2012 Summer Issue Swagga Digital Magazine

LOOK GREAT ❇ DRESS SHARP ❇ LIVE WELL

✛

NFL PLAYER BRET LOCKETT

AUDIO PHARMACY CONSCIOUS HIP/HOP

& PRINCE SYC ‘GET IT ALL’

DJ SKRIBBLE IN THE HOUSE ON OUR RADAR

SERGIO SANDERS LIFE MEDS & ORANGE JUICE

INKED UP

JUNE-AUG 2012

❋ FASHION

culture

MIXING IT UP WITH DJ RIVER

✛ a scarf

tale fashion from monaco

LIFESTYLES

Music&Art

✛ VOLUME 3: ISSUE 11 $20.00 USD

SUMMER ISSUE 2012

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BOSSINI FASHION SHOW: FEATURING LUXURY DESIGNERS VERSACE COLLECTION, MUGLER, GIMO'S, ZANELLA, ETON, ALBERTO AND MANY MORE...

osted by Santa Clarabased Retailer Bossini and Produced by Mélange Guests traveled from as far as New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and more to attend the Bossini Fashion Show at the Regency Center in San Francisco on March 31, 2012. This historic fashion event was a sold out show with 400+ guests including prominent CEOs, celebrities, leaders in the fashion community, and Silicon Valley's elite. The Bossini Fashion Show featured some of the world’s most elite designers, including Versace Collection, Mugler, and other top designers that are retailed at Bossini’s luxury boutique in Valley Fair. The Bossini Fashion Show was produced by Mélange Productions, a fashion entertainment company based in the Bay Area, and partners for the event included Phyto, Sephora, Donald J Pliner, and more. All profits from ticket sales for the event benefit Breast Cancer Action (BCA.org). Bossini and Mélange are proud to be supporting this charity that empowers healthy lifestyle choices and consumer awareness about breast cancer. Bossini has maintained a seventeen-year relationship with Versace, and this fashion show marks the store’s premiere launch of the Versace Collection women’s wear. Bossini is a Santa Clara-based luxury retailer at Valley Fair mall and offers high-end clothing for men and ladies; the store is the largest authorized Versace dealer in Northern California. The Bossini Principals, Mr. Anjum Sandhu and Mr. Fazel Mojadidi, say, "We are very excited to be hosting this exclusive event. Versace and Mugler are some of the fashion world's premier designers. Hopefully, this will be the first of many more shows to follow."In addition to the milestone evening fashion show at the Regency Center, Bossini hosted top executives from Versace at Valley Fair mall to promote Versace by hosting a vignette style fashion show from 12 PM – 3PM on March 31, 2012.This vignette style fashion show was open to the public with a live photo shoot set up along with a performance

by DJ River and Ella Cooley from the award winning band,The Sea People. Bernice Johnson from Mélange Productions hosted the event, as Bernice is the official model choreographer for both the vignette and evening fashion show.

celebrated with excitement about this chic and edgy event. Mélange and Bossini are excited about the success of the first ever Bossini Fashion Show, and the two partners look forward to collaboration for future fashion shows in the Bay Area. Be sure to visit Bossini's flagship store located in the Valley Fair Mall or visit their website at: www.BOSSINIUSA.COM to shop the latest designer collections.

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Mélange has played the lead producing agent in both of these fashion events, and the Board of Advisors of Mélange includes Oscar-winning movie producer, Bill Guttentag, and Jean Paul Gaultier’s Creative Director, Guila Kessous. Mélange was founded in January of 2011 with the mission of celebrating diversity in the fashion world, and since then, the company has worked with top brands, including Sephora, Nicole Miller, SKYY Vodka, and more. With the leadership of Mélange team members Patrisha Bailey and Serena Malkani, Mélange secured sponsorships with Sephora, Donald J Pliner, Phyto, MODE Lifestyle Magazine, Byrdsong Productions, Sukhi’s Organic Indian Foods, Black Tie Desserts, and more to produce the Bossini Fashion Show. Other sponsors for Bossini Fashion Show include: Edmond's Plaza Florist, MEGA Events, Arts Thread, KIND Healthy Snacks, Hairlights Salons, Salon Blu, Teezers Salon, Evolvh Salon, Charleston Pierce Presents, Classic Party Rentals, Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards, Big Basin Vineyards, JoJo Electro, and more. The Bossini Fashion Show was an evening of glamour, fashion, and live entertainment.

Guests and designers from around the nation

PHOTOS: RON FULCHER

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F A S H I O N

The New 04

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"FROM DISCARDED TO STYLISH" What happens to textiles when they land up in landfill? Especially when they are treated with chemicals to make it last longer, be stain resistant and in some cases even fireproof?

We take most advantage of Facebook by announcing our

Sushanta Bhandarkar and Naz Saeed, two Eco-minded resourceful Interior Designers and Artists, with an earthfriendly attitude towards everything we do, founded Zansus Purses - Eco Chic Handbags and Purses. Besides designing Eco-chic purses, we educate we conserve and we have a great time doing what we do! The philosophy and concept for Zansus Purses is simple: It's a pure rescue, re-use, re-purpose, re-cycle, re-think effort. We intercept discarded items/ fabrics/ textiles/ accessories destined for landfills and up-cycle them into useful, functional and fashionable designer handbags and purses, thus reducing the impact on the environment. Because of large assortment of creatively adapted materials every design is fresh and unique. No two are alike! Our products are hand-made locally in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our discards come form the upholsterer’s table before they are placed in the trash. They come with our connection with upholstery and drapery workshops that we work with . If these items are trashed, they ultimately land up in the landfill. These fabrics are high quality, durable fabrics suitable for furnishings hence they are treated with backing and stain resistant - fire resistant materials. Once discarded they remain, in the landfill for a long time. Maybe forever! Believe me it is easier for the shop to trash it then hold on to a bag of "discards and remnants" for us for a month. Showrooms also discard their obsolete samples.

