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MARCH/APRIL 2010 SHAWTY LO I’M DA MAN PAGE 12

+ BIG BANK BLACK PAGE 8-B MIA X PAGE 9-B ICES PAGE 13-B MARKETING & PROMOTION PAGE 7-B

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The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views and opinion of Colom Media Group LLC, The New Power Magazine, nor any of our advertisers. Colom Media Group, LLC does not claim any responsibility for stories, photographs, interviews, audio, video, nor any other advertising or promotional material sent to us that has been misrepresented; nor any other unsolicited material. The New Power, the diamond fist, and all related logos are trademarks of Colom Media Group, LLC. This publication may not be reproduced in whole nor in part without the written permission of the publisher. Copyright © 2010, Colom Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Editorial, advertising, subscriptions, and reviews: P.O. Box 8465 Columbus, MS 39705.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR Anthony Colom anthony@newpowermagazine.com

MUSIC EDITOR Todd Young todd@newpowermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Selena Lopez selena@newpowermagazine.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Yvonne Wilson yvonne@newpowermagazine.com

COVER GRAPHICS Joe Dent joe@newpowermagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS Bob Baker, James Johnson, Njai Joszar, Singersroom.Com, Lauren M. Walker

Advertise Your Business, Product, or Service in our upcoming ALL-MISSISSIPPI Issue Deadline: May 3, 2010

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Nj a Co i Josz ur t e s y or P S i n hot g er o : sr o Mi om cha .Co e l B m lac kw ell

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After parting ways with longtime label home The Inc, R&B singer Lloyd is looking forward to a stellar future with the forthcoming release of his fourth studio album and yet another Hip-Hop infused single (in vein of “You”) titled “Pusha”.

Sitting down with us shortly after securing a release from The Inc and parting ways with music mogul Irv Gotti, the “You” and “Get It Shawty” singer talks everything from his new single and collaborative works with DJ Khaled to the state of R&B and the ever present formula and love found between Urban Pop/R&B and Hip Hop. Now last time we spoke with you, you had “Lessons In Love” out. What has been the biggest change for you since the last couple of years?

that we not try to mash up one genre and make it sort of like “What the hell is going on..” I think what’s cool about the records we’ve done, me and my fellow artist friends, is that we find a way to show each genre in its respective light. So the R&B meets the rap in a very witty and very clever way. That’s half of it. The other half is just God and leaving your faith in the man upstairs. Do you think we’ll ever lose that Hip Hop and R&B sound?

Lloyd: Of course not, they’re two of the most influential genres of music in the world, especially right now. Just coming from Europe I had a chance to see how people respond to our music. It was incredible and

Lloyd: I officially left The INC. Records. Personally, the biggest change… I don’t know… my chin hair and facial hair (laughter).

Oh okay (laughter). So in terms of The INC, that’s official now? Lloyd: Yes. I’m going to take the independent route, not for an album, just for a single, which is called “Pusha”. Okay, so “Pusha” is the official new single? Lloyd: It’s a great song. I plan on releasing that to create a buzz the exact same way I did with “You.” Each time I hear you man, you are taking it to the next level, which is good. What’s next for you, sound/lyric wise on this fourth album? Lloyd: As far as direction I think, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”… With “Pusha” though, it shows a more mature and more wittier side of me and writing side of me as far as me relating ‘her’ love to a drug. I think that it’s something for both sides. It’s something for the hardcore audience and it’s something for the softer side of women’s ears. Cool. Now you’ve done the collabs with Lil Wayne, Jibbs and so many others in Hip Hop. Hip Hop and R&B continue to mesh so well. In your opinion, what makes the chemistry between the two so sought after…. even now? Lloyd: I think what’s most important is

