March 2013 by Top Flight Magazine

Fashion Feature:

POP OF JUNK

La’Britney

“Impossible = I’m POSSIBLE”

Jon Connor

The People’s Rapper

March 2013 iamtopflight.com

FEATURES Pg 4 Fashion Feature: Pop Of Junk Pg 5 NBA All-Star Weekend Recap Pg 11 Jon Connor: The People’s Rapper Pg 13 Fliritng With Temptation Pg 15 Impossible = I’m Possible: The La’Britney Story Pg 17 The Spread

Cover Photo By: dungeonsofrap.com

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FROM THE EDITOR What is being discouraged? Is it the feeling of defeat or sorrow? Is it the uphill battle that you never won? Is it the evil culprit named Never-Get-Ahead? Well, one thing is for sure, to feel defeated is to feel an emotion; but like any emotion, it comes and goes. Defeat doesn’t have to have the last say. The sad truth is it can…if you let it. You see, you have control over this thing called “your life”. You hold the power to your future. You hold the power to your mind. You hold the key that unlocks your psyche to control your thoughts and words, for the purpose of routing your future! Speak that spirit of defeat down with your words! Scream at it and say, “Defeat! You can’t stay here!” Take your life seriously. You only get one. Don’t let the feeling of defeat hold you back from the life you want to live. You have goals to reach, money to make and love to give! Never give up. You are young. You are motivated. You are Top Flight.

Chief Editor Cryss Walker Managing Editor Britney Embry Contributing Writers Kirthmon Dozier Lauren Beasley Janae Marie Art Director Tyrone Owens Jr Photographer BreAnn White Sale Inquiries topflightmag@gmail.com

Journalistically yours, Ms. Cryss

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Crazy Legs - $36

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Do you ever want to feel like a “sexy dancer”? How about the urge to go out and dance like you’ve got “crazy-legs”? Now I’ve got your attention…those are the actual names to a couple of pieces you’ll find on popofjunk. net, an online boutique housed in Atlanta, GA. First off, before you even shop, the web design is fun and edgy. It’s a “girlie-girl” kind of place and you won’t leave the site without wanting something.

Made You Look - $44

If it had to be simply summed up, let’s just say, “Very cute”! Colorful patterns, shapes, studs, spikes, stones, gold, silver, metallic and denim! Yes! Yes! Yes! You will lovelove- love these clothes and accessories! Mix and match, get creative and get excited about getting dressed again. All the latest fashion trends that the stars are wearing, it’s on Pop of Junk. All the leggings, short-shorts, bold-statement tees…it’s all here. The thing that stands out the most on this web-boutique is the stockings! Tiger stripes, laces up the leg, garter belts and pistols…you get all of these looks…stitched inside the stockings! Awesome!

Laura Croft - $34

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Writings about these styles can go on and on, but to see what all the hype is about, log on Popofjunk.net or follow all of their looks on Instagram @popofjunk.

NBA All-Star Weekend Recap By: L a u ren Bea s le y

Photos by: NBA.com

his past February marked the season NBA All Star Weekend. Of course as always there was plenty to watch from the Celebrity Game, Rising Stars Challenge, Three Point Shootout, Skills Challenge, and Slam Dunk Contest and of course the All Star game itself.

Celebrity Game The Celebrity game was probably the most entertaining and hilarious event of all-star weekend, due to the fact that it involves the celebrities of the world such as actors, musical artists, comedians, other athletes, WNBA players and even retired NBA players. It’s always interesting to see which celebrities can actually “hoop”. The WNBA players didn’t disappoint both Maya Moore and Tamika Catchings played well. Rapper/ Actor Common played well, but the star of the show was actor/comedian Kevin Hart not because he played well but mainly due to the fact that he had the crowd laughing and entertained from start to finish and he even won the MVP award.

