let you do your thing. I’ll talk to you later; I’ve got work to do. I think that’s why I delve into it. [laughs] ’Cause I don’t have time for all that extra-ness; I’ve got stuff I’ve got to accomplish. And if you’re gonna be crazy and miss out on me and what could happen, then that’s your fault. Jamie: What do you have to accomplish? Most people would look at you and say you have accomplished a lot! Raven: Well, morphing what I’m doing already into my more-of-an-adult age. I’m only 25, and I really don’t feel like a full adult yet. Reaching that point to where I can wake up and be like okay, I’m sitting on my mountain, you know, me dialing in to the city to, you know, what’s the company dealing with today? What are the stock options? And all of that. Making sure that the people that I’ve come into contact with over the years, that I’ve wanted to work with, those projects are done and I’m able to pass on everything to someone else that hopefully looks like me. Jamie: If you had to pick three celebs with the role that they have, who would you date? Raven: You mean as a character, or as a person himself? Jamie: Yes, as a character. Raven: I would probably date Ryan Gosling in The Notebook, but only as that character. Neo for sure, from The Matrix. Yes. Keanu Reeves. Then, I would probably date—and I swear to God—I’d probably date DMX in

Romeo Must Die. Jamie: I got you with that one, girl! Wasn’t that the hottest thing? Raven: Whoa! Whoa! We better not talk about it right now; I’m trying to be Disney! Jamie: Do you get invited out to Hollywood parties and stuff like that? Are you on the scene at all? Raven: I have connections to the scene. I don’t really use them because when I go out, my clock is off. I’m not Raven-Symoné anymore and I like to have fun. Like I said, I want to be a human being. You know, I don’t go out to get jobs or have people staring at me and being like, “Oh my god! You’re Raven.” Like, when I do go out people ask for pictures and I go, “Sweetheart can you please see me tomorrow when I’m on the clock ’cause right now I just want to have some fun and not think of anything. I’m chillin’ with my friends and so forth.” And I sit there and dance with them and they understand. But no, I don’t go to those parties, but I could if I wanted to. Jamie: The Cheetah Girls, are you in touch with them at all? Raven: We’ll see each other every now and then. We’re all very busy, so it’s kind of hard to stay in contact. Jamie: What about the Cosby people? Who do you talk to most? Raven: I talk to Malcolm [Jamal Warner] the most. Jamie: He’s amazing. I really like him a lot. Raven: I love him. I love his music. I went to his one-man show. It was amazing! And we both live in California so we’ll see each other every now and then. We have the same humor, so every now and then I’ll get a text from him and it won’t be anything dealing with us, just something random that happened in the world, and I’ll be like, oh my god, I was thinking the same exact thing. Jamie: [laughs] How’s Lindsay? Lindsay Lohan, do you know her? Raven: No. Jamie: You never met her? Raven: I’ve met her but I don’t know her. Jamie: Do you look at those girls your age and think, “Wow! There but for the grace of God go I?” Raven: No, I look at them and say, “It’s actually messed up that the industry and the public give them such a hard time when they’re actually going through something and they have no other way to express that they are going through something because we’re judging them every moment of their lives.” And then I move on to the next one because that’s their business, not mine. Jamie: Mm-hmm. Well, you just stay out of the in-crowd, so that keeps you out of trouble, too. I mean, you just don’t even go around— Raven: Exactly. I am definitely the nerd of this high school we live in called Hollywood. Jamie: I love talking to you. I mean, do you know what its like to talk to a child your age, as long as I’ve been in this industry, who has some common sense? Who has something to say? Raven: Thank you. I do have a big mouth that gets me into trouble sometimes. I always say I like to tell the truth. When my book comes out when I’m 40? Oh, people are in for it! Jamie: [laughs] Well, tell me, you’ve got a beautiful voice. And what happened with Hollywood Records? Are you still gonna try to sing again? What happened there? Raven: No one will ever keep me down. Know this: I have AuguST 2011 | S2S

nothing to say about the Hollywood deal Holyfield. I hope that sometimes Records experience, except for they did when I’m away that they miss me not drop me. None of us—them nor I— because if I’m always in your face, wanted to renew the contract. I will they’ll be like, “Can’t that girl go sit always sing because that’s my way of down somewhere?” expressing RavenSymoné Christina Pearman. The good thing about me not being with a record label is that when the show is finished and I have some time to really evaluate, I will go hard and I will do my music. Write it, choreo— you know, all the way, through and through, all about me, hopefully. Because you know what’s funny, and I had to just think of this on my two years off, too, there’s not a lot of actors turned singers that worked. You can count them, Jamie Foxx, and, you know, crossing our hearts, J.Lo. Oh, but undercover there is, like Billy Bob Thornton and Harry Connick Jr. and Queen Latifah. Jamie: Mm-hmm. Raven: But if you’re going to go mainstream, it’s very difficult. It’s more underground when you have actors going into music. So instead of trying to do that whole, “I want to open for the MTV Music Awards”—that’s Raven as Georgia never really been my in ABC Family’s dream in my music world. “State of Georgia” My dream is to have a nice small group audience, or at a fair—I love my fairs—and really just, you know, I’m a talker obviously, so sit onstage, do a few songs, I have question and answer, and just do what I Jamie: [laughs] love and be able to dance and bring Raven: There’s some artists that are like people onstage and have them enjoy album after album after album. I’m like, “Yo, yo, yo, I’mma need you to go sit themselves. down and go rest. Take that money that Jamie: Now, you can dance? I just gave you to go buy an island Raven: Oh, I dance. somewhere.” Take a break sweetie. I’m Jamie: Do you think you can out-dance tired for you! And especially now with me? how the world is with all of the social Raven: Ms. Jamie, I think that we would media there’s always a way to connect start trying to battle and end up just if necessary, but I know they might get doing the Kid ’n Play together. sick of me because I’m like, “Yo, I just Jamie: [laughs] I love to dance. Are you want to chill and not have to put on my worried about losing your audience as eyebrows and weave.” you grow or are they growing with you? Jamie: Are you wearing a weave now? Raven: You know what I hope? And let’s Raven: Well, in my personal life I wear be honest. Why don’t you get the real my hair. In my professional, red-carpet

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life, I wear a weave, and on the show I wear a wig. Jamie: What do you think about the world as it is today? Do you watch reality shows?

Raven: I don’t watch reality shows. I like to watch the Discovery Channel. I like to watch the science and forensics channels because being that I am on TV and that I’m always trying to put my best foot out there I’m always, in my own way, trying to teach what I’ve learned. I wanna learn something when I watch TV. Jamie: I’ve watched a lot of these shows and a lot of the reality people, you know, they are stars today. Like, most of my stuff is with reality people now. What really bothers me a little bit is the mean stuff. It just seems upside down to me. But if you don’t watch the shows you can’t comment on that,

