VOLUME 3
MACK WILDS ON EDGE
STARDOM TO ESTABLISHED IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
DJ PROSTYLE MUSIC IN A SPIN
HIS & HER
CONTEMPORARY FASHION MUST HAVES
HOLLYWOOD EXCLUSIVE WITH
TEAIRRA MARI
SOHO SWEEP
STORE FRONTS AND VISUALS
10
MOST FASHIONABLE VIDEOS
OF OUR DECADE
20 Most Fashionable Music Videos of Our Decade
Fashion 40 16 7 4
Evolution of D. Auxilly The designer speaks fashion and purpose
Style Must Haves Convenient wardrobe items this season
48 29 12 44 27
Fashion Sweep Store front visuals and retail style selections
Reginae Carter The Hip Hop princess talks Shut Up Wear and personal style
Brooklyn Laced & Labels Vinnies Styles and Aglit Italy
Step and Tote Essentials for being style efficient
Mini Mode Fashion friendly kids
Rights to Wear White Trending celebrity looks in white
Mu-
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MACK WILDS ON EDGE
Stardom to Being Established in the Industry
23 48 47 57 23 59 36
Spin Off DJ Prostyle and radio hits
Music
Teairra Mari Exclusive looks from Hollywood
Friday Night Freestyles Fabolous channels 90’s rap in a freestyle series
R&B Rap Sheet Featuring artist CJ Hilton
Mark on Music Albums and artists making history
Rhymes & Riddims Brooklyn inspired artist Brngtn
Pop Scene The latest news and trends in pop music
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1.
1.
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3.
2.
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Fashion. . . .
Must Haves . . . 2. 3. 4.
4.
Men’s .....
Women’s .......
1. Asos Gingham Bow Tie $15
1. Aldo Prucia Brim Hat $25
2. H&M Men’s Cotton Blazer $69
2. Gianvito Rossi Nude Pumps $527
3. YSL La Nuit De L’Homme Cologne $65
3. Tory Burch Perfume $85
4. Nike Jordan 11 Concord (or a classic pair of choice) $250 5. Rivers Island Light Washed Distressed Jeans $90
W5.
M5.
4. Balmain Multicolor Double-Breasted Blazer $2,545 5. Fashionenira Boyfriend Jeans $50 PCL 7
Editors Letter How cliche is the motto “failing to plan, is planning to fail”, when you have implemented the necessary steps to achieve a goal, yet your plans fall short. Do you give up? or do you gain from? Do you ever get that innate feeling that you were meant to do something that you are passionate about? As if there are signs in the universe leading you to do what you love and own it. Our experiences in life, and even our career networks, prepare us for greater paths. This is why patience is a virtue. You can’t pace yourself to be your best without patience. The time it takes us to prepare for greater achievements may be weeks, months or even years. The character, the expertise, the confidence you will need to claim your highest calling will be an indefinite challenge, however, your commitment and growth will reveal itself over time. We managed to run this company for 6 years, by advancing through setbacks in which many people would have naturally quit. We embarked on faith and continued through the 5 year mark in which statistics show most magazines fail. It was in 2009 when we researched this information. Since developing an official brand, our team is ecstatic and prepared for what future issues will bring forth. The biggest task in success is staying committed and giving back in some way. Doing what you love is simply the reward.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Diana Perry EXECUTIVE EDITOR
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Enjoy our VOLUME 3 ISSUE and the latest Fashion & Music
SS15
Shakara Greene
It was a great experience making this issue from the features, to researching fashion and music, and especially the photo shoots. We had the opportunity to create a set in LA with
Teairra Mari
Mack Wilds
and the entire contributing team was dope. Working in our own city and having such inspiring people in fashion and music involved, was a great experience.
Contributors: Contributing Writer: Kalitza Pagan Director of Operations: Sharri Muschette Graphic Designer: Beverly Kirk
BEHIND THE SCENES
The ambiance and chemistry on set with
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“The D. Auxilly journey to today is testimonial.”
