Shive Magazine Published by www.shivemagazine.com Graphic Artist Ieshia Robinson Contributing Writers Camika Caliste Bajoie Atty. Andrew Bizer T-Church B-Marcel Contributing Photographers Shawn Escoffery Black and Geaux Photography Artist Feature artistfeature@shivemagazine.com Music submission music@shivemagazine.com Advertising advertise@shivemagazine.com
The message I may not kno how cotton picckkas pick But i's showl seen struggles I's been so low walking thru the room hearin chuckles Shinny belt buckles guided me thru the night Tucked in tight bed sheets coated with sin Massah Neva told me blinking cud release me But he feeds me Buckets of slop ,Hog Guts ,alcohol and white nosed retreats He taught me that the streets could only please me That books that shook my intellect was poision and a waste of time and a dime an hour was the way to get paid He found a new way to enslave the free How to blind fold you with yo eyes exposed With YOU in control... yeah it's possible Take the believers reality and call it a fairy tale ending Throwing a fork in a one way It's childs play...his trickery of which I'm speaking Nah that problem can't be solved "keep drinking" Your thinking "who does she think she is?? Just bc she had a baby got saved ..she can tell me how to live?? She think I don't know our father forgives??" Don't shoot tha messenga hunny ...I was built to do this I was brewed to distribute ansas to the questions of the questionables I shouda been an incredible The way I speech these speeches
Like leaches you drink the blood of which I preach'n refuse to lose the slur of yo speakin Silently ashamed of the mockery that you live Praying for a moment before the moment just to ask him to forgive Sideways walkin DOWN straight up alleys Searched for any excuse to allow thou self to tarry Or maybe he'll call Larry first cuz he was a real jerk But fingers can't point at fingers they just gang up and drag everybody down There's not enough sorrows to explain the pain of being forgotten...so my advice is don't get left behind....Live "right" Church
SP O R T Y
Booki ngspor t y@gmai l . com 5047049962
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Classy, with an abundance of talent, are just a few words to describe this natural born star. Born Courtney Lashae Murphy, but known to many as “Star,” she knew at a very early age that she was blessed with a choice of talents; singing, songwriting, and acting would sure bring her closer to what would be her perfect world. Being raised in a low income household, this southern gal had a fall fornothing attitude and never let her hardships alter her ability to Dream. Star has cited legendary artist like Toni Braxton, Anita Baker, and Isley Brothers as being major influences to her singing career. Star has a passion and this is only the beginning…..MUSIC IS…. At the tender age of eleven, Star discovered her ability to sing and she has been singing every since. She made her first appearance in a big Broadway production at her middle school where she performed her first solo, “O What a Beautiful Morning”. Star managed to establish a memorable name for herself by winning over the crowd with a standing ovation. From that point on, the discovery of her God sent voice would be used to her advantage and showcased throughout. Going into high school, Star realized she was blessed with talents of no limits which helped her discover other hidden gifts that she couldn’t let becomeunnoticed. Star found her love for entertaining and its spotlight and began taking over the stage every chance she got. She continued to use her craft to the best of her ability by joining the high school choir. She eventually became a starting chapter member of a music sorority called the “Women of Virtue”, where her line name was “Superstar”. Living for the future, Star Murphy has since graduated from Tennessee State University where she maintained getting her degree all awhile enhancing her musical addiction. While in college, Star was a member of the university choir and a member of the music department’s performance band. She continued to expand her horizon by taken part in numerous gigs and finally realizing her passion for songwriting would forever create the R&B/POP sensation that she is today.....MUSIC IS LIFE Star has been honored to take part in a well known stage play called, “What a Difference a Day Makes,” where she would cast with many great artist like Ann and Regina McCrary of Tyler Perry and T.D.Jakes stage plays. Also in the cast was Gary Jenkins, lead singer of former R&B group Silk and R&B singer Justin “JC” Crowder. Star has also opened up for Yo Gotti during TSU homecoming 2009, performing her hit singles Poker Game and Swag On. Star has also re-released Swagg On with Waka Flocka Flame, one of Gucci Mane’s new Artists. Not only does she promote her amazing vocal ability, but her astonishing writing style has been proven to produce an instant and unique grab to all audiences. Star continues to bless her audience with her vibrant talent, sophistication, and style.