Photo by ABC FAMILY/Peter Tangen

right? Raven: No, no, no. I know what the shows are. See, I’m the type of TV watcher where I can watch five minutes of the shows and then, like, already know what the situation is and I can move on. ’Cause I have to keep up with what’s going on today because if not then I’ll be like, “Who’s Snooki? What? I’m confused. It sounds like a cookie.” Now here’s my theory with it— and this is not geared toward anyone in particular or any of the producers or the way that the reality shows are working now days—I just know there’s a lot of issues within the general public female. Weight, guys, business, economy, everything. So, to me, TV is another way of learning how to be a human because technically that’s what humans put on: human nature; that’s how you’re supposed to act. And when there are shows on the air that don’t show females in the best light or successful or lady-like, and then I’m trying to do something within the industry and say, “No, I’m not going to cuss out my mother,” or “No, I’m not going to disrespect my elders.” Well, what’s selling right now is that! It’s hard for me to set a good example because I have to fight with the opposite when, actually, sometimes the opposite is not the best way. So it’s a little bit more difficult in my job, but I respect those that have taken it and furthered their bank account and career with it. You can’t hate on that moment, but you can just say, remember, everything you do stays in the ether. Jamie: That’s true. What’s your dream role? Raven: My dream role is to play in Janet Jackson’s life story, if I could ever talk to her without crying. If I could actually meet Janet and not cry and run away and make a crackhead of myself, then I’d like to play her. Jamie: Are you that enchanted with her? Raven: It’s beyond enchanted, Ms. Jamie; it’s a hot mess. Jamie: [laughs] Don’t say that. Raven: I can’t function. I met her—well, I didn’t meet her, I just, like, cried all over her. I went to her concert and my manager and mom and friend were there like and I was dancing, I was—it was a hot mess. But I go in the back and they’re like, “Okay she’s ready,” and I’m like, “Oh my god, I’m going to meet Janet. Oh my god, I’m going to meet Janet.” I have her book, her DVD, I have everything in my arms. Yes, there was a bag, but no, I wanted it ’cause I was scared somebody was going to steal my bag. Um, so I have everything in my hand. I have on my Janet Jackson, um, “Nasty Girl” booty shorts. I have on my “Rock with You” sweatshirt, my hat, my scarf—’cause I brought everything, ’cause I love her—and she’s standing there. She’s so beautiful and I start crying like I just got a whupping. Like, crying beyond belief. You still there? Jamie: Well, tell me this was 15 years ago.

Raven: No, this was like last month. Jamie: [laughs] That is crazy! Raven, you had on booty shorts? Raven: Oh no, I go hard in the paint when it comes to Janet Jackson! I wore everything of Janet’s. We went there, I listened to her songs, when I left I listened to her songs, and then I had to go watch all of her movies at my friend’s house because that would be rude of me not to go support her. Jamie: Well, how did she act? Did she say hello? Did you stop crying? Raven: She wasn’t able to talk because I ran out of the room. I couldn’t do it. I looked at her and said, “I can’t do it!” I ran and went to go sit in the back of a truck and her band conductor said, “Raven, what’s wrong?” I said, “She’s so beautiful; I can’t take it.” And my mom called me out. She said, “Girl, get your butt back here and take a picture with Janet!” Jamie: [laughs] Did you get back in there? Did you take the picture? Raven: Of course! I was threatened by my mom! Jamie: I’m sure a lot of people react that way because she is beautiful. Raven: Well, something about the Jackson family, their aura, their energy, it overwhelms you. Especially, if you’re a fan. Jamie: Did you meet Michael? Raven: I met Michael. Totally said his name wrong when I was giving him his award when I was 5 years old. And you know what’s funny? I’ll go up to a Robert De Niro and I’m like, “You’re funny. Alright, I’ll holla at you later. Goodbye.” Like, what? Jamie: [laughs] How did you pronounce Michael’s name? Raven: I called him Ben Vereen instead of Michael Jackson. “And the award goes to Ben Vereen!” ’Cause he was sitting next to me; I was scared out of my mind. Jamie: [laughs] What else are you like that with? Raven: No one else. You could literally put me in front of the queen of anything and I’ll be like, “What’s up, ma?” Like, real scaring them to death. Jamie: Now what do you think your legacy will be, Ms. Fassy? Raven: Do you call me Ms. Fancy or Ms. Classy? Jamie: I say Ms. Fassy! F-a-s-s-y. Raven: I love it. Um, I don’t know. I hope that my legacy contains smiles and contains joy and contains the word “truth” and hopefully changed someone else’s life for the better as someone who kind of went against the grain to make something happen—and didn’t take no for an answer but gave no as an answer. Yeah.

A Jamie Foster Brown interview

S2S | AuguST 2011

met Chris Hicks for the first time some time ago. I’ve always been intrigued by his nature, which is so calm and refreshing. He’s not over-the-top, like a lot of men in the music industry and I love that about him. He’s a breath of fresh air. Many of you might not know who he is or what he does, but he defines it as “connecting the dots.” As the executive vice president of Island Def Jam Music Group, Chris is often the go-between when it comes to the label, the artists and you folks out there. He helped make teen YouTube sensation Justin Bieber one of the highest-paid artists of 2011. I believe you’ve got to have talent to know talent, and while Chris doesn’t play music, he does know music, as he’s proven with the successful careers (Mary J. Blige, J.Lo, Johnta Austin, Justin, etc.) that he’s had a hand in creating. Obviously this is a man who knows what he’s doing! Now he’s making a ton of money and doing a job that he obviously loves. I visited Chris’s home and met his beautiful wife and son (Chris, I’m coming back to eat that precious baby!). His wife, Keisha, provided a delicious meal, and Chris shared his story with me. We talked about how music has been a part of his life from almost the beginning. He went to Howard at the same time as music mogul Diddy but left before graduation, just like Puff did (you know I hate that! I told Chris he needed to go back and finish what he started). What did Tameka Foster, Usher’s exwife, have to do with Justin Bieber’s career? How does the world of music publishing actually work? What does Chris think about the artists who lose the money they make? What are his plans for the future? This was such an interesting conversation. I hope you guys learn from it. *** Jamie: I’ve always been intrigued by the people behind the stars. Who are the ones who decide who the next stars are gonna be? And this is the phenomenon right here, Chris Hicks, and he has been very quiet, and I’m just blessed that I could just be in this home with his beautiful wife Keisha [and] his wonderful son Kailen, who I might pack up and take out of here with me. He’s absolutely gorgeous. … Okay, here we go. Chris: I’m Christopher Hicks. I’m the executive vice president of Island Def Jam music group. I’m a creative executive. I develop talent, define songs and fixate on how to bring talent to the marketplace. Jamie: You develop talent. Who gave you the talent to develop talent? Chris: I learned how to read, actually,

reading 45s. My mom definitely made it a part of my DNA. I’m not musically inclined in any way. Jamie: Who’s the first artist that you were intrigued with? Chris: I had a vast James Brown record collection. Jamie: You were looking at record logos at 2 or 3 years old? Chris: Uh-huh. It was always a lot of music in my house. When I went to Howard—in the school of communications—I was making C’s and D’s. I am a relatively smart individual I’d like to believe, but I really went to school to get away from where I grew up. One thing about coming to Washington, D.C., and coming to Howard was it was my first chance to be around a very progressive group of young Black people. I went to school with Mark Pitts, I went to school with Puff [Daddy], Harve Pierre—people that emerged as forerunners and put themselves in the forefront of the music industry. Jamie: And Mark Pitts is who? Just so that the people will understand. Chris: Mark Pitts is the president of urban music at Jive Records. Jamie: How did you get there? Who had the money to put you through school? What did your parents do? Chris: My mom and dad divorced when I was young, and I’m not gonna say we were a poor family; we were borderline middle class. … I was ziggin’ when I should have been zaggin’, and I was— Jamie: What’s that mean now? Tell me what were you doin’. Chris: I was illicit. I was participating in things that I had no business. I was in the streets. Jamie: How did you get out of the streets? Chris: I’d gotten in trouble in D.C. After getting out of the trouble I came here [to Atlanta], and I was still kinda on the fence, still kinda dilly-dallyin’ and, you know, I woke up one day and it felt like I was in a closet. … When you’re 19 years old and they’re talkin’ about you going away for 20 years, it’s pretty fearful so, needless to say, it was a pivotal point in my life. Nothing fly about getting in trouble because anybody who truly lived it ain’t in a hurry to get back to it. Jamie: Okay, so we got past that. Noontime. How did you come up with that name and— Chris: [Henry] “Noonie” [Lee] was here and he had star ted the company before we got here, and it was fledgling. And when we came in, I think Ryan [Glover] brought a lot of energy—unparalleled. He’s a great networker. And for

