Volume 1 Issue 1 2010 uga-international.com/M7magazine
-Urban Lifestyle & Entertainment
“A Now Publication for a Now Generation”
Inside: Industry Happenings New Music & Reviews Entertainment Spotlight Lifestyle Ballin’ Technology Politics And Much More...
J.
Ahmad:
Revolutionizing a R&B sound that appeals to the masses
Premier/Collectible Issue Free Eco Entertainment music card inside...and its safe for the planet! Miami • Tampa Bay • Atlanta • Nashville • Charlotte • DC • New York • Chicago • Houston • LA
MVII Magazine is an UGA International, Inc. publication www.uga-international.com/M7magazine.html Post Office Box 777, Lithonia, Georgia 30058 770-482-6849
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Greetings Kingdom Citizens! As the Editor-inChief and Publisher, it is indeed my humble pleasure to present to you the premier issue of MVII Magazine. This publication is a 2-year labor of love. Its purpose is to deliver content to the marketplace that is culturally relevant done in EXCELLENCE!! While its predecessor UZONE Magazine was primarily a trade publication, MVII is unique in that it is a combination of trade and lifestyle. You may wonder why I chose this unusual name. Its namesake is a widely held belief that there are Seven pillars (Mountains) of culture that the Kingdom should reign over— ”This” magazine represents those pillars, plus a few more. ENJOY!
SUBSCRIBE TODAY ANNUAL PRICE $8 4 ISSUES A YEAR
Staff: Ms. Ty Scott Contributing Writer Lavonya Jones Contributing Writer/Researcher William Harvey Graphics Iriane Brown Layout Designer/Photographer Dionne McClure Photographer LaDre` Brown Music Contributor Robert Walker Advertising & Subscriptions Special thanks to: Mark Johnson Stephany Speck of OKBlitz.com Steelroots
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NOW Latest Happenings: If you missed NYCâ€&#x;s Rap Fest, log on to www.rapfestinc.com to see what you missed and how to get connected for next year.
Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival October 1-3, 2010 in Lithonia, GA
October 7-10, 2010 Flavor Fest in Tampa, FL
October 29-30, 2010 Kingdom Choice Awards Weekend Affair in Downtown Brooklyn, NY
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CONTENTS Now Latest Haps
Lifestyle 6
Fashion Whips Home Travel
16 18 19 20
Feature J. Ahmad
Ministry S.P.I.T.T.
Ballin’ 8
Who‟s Up?
Music/Media
Economic$
Upcoming & 10 New Release/Reviews
Wealth Building
Entertainment
Technology/Web
Upcoming & 12 New Release/Reviews
Newest Gadgets to Get Sites (web) to See
Higher Ed Opportunities & Institutional Spotlight
22 25 29
34 35
Politics 14
Policy Updates
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MINISTRY S.P.I.T.T. (Spiritual Perspective In Today‟s Text-ology) As told by The „Un‟Official Urban Gospel Chaplain-Mark Johnson 17
“Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. 18 Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.” ~ Nehemiah 4:17-18. Since November 4, 2008, a new era has arisen within our nation. A sunrise of “change” has been echoing throughout our land of the socalled free—televisions, radios, work places, schools, street corners, barbershops and churches. An African-American President……WOW! Just think not more than a mere 50 years ago, President Obama would have had to stand in a “Coloreds Only” line at the water fountain in the south. As an African-American, I am proud to have witnessed the fruition of what so many past generations have fought to accomplish. Please don‟t get this article twisted. I‟m not pushing democratic ideologies nor looking for black sovereign rule of this world. However, I will acknowledge that I do feel a satisfaction as an African-American man on the achievement that‟s taking place today. With that said, please know that I am a Christian first and foremost. This is why I feel compelled to share with you some thoughts God laid on my heart, while studying Nehemiah in my personal quiet time. Nehemiah was a loyal cupbearer to the King (civil service employee). While working in the palace (aka The White House) for the King he received word (hit him up on his iPhone) from his brother about his hometown (aka his hood) that things looked grim. His brother told him the walls of Jerusalem were crumbled (aka economic turmoil, poverty, extreme taxation, crime and drugs) and has left the city in ruins. Nehemiah, with God‟s favor, utilized his connection to the King
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(got the hook up) to commission him to restore the walls of Jerusalem. Long story short, Nehemiah through the power of prayer, due diligence, integrity and wisdom rebuilt the wall, creating social and political reform despite opposition (haters). I‟m not saying that Barack Obama is a modern-day Nehemiah, however, the Kings and Presidents of our world are appointed by God so we must give honor where honor is due. During the time of rebuilding, rumors of an attack on the city began to brew. Nehemiah ordered all common laborers (everyday people), who were assigned to help in the reconstruction, to carry a sword in one hand, and a tool to build in the other. In my studies, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind that we as Christians must be spiritually ambidextrous in these times. With one hand we should be helping to feed the poor, clean up our streets, display good morals, and with the other hand fulfill the great commission; meaning watch, pray, making disciples, and preaching the Gospel. Now more than ever we need to rebuild the walls of faith in our cities. The world views the church (aka Body of Christ) as a homosexual haven filled with hypocritical, judgmental people who don‟t serve Christ and do little to help the social ills of