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they love it. They’re out there making beats, making crunk beats, and doing gangsta rap. Sometimes it might not necessarily meet the authenticity we’re looking for. .. like I guess whenever you have too much of one thing, you get too much of one thing, like fake thugs and wanna be gangstas. For the most part, the music helps people. It influences their lives in ways you can’t even imagine. A far as this new album, who are you working with or have you worked with thus far? Lloyd: So far I’ve worked with some incredible producers: The Runners, Jim Jonsin, and E(Eric) Hudson but, I’m really looking forward to working with new faces and creating new relationships through music, which is why I went down to Miami and spent two weeks recording with Cool & Dre, (DJ) Khaled, The Runners and Jim Jonsin. I feel that this time in my life is symbolic to building bridges and opening new doors… doors that weren’t open before. Going

out and working with new people like Pharell and Timbaland or even Dr. Dre, in my dream world, that would be something that would surprise a lot of people. The Runners did “Pusha,” how did that come about? Lloyd: Me and Khaled… just kicking it from time to time. I’ve known (DJ) Khaled for years now and we first met through Irv, actually through Fat Joe back when I was running with Joe and Terror Squad in Miami. Next thing you know he’s calling out “We The Best”. He’s putting Miami back on the map. There’s just something about that guy that is just entertaining. He’s fun to be around and I wanted to get that in my music. I had to find a way to mix my sound with some Miami hood tracks and make good stuff and I think that’s what we did. What world event has changed your perspective on life or affected your music? Lloyd: Hurricane Katrina.. Definitely. Born in New Orleans, and yes I rep the “A” (Atlanta) all day but, my family’s there and my history is there. When that happened, it hit close to home and a lot of family members were displaced. I really had to step up and use my blessings for personal reasons. It was like, I got money but, does this mean that I go out and put the rims on the ride or do I hold this and support my family. That’s kind of what it was man. Did Katrina and its effect on your family affect your music? Lloyd: Most definitely. When something like that happens it makes you go harder because it’s bigger than you now. I was doing it for everyone in the family and I would hope that that would reflect in the music. I released “Street Love” (“You,” “Get It Shawty”) shortly after Katrina. I think the fact that I really worked hard on the record and it showed in the response, was just a testament to what me and my family were going through at the time. Now the ladies still love that hair man, but beyond that, what piece of apparel, jewelry or some type of accessory makes you feel powerful? Tattoos. You can’t buy them in a store and you can’t change them. I can’t change them with my shirt or with my necklace. You know, I can cut my hair off but, my tattoos will remain the same.

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STORY R E V O C

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Source: Forbes.

2. Sean "Diddy" Combs $30 million Dapper don of hip-hop continues his decade-long run of good fortune. Diversified Diddy brings in cash from clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy, premium vodka Ciroc and reality TV shows Making the Band and Run's House. With over 1 million followers and an abundance of exuberant posts, Diddy is among the most prolific of hip-hop's Twitterati.

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3. Kanye West $25 million Stayed atop the hip-hop charts with the release of his fourth album, 808s and Heartbreak. Though not as well-received as his prior effort, the multiplatinum Graduation, experimental oeuvre sold nearly 2 million copies. Moonlights as a shoe designer, recently crafting a successful limited-run Nike line called the Air Yeezy; designed another shoe line for Louis Vuitton, due out this summer.

1. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter $35 million Reclaimed his crown as the top Hip-Hop Cash King despite taking a steep pay cut from the $82 million he brought in a year ago. The reason? That figure was inflated by a top-heavy 10-year, $150 million deal he signed with Live Nation last April. Still had a good year: wrapped up a huge an international tour, made a groundbreaking appearance at the U.K.'s Glastonbury Festival and honeymooned with new wife BeyoncĂŠ. Owns a stake in pro basketball's New Jersey Nets and New York's 40/40 nightclub. 4. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson $20 million, tie Last year's highest-earning hiphop star has seen annual pay fall from $150 million to $20 million. Reason: a $100 million windfall from the sale of VitaminWater parent GlacĂŠau to Coca-Cola last year. Steep drop in earnings makes him look like a crashing bank stock, but Queens-born rapper might survive future stress tests better than most: His portfolio includes popular GUnit clothing line and record label, plus films, videogames and a slew of platinum albums. Launched cologne for Macy's in June. Fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, is set for release later this year.