Photos by: NBA.com

Rising Stars Challenge The Rising Stars Challenge is normally one of the top events to watch mainly because it involves the rookies and sophomores of the NBA. Of course anytime you’re talking about the rookies and sophomores, you’re talking about their raw, explosive athletic talent and that’s exactly what the Rising Stars Challenge represented this year. Plenty of players played well such as Brandon Knight (Pistons), Damien Lillard (Trail Blazers), Dion Waiters (Cavilers) and Isaiah Thomas (Kings). However, the stars of the show down were Kenneth Faried (Nuggets) and Kyrie Irving (Cavilers). Faried was a part of Team Chuck and he out shined everybody in this year’s Rising Stars Challenge and even took him home the MVP award.

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Photos by: NBA.com Then again it’s not hard to take home the MVP when you score 40 points and have 10 rebounds. A game like this was the perfect showcase for somebody like Faried. He has freakish athleticism and this MVP award was a deserved honor and exemplifies everything he’s done well this season. Last year’s Rising Stars Challenge MVP, Kyrie Irving was part of Team Shaq and would finish with 32 points and six assists. Irving even finished with the highlight of the night when he used his quick handles to crossover Brandon Knight, make him fall and then he finished the crossover with a nothing but net jump shot. However, thanks to Faried’s MVP performance, Team Chuck came out victorious against Team Shaq as the final score was 163 – 135.

Photos by: NBA.com iamtopflight.com

Skills Challenge Six of the NBA’s slickest point guards converged for the Skills Challenge. Now in this competition players have to be quick, comfortable with a variety of passes and able to knock down a mid-range jumper. While it may seem easy some did struggle. However it wasn’t hard for Damien Lillard (Trail Blazers), who won the 2013 Skills Challenge. He became the first rookie to win the Skills Challenge, defeating Jrue Holiday (Sixers) by 5.8 seconds in the final and earning the win. Brandon Knight (Pistons), Jeff Teague (Hawks), Tony Parker (Spurs) and Jeremy Lin (Rockets) also participated in the 2013 Skills Competition.

Photos by: NBA.com

Three Point Contest The Three Point Contest is always entertaining mainly because it is truly anyone’s game. There were plenty of great shooters in this year’s three point contest from Stephen Curry (Warriors), Steve Novak (Knicks), Paul George (Pacers) and many more. While there was plenty of good shooters at the end of the day, Cleveland Cavaliers star point guard Kyrie Irving won the Three-Point Contest beating out Matt Bonner (Spurs), 23-20, to win the competition.

Dunk Contest The Dunk Contest used to be one of the top and most anticipated events of the all-star weekend and while still many look forward to it. It seems every year the fans seem disappointed and this year was no different. Now while this wasn’t as bad as past years it still wasn’t the best. In this year’s dunk contest we had Jeremy Evans (Jazz), Gerald Green (Pacers), James White (Knicks), Kenneth Faried (Nuggets), Eric Bledsoe (Clippers) and Terrance Ross (Raptors).

This contest was supposed to be real high level and it started off very good with the first three dunks. Later Kenneth Faried and Eric Bledsoe needed a lot of attempts to finish easy dunks, and in their second dunks both James White and Gerald Green wasted 90 plus seconds without any success.

was Terrance Ross who came out victorious and won the 2013 Slam Dunk Contest, which he rightfully deserved seeing that all four of his slam dunks were full of athletic explosiveness and creativeness.

In the finals it became a showdown between Terrance Ross and Jeremy Evans and both slam dunk contestants put on a show, but as usual it would come down to the votes of the fans to decide the winner. Although the voting went down to the wire it