our society. The world needs to see ambidextrous Christians giving of themselves to serve our society fueled by our faith in Jesus Christ. We don‟t need people drawn to our race or ethnicity as the core value of who we are. Instead, they should see Christ when they ask why we do what we do. We need the Body of Christ to play offense with the Sword of the Spirit and defense with a shovel of wisdom digging in the Word of God. Let political and social change come out of the offspring of Christians who look for spiritual reform first and foremost, with the Kingdom of God‟s agenda as the primary mission. According to Romans 13 we must obey and respect the Obama administration, but understand even he is subject to the Chief Executive of all Creation. Let‟s keep the ranks in perspective as we seek to rebuild our cities‟ walls with the Cross of Christ within our IX vision.
MUSIC/MEDIA Upcoming & New Releases
Sean C. Johnson’s “Faithful” Reviews “…one of the more innovating mix of compositions I haven't heard in a long time. I admired his innovative approach to the project. Something different. I call it 'Creativity' to the max...” - Terrill Hanna, The Urban Music Scene
“…a dazzling fusion of neo-soul attitude and old-fashioned quartet harmonies.” - Peggy Oliver, Soul Tracks.com
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www.cantonjones.net CAJO International | P.O. Box 142256 | Fayetteville, GA 30214 770.716.2256
In Stores August 31, 2010
RELEASE DATE: October 2010
www.livemilliyonic.com
RELEASE DATE: January 2011
www.ramonaestell.com
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ENTERTAINMENT Upcoming & New Releases
blackchristianentertainment.com With a strong desire to give God back His rightful place in mainstream media and fight against the trend of “anything goes” specifically within urban audiences, BLACK CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT (“BCE”) has been birthed. Instead of complaining about the filth and garbage the media feeds us, BCE is doing something about it by producing full length feature films and television programming that promote Christian values and the worldview of Christians , as well as illustrate the power of God‟s love in our world today through compelling and culturally relevant stories that appeal to both Christian AND secular audiences.
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The Arts Visual artist Clarissa Horton, www.clarissahorton.com, is an artist in Atlanta, GA. She is an accomplished artist and lecturer who moderated a panel discussion on art, titled "The Changing Face of Blacks in America, Post Obama" at Pratt Institute in 2010. In 2009, Clarissa was a panelist at Left Forum held at Pace University in NY. Clarissa states, “ My work is about my own emotional and psychological experiences with love while searching for my soul mate. My paintings are figurative narratives. I use color and beauty to enhance the story of my artwork. I love to use imagery to give my paintings hidden and deeper meanings.
Caught, Oil on Canvas, 2010, 66 x 50 inches
I Love Him for what He’s Not, Oil on Canvas, 2010, 35 x 26 inches
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HIGHER ED Institutional Spotlight
HIP HOP DIPLOMA PROGRAM XIV
Hip-hop has emerged as the newest cultural phenomenon, with a global presence on stage and in youth culture, TV, film, radio, video games, and other media. Hip-hop music, like every other musical genre from blues to jazz to rock, has a unique set of musical characteristics and challenges. McNally Smith College of Music is proud to announce a new three semester Diploma program dedicated to hip-hop studies. The new Diploma program in Hip-Hop Studies is for prospective students who want to explore and develop in a cross-departmental curriculum that covers music, recording technology, language, music history, and music business. Youâ€&#x;ll get hands-on technical training on recording and mixing music in a studio. Youâ€&#x;ll take part in a three-course history sequence that grounds hip-hop in its cultural origins. Youâ€&#x;ll learn the fundamentals of language through creative writing and performance. You will take part in a hands on introduction to deejay techniques and hip-hop music production. Students enrolled in other music degree programs can also take advantage of our wide range of hip-hop classes. For example, music business majors can take hip-hop classes as electives. Whether you are focused on music performance, music composition, music business, or music technology the goal at McNally Smith College of Music is to provide you with a contemporary music education as far reaching and in depth as possible. Today, this includes exploring the sound art of beats, lyrics, sampling, and remixing; the digital technology of MIDI, loop-based music, and hardware sound sources; the dynamic world of editing, mixing, and processing in the modern recording and production studio; and the business skills of branding and promoting your work in the new realm of social media. Accredited by The National Association of Schools of Music
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LIFESTYLE Fashion
"Rhymes & Runway" features some of the fashion designers and artists repin' the Kingblazin' the runway. Artists ous genres of Urban music and Christian HipRhymes & Runway is lookbring its brand of hotyour city. We are touring and would love the opporhave you share in this endeavor. Rhymes & Runway will some talent and designwork with you and your community to bring in the town favorites. Contact us today, rhymesandrunway@gmail.com, this HOTT show to your
hottest dom and from variGospel Hop. ing to ness to the nation tunity to dynamic supply ers and local home-
to bring city.