4. Aliaune "Akon" Thiam $20 million, tie Split childhood between Senegal and the U.S., gained worldwide fame with 2004 hit "Locked Up." Since then, has become one of hip-hop's most versatile artists--one of few to make more money this year than last. Can thank diversification: writes, sings, raps and produces; makes lucrative guest appearances on other artists' songs and tours frequently. Other business ventures include Konvict Clothing and Konvict Music, a label that boasts pop princess Lady Gaga.

6. Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter $18 million Started hip-hop career as a teenager with group Hot Boys, blossomed into a mainstream celebrity with hits like "Tha Block is Hot" and "Lollipop." This year, pulled in an estimated $10 million from his 65-show mega-tour alone; latest album, Tha Carter III, went platinum in its opening week. Followup Tha Carter IV said to be in the works. Also starred alongside Forrest Whitaker in the film Hurricane Season, due out later this year. Longtime buddy Birdman reportedly gave Lil Wayne $1 million in cash for his 26th birthday in October. 7. Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley $17 million Hip-hop super-producer continues to churn out tracks at a frenetic pace; catalog of classic hits include Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" and Ludacris' "Roll Out." More recently, produced pop songs for the likes of Madonna and Chris Cornell. Second solo album Shock Value went platinum shortly after its release in 2007; follow-up is scheduled for later this year. Hollywood beckons: Timba is reportedly set to produce the soundtrack to Simon Cowell's rumored Saturday Night Fever remake.

8. Pharrell Williams $16 million Versatile star made his name penning hits for rappers and pop artists alike as part of popular production duo The Neptunes. Recently produced songs for Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss. Now fronts the funk-rock band N*E*R*D and is said to be an avid Star Trek fan. A geek with exquisite taste, Williams designs sunglasses for Louis Vuitton and owns apparel lines Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys Club. Reportedly owns a solid gold BlackBerry.

9. Faheem "T-Pain" Najm $15 million Circus-themed album Thr33 Ringz debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's chart and has sold nearly 700,000 copies to date. Dreadlocked star also cashed in on a slew of guest appearances, including Flo Rida's "Low" and Kanye West's Grammy-winner "Good Life" last year. Nominated for three more Grammys in 2009. Appearance on Saturday Night Live digital short "On a Boat" became an Internet sensation, earning over 30 million YouTube views. Hip-hop's Jay Leno owns 32 cars, including the first Rolls Royce Phantom convertible sold in the U.S

10. Marshall "Eminem" Mathers $14 million

11. Andre "Dr. Dre" Young $13 million

14. William "will.i.am" Adams $8 million, tie

14. Clifford "T.I." Harris $8 million, tie

20. Tramar "Flo Rida" Dillard $6 million

12. Calvin "Snoop Dogg" Broadus $11 million

14. Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean $8 million, tie

20. William "Rick Ross" Roberts $6 million, tie

13. Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges $10 million

18. Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin $7 million, tie

20. Jayceon "The Game" Taylor $6 million, tie

14. Lonnie "Common" Lynn $8 million, tie

18. Antwan "Big Boi" Patton $7 million, tie

20. Jay "Young Jeezy" Jenkins $6 million, tie

SHAWTY LO 12

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I’M DA MAN Words : Anthony Colom

Last time we spoke, you were riding high with D4L off of “Laffy Taffy.” So it’s been a while. You’ve had major success since then with your solo projects. Talk to us about how things have changed for you and what you’ve got going on.

Photo: D4L / Asylum Records

drug game, and everybody knew who I was. One of my other artists use to tell me people were saying that D4L wouldn’t be nothing without Fabo, and I didn’t tell anyone, but I took it kinda personal. So I started going up in the studio recording my solo stuff. That’s when I came up with my first song, “I’m Da Man.” People were like, ‘Lo, that’s the kinda music we wanna hear from you, right there.’ That’s pretty much how my career came off as a solo artist.

Do you know what track will be released first ?

Man, I got my new mixtape. I got my new alcohol called Stunna. I got my new cologne called Lo Seduction. I got a lot of stuff I’m working on; you know, my diabetes foundation. I’ve got some new artists on my label, and I put my group D4L back together also. You received the “Rookie of the Year Award” a couple of years ago at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. We know that you had been recording with D4L and weren’t really a rookie, but just a solo rookie. What made you step from behind the scene and get out front ?