Photos by: NBA.com

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All-Star Game As always the All-Star game was exciting and exhilarating. TheWestern Conference beat the Eastern Conference, 143-138 with some moments of good defense and great moments of clutch scoring. As you can tell by the score, there was not a lot of defensive excellence in the game, but that’s no surprise because the All-Star game isn’t exactly about defense but it is about explosive play making and there was plenty of that. From Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and many more there was plenty of explosive plays to be seen but certain players stood out from the rest. I must start off with Chris Paul (Clippers) who walked away with

the 2013 All-Star MVP award and ers) all had stellar performances and rightfully so. He finished with 20 keep in mind this was their first All points on 7-of-10 shooting along Star game appearance. with 15 assists and four steals. The big moment of the All-Star game Second would have to be Kevin Du- came from two of the NBA’s best, rant (Thunder). He finished with that being Kobe Bryant and LeBron 30 points on 13-of-24 shooting, six James. As usual, in the last five minboards and two steals. utes of game, Kobe Bryant decided to defend LeBron James and see exThere were also some other play- actly what he is made of and let’s just ers who stood out that I must give say James struggled to score against credit to such as Carmelo Antho- Bryant. Bryant blocked James shot ny (Knicks), who finished with 26 twice and stole the ball from him. points and 12 rebounds; Dwayne Now, while James didn’t have a good Wade (Heat) finished with 21 points fourth quarter in the All-Star game, and 7 rebounds and Blake Griffin he did play well through the first (Clippers) finished with 19 points. and third quarters, finishing with 19 There are three players who put on points and 5 rebounds. Bryant didn’t show, but may not get a lot of cred- have great numbers in this one, but it [but I want to point out] such as he impacted on every end of the Paul George (Pacers), James Harden court finishing with 9 points, 8 as(Rockets) and Kyrie Irving (Cavil- sists and 4 rebounds. Photos by: NBA.com

Overall Overall I believe All-Star weekend was a success, while some will say that the Dunk Contest isn’t the same or the pre-game and halftime performances weren’t the best. It was still a joy to watch and as usual always great to see the NBA’s best go at it in multiple events.

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Jon Connor The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rapper By Kirthmon Dozier Photo by: 11 Reverbnation.com

’m sure you can recall the scene from the movie 8 mile where Eminem was riding the bus while writing lyrics down on a paper dreaming about that one shot.

from a artist who he says helped him notice that hip hop was about telling a story.

This story is somewhat similar, but instead of riding the bus through Detroit, this rapper was riding through Flint.

Other legends such as DJ Kay Slay and Bun-B have grown fond of the artist by teaming up with Connor on projects.

With nick names such as “the peoples rapper” and “the mayor of Flint”, Jon Connor is ready to carry the city of Flint on his back.

“I call myself for the most part a student of the game,” Connor said. “So to have a stamp and a sign from Kay Slay was probably one of my biggest accomplishments so far just because I respect him and the foundation and history that comes along with him in the game.”

“Whether you call me the president, the mayor or the people’s rapper it does not matter to me,” said Connor. “I am ready to make sure Flint gets a positive light shining on them.” The city of Flint has been plagued with its share of violence and negativity so Connor uses real life issues that we all can relate to in his music. Connor says that growing up on those streets have made him the artist that he is today by instilling that never say die attitude in him. Going into 2012 Connor said that his goal was to go 10 times harder than he did the previous year. He lived up to that promise by releasing his highly anticipated mix tape “While You Were Sleeping” and flooding World Star Hip Hop with numerous music videos. Connor has definitely made it hard not to notice his strong work ethic in the studio. His hustle has some of the biggest artist in the game giving him a co-sign. Hip hop legend Nas said that Connor is next up. Connor feels that words cannot explain what that recognition means coming

Could it get any better than that?

Another Michigander, Big Sean, made history for himself and the “D” by rocking out the Palace.

city and label, the duo both rep CBS. Connor got to showcase his talents for the CBS Sports “Inside College Basketball” intro with his song, Push to the Limit. Pushing it to the limit is exactly what Connor is doing by going full steam with his music career. Since then Connor has been going hard with his music by continuously releasing hot joints for his fans. There is no more riding a public bus writing his lyrics down. He can now write those lyrics comfortably on a tour bus.