me, I was kinda the creative salt behind the company, as far as identifying the talent. Terry Ross and Shakir Stewart also played a big role. We had passion, and we were willing to work harder and stay up later, and there were a lot of sleepless nights trying to build that company into something. Even if we didn’t know what we were doing, we were willing to outwork [the competition] to get to our goal. Jamie: Who funded you? Chris: It was a self-funded company. Jamie: So you would look at up-andcoming acts or what? Chris: Up-and-coming acts. We did everything from Luke to Too Short to Bobby Womack and The Dramatics. You know, we were a promotions company, and we realized that it was a very risky business, and that the upside wasn’t as

The only thing I ’m gonna make abundantly clear is that the chances of you having success, right now in today’s market, are probably 1 in 50,000.” consistent as what we thought it would be, so we took our money and built a studio about the size of a table. We started signing songwriters and producers. Shante Paige, Mark Pitts, Puff were all very instrumental in helping us get our producers and songwriters off the ground. Jamie: For those who don’t know, what does a producer do? Chris: Identifies the musical melody in a song. He then selects someone, either himself or someone else, to do the top line of the record, which is the lyric and melody. And then, once he’s responsible for having the artist come in and cut the record the way he hears it in his mind, he’s then responsible to take all of the vocals, all of the music, put it together, edit it, mix it, and turn them into the finished product that you hear on the radio today. The producer generally gets an upfront advance against his royalty for making those master [recordings]. Jamie: Explain that. Chris: If you were a music producer, I

would give you $25,000 to come in and produce a song for me. And that would generally be an advance against the royalty that you would earn on that song for it being on a particular album. Jamie: And what would a new artist’s advance be? Chris: On a new artist, an advance can be anywhere from $40,000–75,000. On a more established artist, gosh, it’s limitless. Jamie: Okay, so, when you give me that advance, I mean, I’m a new artist. Can I go out and buy me a Mercedes or something? Chris: I wouldn’t advise it. I always tell artists that you almost have to get a deal twice. You have to get the record company interested in making an initial investment in you to develop you and give you a chance to come out to the marketplace. And then you have to convince them to spend the real money that it takes to put you out in the marketplace after the developmental period has happened. You gotta make the music, and you gotta make yourself relevant in that building. Jamie: ’Cause you [the record company] controls the dollars? Chris: Absolutely. If you’re smart the advance is for you to act like you never had it. Jamie: Okay, but how am I gonna eat, because now I’m in the studio; I’m not working. Am I? Chris: Great point, so if I gave you a $50,000 advance as a new artist, and you know that it roughly takes you $1,500 to $2,000 a month to survive, then you would budget that money out over an 18-to 24-month period because that gives you a two-year window. Jamie: But I’m 16, 17 years old. And I think I’m hot. Chris: It’s my unwritten job, my moral responsibility, to tell you what to do with it. Jamie: But I don’t have to listen to you. Chris: No, but I’m pretty pushy. I’m not gonna make any decisions for you. The only thing I’m gonna make abundantly clear is that the chances of you having success, right now in today’s market, are probably 1 in 50,000. And so, in order to have some success—I might be a little presumptuous with that number, but I want to scare you. What I’m trying to make you understand is that, in this initial phase, while we’re trying to get to success, we all need to be in the same boat, rowing in the same direction, on the same sequence, to have any remote chance of having some success. So me, you, your manager, your business manager, your mama, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, the chairman of AuguST 2011 | S2S

chris hicks

S2S | AuguST 2011

that machinery? Chris: I play a big role in it. The beauty about Usher is Usher gave us the light. The beauty about Scooter is that he secured the relationship with the parents and got them comfortable with the next step that we were making. It was my job to make sure that all of that business got concluded and that ultimately that business entity landed with a company that would understand Usher, Scooter and Justin’s vision for where he wanted to go. And, in my mind, talking to all of them, we thought that LA Reid and Island Def Jam Music Group was the place to go. Jamie: So now do you get a piece of

Jamie: In the position you’re in, you make pretty good money then. Chris: Absolutely. Jamie: What’s gonna happen now? Where do you see yourself? Chris: For the next year, Jamie, I’m going to work as hard as I can and be goal-oriented, you know what I mean? I figured it out, maybe six or seven years ago, that I don’t move for the money; I set a goal and try to chase that down. I definitely want to help Justin Bieber become Justin Timberlake. And then, two, I wanna work to help the team at Island Def Jam put itself at the forefront of popular music culture, and I think that we have the roster,

Chris Hicks with his wife Keisha and son Kailen in their home

Photo by Papa Razzi

the company, we all need to be on the same path, cohesively, to have any chance of having some real success. Jamie: My name is Justin Bieber. How do you know me? Chris: I would know you from Usher Raymond. I was co-managing Usher at the time. And Usher called me and said, “I’ve got this kid that I gotta sign, and I’m not really sure where I am with his manager right now. I just need you to get involved and get it done for me.” Jamie: Who were you co-managing him with? Chris: Benny Medina. Ironically, I met Usher from Tameka Foster, who went on to be his wife. Tameka was actually a childhood friend of mine. And Tameka had told him that “this guy is pretty formidable at developing talent and knows how to move them through systems, and so you guys should meet.” I wasn’t going to be Usher’s manager. I had never managed anybody of that caliber in my life, so our initial business connection was just based on [the fact that] he wanted to do a production company. I knew how to do that. Jamie: What was it that you brought to the table for Justin Bieber for Usher? Usher is huge now, so shouldn’t he be able to make it happen on his own? Chris: Well, I think that he did his part. He identified the talent. He believed in my ability to get a deal made for him and to take it the whole way, get it to where it needed to be, where it is today. The first step was to sit down with Usher and Scooter and— Jamie: Who’s Scooter? Chris: Scooter is Usher’s partner in the Justin Bieber business. Justin Bieber is signed to the Raymond Braun Media Group. It’s a 50/50 venture between Scooter Braun and Usher Raymond that is a 50/50 venture between that company and the Island Def Jam Music Group. Jamie: Okay, so Island Def Jam gets 50 percent of— Chris: Def Jam gets 50 percent of the partnership from the Raymond Braun Media Group. Justin Bieber has a far better-than-average new ar tist deal. Probably a new artist does somewhere around 12 to 13 percent. Jamie: Okay, so I’ve got my money. You’ve told me not to spend it and to budget myself, okay. But I have my parents; they’re gonna help through this. My parents are involved. Now how are they relating to you? We all gotta row this boat going the same way. You are dealing with me; I’m a minor. How long does it take from the record being done to promote me? There’s a machinery that has to get me out there. Are you in charge of

me? Chris: Chris Hicks didn’t get a piece of anything. It was my job as Usher’s professional middleman, Jamie. You know, I’m a dot connector. I’ve had all these elaborate titles, but at the end of the day I put things together that I feel have a great opportunity to work. And then, at some point, I would like to believe that I could get compensated for it, and that’s ultimately what I had happen with the Justin Bieber business. But I try and do the work first. In this particular situation, it was the right way to go. I had a phenomenal relationship with LA, a phenomenal relationship with Usher and Scooter. I wasn’t worried about it. I wanted to make sure that it went the way that it needed to go.