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Decoding the Dress Code A Fashion Column by Donnell Duncan Part One: Formal Donnell Duncan, author of several books, twice listed as a finalist for Atlanta’s Power 30 Under 30, and internationally renowned blogger-“A Daily Walk with God.” Visit www.thecrackeddoor.com.
When you choose to attend a social or professional event, in addition to the cost, setting, and potential crowd composition, the dress code is of utmost importance. Merriam Webster-Dictionary defines the dress code as “formally or socially imposed standards of dress.” Ladies and gentlemen, I formally present to you part one of a 4-part series, a very simple guide called, “Standard Dress Code 101 (Fall/Winter Edition).” The five standards of the dress code are Formal (White Tie), Semi-Formal (Black Tie), Informal, Business and Business Casual (Corporate).
Standard Dress Code 101 (Fall/Winter Edition) The pinnacle of the dress code, according to DressCodeGuide.Com, is “Formal („White Tie‟) dress code is reserved for Opera, Ballet, Charity Balls and Royal Events.” For gentlemen, it starts with the black Swallow Tail Coat which is waist length at the front and sides and knee length at the back. It includes a white vest, white cotton pique bow tie and white dress shirt with black or gold cuff links. Black dress pants without turn ups/cuffs or belt loops are expected along with plain black laced-up dress shoes. For ladies, this outfit begins with a ball gown which reaches either to the ankles or the floor. Footwear options include matching dress pumps, sandals or ballet slippers. Accessories include an expensive shawl, tiara, dress XVII gloves, expensive looking jewelry and clutch bag.
Whips www.Mercedesofbbuckhead.com
CLS 550
404-846-3500 2799 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA, 30305
ML 55
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Home
There are few changes ahead this year, the color schemes, which are of top priority again, themes and patterns are an interesting feel of a classic design layered with contemporary without forgetting the most important point, preserving our environment at every opportunity. The theme is cost effective and meets glamorous disposition, heralding from the global economic status and recession. We want to make our home the home away from home‌ peace and comfort through furnishings and decor.
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Travel: Charlotte, NC
Truly a dynamic city, the changing face of Charlotte will surprise you. Walk along the bustling streets of Center City, step aboard the Historic Charlotte Trolley in South End, or stroll along the tree-lined streets of Dilworth to experience the warmth and Southern hospitality visitors to the Queen City have come to know.
Then be sure to round out your visit by worshipping with the New Birth Charlotte family.
Get sample travel itineraries courtesy of www.charlottesgotalot.com
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justine simmons fashion jewelry Equal parts fun and sophistication Justine discovered a love for jewelry as a child playing with her grandmother‟s collection. Now she shares an exclusive fashion jewelry line made in her signature, high-end style.
there’s no place like….