Yeah, that was a big award for me. I wasn’t really no rap artist. I formed D4L and just really wanted to be behind the scene. I joined the group just to add my flavor. I was a dude from the street who had been in the

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Talk about your new project, I AM CARLOS, that’s coming soon. Carlos is my real name, and basically I’m just talking about what went down with me before this whole Shawty Lo thang. Carlos is a dude that’s been on his own since he was 17. Since my grandmother died from cancer, and my mother was on drugs when I was young. How as an individual, where I came from, and how I came to be successful. I heard that your song “Supplier” is gonna be on that CD. It was, but since it’s been out so long now, I don’t think it’s gonna be on there. It was on my mix tape.

Umm... I’m not sure because I don’t have a set date. Everybody’s kinda confused right now about what to go with. Right now, I’m just trying to get my name hot in the streets again.

When D4L first hit, a lot of people laughed at yall and called you one-hit-wonders and figured no one in the group would be heard from again. Has anyone ever come to you and apologized for something they said, and admitted to being wrong about you ? Cause you’ve been doing your thing for the last couple of years.

I never heard anyone say anything, but I always heard about folk saying something. I never heard the one-hitwonder thing, but I heard that we wouldn’t be anything without Fabo. 50 Cent did apologize and say he was wrong about us. By the way, people think me and Fabo got beef with each other, but we don’t. He’s back with the group for the new album.

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I’m well known in the industry as Ices. I’m from Illinois, and considered throughout the entertainment industry as down to earth and 100% focused.

I discovered my love for dancing at an early age. I live for breaking down doors as a next -generation vixen. I’ve hosted countless mix-tape parties, to being featured on flyers and promo ads. Occupation: beautician/ model/entertainer Measurements: 34C - 24 - 34 Contact me at: www.myspace.com/bookices

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l The New Power

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A full lengt knows. My up meeting you e near future everyone else g forward to m you in th me you and . I am lookin March 4-7. na fro re a d, tu ct fu en be pe e ek to ex th we e pe in y ho that What can w else personall y and a club o. I of course ne on di m yo ra e re an th ce or ds u on t yo awar of my music elf. lly get to mee rming at the tell about mys I will hopefu I will be perfo the chance to humble and SEA awards. to e e th m g g in in nd giv te at for and all those s. Thank you much succes we wish you d an e, tim your Thanks for 11-B www.newpowermagazine.com

Cover Story Words: Anthony Colom

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MIA X MAMA’S HOME Words: James Johnson

It’s been so long since we’ve heard from you (musically). Just how long has it been? Mia X: Eleven years I’ve been gone. I’m excited that the fans are accepting. It is beautiful. I’m honored and humbled. When it comes down to sites, you have a choice. There are so many others in the game.

Mia X: I don’t worry about that at all. I have my core fans, and I aim to please them. I sold 70,000 twice. At the same time, I know who the core audience. Anyone else who comes along, it’s good. I don’t run to the red carpet. I bang the beats out in the studio, and take it to the fans in concert. Anyone who knows me knows I put the music down and am about my business.

Now if I’m recalling correctly, you lost both your parents in the same year, which is what took you away, right?

Mia X: My parents passed after I dropped Mama Drama. First my mother, then my father. I lost like 14 family members in 18 months. My mom was the caregiver. My kids were in grade school at the time. I had to be a full time mom. I wanted to make sure my sister finished her education. I’m happy to say she is now a doctor of internal med and molecular genetics. My kids are grown now. They have their own places, and are productive citizens. I’m so proud to be their mom. Now I’m ready to return back to my first love. I got my first itch at a time when Gangsta Boo came over, and I had made dinner, and she said I should go to the studio. I met Gucci Mane, and he reminded me so much of P. He suggested I get on a song with him. Then Boo and I decided to go in with Drama Boy and did a song. I was feeling really ready. I started reaching out to people on Myspace and Facebook. When it got up to 70,000 people saying I should, that was all I needed. That was my core audience. My first record hit in 1992. I sold 77,000 records, The Payback. Do you worry about the nay-sayers, or the people who will say that it’s past your time?