the leadership and every opportunity to do that. I’m hoping to influence the company. Jamie: Real quick, tell me some of the other artists you’ve worked with and influenced. Chris: Obviously I work with Mary, Usher. I just finished working with Jennifer Lopez‘s project. Tricky, Dream, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johnta Austin—they’re Grammy winners. I mean, everybody pretty much on the Warner/Chappell urban side of their roster. Timbaland and [Lil] Wayne and T.I., those are all signings that I had. Jamie: Do you have publishing or do you get part of publishing? Chris: I have a publishing catalog with Warner/Chappell right now that’s just an

earning catalog, and then I have a new venture with the Universal Music Group. Jamie: What do you mean it’s “just an earning catalog”? Chris: I’m not putting any more songs into that catalog; it’s a catalog of about 600 working copyrights—and big songs copyrighted. “Be Without You,” “Confessions,” “You Got it Bad.” The catalog earns percentages off that. Jamie: Okay. Explain that to me real quick: How does that work? Chris: A copyright is if me and you write a song together, we own the copyright. So we’re married in that copyright, and we can never be divorced. Jamie: So you’d be making money forever. Chris: I’d be making some money on these songs in my catalog forever, until I choose to sell it. [laughs] Jamie: Okay. So what about when you spend a million dollars on a video. Why did you spend a million dollars on a video? I gotta give you half a million dollars back now? Chris: I think that’s the old model, Jamie. I think videos today are costing 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,000 dollars because the record sales don’t support the million-dollar video. And this is the thing that in the traditional model I would go and spend that money to go and promote you and make you great because then you could go out on tour and make all that money. You could go out and do licensing opportunities. I’m helping to make you famous. And with your fame you can go out and do a multitude of things that I, in the past, never participated in. Jamie: That’s the 360 deal that you guys want. Now you want everything that I make, and if I appear on a television show, if I get paid for “American Idol”—what about merchandising? Chris: I want a little piece of everything. Jamie: Do a lot of artists have trouble with that? A lot of artists are saying that they don’t want their [deal to be] 360. Chris: I think artists are gonna have a problem with any change, as anyone would, and I understand that. And, on the flip-side of the coin, and to be very candid, I think that record companies, if we’re gonna assume 360-degree rights, I think we need to be able to exploit on a 360-degree basis.

Jamie: Now do you ever run across artists that did very well but were very, very stupid and lost very much of their money? Chris: Very, very often. [laughs] Jamie: That’s not funny; don’t laugh. Chris: No, very, very often. I do. Jamie: Why do they lose their money? Why do they buy all of these things? Chris: I think what happens in the industry is it gets you used to a certain income at the height of your stardom that you think will be maintained, and the reality of it is that every artist goes cold. If not permanently, at least momentarily. Michael Jackson, who’s probably the best to ever do it, if Michael Jackson can go a little cold, anybody can go cold. Jamie: I deal with a lot of felons. Is there anything that you can share with them that they could— Chris: I think it’s two things. I don’t think you can learn how to swim with one leg on land, so either you’re gonna get in the pool and learn how to swim, or you’re just gonna continue to walk on land. But you can’t do both. And just based on my own personal experiences, I think the same fortitude that you have to show on that side of the game, you have to show with anything new that you choose to do. Most of the people that are in the penitentiary have a whole different level of go-hard and a whole different level of perseverance—more than the average individual—and it just takes that same application that you applied over there; you just have to apply it over here. You have to get through the rainstorms and through the puddles of mud because they’re inevitable. Because anything that’s worth having, you’re gonna have to go through that to get there. It takes the same fortitude, if not more, to have some success over here, and they all have it. They just have to tap into how to get to it. Even in your criminal past, you start at the ground floor of something, and that’s ultimately what it’s gonna take to get to the top floor. Jamie: You got any last words for my people? [laughs] All my people. Chris: I just appreciate you always supporting me. I really do. Jamie: It’s easy to support you. You have the right spirit. I guess you know that. Thank you for letting us into your beautiful home. Chris: Thank you.

Watch video from this interview on s2smagazine.com/videos!

CELEBRITY AVENUE

doesn’t take all of the blame for

NeNe Leakes has been described as a “bully” by critics who say her frequent loud and aggressive onscreen confrontations only reinforce negative stereotypes of Black women, but NeNe blames TV industry insiders for setting up those scenarios that often lead to shameful moments. “Our producers, I wouldn’t say, push us to amp it up; what I like to say the producers do is stir the pot a little bit. I feel like they drop a little something in your ear to make you feel a little insecure,” NeNe said. “They haven’t really told you anything, but they said enough.” After producers make those questionable comments to cast members, the reality stars can easily find themselves in close proximity to those they’d likely avoid under normal circumstances. That’s usually when the drama unfolds, and that can lead to arguing, backstabbing and even physical altercations. “They put you in situations to make

it frustrating for you. We all got locked in this room together for 16 hours every single day for 30 days,” NeNe said in reference to her stint on “Celebrity Apprentice,” a show she left prematurely after repeated confrontations with cast member Star Jones. Although some criticize NeNe and other reality stars for forgetting to keep it classy, NeNe points out that producers and cast members are just giving fans what they seem to want. “We gotta have ratings in order to stay on TV. We gotta have ratings in order to get a check,” NeNe said. “We’re filming five and six months, and out of that time they try and put the most interesting pieces on television. Obviously, they’re not going to put the pieces on where me and you are sitting here drinking wine and laughing ’cause that’s just not appealing to the viewing audience.” —Tracy L. Scott

How did NeNe Leakes’ appearance on “Celebrity apprentice” affect your feelings about her? Hated it: I lost respect for her. Neutral: I feel the same as before. Loved it: I love her even more! *Poll results from s2smagazine.com 70

S2S | AuguST 2011

NeNe Leakes said producers often instigate disagreements between reality show stars.

Scrappy photo by Prince Williams/WireImage.com

Photo by Heidi Gutman/NBC

Moma Dee photo by Jakeem Smith/Jay Productions

Photo by Bravo

ent? Watch what she Is NeNe in need of anger managem .com/NeNeLeakes has to say about it at s2smagazine

scrappy drops the ‘Lil’ and disowns her son’s ex, Diamond Darryl Richardson, better known as rapper Lil Scrappy, is changing up his vibe this year. Scrappy has been performing for thousands of his fans across the country while they anxiously await the release of his second studio album, Tha Grustle. According to the rapper’s mother, “Moma Dee,” the 27-year-old Atlanta native chose first to showcase his growth and maturity with an alternative EP, Scrappy Merlo Jonez. Moma Dee said her son is dropping the “Lil” from his name and will show fans “how he sees life and how he’s feeling; it’s the re-education of Scrappy,” she said. The proud mother also boasted about how Scrappy takes such good care of her and his 6-year-old daughter, Emani. Moma Dee shed light on why she has been so vocal about her son’s nasty breakup with rapper Diamond, 23. The couple lived together for four years, and Diamond was a regular part of Scrappy’s daughter’s life, too. “I made a pact with [Diamond] about a year ago,” Moma Dee said. “[I’d told her that] if I was to die tomorrow I would trust her with my son’s life, and that’s a lot of trust for a mother.” Moma Dee said the two of them had an understanding. Apparently, only Moma Dee had that understanding. “She lied to me, and that’s why I went off [about her on the radio],” Moma Dee said. Diamond had angrily denied Scrappy’s accusations that she was a liar, and then, in front of Emani, Diamond threatened to leave. “Diamond didn’t think about the after-effects with my granddaughter,” Moma Dee said. “She just didn’t care.” Diamond did leave, and Scrappy has moved on and is dating casually. Diamond, meanwhile, briefly dated Soulja Boy. As for Moma Dee? “Diamond is dead to me,” she said. —Stephanie Dayton

Moma Dee is proud of how her son Scrappy takes care of her and his daughter Emani.