D. Auxilly Designer Evolution
A much needed fashion sit down left our editors intrigued by the inspirational and highly creative, Dominique Auxilly. With this being the 5 year anniversary of our first release featuring Dominque as an aspiring designer, we took in a lot about her evolution. She now talks blessings, working with top female musicians and socialites, the expansion of her brand and making her own wedding gown. The D. Auxilly journey to today is testimonial. “I’ve come a long way since my dancehall celebrity days. My line basically mirrors my lifestyle and transition. I transitioned from the Dancehall girl in the short and scandalous, to the grown and God fearing, more sophisticated woman. The line shifted. I need to wear exactly what I need!”
PAIGE: Start by telling us what these past few years has been like for you. D. AUXILLY: There’s a misconception that once you start serving God things get easier, and that’s a lie. How you manage things gets easier because of faith, and you know that there’s a sovereign Lord. You will understand that “whatever I go through, I still have Heaven and Eternity”. As I started to get deeper into God in these last 2 years, things got harder but there was more breakthrough, like growth in my business and getting married. PAIGE: Does your spirituality determine the style of garments you decide to design now? D. AUXILLY: Well, I’ve been serving God for the past five years, but it was about a year ago when I realized that my line wasn’t “in line” with what I believed. The grace and mercy, God needs to bless what you put your hands on. God I’m grateful but I know there’s another level. In my prayer time I questioned the limit. He revealed that He’s not just God of your church life, He’s God of everything. There’s another level. 16
PAIGE: What keeps you motivated? D. AUXILLY: Well just realizing that what I do is not because I want to, it’s a calling. When God calls you to do something you have to do it. When I feel like giving up I remember that it’s not up to me, if God called me to do it, there’s a reason and I have to be disciplined. It transitioned from this is my dream to this is my calling. PAIGE: How do you decide the names for the designs you create? D. AUXILLY: I choose whatever comes to mind based on the design itself. PAIGE: What were some of your fashion favorites from this past Winter 2014/15? D. AUXILLY: Colors: Cranberry, Wine, Hunter Green & Black. Materials: Lace. Accessories: I’m not a fan of accessories. I never style my pieces with accessories. My theme now is “What Rules?” PAIGE: Who are some celebrities that have been spotted in your designs?? D. AUXILLY: Eve, Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Adrienne Bailon, Janice Dickenson, Draya, Coco.
but I was like it’s better to be in the will of God than to be outside doing this and that in disobedience. It’s slowly transitioning and so I’m just waiting to see what God’s going to do. I’m like Lord I did my part, if they don’t get it that’s not my problem. He brought the first customer base so he can bring the next. The issue is that the customer base that I’ve built, they follow the culture of wanting to look like video vixens and Instagram honeys. All sheers, all naked, and I was like I can’t do this anymore. One day I decided, that’s it I’m not making these pieces anymore. During my roughest days, when I need the money, I get 3-4 calls but the devil is a liar. It’s no easy thing, you just have to trust Him. PAIGE: Who would be face of D. Auxilly if you have to choose someone right now? D. AUXILLY: I want it to be someone who represents positivity, and influences people to live a Godly life. It’s kind of hard. I gotta think about that. PAIGE: Describe the D. Auxilly girl? D. AUXILLY: She’s very conscious. She’s God fearing, She wants to look nice but not over the top. She understands that sometimes outter beauty can distract from innner beauty. She’s grown and mature. PAIGE: What is your preference in music? D. AUXILLY: Christian. Hip Hop, I can’t take the cussing. What you constantly feed in is what you spit out. I have to be careful. I love Lacrae. Jazz, Brazilian Gospel. PAIGE: What’s in your pocket book? D. AUXILLY: Sketch book, Crazy Love by
Francis Chan, my wallet, money, mints, lots of pens and a pair of sunglasses. PAIGE: Future of D. Auxilly? D. AUXILLY: Being a couture brand, to be as prominent as the European couture houses. An American couture designer. PAIGE: Anything the readers should know? D. AUXILLY: Stop chasing your dreams. You’re wasting your time. Pursue Christ and He will in turn direct your path. Sometimes when we chase our dreams, we put it before God. PAIGE: What’s Next for Dominique? D. AUXILLY: I don’t know. Just waiting on the Lord. (Laughs) D. AUXILLY SPEAKS: Throughout being saved, and him sending me followers through my business was more than them just putting money in my pocket. He gave me a platform and now I need to use it for God. He had me looking for ways to live stream, and decided on teaching the word. As a child I used to love gathering all my peers and playing school. I loved teaching, business, designing and all those gifts God had given me as a child, and now I’m in line with Him. I can express it. People have been reaching out and telling me I’m a blessing. All these years I thought I was a designer but God showed me that I am a Minister that also designs. Only what you do for Christ will stand, I’d rather minister to you than dress you. I rather you know that dress is going to die like everything else. I love designing, I love what I do, but I’m a Minister first. I pretty much have church at home on Thursdays. It’s been an awesome journey , more fulfilling that designing and dressing people.