.com
BALLIN’ Who‟s Up? JOHNATHAN HAGGERTY, that‟s who. You may have not heard of the newly-signed Cleveland Browns wide receiver, “J-Hagg,” as his friends call him, but he is a Dallas native who wasn‟t provided many opportunities early on to reach his goal, but he took advantage of his resources and chose to use his free time to perfect his game --and set an example for his team. It‟s that work ethic that earned J-Hagg looks from the NFL. On Draft Day, the phone rang and the texts poured in, but no deal came. However, the Cleveland Browns didn‟t stop showing interest in him. He signed a contract and joined the team for mini-camp two months later, drawing looks from the coaching staff. While he‟s gaining ground with the coaches, he said his focus remains on his faith--the same motivation behind his brutal workouts. “Without God, I am nothing,” Haggerty said. “The Lord is the head of my life. In times when I needed strength through adversity--through everything--I can rely on my Lord.” Haggerty and his teammates get together throughout the week to study their faith. He said it gives them the opportunity to support each other both on and off the field. “It‟s really special when your teammates can come together on some common ground, which is God,” Haggerty said. “Football is important, but that‟s my assignment. My purpose is to serve God,” Haggerty said. “After football is over, the Lord will still be the head of my life, whether or not I‟m out there on the field, or talking to kids about what the Lord has done for me.”—Words by Stephany Speck of OKBlitz.com
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Steelroots at the X Games 2010
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Ahmad Jamal McGhee aka “J. Ahmad”
This multi-talented brother is changing rules when it comes to being a gospel artist. His infectious rhythms tuned to the combined force of unique arrangements and relevant lyrics is composed that way because His music is birthed out of the need to see lives changed. Utilizing pure, passionate, and positive words—a clear departure from the norm, J. Ahmad is not wasting his talent on frivolous subject matters. The very moment you hear his voice, you will recognize he is an artist that is sincere and means every word he sings. Armed with the wisdom to understand this generation‟s need to hear a change in the music they listen to, J. Ahmad spends countless hours in the studio enhancing his knowledge and perfecting “His Sound.” He realizes that his gift was given by God so his main focus is to take the Gospel of Jesus not just to “Church Folks,” but to the world.
“…he found his passion for music…” J. Ahmad was born on October 29, 1982 in Fort Hood, Texas. From there he and his family moved throughout the U.S. until they decided to make their home in Atlanta, GA.
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It was there he found his passion for music. After being over heard by some classmates at Atlanta‟s Inman Middle School, Jamal was encouraged to enter into what would be his very first talent show at Grady High School. Donell Jones‟ rendition of "Knocks Me Off My Feet," was his song of choice. With an overwhelming feeling of nervousness he approached the stage. As he began to sing the crowd joined in as they too shared his love for the song. With the thunderous roar of applause and adulation Jamal‟s purpose and destiny was revealed that night in that moment!
“...J. Ahmad is ready…” Some ten years or so later, in 2003, mark some of the highlights of his burgeoning career. That year is the year he was discovered by play write, actor, and director, Tyler Perry. He was selected to play the role of “Victor the DJ,” and “The Waiter," in Tyler Perry‟s, "Madea‟s Class Reunion.” Shortly after touring with Mr. Perry, Jamal was selected to headline in Negoya, Japan with the corporate band "Chapter Two,” and in 2006 Jamal was blessed with yet another opportunity to work with Mr. Perry. This time he landed a supporting role as “Calvin Rhodes Jr.,” in Tyler Perry‟s "What‟s Done in the Dark." He was also blessed to be offered a supporting role as “Bryce,” on the hit sitcom “Meet the Browns.” Recently, he also toured with Tyler Perry‟s latest major
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J.Ahmad Con’t
theater production, “Marriage Counselor.” After much success on the play circuit Jamal aka J.Ahmad is ready to get back to the music. So prepare yourself as you hear “The Sound” of J. Ahmad.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY ANNUAL PRICE $8 Log on to www.uga-international.com/M7magazine.html or fill out the form below and mail your payment to PO Box 777, Lithonia, GA 30058.