Lil Scrappy wants to be known simply as Scrappy from now on.

AuguST 2011 | S2S

Shaunie said she tries to be a positive example to other women and doesn’t instigate fights between “Basketball Wives” castmates. (l to r) Evelyn Lozada, Shaunie O’Neal, Jennifer Williams and Tami Roman

Season 3 of the VH1 hit “Basketball Wives” has been offering viewers a closer look at the ladies’ families and home lives, but the show is still delivering the drama that’s made the series popular. Though many viewers enjoy the ongoing beefs and arguments among the cast members, Executive Producer Shaunie O’Neal doesn’t appreciate the rumor that she’s an instigator. “The whole perception of, ‘Oh, these things are planned out…’ it doesn’t happen. We don’t sit around and plot stuff and dig in each other’s personal lives to pit them against each other,” said Shaunie, who has managed to do a great job of staying out of the many physical altercations on the show. “It’s not that I dodge it; it’s just not realistic for me. I don’t

have beef with [the other ladies]. I’m not going to entertain an argument too often about too much of anything. It takes a whole lot to ruffle my feathers when it comes to gossipy things,” she explained. As a producer, one might expect Shaunie to exert some control over the other women, but she said it doesn’t work that way on “Basketball Wives.” “Just because I might not have a fight, that doesn’t mean the next woman wouldn’t. I don’t think that’s my fault that individual adults make different decisions and there are cameras there to catch it. I try to represent myself in a way I believe in, and I, hopefully, am an example to someone in a positive sense. I can’t help what’s around me,” she said. —Tracy L. Scott

Photo by VH1

denies instigating on ‘Basketball Wives’

Malik Yoba in a scene from SyFy’s new show “Alphas” (l to r) Malik as Bill Harken, Azita Ghanizada as Rachel Pirzad and David Strathairn as Dr. Lee Rosen

returns to tV in syFy’s ‘alphas’ 72

S2S | AuguST 2011

Malik Yoba is returning to TV as a former FBI agent with superhuman strength, speed and immunity to pain in SyFy’s new series “Alphas.” The show is about a crime-fighting team made up of citizens who have superpowers, but Malik assured us that we haven’t seen a show like this before. “I think we’re doing something pretty special. I haven’t had a chance in television in a long, long time—probably since ‘New York Undercover’—to feel like I get to bring a lot of dimension to something that I’m doing,” Malik said. Although the show has been compared to “Heroes,” Malik said it’s not the same. “It’s really not a superhero show. There’s thriller elements, there’s sci-fi elements, there’s comedy, there’s drama, there’s some action,” he said. Alphas lead normal lives until they realize they have physical and mental superpowers. Neurologist Leigh Rosen leads a team of Alphas as they use their powers, such as mind control, to figure out phenomena that the

Department of Defense can’t explain. As he reads new scripts, Malik becomes a bigger fan of his show because he can’t predict what’s going to happen next, and he likes that you don’t have to be a nerd to follow along. “There’s a certain intelligence about it,” he said, “but it’s not inaccessible.” In fact, the SyFy channel has rebranded itself in an effort to be less nerdy. The channel no longer uses a planet as its logo, and the tag line is “Imagine Greater,” so you can tune in to “Alphas,” on July 11 at 10 p.m. ET, without feeling like you should be wearing a pocket protector. And you might catch Malik in the buff. “I know a lot of times there’s a perception that Black folks don’t check for sci-fi,” Malik admitted. “But I think that people definitely have a reason to check out something new and fresh and entertaining. And their boy’s in it. So come stare at me with no clothes on with my superpowers.” —Sabrina M. Parker

Photo by SyFy

“Basketball Wives” isn’t exactly what shaunie first had in mind. Find out what she really wanted from the show at s2smagazine.com/videos

Photo by Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com

Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com

Photo by Keith Major

knows a thing or two about hits Charles Harmon, aka Chuck Harmony, is the genius behind hits like Fantasia’s “Bittersweet” and Rihanna’s “Russian Roulette.” The producer and songwriter put his talents to work to start his own record label in 2009, and he’s eager to discover new acts. “I wanted to build a home for people that really want to do great music and actually invest in those kinds of people,” Chuck said. With Harmony House Entertainment, Chuck wants to provide the platform and resources for talented artists to put out fresh music. “I want to find people that’s a little left of center,” he said, so that he can use his skills to bring them to the spotlight. Chuck hasn’t put his own musical gifts on hold, though: He had two nominations at last year’s Grammy Awards “Bittersweet” snagged a nomination this year for Best R&B Song. Without a doubt, Chuck has even more music coming our way. —Genet Lakew Grammy-nominated producer/songwriter Chuck Harmony is becoming a go-to for many chart-toppers.

Cohabitating with Ne-Yo Chuck learned a thing or two about Ne-Yo’s habits when he roomed with the R&B star in a Miami house for a month last spring during the recording of Libra Scale. Apparently, Ne-Yo is a kid at heart who dedicates his free time to playing video games, watching cartoons and reading comic books. “I don’t know if he wants me to say that,” Chuck joked.

Ne-Yo

tasting Kelly Rowland’s goodies Chuck can’t seem to forget Kelly Rowland’s delicious cooking. One time, she made casserole and banana pudding. “It was so good,” Chuck reminisced. Kelly Rowland

Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic.com

Photo by SyFy

CELEBRITY AVENUE

Akon

Making beautiful music with akon Chuck said to look out for his producing prints on Akon’s next album, set to drop in July, and he’s really excited about working on up-and-coming UK artist VV Brown’s album.

AuguST 2011 | S2S

(l to r) Kita, Mo and T.O. return for season 3 of “The T.O. Show” Augu st 22 on VH1.