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Many are going to ask, what has changed with Mama Mia now? What do you feel has kept you relevant for a return?

Mia X: Lyrically, I walk it like I talk it. I have so much more subject matter than before. I’ve grown as an artist, and as a woman. That sums it up. There’s been a hell of a lot of growth, and I’ve sharpened my skills. I’m in the game, and I’m doing this with no nonsense and no foolishness.

How long has this return been brewing? How long have you been working on the new material? Mia X: I started working on this two months ago. I have been talking over a year and a half honestly, and doing tracks with various people. About 7 months ago, I started reaching out to producers and artists for my project.

Now you have two projects, the album, and the mixtape. How has the time been split between the two?

Mia X: I’ve been working on both together. I’ll do one for Unladylike Forever, then one for Betty Rocka. I’ve also been doing different things for other artists. I think we would all expect your children to be your number one supporters. What are their comments and thoughts?

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Mia X: My kids love it. They were so young, and because my subject is so raw, I didn’t have them involved before. My son says I have punch lines from 12 years ago that still cant be touched. My daughter likes alternative and neo soul. She likes what I do, but she’s not a real hip hop head. So have you been fielding offers and ideas for deals? Mia X: Yea, I’ve been dealing with a couple of offers. I am entertaining it, but I want Betty Rocka Locksmith and the mixtape out to the fans so they have something dope to listen to. Give that feeling that I gave to women long ago. My first record in 92 was about designer labels and whatnot. It’s a lot of females that go to school and work everyday, balancing being moms and wives, dealing with bosses. I want to bring that back to them. Now is the time. I represent the ladies that struggle, and make a dollar out of 15 cents. How does it feel to be back in this? Mia X: You know what, the thing is, shout out to Mannie Fresh. We were kids in 1984, we met a guy, and started a group. I loved rocking the mic then. We had the privilege of opening up for several big acts. I cut my first record in 92. Shout out to Angie Stone. She’s one of the first female rap pioneers. She was in the group The Sequence. I was like, girls do this? I wanted to do this. I’m in a happy place. I love being creative, love making music that makes you laugh, cry, shake, and have sex. I love creating and giving to the people. I’m eager to give the fans something. I’m so honored. It’s a blessing because people are checking for me. This is a blessing. It’s the best birthday, Valentine, or Christmas gift. I’m on my grind.

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BIG BAN K BLACK Atlanta , GA

Words: Anthony Colom Photo: Diwang Valdez Boy droppin’ now ! We did his deal with his

his old lady. A.J. was from my neighborhood. Me and him use to kick it before he died, and Kandi was like family. Like I said, before I went to Patchwerk to really record, I was at her house fucking around with it. She heard it and liked it. I put her on it.

Black, you’ve developed a buzz around Atlanta lately. Tell us your story.

As CEO of Duct Tape, what made you step up to the microphone ?

Shit, you know ...... Duct Tape Entertainment..... that’s my company. I started it in ‘05. It’s your regular streetnigga story. You know ....... success coming. I got like 7 artists signed to me already. Alley Boy, I got him signed with a 50/50 joint venture between Duct Tape and Atlantic Records. Your track, “Try It Out,” got a lot of play in Atlanta. Talk about that.

Yeah, I originally recorded it at Kandi’s house (Kandi Burress). Then I put her on the track and went down to Patchwerk (studio) to boost it up, and put that shit out in the streets. I started with the muhfucka at ground level; went to the clubs like every night with it. Shit started picking up. Radio got on it after that, and it went from there. How did you and Kandi hook up ?

Well, my brother, Alley Boy, he got locked up back in December of ‘08, and I took it upon myself to start a FREE ALLEY campaign. So I ended up picking up the microphone in the clubs and shoutin’ him out. Then I decided to drop a song. But my main two artists got locked up, so I took it upon myself to do something. Ya feel me ? I had been producing and helping em write hooks and shit; but this was my first time just really recording a record myself. Do you plan to keep persuing it, or was this just something to keep your label and it’s name afloat until everyone got out of jail ?