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Eco-Ent is leading the charge to produce less waste in entertainment. Enclosed is a eco-friendly music download card we are giving away for FREE instead of a CD. We hope to inspire consumers to be ecoconscious by using this unique alternative that has a smaller (or no) amount of plastic than that which is normally used in manufacturing and packaging a CD. Additionally, because the music content contained within is digitally downloadable, the delicate balance of our environment is preserved. The cards we offer range from recycled materials, to cardboard, to seeded cards that will produce plants once they decompose. Even better than all that, is the fact that these card promote faith based ideals and business. Each download card is uniquely customized and designed to promote Kingdom commerce. And to go a step further, Eco-Ent will host quarterly professional networking mixers to discuss even better ways to be earth friendly, bring together like minded business people, and introduce new resources to the marketplace. Do your part, log on to www.eco-ent.com, create an account, and download your eco-friendly music or entertainment today with the code we have provided on the back of the card, then ENJOY! If you would like to find out when our next mixer will be, how you can get your music on our playlists, or you have a business that you would like advertised, send an email to Ursula@eco-ent.com. XXVII
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McCafé Mocha
McCafé Latte
McCafé Cappuccino
McCafé Hot Chocolate
McCafé Iced Mocha
McCafé Iced Latte
McCafé Mocha Frappé
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ECONOMIC$ Wealth Building Building Wealth One Step at a Time Believe this: building wealth is simple. (I said simple, not easy.) All you need is a plan, which I‟ll gladly give you. It‟s even talked about in the Bible, “Steady plodding brings prosperity, hasty speculation brings poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5 TLB). “Steady plodding,” is similar to a person filling a large barrel one handful at a time. Little by little the barrel is filled to overflowing. That‟s exactly the way God wants us to build wealth, little by little; one step at a time! Wealth Step #1: Honor the Lord With Your Tithes and Offerings Wealth Step #2: Develop a Spending Plan Wealth Step #3: Save $1,000 for Emergencies Wealth Step #4: Pay Off Consumer Debt Wealth Step #5: Begin Saving for Retirement Wealth Step #6: Save 3-6 Months Expenses Wealth Step #7: Begin Saving for Children’s Education Wealth Step #8: Begin Non-retirement Investing Wealth Step #9: Pay off Your Home Mortgage Wealth Step #10: Experience True Financial Freedom! Just 10 simple steps - that‟s what it takes to build wealth. If you want more guidance on any of these steps, try reading Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace and Total Money Makeover, and Howard Dayton’s Your Money Map. Both books detail steps a person should take in order to build wealth and reach their financial destiny. —Lee Jenkins
www.leejenkinsministries.org
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JPMorgan Chase has given more than $100 million to nonprofit organizations every year for the past five years, focusing on community development, education, and arts and culture. The bank strives to be a catalyst to meaningful, positive, and sustainable change within high-need neighborhoods and communities across the globe. It also supports employee efforts through matching gift and volunteer programs.
Earlier this year, Chase provided over 500,000 local organizations with a national platform to promote their missions, attract new supporters, and gain visibility with more than 2 million Chase Community Giving fans. At the end of the program, we gave away $5 million to charities all over the country, including a grand prize donation of $1 million to Invisible Children to help children in Uganda. XXXIII
TECH/WEB Newest Gadgets to Get CLEAR's iSpot can serve as a hotspot for up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices at a time optimized for Apple's mobile devices. The device, which looks a lot like a Mighty Mouse, or a bar of soap, will be available as of August 10 for $99, with a no-contract, $25 monthly plan for unlimited data. If you need affordable HD right now, then the Dell Mini 10 is the choice for you. Although it is a little bulkier than other contenders, itâ€&#x;s worth it to trade a little weight for the sturdier build. The glossy red top is a welcome splash of color without looking cheap. And where most netbook batteries stick out, the Mini's is safely tucked away in the bottom deck. The result? A small form laptop with a big boy design. The Mini 10 is also the easiest to type on, with its flush and raised keys you will be hand-crampfree compared to the island-style netbook keyboards.
Sites (web) to See
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gmc is the fastest growing network on television and is available on DIRECTV 338, on Verizon FiOS channel 224 and on local cable. To order DIRECTV call 1-800DIRECTV. To see if gmc is available through your cable or satellite provider, please follow the instructions below or call 1.877.4.GOSPEL to be connected directly to your provider.
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POLITICS, LEGISLATION, & POLICY Special Performance Rights update and Songwriters, publishers 264 million deal. Last year Congress requested major music industry stakeholders to meet on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to have two organizations negotiate a resolution on behalf of all artists and radio. If you are an organization, artist, blogger, social net worker, announcer or supporter of the music industry you should be concerned about this issue. This negotiation will affect your future music legacy. This is an issue in which all stakeholders should let there voices be heard. Sometimes we are distracted from the real important issues and I believe any stakeholder in the music industry should not allow only two organizations to negotiate on their behalf. If you don't care then do nothing sit back and watch what happens. Another development was the report of a 264 million payday for songwriters and publishers, but you must take action to be a part of the settlement. Information is indeed power when applied and used wisely, help get the word out. Call Congress and let them know you are a major stakeholder that wants and needs to have their voice heard on this issue. Equal rights for performer—its only right. The Performance Rights Act must pass."GET ON THIS!"
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Black Card The World Awaits. Apply Online: www.blackcard.com Apply By Phone: (866) BLACK CARD (866 252 2522)
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Beulah Heights University—“Developing relevant Christian leaders for the ministry and marketplace.” 892 Berne Street, SE, PO Box 18145 Atlanta, GA 30316 Online: www.beulah.org Telephone: 404-627-2681 or toll free 1-888-777-2422 For Admissions Information: admissionsinfo@beulah.org XLI