Photo by VH1

keeping t.O. in check

Most publicists are known to stand behind the clients that they represent. Kita and Monique, however, make sure they stand right beside their client and close friend, Terrell Owens. The dynamic duo brags about being the brains behind the well-oiled machine that is T.O.’s brand. And don’t think they’ll ever be outshined by the football-player-turned-sex-symbol; these two are characters in their own right! Kita and Mo are more than just PR powerhouses. In addition to a stellar resume, they let it be known that they created VH1’s “The T.O. Show” from scratch, and they take pride in being trailblazers. Kita added, “And we’re not f***ing an athlete, we’re not sleeping with the competition, we’re not trying to get the love of anything.” They also spoke about the newest season of “The T.O. Show,” which was shot in Miami. “We really didn’t wanna come to Miami, to be honest,” Kita said. But a lot of T.O.’s business ties and dealings are there, so they found themselves in

the “second Sin City,” as they like to call it, “Jersey Shoreb!@chin’ it up.” And there’s definitely sinning: Terrell moves on from last season when model girlfriend Kari turned down his marriage proposal. Cameras caught the slew of women coming in and out of T.O.’s life, along with the blunt and often hilarious commentary that Kita and Mo offer on the situation. Whether it’s deserter Kari (“We don’t like her … she’s just not good for him.”), sex kitten Jessica White (“She’s a strong Black woman … Terrell just wasn’t ready for that type of relationship.”) or Terrell’s exfiancée Felisha Terrell (“We love her; she’s a beautiful being.”), what you see is what you get with these two, and they are so not afraid to tell him like it is. Tune in to see what this trio has in store when Kita, Monique and Terrell return to VH1 on Monday, August 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET. —Ariana Gordon

get more of our Kita and Mo interview at s2smagazine.com

S2S | AuguST 2011

[gracie awards] The 36th Annual Gracie Awards are just around the corner. The Alliance for Women in Media, along with Holly Robinson-Peete, Chelsea Handler and Kimberley Locke, will be recognizing the realistic portrayals of women in media created for women, by women. Shaun Robinson takes home a special honor and “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Patricia Heaton hosts. The Gracies airs on the Hallmark Movie Channel on August 8. —Myeisha Essex

Photo by DreamWorks Studios

Photo by Leroy Hamilton

(l to r) Maria Menounos and Shaun Robinson at the Gracies

CELEBRITY AVENUE Ray Edwards

Date Night with Ray Edwards, 26, is the strong and gentle type. In his career, the 6foot-5 Cincinnati native’s strength and tenacity has brought him success as a defensive end for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. When we spoke to Ray, he was a free agent preparing for his first professional boxing match. “I love boxing, so it might be a career move for me.” But when it comes to dating, Ray said he’s a silly guy who just likes to have fun. Here he tells us what a date with him would be like. —Sabrina M. Parker Greet her with a kiss or a hug? The first time, I’d greet her with a hug and a nice bouquet of flowers.

Photo by GEMtography Photography

Where would you go? We’ll probably go to a nice restaurant, then maybe to a jazz spot and listen to music. I love music. How would you dress and what should she wear to impress you? I’d put on a nice polo and some jeans, a nice pair of shoes. Or a walker, basically, a dress shirt, dress pants and a nice pair of shoes. [On her] It depends on where we’re going. If we’re going bowling, a nice pair of jeans—something she can dress down or up. If we’re going out to dinner, a nice dress, nice heels with her hair put up so that I can see her face. What topics are off-limits in discussion? I’m an open book, so whatever you want to talk about we can talk about because I’m not trying to hide anything, and hopefully you’re not trying to hide anything. What’s your perspective on drinking on the date? I don’t drink, so if you drink that’s your prerogative. One thing I don’t do is smokers. Are you a talker or a listener? I’m more of a listener, but to get to know people you have to talk as well. I’m silly and I people-watch, so I’ll start talking and crack jokes or whatever. … So hopefully she has a sense of humor because I’m too silly to be with someone who’s not funny. Good-bye hug or kiss? If it was a good date, I’d get that first kiss.

Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in The Help

[the Help] You’re sure to shed some tears and even (surprise!) laugh out loud in theaters on August 12. In the book-turned-film The Help, the maids of Jackson, Mississippi, blur racial lines and turn their hometown upside down. Set in the Jim Crow South, Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) team up with a White journalist on a book to voice the unfair conditions of Black maids. —Myeisha Essex

AuguST 2011 | S2S

the evolution of

Musiq is writing and producing for his girlfriend Kameelah, formerly of 702.

S2S | AuguST 2011

Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com

There’s no denying that Musiq Soulchild is a one-of-a-kind vocalist, but outside of singing he keeps himself relevant as a songwriter and producer, and he’s even involved in developing artists like his girlfriend of three years, Kameelah, formerly of ’90s girl group 702. “I’m just focused on maintaining myself in the music game, but I want to try and help other people reach their dreams, too,” Musiq said. “I’m actually helping out my baby mother Kameelah; she’s trying to come out and do her thang, and I want to help her out with writing and producing some beats for her.” Between his 2008 album OnMyRadio and his latest offering Musiqinthemagic, Musiq fell in love, had a son named Zack and teamed up with a new crew to get his own swag as a respected “Musiqman” in the game. “Throughout my career it’s been a challenge to maintain the themes that I want on my projects. Not to take anything away from the people I worked with, but I’ve come to the realization that I am that element in my music that people are always so entertained by,” Musiq said. “I never really champion myself, but after 10 years in the game and six projects, I think it’s warranted.” Musiq said it’s a challenge for him to stay current, but he is carving out his own path rather than walking down the “pop” lane like Usher and other artists. He believes that when an artist falls in line with the pop scene, “you start to negatively compromise the integrity of what you do,” and Musiq said that’s not an option for him. “What I like to think I bring to the game is a realistic prospective,” Musiq said. “Sometimes I find myself in situations in my current relationship and I think, ‘Hey, [there isn’t] a song for this,’ so I cater to those moments, whatever they are for whoever they are. It’s so much better to be realistic and make real music for real people.” —Marcus A. Williams

Photo by Arnold Turner/WireImage.com

Musiq says he doesn’t get enough recognition, despite 10 years in the music biz and six albums.

CELEBRITY AVENUE

the new sound of

After 27 years of success in the music industry, “You Are My Lady” soul star Freddie Jackson is prepping to add a contemporary sound to his next album, due in 2012. “I like Ne-Yo. When ‘Champagne [Life]’ comes on, I turn it up! I like Trey Songz and I’m in love with Marsha Ambrosius; the feel of her song ‘Far Away,’ I just love, and I would incorporate that stuff in my new work,” Freddie said. “I touched on that sound a little on my last project but I want to go deeper; some of it lends itself to my voice.” But be clear, Freddie isn’t trying to When it comes to new music, reinvent himself to get back on top of Freddie says he’s checking for Marsha Ambrosius, Trey Songz the charts. “I’m in my 50s so I can’t really and Ne-Yo. be getting out of my lane,” Freddie said. “I remember Luther Vandross told me, ‘Freddie, you do what makes you happy. Don’t you do things for other people.’ And it’s true: at the end of the day if you don’t love it and believe in it then no one else will.” In addition to a more contemporary sound, Freddie is upping the ante by adding live instruments to the project. “My next CD will be an orchestration; I want to show the world that as a guy and a Black artist, orchestrated music can be done,” Freddie said. Freddie’s music has raised many of today’s young adults and he is proud to boast about doing all of that without breaking character. “I want my legacy to be that I stayed true to myself, that I didn’t follow a niche,” Freddie said. Almost three decades deep, it’s safe to say his legacy is written in stone. —Marcus A. Williams

Freddie Jackson, shown performing at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

In May the A merican Soci Authors and ety of Comp Publishers (A osers, SCAP) Found mastermind ation honore s who penne d the d some of th the past few e greatest hi decades. W ts o f he n songwriter was recogni Barry Eastmo zed for his g enius creatio nd Lady,” he wa n “You Are M s joined onsta y ge by Fredd probably sa ie Jackson. It’ fe to say tha s t Fr eddie’s reco was respons rding of the ible for a lot song of baby-maki live on as a ng, and it’ll fo part of 1990’s rever culture. Who Steve Urkel’s can ever forg frequent off-k et ey serenade Lady” to his s of “You Are beloved Laur My a on “Family Matters”?