PAIGE: Wedding line? D. AUXILLY: Yes. My own wedding gown was an intro to the wedding line. It took me hours to make my dress! I had a vision of one part. I just compiled a bunch of sketches. PAIGE: Top brands? D. AUXILLY: Balmain, Marchesa, Valentino PAIGE: Signature Dauxilly pieces? D. AUXILLY: I love layering. PAIGE: Has your customer base changed from the beginning until now? D. AUXILLY: That’s been difficult because my customers don’t get it. My customer base that I’ve had for the past 3-4 years might like some of my pieces but they won’t buy it. Sales have dropped dramatically, 17
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MOST
FASHIONABLE VIDEOs 1. IGGY AZALEA: “FANCY” (2014) With fashion coming straight out of “Clueless”, I absolutely love the 90’s preppy style portrayed in this video. Everything from plaid two piece suits and knee high socks to patent leather Mary Jane heels and little fur back packs is in here. Iggy keeps the vibe of the video modern while adding the latest Adidas and the most adorable Chanel sweater.
2. RIHANNA: “WE FOUND LOVE” (2011) This video has dope fashion. The Grunge/ Heroine chic style rules this video for both Rihanna and her leading man. Doc Martens, oversized denim jackets, boyfriend jeans, thigh highs and garter belts keeps the looks both young and rebellious.
3. KANYE WEST: “STRONGER” (2007) This is where Kanye debuts the white “shutter shades”, the quint essential statement shades that everyone in the world began to wear. He layers a Saint Laurent tee with a hoodie and a cut off denim vest, finishing the look with a pair of designer sneakers. He represents cool street style perfectly in this video.
4. NICKI MINAJ AND RIHANNA: “FLY” (2011) The futuristic cuts and wild wigs set the tone for Nicki and Rihanna’s looks in this Post - Apocalyptic glamour video. Nicki rocks crazy corset dresses with insane hardware, then incorporates an elegant evening gown with combat boots and the sickest white cutout jumpsuit!
5. Cee Lo Green: “F*ck You” (2010) Cee Lo has great personal style here and he lets it shine! Mixing patterns on his tie and pocket square, his look is quite dapper sporting cool specs, zebra print shades, and a plaid blazer.
6. Lady Gaga and Beyoncé: “Telephone” (2010) Gaga and Beyoncé mix pin-up with hardcore grunge to perfection. It’s all in the details in this outrageous video with cigarette shades, leather and chains, and incredible heels.
7. THE BLACK EYE PEAS: “BOOM BOOM POW” (2009) This music video is where The Black Eye Peas step up their fashion game with tons of cool patterns and lines, giving their looks a fun, futuristic feel. Will.I.Am’s look is new with broad shoulders and a mohawk, while Fergie rocks some funky ear muffs and structured dresses.
8. BEYONCE: “RUN THE WORLD” (2011) Beyonce’s look is both sexy and powerful with structured dresses that have futuristic cuts, intricate head pieces, and elaborate accessories. Not to mention her shoe game is SICK! Think “geometrically shattered glass” heels.
9. RIHANNA AND JAY Z: “UMBRELLA” (2007) Good girl gone bad indeed! Rihanna moves away from her cutesy island girl to a badass femme fatale. She looks amazing in sexy, little leather outfits and flirty dresses while mixing it up with androgynous accessories like the man’s tie and sexy stockings. She also looks great dressed in nothing but metallic body paint.