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One can’t deny the light that shines so bright amongst her star. Star is here to stay.
.............................................. www.myspace.com/starmurphymusic WWW.TWITTER.COM/STARMURPHY
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........................................................................................ Dear Andrew,
Hey Andrew:
I heard that if I send my demo in the mail to myself, it counts as a copyright. I think this is called a “poor man’s copyright”. I’m kinda broke right now and it seems like that would be the cheaper alternative to registering with the federal government.
Should I choose BMI or ASCAP as my publisher?
Thanks, Gary G. Gary, If you are broke, don’t waste your money sending mail to yourself. The old “demo in the mail” story is completely false. Your unopened demo might help as evidence in a future lawsuit, but it does not serve as copyright registration. There is no such thing as a “poor man’s copyright”. Copyright protection is granted to original works of authorship. Such works must be fixed in a tangible medium. Therefore, once you record your original songs, they are automatically granted copyright protection. However, you cannot make a copyright infringement claim until your copyrights have been registered. I highly recommend that you spend the $45 it costs to register your copyrights. It is a fairly easy process. Just go to www.copyright.gov/ and follow the directions on the Copyright Office’s website. Be sure to remember that if you have written and recorded the songs, you own two copyrights: one for the underlying composition and the other for the sound recording. You’ll be registering the compositions with the “Form PA” and the “Form SR” for your sound recordings. Best, Andrew Bizer
-Cecil C. Cecil, Don’t choose either of them to be your publisher, because BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC are not publishers, they are performing rights organizations, known as PRO’s. PRO’s collect public performance royalties for their member publishers. The PRO’s license music to radio and TV stations, music clubs, and even the Superdome. Basically, any entity that publicly performs music must get a license from the PRO’s. Next time you go into a music club, you should see a sticker on the front door or window that states that the club has a valid license from the PRO’s. The PRO’s are extremely vigilant in making sure that they get paid. Ask any owner of a bar, restaurant, or music club.
A music publisher is the entity that owns the rights to a musical composition. Right now, you are the publisher of your songs. If you want to collect public performance income, you should join a PRO. As to whether you should join ASCAP or BMI, I can’t really say. ASCAP claims they collect more money and pay out that money quicker than the other PRO’s and it offers its members a special “member card”. BMI prides itself on its songwriter support and offers workshops and showcases for its members. Best, Andrew Bizer
Andrew Bizer, Esq. is the Founding Member of the Bizer Law Firm, which concentrates in Entertainment Law and Personal Injury Law. He is an attorney admitted to practice in Louisiana and New York. He previously served as the Manager of Legal and Business Affairs at EMI Music Publishing and has worked in the legal department at Universal/Motown Records. This column is to be used as a reference tool. The answers given to these questions are short and are not intended to constitute full and complete legal advice. The answers given here do not constitute an attorney/client relationship. Mr. Bizer is not your attorney. But if you want him to be your attorney, feel free to dial 504-619-9999 or email him at andrew@bizerlaw.com.
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Having being influenced by some of Hip-Hops greatest artists such as Slick
Rick, Tupac, OutKast and Jay Z, Boss D’s love for music is stronger than ever.
“My music is simply my thoughts along with my experiences,” explains D. With his strong lyrics and much needed content Boss D will begin to take the industry by storm. Known today as one of Project Record’s finest, Boss D relays the meaning of “Go Hard or Go Home”! Boss D has the true makings of a successful entertainer and I understand why Project Records have him on their roster. There are a lot of Hip Hop Artists blazing da streets but Boss D with his “go get em” hustler attitude and dope lyrics, I don’t see failure.