AuguST 2011 | S2S

SOUND CHECK Check out music from this month’s Sound Check artists on s2smagazine.com/soundcheck

g n i t i a w d n i m doesn’t

Photo courtesy of UMRG

S2S | August 2011

Photo by Kirk Edwards

elanie Fiona is eager to share her next album with music lovers all over the world, but she’s in no rush to deliver a mediocre product. Buzz has been building for MF Life, Melanie’s sophomore album, for quite some time, but the studio project has yet to be completed. An incomplete album means no release date (though it’s rumored to be dropping this fall), but the artist isn’t really bothered about it. “That can sometimes be frustrating to an artist,” Melanie told S2S. “I don’t feel like it has an expiration date. I feel like the music is classic, and what I’m creating is unique.” The Canadian songbird speculates that when MF Life does arrive, listeners will find out a lot more about her. “It’s a lot more personal, it’s a lot more introspective,” she said. “It’s definitely more unique and tailored to where I’m at right now.” But the main reason Melanie’s not sweating a release date is because she’s using the extended ETA to build a better album. She’s confident that those who have supported her all along will continue to do so, no matter when it drops. As she points out, “Everybody’s still waiting for a Lauryn Hill from, what, 12 years ago?” Not that she intends to wait that long, but Melanie figures holding off for a few more months isn’t a huge sacrifice. “As long as when it comes out it’s good, then you win.” —Sonya Eskridge

Photo courtesy of J Sharpe Agency Public Relations

Photo by Kirk Edwards

Is ? y e n o M g n u o running Y

f Lil Wayne is the engine, and Drake, Nicki, Lil Twist and Chuckee are the tires, then Ms. Shanell might be the steering wheel that keeps the Young Money Maybach on the road to success. Over the years we’ve seen Shanell at concerts or in videos, but little did we know the singer/songwriter/dancer has been around from the beginning and helps keep Young Money’s momentum strong. “I’m a writer, so when it comes to putting together Wayne’s projects I do a lot of writing on those, and when it came to putting together the I Am Music and We Are Young Money tours, I did all the choreographing and lighting for those tours,” Shanell said. Working so closely with Wayne ignited rumors that Shanell was Wayne’s “in-house” main chick. “I thought it was funny at first but when it started getting serious, like, girls being mad, I was like, ‘Wait

a minute…’ But at this point I try not to address it because it’s so much more going on,” Shanell said. “We don’t even talk amongst each other [about] the rumors about any of us. People are going to hate, and you can’t give that energy any energy.” While Shanell may not be having Wayne’s baby anytime soon, she definitely admires his work ethic. “I met Wayne [while] dancing for Ne-Yo, and at the same time I was writing songs for other people, and I did that as a hobby. But [Wayne] gave me that opportunity that a lot of labels didn’t: to just be my own artist,” Shanell said. She is prepping to show the world why the hottest rapper in the game was instantly smitten with her skills. “My first single is called ‘My Buttons,’” Shanell said, “and the response from my [fan] crew, the lil’ gypsies, has been ridiculous. It’s a great song … and a small sign of what’s to come.” —Marcus Williams

AuguST 2011 | S2S

SOUND CHECK

S2S | August 2011

hustles his wa y to his third album, K ing Kong

Photo by Zach Wolfe

tlanta-based rapper Gorilla Zoe has come a long way musically from his days as a member of Boyz N Da Hood. On his new single, “Twisted,” featuring Lil’ Jon, we find Zoe flowing over a fun, bouncy club track, but don’t get it twisted—the “Echo” rapper’s hood pass is still valid. “I said it on ‘Hood Ni**a.’ ‘You can take me out the hood: I’m going to keep it hood for you,’” Zoe said, explaining the difference between him and his music. “It’s like, you look at me and that’s all you see. You can say the music’s approachable all you want to, but I don’t look approachable because it’s ingrained in me.” Much like a successful neighborhood hustler who knows when to transition from peddling knockoff fragrances to knockoff DVDs, Zoe is riding a new sound to the next level of his career. His latest album, which he named King Kong because “ain’t nobody really in my lane,” is “a different array of music” that reflects his global perspective. “I done did Atlanta. I’m from Atlanta. It’s bigger than [Interstate] 285 for me. The world is huge. Somebody is playing hip-hop on every continent in the world,” Zoe said. He proved that he’s not afraid to sing his lyrics over techno beats on his first two solo albums, which reached #20 and #8 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. On King Kong, T-Pain, Gotti and Gucci Mane help Zoe as he tells stories about the ups and downs of life. “The one thing that I will not fake as an artist is to give a picture that I feel one way every day of my whole life. I’m not popping bottles at the gas station. I’m not surrounded by bad b*#ches at the Walmar t,” Zoe explained. “Sometimes I feel down. And that’s how a human being is.” Zoe will share these truths as he tours this summer and knows music fans will hear about it. “If one person gets this album, there’s no way they’re not going to tell everybody that they know that this album’s crazy.” —Sabrina M. Parker

SOUND CHECK

rders o b s e s s o r c ic s u m eclectic

S2S | August 2011

Photo courtesy of Score Press

he trio that is DJ Vadim’s new band, The Electric, spoke with us as they headed east toward Reno, Nevada, road-tripping to the next show on their tour. Vadim, the renowned British DJ and producer, brought together Sabira Jade and Pugs Atomz to form The Electric while on tour for his last LP. They’ve been compared to The Rolling Stones and Black Eyed Peas, but don’t try to pigeonhole them into one genre; their music is hip-hop, soul, reggae, electronic and more. Vadim said, “I don’t really care how people call it or see it or whatever. I just want people to respond to it.” As a truly international band— Pugs is a young brother from Chicago, Sabira Jade is from London and Vadim splits his time between New York and Berlin— The Electric has performed their unique tunes in Russia, the U.K., France, Germany and Brazil. “For me, music is what brings people together because we go to so many places where they can’t even speak a single word of English yet they can sing along to the words of our song,” Vadim said. The Electric says the response to their first album, Life is Moving, has been overwhelming. As for future plans, the most urgent thing on their minds was taking a potty break at the next gas station. With their U.S. tour complete, The Electric is heading back to Europe. Hopefully they’ll make their way back to American soil soon to grace us

PEACHES & FIRECRACKERS Dear S2S, I have been a fan of your magazine for a couple of years now. I love your articles, your perspective and your ability to give an authentic glimpse into the lives of the people you interview as they invite us into their worlds. I enjoyed your article on Chris Brown in your June 2011 issue, but I am so tired of you making excuses for him and other abusive men like him. No one has the right to put their hands on another person because the other person said or did something to make them mad. I have read countless comments over the years where you have always defended the man for being provoked or looked deeper into the situation to see what the woman did to cause her man to “snap.” Not enough abusive men are being held accountable for their actions. Putting your hands on a woman for any reason is never right. … There is a difference between restraining a person to defend yourself and point-blank fighting her like a man because she hit you first. Most men are physically stronger than women, so it is rarely a fair fight if grown men and women go blow-[for]blow in a relationship. Many men refuse to hit women, no matter how vulgar, disrespectful or horrible the woman may act. These are true, strong, respectable men who have enough self-control to not beat up on a person who will never be as strong as they are. Some of these men deal with the same issues and problems that men who abuse women go through— single-parent homes, poverty, racism, no father in their lives—yet they choose to find other ways to deal with their anger and never put their hands on a woman, no matter the situation. Why should abusive men get a pass? We need to stop making excuses for abusers and hold them accountable for their behavior. That does not mean we can’t forgive them or that we should never let them forget what they did. However, if you know your behavior is not right, you should be making moves to change it. Get some biblical counseling, professional counseling, anger management … something. Otherwise, what is to stop you from repeating the same behavior when the next woman does something you don’t like? Making excuses for them and blaming society, single parenting, the media and “the man” are all reasons for abusers to continue doing what they do and never seek any help. If men who beat on women are truly sorry about abusing women, they will do more than just apologize. They will seek the ongoing counseling needed in order for them to change their behaviors and do something else with their emotions and anger when they feel ready to become physically violent. As long as people continue to coddle and make excuses for men being pushed to the point of becoming violent, abusers will never feel they are wrong enough for their actions to take accountability for their behaviors and make a change. Fed up, Atlanta Hello, Ms. Jamie Brown, My name is Sue and I am the daughter of Jimmy McCracklin. I was reading your magazine this morning and saw an article on Chris Brown’s listening party where you stated you danced up a storm, and at the end of the article you mentioned you were seen there Stepping and doing the