10. DIE ANTWOORD: “FATTY BOOM BOOM” (2012) This is my underground pick. Straight out of South Africa, this duo’s creativity is not to be denied! Their style is both outrageous and unique. And while it’s not considered every day wear, it is definitely creative, freaky, and very interesting. There’s even a drag queen “Lady Gaga” character dressed in that famous meat dress. Definitely worth a watch! WARNING: “Lady Gaga” gives birth to a bug and gets eaten by a lion. 21
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J.Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive reaches one million in sales, making it the first Hip Hop album to go platinum without a guest feature since 1989.
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Mark on music Rihanna becomes the first black woman to front Christian Dior. Her Secret Garden Spring 2015 Campaign made it’s dark, lovely reveal in May.
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Kendrick Lamar breaks a global record on Spotify with To Pimp a Butterfly streaming over 9.6 million times the day of it’s release. The album also landed number one on iTunes within it’s first week.
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spinoff
with DJ Prostyle When did you start to DJ? I started to DJ around 13 years old. I was on the turn tables at my graduation party when I went from middle school to high school. What variety of music do you prefer? I actually do like a mixture of music, from Calvin Harris “Blame It” to TI “About the Money” to Sam Smith “Latch”. What is your work schedule like? Monday through Friday you can catch me on New York’s Power 105.1 doing my radio show from 10 AM to 2 PM. Saturday nights on Saturday Night Online with Romeo, which is one of the nation’s biggest syndicated radio shows on over 135 different radio stations. Almost every night of the week I’m at a different club in the Tri-State area, and every other weekend rocking in a different city. Recently, some Friday’s on Good Morning America and I signed to Warner Bros. What else do you have in the works? I’m working on my own album which will be an up-tempo party album featuring some of today’s biggest artists.
Feeling Myself - Nicki Minaj, Beyonce Post to Be Omarion, Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko Trap Queen - Fetty Wap Slow Motion - Trey Songz BBHMM - Rihanna Energy - Drake Truffle Butter - Nicki Minaj Blessings - Big Sean, Drake, Kanye West
Earn It - Weeknd
The Matrimony - Wale, Usher Be Real - Kid Ink, Dej Loaf Loaf Commas - Future I Don’t Mind - Usher All Day - Kanye West Ayo - Tyga, Chris Brown See You Again - Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth Inner Circle - Chronixx
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RIGHTS TO WEAR All White with Accent Cassie
White
Hint of Black
Color Block
Lala Anthony
Beyonce
Tyga
Neutral Kim Kardashian West
Drake 50 Cent
Steph Curry 27
Laced & Labels
BROOKLYN Aglit Italy Premium shoe lace line customizing the trendiest kicks since 2013. Inspired to “design what’s missing in fashion, not what’s trending.” Each style is a hand crafted blend of high end materials. Spotted on Trey Songz, Teyana Taylor, Jeremih, Adrienne Bailon and others in fashion and sports. www.AglitItaly.com
Vinnies Styles
Fashion retailer and innovator stocking and creating the latest street wear, snap backs and urban fashion. Nas, Fabolous, Erica Mena and others have been sporting Vinnie’s collection. www.VinniesStyles.com 29
Mack
WildS It’s a new revolution for Tristan “Mack” Wilds since the days of being a young actor on HBO’s hit series The Wire. Mack has developed into a well established entertainer with many ventures under his belt. The “Own It” lyricist explains growing up and working hard to maintain his success at an early age. He calls his transition from acting to music a smooth one, while giving credit to many big industry names for their support. He continues to remain career focused, all while being influential.
PCL: Did you have a hard time transitioning from the film to music? MACK: I think if I didn’t have Salaam in my corner, if I didn’t have Pete Rock helping me and names like DJ Premier, Havoc from Mobb Deep, James Poyser, James Fauntleroy, Ne-Yo, and Rico Love, who knows where I would have been. PCL: You did your very first tour with Wiz Khalifa in the Fall of 2014. MACK: Yea, we finished the beginning of September last year. PCL: Tell us more about the tour. MACK: It was crazy! As mentioned, it was my very first tour. It was probably one of the most amazing experiences being around so many different artists, ultimately all creative minds and just always on 100. I felt as if I was taking over in every single sense. From the fans to the friendship that you create, to partying every night, it was pretty crazy. PCL: Which city was the livest? MACK: Toronto was pretty turned up. Indy was pretty amazing. Boston is always dope. We did Long Island and we did New Jersey, and that’s home base for me so you know that was like automatic. PCL: Now that you are doing music, What is the best part of it? You mentioned that the tour was a phenomenal experience but what else do you enjoy as far as music? MACK: I’ve been doing music for a while now so I guess the fun part has been the same thing for me as the acting part, it’s pretty much the creation of it. The creation of the character or the creation of the song. Once you actually have the song or you have that character down and you portray it, you put it out there and people get to see it and listen. The response that you get back is always the most gratifying thing. It’s like OK they love my work.