Q&A Shive: How do you want people to view
your music? Boss D: Really just in a positive mind state with swag. I’m really just trying to let people know who I am. Like my everyday walk, talk, and my way of Life. What I’m saying and everything that I’m doing is just me being me.
Shive: What separates you from other upcom-
ing artists? Boss D: I don’t believe there’s anyone else thatsounds like me. My unique style I would say.
Shive: Why should you be picked up by a major label? Boss D: I have a following. I believe I can be in charge of a movement, something that’s will be an asset to a company. The style that my camp has is different, we give the game a new fresh style and just bringing in a whole new vibe. We are new look to the city of New Orleans.
Check out D’s music @
myspace.com/commission3 facebook.com/derrancestewart
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........................................................................................................ Words can’t describe the talent that
this young star has. Denisia possess what it takes to be a true star. When she sings, she sings with such passion and emotion, a true entertainer. Denisia says
With all the emerging female entertainers surfacing today, Princess Denisia continue’s to prove why she’s the “Life
the Party”
of
“Everything is an experience for me and everything I go through wheth- How do you want people to view your music? Denisia: As fun feel good music. Basically, I want people to think er good or bad has its own purpose. I’m singing their life story. So I take it as I go through, to get through and justwrite about it!” Music is her life and passion she lives it everyday. Her shows are fully choreographed and very well put together. The fact that she’s an unsigned artist makes her performances a lot more special. She has something to prove and everything needs to be just right.
What separates you from other upcoming artist? Denisia: I come with a different approach. I’m not singing about what other females are singing about like a love for a man. I sing about me just to reach out to women with my experiences. I’m showing men love also because their not that bad. Why should you be picked up by a major label? Denisia: Because I’m awesome, “no kidding”. It’s time for a change. I really want to come out representing myself and my city. A lot of people believe there isn’t any real talent in New Orleans. I feel like I’m real pop R&B the industry is missing form a new fresh female artist coming with a different approach in a different lane. You can listen to Denisia’s music @ www.facebook.com/PRINCESSDENISIA www.myspace.com/noprincessdenisia twitter.com/PRINCESSDENISIA
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Branding Yourself As An Artist
B
randing yourself as an artist is becoming more and more important. Year by year you see more and more “celebrity brands” springing up and there is a definite reason why. Branding yourself creates opportunities and generally increases cash flow for the artists that engage in branding.
Why is this? Because the more and more fa-
miliar you are with a thing the more you trust them. This is why people like P. Diddy and Oprah can “touch” an item or service and it magically takes off. You can have this same power too (just most likely on a slightly smaller demographic). Below are a few examples and ways that you can begin to brand your band.
Adding your url to all your stuff and promoting it during shows - This is one of the easiest things you can do. You simply add your band website address to every item you sell or give away as swag (freebies). Post it on t-shirts, posters, and of course your CD. During shows you could have banners posted behind you showing your band website url too. Also take the time to state that you can be found online and at what address too. The idea is to get as many people as possible to see and recognize yourband.com with being associated with you.
Business cards and stationary items - Handing out business cards and stationary are a great way to brand yourself. Business cards are cheap to get and easy to create. Your contact information (especially your url) should be placed on front and your band logo on the backside. This is very simple but works well. Pass them out to as many people as you can and little by little you’ll be branding your band for as little as five dollars at some print shops like Vista Print. Using logos on everything - Your logo is your greatest branding tool. Companies like McDonald’s, Coke-ACola, and Pizza Hut for years have been using their great logos to brand themselves with consumers and so should you. It helps if you begin to think of your band as “your band inc.” rather than just an indie garage band. Throw your logo onto everything you can think of online and off. This should be your calling card too. Once the general public knows your logo and associates it with you you’ll find you’re in really good company locally. Think of bands like Kiss and The Rolling Stones years after their prime people can still identify them by seeing their logos.