Naw, I’m a hustler. I’m gone keep on til it slows down. If it does, I’ll accept my lick and move on. As far as your artists, who will we hear about next ?

Well you know, A.J., rest his soul, that was Alley Boy ! I ain’t gone say next. Alley

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with Atlantic in July, and I did my deal with Def Jam in October. That’s two major accomplishments for Duct Tape. I got a roster of people from Atlanta. It’s the home team; everybody’s from the same neighborhood. We all grew up together. Describe your sound for those who’ve never had the opportunity to hear your stuff. I call it “Street Soul.” Sometimes I might rap, and sometimes I might harmonize on that shit. It all depends on how I feel that day. Ya feel me ? I can’t really describe it. A lot of people are already pickin’ up on it though. I got a lot of rappers calling me asking me for hooks. I done sent hooks and verses to all type of rappers. It’s overwhelming really. I can’t believe people are acting like that. Even Bow Wow wantin’ to jump on a track. It’s just a new sound....... I guess. What area of Atlanta are you from ? East side of Atlanta: Zone 6. Zaytoven produced “Try It Out.” Do you have in-house producers ? How do you get your tracks ? I listen to a lot of tracks. If I like it, then I like it. It don’t matter if it’s a local joker, or a major cat. I ain’t on that big name shit. I been knowing Zay for a long time. He use to cut my son’s hair at the mall. He’s a personal homie of mine. I had the harmony in my head for a while. You know, we been saying, “Fuck wit my pimpin’: Try It Out” for over 2o years now, right ? I been hearing that all my life. I just put the “Try It Out” on there, went over to Zay’s and was vibin’, and put it together just like that. What’s behind your label’s name: Duct Tape Entertainment ? It ain’t no negative shit. It just describes how me and my partners stick together. You know, at the end of the day, it can be. But it’s just about stickin’ together.

www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l

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MARKETING & PROMOTION

TOP MUSIC LICENSING SITES 1. Rumblefish - Licensing for television, film, advertisements, websites, videos, games, podcasts, and sonic branding - e.g. your music inside your local Gap. www.rumblefish.com 2. Gamecues - Licensing for the gaming industry. www.gamecues.com 3. YouLicense - Music licensing marketplace - essentially, their system enables artists and those seeking music to conduct business directly with each other. www.youlicense.com 4. Pump Audio - Artists can license their music in television and advertising without giving up any ownership. www.pumpaudio.com 5. BeatPick - Music licensing provider. www.beatpick.com 6. Ricall - Music licensing marketplace, connecting users wanting to license music directly with the relevant copyright owners. www.ricall.com 7. SoundReef - In private beta, this service exchanging music for promotion in television, film, a d v e r t i s i n g , e t c . www.soundreef.com 8. Renommee.net 9. Sentricmusic.com 10. magnatune.com 11. soundlounge.co.uk

These companies are not listed in any particular order.

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l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com

4 Ways to Create a Rock-Solid Brand Identity Online By Bob Baker

Branding has been a business buzzword for many years. But the term has implications far beyond corporate logos, slick packaging and commercial jingles. Effective branding is all about telling customers who you are, what you do and how you do it. Despite a sluggish economy and uncertainty throughout the world, more people are spending time and money online than ever before. That's why it's vitally important for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs alike to use the Internet to make an impact. Here are four tips to help you carve a focused identity online. 1. Define your brand up front. When visitors arrive at your web site, let them know immediately what you do and why they should care. Far too many web sites shroud their identity in flashy graphics and ambiguous slogans without telling people what the company or person actually does. View your site through the eyes of a new visitor. Does it spell out exactly what your brand stands for? If not, redesign it so your purpose and identity are unmistakable. For example, Terri Lonier's Working Solo site at www.workingsolo.com does a good job of establishing her as a resource for freelancers. The opening paragraph lets visitors know exactly who the site is for. 2. Lead with what you do, not who you are. It may defy logic, but making your company name the most visible element on your home page may not be the most effective way to reinforce your brand. A web-based or e-mail marketing message should state a benefit right off the bat. Which of these paints a clearer identity: The business name "Dog Owner Central" displayed in large letters or the more specific description "Training tips for busy dog owners"? 3. Use a real person as a figure head. The online world can be a cold, mechanical place. Your branding efforts are more effective when you add a recognizable, consistent human element. Think of the way Dave Thomas used to promote Wendy's. If your company has a CEO or spokesperson who is closely identified with the company offline, make sure that connection carries to the cyberworld. If you run a business by yourself, by all means, put your name, photo and personal message on your web site. Nothing creates mystery and distrust more than a site that is void of a human contact and asks visitors to send e-mail to the "webmaster." 4. Develop a fan-club mentality. Most online marketers try to generate readers, visitors or users. I encourage you to switch gears and create fans. "Users" are people who visit your web site, subscribe to your newsletter or buy your products and services. "Fans," on the other hand, cheer you on, rave about you to their friends, and eagerly follow everything you do. Which would you rather have? [Bob Baker is the author of "Branding Yourself Online: How to Use the Internet to Become a Celebrity or Expert in Your Field.â&#x20AC;? ]