PCL: You are working on an album? MACK: Yea I am working on an album, Part 2. I feel like the fans have been rocking with me for a long time. Now that the album came out in 2013, I feel like its only right that they get another dose of Mack Wilds. Even if it’s a small dose, just another dose to hold them over. PCL: Comparing your latest EP to your last project, what would you say is different in terms of growth and creativity? MACK: I think its just deeper cuts. I’m not necessarily changing anything up. I definitely 32
live by “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” I feel like the last album was an introduction and this next album, I want it to be more like, lets really talk about who I am, what I am, the situations that I go through, the life that I live etc. Just some more serious stuff but also some more fun stuff. I feel like I got to have a little more fun on this project. PCL: Are you done with acting? MACK: Not at all. I’m definitely still deep deep in acting. The only thing different is the name. PCL: Do you have anything in the works as
far as acting? MACK: Me and my crew, The Ninety-Five, we have a separate entity called The Second Amendment. That is my visual side. I’m always working or coming up with ideas for short films, music videos or anything. The acting is very much still in affect. We are working on screenplays as we speak and there should be some stuff out very soon. PCL: So later on down the line we might actually see you behind the camera? MACK: Absolutely.
PCL: What is fashion for Mack? What is your fashion sense?
PCL: Are there any local spots that you like to hit up regularly? MACK: Of course Griffin is popping. 1 Oak is always popping. Shout out to Uncle J and Richie Akiva and everybody over there. I kind of just go wherever the vibe takes me. One day I’ll be turning up at 1 Oak, popping bottles, and the next day I’ll be at a jazz club or at the village underground or something like that. You kind of have to balance it out the right way.
MACK: Fly, sexy, but comfortable. I am very much into being comfortable in what I am wearing, but also having sort of an edge. I’m very minimalistic. I don’t like too much, I don’t like it too flair. I have this Louis Vuitton sweater and if you didn’t know what it was already then you wouldn’t know what name brand it was at all. I like stuff like that. PCL: Are there any particular brands that you follow collections of?
MACK: I’m more of just a shopper. I look at more of the quality of stuff coming out. I am a big fan of Alexander Wang, and Raf Simons. I think Raf Simons is amazing. PCL: Do you do your own shopping or do you have a stylist? MACK: I usually do my own shopping. My stylist is more of my shopping buddy. PCL: When you are in NY and you are not working, what are you doing? MACK: You know what’s crazy, what I do on my downtime is drive around the city. I just drive around and it’s mainly just to get the energy of the city. You know I feel like New York is one of those cities that you can literally walk outside and not have anything to do that day, and come back home having the best day of your life. Even if you are just people watching it is the most amazing day.
“Either you man up and step up to the challenge, or sit back and watch it all fly by”
PCL: Tell us about starting out in the industry at an early age, and what it took to get you where you are today. MACK: I’m 25 now so I feel like ever since high school everything has been going a lot faster than I expected. I grew up in a neighborhood where you are supposed to grow up faster than others. Jumping into a business where at 16 they expect you to be an adult, it was kind of one of those situations where it’s either you man up and step up to the challenge, or you sit down and watch it all fly by. So I definitely had to do what I had to do. At one time I was doing TV shows, different movies, different auditions here and there, getting shut down here but getting picked up there, and you learn a lot.You grow a lot, you meet a lot of people and they teach you a lot. I think the last few years, especially with doing 90210 and even now, getting deeper inside of the music business, it’s definitely awarded me plenty of knowledge that isn’t just common knowledge.