.......................................... Branding yourself is a big task, but also necessary. You have to be consistent and constantly doing it Work in all of these tips and you’ll be on your way to branding yourself like the pros.
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........................................................................................................ Another artist wearing the Project Records stamp of approval is B-Spitta. Spitta’s lyrics keep you coming back for more. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s ready for the big leagues.Versatile and Straight to the point, his lyrics hit you wear you feel it the most, “your soul”. Great artists do great things and your looking at one of them. SHIVE: How do you want people to view your music? Spitta: Ah, Wow! I just want people to take me as a regular artist out there. I don’t have a certain set style. I do all kind of music from hip hop to gangsta rap. I hit all categories of music. I just want them to take it as a whole.
SHIVE: Why should a major label sign you?
Spitta: They should sign me because I’m good, point, blank, period. Like I said, “I’m different from everybody else”. I have ten years preparation to get to the level that I’m at right now. I’m worth being the next face out there for everybody to see.
SHIVE: What separates you from other upcoming artists? Spitta: I speak from the way I feel. I’m not set to make my music sound like other rappers that have made it. By Drake being one of the hottest artists out now I’m not set to sound like him. I want to make my own name in the industry. Idon’t want nobody to say, “Ok he sound
like this person or that person.”
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........................................................................................................ Shive: For many of us just hearing about Gucci, explain what your music is about? Gucci: I rap about my life. Everyday shit that happens. I’m a story- teller. I tell stories. Shive: Now you started rapping after high
Shive: What are you working on currently? I’m writing for a lot of people now but my thing right now is trying to get a label deal. So So def’s going thru their issues. I still assosociate with one of the owners of So So Def. But I’m back home in New Orleans, just really trying to get my city in. Let my name be out here to. It’s tough to be a celebrity away. I want to grind in these streets.
school. It’s obvious you have the talent, why did it take you so long to get into it?
Shive: What advice would you give to up and coming artists trying to break into this industry?
Gucci: I just never thought of me being a rapper. I just never was a rapper. I always looked at myself as a um, I know this sad to say but I just always wanted to be a big drug dealer. I was infatuated with being the next the Neno Browns. I just never was into rap like that. Really I listen to R&B more.
Gucci: Um… the number one thing is network.
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I think that’s what help me get signed. I always hear people say it’s hard to get sign. It’s easy to get signed. It’s harder to get out here. I’ve been signed for a minute. I think if you got the talent, you at the right place and you network you can get signed. I feel bad because out here open mics cost 5 or 10 times more than Atlanta and there are no label reps. It’s just you performing for other rappers, wasting your money. But in Atlanta it’s twenty dollars and there are label reps. Network with everybody, always have a cd, flyer, card mainly your music. You never know who you meet.
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Check him out @ www.myspace.com/9thward www.facebook.com/9th-ward http://twitter.com/9thwardguccippg http://www.youtube.com/dareal9thWardGucci
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........................................................................................................ Born on September 10, 1979 Jamal Williams a.k.a 9th ward Gucci, music wasn’t always a career choice for him. He openly admits that the streets was his home. As stated in our interview, “I thought I was going to be this big drug dealer, but God had something different for me.” Shive: How did you get the name “9th Ward Gucci? Gucci: Growing up I remember my mother would bring me to Kmart for school shoes, ha ha but I had other plans to go to Saks 5th Avenue on Canal St. to buy some Gucci’s with my boy/Jack Boy Money. Jack Boy Money started calling me Gucci and that became my neighborhood name. But in the studio Nitti start making a lot of beats with Gucci mane so two Gucci’s in the studio together was a lot of conflict so we added the 9th ward Gucci to offset it. Shive: Tell us a little about yourself, growing up. Was it tough? What kind of things were you into? Was your family poor or struggling? Gucci: I grew up in Pontchartrain Park, a middle class neighborhood. I had both my parents. I just was blessed really you know the older you get the more you realize you was blessed. But I just was one of those kids that just never went to school.