Jon Connor got to share that moment as one of Big Sean’s opening acts. “I honestly got to see Big Sean’s career from the beginning to now and I know how big of a moment that was for him,” Connor said. “That is all of our dream as artist to sellout the stadium or arena where you from.” You can attribute Connor’s winning ways to someone in his corner who knows a little something about winning. That guy is MSU legend and former NBA player Mateen Cleaves. Mateen has been in Connor’s corner since day one giving him the support and brotherly love that Connor was not used to. “That is my brother. If he needed a heart transplant I would give it to him,” Connor said jokingly. “I never had a biological big brother so Mateen is the closest to that I ever had. There will never be a time where there is a Jon Connor without Mateen Cleaves”. The two not only represent the same

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Flirting With Temptation [A Written Soap Opera by Janae Marie]

Chapter 4: Their Secret

The Next few days at the office, their boss calls everyone into the board room to see how everyone was doing on their assignments. During the middle of a presentation given by Mr. Hall Keith slips Monica a small note that read; “Meet me in the bathroom.” Monica looks up at Keith and smiles as he exits the room. Rachel nudges Monica on the shoulder but she simply ignores her to follow Keith on his request. Monica slowly and quietly enters the empty restroom seeking Keith. She speaks his name so softly, a male voice appears out of the air letting her know just where to be. She makes her way to Keith and locks the door behind her. Monica positions herself in front of Keith. He runs his hand down her thigh moving it up to her behind. “Damn, hey sexy!” “Hey daddy, how are you feeling?” “Like I need to have you right now; you know you’re rocking that skirt. Every day you make it hard for me to work because I can’t take my eyes off you.” “Well, why don’t you do something about it then?” she stated with a shy smile. Keith unbuckled his pants and held her close to him. Monica gasped for air as Keith forcefully entered her; never wanting the moment to end. She couldn’t imagine how good her life would be once she got involved with him. Messing around with Keith made her forget all the wrong that she was doing by being with a married man. No one knew what was to take place between them and it was just their dirty little secret. She could end it whenever she wanted. But was Monica getting in way too over her head? Before everyone left the office at the end of the workday; Rachel ran into Monica near the break room gathering her belongings. She stepped right in front of her and slammed her locker shut. “Oh my god Rachel, what is your problem today, you’ve been bothering me all day.” She pulls Monica by the arm over to a corner in the room to talk privately. “You know what you’re doing isn’t right! Messing with a married man will always come back to bite you in the ass, girl! Please believe that thing called Karma is coming after you.” “Oh wow, will you give it a rest! That man knows exactly what he is doing? Don’t get mad at me because I can pull men from just about anywhere. Look, I’m just giving him something he obviously wasn’t getting at home.” “Are you even listening to yourself? Come on Moni, think about what you are doing? Think about his wife and how she would feel?” “I don’t know her why should I care about her? Don’t give me that look. You know I’m just going to do what I want anyway.” “Alright you do that, and see how that shit comes to bite you in the ass.” Rachel walks away with a couple of co-workers while Monica is standing there at her locker. She gathers her belongings and walk past Keith and his best friend Bradley who are getting ready to punch out. “Goodbye gentlemen, see you tomorrow.” “Bye Ms. Clayton. Have a nice evening.” Bradley stated. “Mhmm, bye Monica, see you later.” Keith said with a grin upon his face. He watches her walk away until his friend hits him in the chest. “What Brad man?” “Come on; don’t tell me, you and Monica? Could you be more obvious? I warned you not to go that route. She’s like the office slut around here.” “Shh, don’t say that man. She’s very classy.” “Yeah, but is she worth losing Rochelle and Leona for? Monica doesn’t really want to be with you, Keith. She is an opportunist. She sees you’re successful; she’s a lonely single woman. She wants a piece of the action. Just think about what you’re doing before you get in too deep and you lose everything.” Keith looks at Brad then grabs his jacket and briefcase and walk out the door. He knew what Brad was saying was true but for some reason he felt himself hooked on Monica. What was it about her that he couldn’t leave alone? What about Rochelle, only his wife for six years? Was he falling out of love and into love with Monica? Did Monica feel the same way or was this all just what it was set out to be; just another ordinary fling?