Photographer: Garfield Galbraith Uniique Impact Productions Location: Kinanm Lounge Brooklyn, NY 11238 First Look: Dress Wear Provided by H&M Second Look: Casual Wear Custom Made Bass by Ron Bass Motor jacket 34
Denim: London Brand Jeans Footwear: Timberland White T-Shirt: H&M Basics
Fourth Look: ( Black and White) Coat: Zara White T-Shirt: H&M Basics
Third Look: Semi-Casual Snapback Hat: Bass by Ron Bass Sweater: Zara Menswear Denim Jeans: Zara Menswear Footwear: Zara Menswear Laces: Aglit Italy
Embellish Style Team: (Styling Team) Dee Scarlett: Creative Director/Stylist Yannica Souffrant: Founder Jay Prosper: Founder
POP SCENE Britney’s Back Britney Spears is back on the scene with a new video, “Pretty Girls”, featuring Iggy Azalea. While still looking good in a crop top, Britney rocks curly blonde hair and gives another signature dance scene. The visual displays plenty of fun on set.
Selena Watch Selena Gomez is set to release her first album on Interscope Records this year. She recently debuted her Adidas Neo SS15 line. The collection features glam sportswear items such as crop top hoodies, and a floral print track suit. #NeosignedbySelena
Nick Crossover Nick Jonas announced his Live in Concert Tour coming September 2015. He crossed over to a new sound and audience since the release of his self titled album and songs like “Jealous”, Ciara’s “I Bet” remix, and Sage the Gemini’s “Good Thing. “ 36
Taylor Tops Taylor Swift takes home the most trophies from the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. She won 6 categories including Top Females Artist, Top 100 Artist and Top Digital Songs Artist. This is nothing less than predictable for the “Bad Blood” singer.
SOHO SWEEP Surfing though Soho, while trying to decide what spring styles to check out. When I came across Zara’s window presentation, I was immediately tempted to enter. There were bald headed girls, with one eye lash, red lips and the most sophisticated pieces. The window screamed Carrie Bradshaw, Sex in City, but in a less relaxed, sandals and no hair kind of way. The store front presentation turned window shoppers, into definite ones. As I ventured inside, it was a breath of fresh, fashion air. Whites, floral, colors and the most trending shoes a city girl could find. Including both women and men, Zara had great styles for everyone.
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Mini Mode Even style has a beginning. There are days and moods with bags and shoes, that little ones will someday have to decide on their own. Oh the joy, playing dress up with a preschooler full of their own personality. When fall shopping for your mini, embrace high end and affordable trends like Little Miss Alba and Melody Jade.
Melody Jade US Outfit: Target Kids Boots: Dr. Martens
Pants: Petit Lem Faux Leather Pants 44
Brand: Sonia Rykiel
Lil Miss Alba UK
Hat: Catya, Boots: DMs, Jeans: H&M, Jacket: Fendi
Dress, Boots, Accessories Gap Kids
REGINAE CARTER Q: What is your favorite place to shop? A: Garb Boutique/Shoetique Q: Tell us about ‘Shut Up Wear.’ A: Shut Up Wear is my clothing line and it’s truly based on attitude and fierceness. Q: Tell us about a recent daddy/ daughter moment? A: I spent the day with my dad for my birthday and we had so much fun. We did a lot of bonding. Q: What are your dreams for 2015? A: My dream for 2015 is just to work harder. I want to incorporate more styles to my clothing line. I also want to start acting, work on my 2nd book, and of course continue working in the studio! Q: Music is....... A: Innovative
Pink or Purple? Purple Nike or Converse? Converse Singing or rapping? Rapping Rihanna or Beyonce? Rihanna Ny or LA? LA
Friday Night
FREESTYLES Fabolous switched up the rap momentum by sampling 90’s hits and dropping exclusive freestyles every Friday night. The punch line rapper compiled these resilient bars into a mixtape, Friday Night Freestyles, hosted by DJ Clue. Fabolous scrolled though his playlist of throwbacks and flowed inevitably about the music industry, social media and street glam lifestyle of today’s Hip Hop generation. He did justice to each record. 80’s babies would agree, since rapping along with most of the originals:
“Aint Nuthing Ta F*ck Wit” released in 1993 by Wu-Tang Clan on Enter the Wu (36 Chambers). “Been Around the World” released in 1997 by Puff Daddy, Notorious BIG and Mase, on No Way Out. A sample of Lisa Stanfield’s “All Around the World”. “Take it Easy” released in 1994 by Mad Lion on his debut Take it Easy. “All For the Love” released in 1998 by The Lox (Jadakiss) on Money, Power & Respect.