I just wanted to do my own thing. Mainly going out in the streets mingling and hustling. We didn’t have that much money to where I was shining or nothing. You know a lil street dude but I always was a comedian. I always made people laugh. I missed school a lot so I ended up dropping out. I just was street hustling so much but I went back and got my GED. Shive: When did you have your first taste of
music? Gucci: I didn’t start rapping until after high school. A friend of mine asks me to come to the studio and jump on a song with him. I told him I didn’t know how to rap. But I wrote a few verses anyway. When it got back to the neighborhood everybody was like, “Gucci you killed it”. About a week later I went out andbought 50,000 dollars worth of equipment. I rented a building and put turned it into a studio. As a matter of fact Soulja Slim and BG did that “Come Serve Me track” at my studio. But I never took it serious. I really got serious after the storm. I was displaced and the hustle game was over for me. I was in a new place, new town, new streets. Shive: How where you discovered? Gucci: After Hurricane Katrina I evacuated to Atlanta, being displace for a year and confined in a hotel I started recording everyday all day in my room. At night I would go out to clubs and enter into open mic contests. One night I went to Strokers industry night and met a girl who told me she knew Nitti, a So So Def producer. She gave him my disc. He later call me saying he like my music. As time went on I moved back to New Orleans. One day I was watching B.E.T. rap city and Nitti was on there saying he wanted to sign me. So I packed up everything and headed back to Atlanta, Ga, showed up at his door and said, “Here I am”. He introduced me to Jermaine Dupri and as they say the rest was history.
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........................................................................................................ New Artist is primed to make his presence felt as he crafts a rhythm all his own.
“ My Jam-Turn It Up” featuring C Dellaka “The Boy Wonder”,
available on iTunes Now!! ..........................................................
Karlos followed up his single release by attending a recent birthday party for Celebrity Choreographer Phlex hosted by Lil Mama at H Wood in Hollywood Raymond, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce California . While on the red carpet, when asked Knowles, Alicia Keys, etc. Next up to the what music means to him, he responds without hesiplate is Singer/Songwriter/R&B Pop Artist, tation, “Music is everything I Live for Music, it’s Karlos Farrar, who is primed to make my life! I Hope anybody who hears my music, can his presence felt as he crafts a rhythm all relate and just feel it. I put my heart into my music. his own. There’s no doubting the ripple effect caused by the phenomenal success stories of minted chart-toppers like Usher
Born on the eastside of Detroit Michigan StJohn Hospital, to be exact. Karlos began his creative journey doing local talentshows around the city of Detroit at the age of 11. He first discovered his talent to dance at the age of 3, and his talent for singing at the age of 6. Karlos didn’t stop there though, at the age of 15 his love for the piano also caught his attention which made him a force to be reckoned with. By the age of 18 he had moved from his home city to pursue his career in Las Vegas , NV , where he currently resides in. Looking towards the future, Karlos envisions his multilayered career in terms of chapters of a never-ending story that includes songwriting, producing, acting, choreographing, and an openness to explore anything else that he sets his mind too. Karlos who recently signed with Bootcamp Enterprises with a management agreement, has been busy promoting the single with performances throughout the
country, opening for acts like Trey
Songz, J holiday, Ray J, and Jon B. In March 2010, Karlos toured with Interscope recording artist Mishon, Roc City and Universal Music Grouprecording artist Londonon his recent BET college tour.
REQUEST “This My Jam-Turn It Up”
on your local radio station
To find out more about Karlos Farrar visit www.myspace.com/karlosfarrar or
www.karlosfarrarmusic.com
Manager: Shane Wall c/o Bootcamp Enterprises shane@bootcampenterprises.com
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For Bookings:
Premiere Booking Agency,
310-913-4375 or
310-913-4375
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GA T E S COOKUP SEASON
I NS T O R E SN O W!