. P E R U S A PLEHTING VICIOUS LIES FIG

L WORDS:

aure

Y: Sing OURTES C r e lk a n M. W

Pleasure P, the former crooner of Pretty Ricky we now all know as “Boyfriend Number 2” was just nominated for three Grammy awards. However, the celebration of his nomination was deterred amid a firestorm caused by a recent Twitter leaked rumor, painting the “Under” singer as a disturbed Child Molester. Not one to take the allegations lightly, Mr. Cooper reached out so that he can set the record straight. You heard the story, now let’s get it straight from the source.

Pleasure P: I mean I felt hurt. It was the day that It was announced I got nominated for three Grammys. It was the same day so it kind of like ruined it, like it happened around the same time. Actually I found out about [the rumor] first before I found out I was nominated for 3 Grammys. And of course I’m very upset about it because I have a 5-year-old son that looks up to me, which I care about dearly. He has to go to school and hear stuff like this. Stuff that’s not true and I take it very seriously.

Do you know what lead to the circumstances of the recent allegations?

Was there any animosity between you and Pretty Ricky?

Pleasure P: Honestly, I don’t know what led to anything, regarding something that’s not true, something that’s false. You know the person that page it came from is not a person at all, and it’s crazy and it’s a vicious nasty lie.

Pleasure P: I mean I don’t have any relationship with them, none whatsoever. So, I couldn’t tell you when it comes to that kind of stuff, I don’t speak to them, I don’t talk to them we don’t have a relationship, so…

How did you hear about the “vicious lie”, as you say?

To your knowledge, was it them (Pretty Ricky) that released the story?

Pleasure P: I think I just got off of stage or something and I was on my tour bus, and I just started getting phone calls and stuff and I was like: “Are you serious?!?” So, I went on Twitter and I just started reading comments. I was like: “Wow! People actually…are you serious?” I immediately left my tour and began to stand up for myself and fight back? How did you feel?

Pleasure P: I can’t say that it’s them, and I can’t say that it’s not them. But my litigation team is working on this night and day, and we’re getting to the bottom of this. We went to Twitter and Twitter suspended the page, and they actually investigating the fake person, or person who’s not a person…its things called IP addresses and stuff like that that you can actually find out the person that did it.

ersroom.C

So, I don’t see how people can believe a no-face Blogger, a person that don’t exist, a person that won’t show there face, a person that’s not a person. And for a person to present false and fake documents is just absurd. How did this affect your family and your career?

Well it does not affect anything. If people believe lies then I don’t know what to tell them. But I’m just going to keep doing me, I’m going to keep making good music, and I’m going to keep getting nominated for Grammys and I’m going to stay positive. I’m going to take the high road every time. I’m better than that, if I didn’t take the high road I’ll probably end up in jail or something. So, you have to stay away from the negative stuff in life. What’s your plan to move on?

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Pleasure P: I already moved forward. But I have to keep doing interview after interview after interview and I got to let people know…all over something that’s not true, it’s crazy. Hopefully, a lot of music overshadows all of this nonsense.

l The New Power Magazine l 6-B

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