“Do It Again” released in 1999 by Jay Z with vocals from Amil and Beanie Sigel, on Volume 3.. Life and Times of S. Carter. “Quiet Storm” released in 1999 by Mobb Deep on Murda Muzik. A sample from Smokey Robinson’s “A Quiet Storm”. “Shook Ones” released in 1995 by Mobb Deep on The Infamous. “Black Girl Lost” released in 1996 by Nas on It Was Written. The song samples Stephanie Mills’ “Starlight”. “The World is Yours” released 1994 by Nas on Illmatic.
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Location: The Fresh Studio Los Angeles, CA Photographer: Samuel Whitworth Wardrobe: Viva La Coco Fabric Twinz (Gold Dress and Shawl) Duo Boutique (Nude Bodysuit) MUA: Andrew Van Devon Accesories: Jet Flyyy
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"Every woman in America is going to applaud." 52
CJ HILTON R&B Rap Sheet
As in years past, 2015 has been good to the talented songwriter and R&B singer, CJ Hilton. Hilton is highly acquainted with the music industry, being signed to more than three major labels and originating from a musical household in Baltimore. He was rewarded two Grammy nominations and the opportunity to work with legends such as Stevie Wonder and Rapheal Saadiq. His success has been defined. This artist came with a niche for song making and no filter, hence his recent project, Sextape. What has the past year been like for you? Awesome. A year of revelation. I’ve learned a lot about myself, the music business and life in general. Also, I’m ready to release more music. This year has been a positive one for me. I’m working on my EP and I feel that it is going to be the most honest I’ve ever been. When did you decide that music was going to be your career? I always knew that music was going to be my career. It’s always been my passion. My dad was a big influence growing up because he was a singer/musician, so I started learning from him. Also, he played nothing but music from the greats in the house; Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye (whom I get a comparison to), Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield and Sam Cooke. They are all major influences in my music. From the first time my mom asked me what I want to be when I grow up, I said a singer. Tell us about a surreal moment in your music career? The time that I worked with Stevie Wonder and Raphael Saadiq was definitely very surreal for me. I felt like I was in the best dream of my life and I didn’t want to wake up. Describe your style of music in just 3 words: Soulful, timeless, young.
What was the process like when choosing the right label and record deal? It was interesting, definitely a great learning experience. A lot of people think that once you get signed that this is it. In reality it’s just the beginning. Having a great team around you is key when you are dealing with labels because those situations get tricky and I have had my share of label bouncing, from Casablanca Records (Tommy Mottola), Capitol Records, J Records and my last label RCA Records. You just have to keep pushing and stay determined, believe in yourself. Tell us about your Grammy nominations: I’ve been blessed to be nominated twice for a Grammy. The first nomination was for a record I co-produced and co-wrote with Raphael Saadiq and Stevie Wonder titled, “Never Give You Up.” The second was for Salaam Remi’s compilation album one, In The Chamber. I was featured on the track titled “You’re My Angel.” Ne-yo, Estelle, Akon, Jordin Sparks and others were also a part of the album. What is your niche as an artist? My niche is the fact that I play five different instruments (piano, drums, organ, bass & guitar), produce, and I write a majority of my music. I am a true musician. Tell us what cities you were able to touch while most recently performing. At the top of the year I moved back to LA so the majority of my shows have been on the west coast. Also, I like the idea of possibly doing a college tour in 2015. What are your plans for 2015? I have high hopes. I’m releasing the EP and releasing the album in the summer. What type of women are you attracted to? I’m attracted to beautiful, smart, independent strong women. I love women who love to cater. Tell us a random fact about CJ Hilton: Mario and I were in a choir together as kids in Baltimore and 10 years down the line we were signed to the same label.