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Impossible = I’m possible The La’Britney Story by Kirthmon Dozier

mpossible equals I’m possible. Those are the words of the talented R&B singer La’Britney.

La’Britney grew up in Romulus, which she calls the “airport city”. Maybe seeing those planes take flight made her realize that the sky is the limit when trying to reach her goals. She has been singing since the age of four and has not looked back since. “I realized I loved performing when I watched a Whitney Houston concert that my mom had recorded on a VHS tape. I would watch that tape every single day. I would sing around the house with my broom and that turned into me putting on concerts for my grandma and her friends on her patio,” La’Britney said. La’Britney did not know at that time where music would take her but she did know that music was her passion. While growing up, she recalled borrowing her grandparents Nat King Cole cassette tapes and stuffing tissue in the speaker so she could record her own versions of the song. Throughout her childhood La’Britney could recall all of the dance classes, beauty pageants and talent shows that helped craft her style. “Being consistent in anything and everything that you do is key. You have to give your all and you got to be consistent,” she stated. Those were not the only concerns from the then teenage La’Britney. At the age of 15 she had a son. Being a teen mom, the Romulous native was confused about her next steps. A combination of her drive along with family and friends helped her accomplish everything that needed to be done. By the time the singer was 18, she enrolled at Eastern Michigan University. Shortly after, she made the decision to leave Eastern and join a girl group named “Savannah”. A lot of parents would not condone leaving college to chase a dream but La’Britney’s mother stood behind her 100 percent.

been played on the radio over 30 times,” the songstress noted. Her songs ‘Show Me Something’ and ‘Ride’ have been getting great feedback and a substantial amount of airtime. La’Britney assured Top Flight that we can attribute some of her success to her Gemini ways. La’Britney said that she is like four people in one. “Last night I had a show at the Shelter and I had to transform into La’Britney the artist. I got home this morning and I had to cook and clean for my boy and so I was mother. Finally, at 11, I had to go to work because I manage to maintain a job throughout it all so I changed into Delta (Airlines) La’Britney ,” La’Britney said. This natural, “girl with curls”, is a triple-threat in writing, dancing, and singing so she wants everything to be perfect and unique. La’Britney says that she has been wearing her big and curly hair since she was two months old. Her hair is just another example of how she chooses to create her own lane. “I think it is very important to stay true to your-self. A lot of people see what is hot for other people and they think they can do that same thing.” La’Britney said. Lately, she has been spending a lot of time on the left coast working on her EP “Who is La’Britney” which is scheduled to drop in this spring. She just recently opened up for Jhene Aiko and BJ the Chicago Kid in Los Angeles. “A very motivating, humbling, inspirational experience” La’Britney said.” “I am learning so much every day. I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to share my talents.” La’Britney is continuing her road to success by going hard and accomplishing all of her goals. Look out for the fly cutie representing the mitten this spring and summer.

“My mother, being a single mom, has always been very encouraging and supportive of me in anything that I have ever decided to do,” La’Britney said. Once that chapter of her life was over, La’Britney went solo. Sometimes it benefits you to take your talents elsewhere…and that she did. “Everybody wants to be further than where they are but sometimes I have to sit down, wake up, and smell the coffee.” La’Britney said. “ I pulled out my plans that I wrote down in 2011 and one of my goals were to have my songs played on the radio at least one time and my songs have

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The Spread The Spread BreAnn White (styled and photographed)

“Living Life Young”

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The Spread The Spread

The Spread The Spread BreAnn White (styled and photographed)

“Good Guy Gone Bad” iamtopflight.com

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Model: John

brewhite.com

The Spread The Spread

BreAnn White (styled and photographed)

“New York”

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