S2S | AuguST 2011

Wobble, too. Well, my dad wrote that song, “The Wobble,” and I got a kick out of that. He will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year on August 13, 2011 … [and celebrating] 66 years in the music business … as a singer/songwriter. He also wrote the songs “Tramp,” “The Thrill is Gone,” “The Walk,” “My Answer,” “Down Home Blues,” “Just a Teeny, Weeny (Bit of Your Love)” and a host of others. … I thought this may be of some interest to you because I see that the people you interview think very highly of you, as I do. You are one of the most respected reporters in the industry. I have a copy of his new CD, titled Hey Baby, if you are interested in listening to it and getting a better idea about his music. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please, keep up the good work on a great magazine! Sincerely, Sue McCracklin Via email

PEACHES & FIRECRACKERS Jamie, Hey, lovely! Once again I’d like to thank you for continuously putting out the hotness for your readers. However, after I read your latest issue I couldn’t sleep. For starters, all the interviews were greatly enlightening, but I’ve got to address a few things: I’m extremely happy for Peter and Cynthia, but it really hurt me to read when he said that he told himself that he’d “never ever” date an African-American woman. Where are we headed as a people? I don’t feel like he kept it 100 concerning his reasons for not wanting to date sisters—smart on his behalf, because anything you say can and will be used against you. Ms. Joyce (Chris Brown’s mom) seems like she’s a great spirit and soul and has raised two wonderful people, regardless of any setbacks that may have occurred in any of their lives. You spoke on something during the interview about guys coming from jail bringing home diseases to their mates. I’m doing six years and I’m on my way home, but I would be so delighted to have a female ask me to show her my status and a clean bill of health before we decide to engage in any kind of sexual activity. All Ohio inmates get tested prior to release. The showing of one’s status should be a prerequisite in the Black dating arena. Tell your friends at the CDC to implement a program or some kind of nationwide initiative for a card with a raised state seal to show a person’s current status. How hard could it be? No updated card equals no sex. Real guys respect ladies who respect themselves. As far as the guys bringing home diseases, I’m at a facility where no gays are allowed whatsoever. Some prisons do promote homosexuality without providing protection, but guys who indulge in same-sex activities in prison had gay tendencies before prison but may have been suppressing their feelings. People are so naïve and ignorant to so many things that take place in real time and not make-believe. I love all that you stand for, Jamie, but you gotta be careful not to fall for the brainwashing techniques fed to society. Sincerely, Terrance Shelton Dayton, OH Greetings, Mrs. Jamie, My name is Geovanna and I’m writing

S2S | AuguST 2011

Hi, Jamie, to you ‘cause I want you to know that I’ve I just finished reading the June issue of never read nor heard of Sister 2 Sister S2S! I’ve been reading your magazine magazine until today (May 14, 2011). As I since my high school days, and I’m now was making my way to work, I came 25 years old! I enjoyed the article with the across [the] June 2011 issue in my local Braxtons. I pray [for] success and restorasubway station in Manhattan, NY, and I tion for them all. I am so glad you spoke enjoyed reading “A Jamie Foster Brown with Chris Brown’s mother. I agree with her interview.” I have always been a fan of completely on what it would take for Chris Chris Brown before the situation between to move on, and I am praying for restorahim and Rihanna, and I’m still his fan now. I only know Chris Brown onstage, in maga- tion and wholeness for him, too! The main reason I am writing is a letter zines and also on TV, but I never got the featured in Peaches & Firecrackers from chance to meet [the] Chris Brown that’s Mr. Walter Gentry of Chicago. In my opinoffstage, meaning the Chris that his family ion, Walter sounded every bit the “dawg” knows best, and for you to write an article he claims every man has in them. I about him, his mom and the things believe it depends on the male. I watch they’ve been through together means a men in my family stay faithful to their lot. I just want to thank you for letting us wives. My male cousins go against the know who the Browns [were] and who current grain, aspiring to be great mates. they are now. Why? Integrity! No, they aren’t perfect. Yes, I never understood why everyone looks they will tell you there are times when it’s at Rihanna as if she’s the innocent one. I hard, but it’s worth it knowing they are mean, it wasn’t right for Chris to hit her, or men of higher standard. Plus, they know any female at that, but my thing is, what you attract what you put out there. did Rihanna do or say to Chris for him to As far as a woman questioning herself, do what he did to her? Everyone’s pointyes, communicate! Ask where is the lack? ing the finger at Chris, but we don’t know If there is no obvious lack, and it’s simply a what actually happened ’cause no one case of the “dawg” acting up, here’s was there but Chris and Rihanna. Now, I’ve seen TV shows and read in magazines another question I was taught to ask myself: Is this individual worthy of my time that Chris did this and Chris did that, but and energy? If I continue in this relationwhy hasn’t anyone asked Rihanna what ship, will I be empowered or poisoned? she’s done? At the end of the day it goes Love for all, both ways; you can’t just point the finger Britt P at one. Everyone makes mistakes. We’re Shreveport, L.A. all human, but it’s funny how Chris’s situaVia email tion made the newspaper and talk shows but I haven’t seen nor heard [of] any regular couples who’ve been in [worse] situation than Chris. I just wish that people would just leave the situation alone and stop judging him, ’cause at the end of the day Chris doesn’t @s2smag Loved the articles on Cynthia have to answer to anyone but God. As for and Peter...I also liked the one with Joyce, she is a sweetheart and a mother Jennifer from Basketball Wives. who cares deeply for her son, so people sexiidreadii can’t say that she’s wrong for sticking by Via Twitter her son ’cause what mother is not gonna protect [her] own child in any situation @s2smag I love your down home mag that they may be in?! feel, like I interviewed them with you. God has blessed this family (the Browns) in so many ways and I believe BiKarma that he wouldn’t have them go through Via Twitter [a] situation that they couldn’t handle on their own. This message is for Joyce: Keep *Tweets have been lightly edited being the mother and friend that you are for misspellings to Chris ’cause you and I both know that no one’s gonna give him that kind of love and supSister 2 Sister welcomes your “peaches” and your port that you show and “firecrackers,” give him. so email us (letters@s2smail.com), post it on Thanks again, Jamie! Facebook (facebook.com/s2smag), tweet us Yours truly, (@S2Smag), or write to Geo S2S Letters • P.O. Box 41148 • Via email Washington, DC 20018. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity.

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