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aige City Life has had some rather interesting prospects over the years. When it came to being titillated by the creativity that which is Brooklyn, we did not have to look very far. This time around, we trekked through our back yard to find none other than a very talented and eclectic young man, hailing from straight out of Brownsville, the one and only BRNGTN. BRNGTN pronounced (Barrington) is an American born hip hop artist with a deep influence from the roots rock reggae world, which is only right as he expressed deep appreciation for his Jamaican roots. Ever so charming, BRNGTN jumped right in like a proud poppa would. As he began speaking of his newly compiled untitled work, a mixtape of works from over six to seven years with the German label, SoulForce Records, BRNGTN reveled in the fact that the old school reggae feel was a major influence and present factor on this latest body of work. Not to be dismayed by the thought of having work that has aged over the 7 years, BRNGTN made it known that his lyrics were strictly original. The vast majority of BRNGTN’s musical influence comes from Caribbean music. According to B, old Studio One and Treasure Isle rhythms are used on this record with no adjustments to the track. The rhythms basically influence the melodic flow of lyrical content. With 10 strong years of none stop work doing what he loves, BRNGTN can applaud himself just based off his first EP titled Barrington Hopkinson Ave aptly named after the block he grew up on, in Brownsville Brooklyn. Barrington Hopkinsons Ave is currently available on iTunes.
Recently we sat down and as we chatted, things got a bit interesting as we delve into what today’s market is leaning towards. Regarding what the people considers acceptable music today; we asked BRNGTN whether or not he believes his music is acceptable to the masses. BRNGTN went on to state that “good music is good music, I don’t think the market is not accepting of my music, I just think it’s umm … being able to get the proper promotion for my music to the masses” We can definitely agree with the notion that
once a particular artist takes a risk with a new sound, and being of that moment, that sound will be the driving force for what’s hot at that particular moment. It is rather humbling to listen to an artist be it music or any other form of artistry, speak on their craft in an unbiased manner. That was BRNGTN’s vibe the entire time as he went back and forth with members of his team on what would be needed to improve other aspects of the video that they were currently shooting. Though rather humble and on point with every question thrown his way, the question of “what makes BRNGTN tick?” threw him for a loop. With his boyish grin, he was taken aback by the thought of such a question that in our eyes could have garnered a response straight out of left field. The gentle man that he is, BRNGTN quickly remained focused on the agenda which was the creativity in what’s around him, not just “recording artists” but “all artists in general”, including the lovely painter Kathleen Maximin who was his artistic love interest on set of his video shoot “Amazing”. It is safe to say that creativity makes BRNGTN tick. On the topic of New York’s music scene, and where he sees himself in the puzzle, BRNGTN clearly appreciates what is happening but believe that there are many records that do not get the right attention due to not having that major backing on the marketing and promotional level. Despite that, the music scene is still thriving. With the melting pot that is New York, listening to reggae, hip hop or rap music, quenches BRNGTN’s thirst for creativity as do pop, electronic or whatever comes his way. In his eyes, “New York is a creative hub” from “Bushwick raves” to “Williamsburg Indie rock events” New York’s music scene is agreeably thriving and truth be told, the popular music isn’t always the best that is out there no matter where you hail from. With collaborations with other dancehall influenced hip hop artists, BRNGTN shares his admiration for such artists as Thunderlions, Mr. Lee G, the Grenadian Yung Image with his soca/pop influence, just to name a few. Up and coming artists Thunderlions’s, Bucky Ital and Mykal Rose are amongst his current favs. BRNGTN’s previous record for Soulforce Records Rhymes and Riddims, does not disappoint at all. His current untitled mixtape along with Dj Amazing from Next Level Sound is worth the wait. With “They Don’t Really Want It” being the first video released later on this year. To get a fix on this talented brother just look him up on Facebook, twitter, YouTube, Instagram, you name it and you’ll find him: just type “BRNGTN”. With no regrets other than not initially grinding harder at an earlier time in his music career, BRNGTN seemingly has grasped the idea that as long as there is music to be made, there will indeed be a market that will be appreciative of the work that is being produced. Just ask him about “Gimmie da Something” from his first EP Hopkinson Ave. BRNGTN immediately acknowledged that the record was a crowd pleaser but with him not putting too much effort into marketing what was a hit at the time, stifled his growth somewhat. Other influences for BRNGTN have to be from his two children that he doted over for a bit, mentioning them as his main reason for keeping his love for music alive. Since the day Paige had first learned of BRNGTN, we have been interested in what this young man had to offer. Without disappointment, BRNGTN’s work speaks for itself. 59
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