But now they are looking for ways to put it good use. We do ask people who have items such as belts, straps, buckles that are no longer useful to be donated to us. We take these useful parts and incorporate these into our designs in terms of handles or other decorative items. And in this way, we have a variety of amazing hip and earth-friendly purses, bags, totes, clutches and wristlets. Our most popular creation are PURSANGLES. Pursangles are versatile, functional, modern and Eco-forward accessory perfect for a day or night out. Large enough for all your essentials, the Pursangles conveniently rests on your wrist, keeping your essentials accessible at all times.

Our presence is expanding in the Eco-fashion community. As an on-going effort, it is important for us to educate the market about the issue of sustainability and put our product in the forefront. We utilize soft marketing to it's fullest.

events on Facebook and solicit donations for discarded textiles and materials. We also make connections with other industry partners and promote and support them.

Recently we were guest speakers at San Francisco Fashion and Merchants Alliance Fashion Mash-Up. Being a green business, we diligently donate whatever we cannot use. We try to incorporate even the smallest of pieces in creative ways and minimize our waste. For e.g.: we use small pieces as tags inside our bags! And whatever we don't use, we donate to various organizations such as RAFT, ScrapSF. This, philosophy is re-use and reduce ties in with our not-for-profit Environmental Awareness Program: Empowering World Change. Our mission is to promote environmental awareness and sustainability through education, collaboration and outreach that inspires children, parents and communities to be involved, share the knowledge, and take small, achievable steps that collectively make a significant contribution toward positive environmental change. At Zansus Purses, we also offer Custom Service, where people can send us any suitable remnant to create a purse/handbag/tote. We discuss the design via email, get their approval and create that perfect Eco-chic piece that they will be proud to carry on any occasion!

Currently their purses are available in San Francisco Bay Area specialty boutiques: 440 BRANNAN 440 Brannan, San Francisco, CA. KATE'S CLOSET 1331 18th Street, San Francisco, CA. SIMPLY SMASHING 241B, E Campbell Ave, Campbell CA 95008 ISABELLA BOUTIQUE 153 South Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale CA RAG CO-OP 541 Octavia St, San Francisco CA 94110 RED SQUARE BOUTIQUE AND DESIGN COLLECTIVE 1628 Palm Avenue, San Mateo, CA.

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NFL PLAYER BRET LOCKETT

AUDIO PHARMACY CONSCIOUS HIP/HOP

& PRINCE SYC ‘GET IT ALL’

DJ SKRIBBLE IN THE HOUSE ON OUR RADAR

SERGIO SANDERS LIFE MEDS & ORANGE JUICE

INKED UP

JUNE-AUG 2012

N FASHION

culture

MIXING IT UP WITH DJ RIVER

a scarf

tale fashion from monaco

LIFESTYLES

Music&Art

VOLUME 3: ISSUE 11 $20.00 USD

M D VOLUME III, NO. XI | SUMMER ISSUE 2012

Where you can buy products. . .

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FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY IMAGES BY GRACIE BACK COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY RON FULCHER MODELS BRET LOCKETT PRINCE SYC BRANDON PARIS STYLING SKIP PAS CLOTHING WEST COAST LEATHER ROGUE OUTLET, S.F.

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E D IT O R S N OT E

This issue is dedicated to my mom whose courage, strength, tenacity and love has been a rock for me in the production of this issue. There were so many people who were instrumental in the production of this issue, and I could not possibly name them all in this writing, but I just want to thank all of you and you know who you are for assisting me with this issue. Many thanks to all of the wonderful and talented models, MUA’s, and Hair Stylists.

Reproduction of any material within this publication, in whole or in part is, prohibited without expressed consent of publisher.

The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party of the information, claims or ads herein to include errors, inaccuracies or omissions. By advertising the advertisers agree to indemnify the Publisher against all claims relating to or resulting from said advertisements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 08

FASHION

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02.BOSSINI FASHION SHOW TO STYLISH 84. A SCARF TALE

CULTURE

68. INKED UP A STATEMENT OF INDIVIDUALITY 44. GOOD EATS 4. NEW CROP OF FASHION

LIFESTYLE

15. LIFE MEDS & ORANGE JUICE SERGIO SANDERS 34. GET IT ALL COVER STORY

ART MUSIC

46. HEIDI WELLS

28. MIXING IT UP DJ RIVERS 63. AUDIO PHARMACY CONSCIOUS HIP-HOP 11. IN THE HOUSE WITH DJ SKRIBBLE

WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

CONTRIBUTORS LEONARD MAJOR ROGUE OUTLET S.F.,CA. BRET LOCKETT “COVER PAGE” H&M SF PRINCE SYC “COVER PAGE” TRAVIS STANSBERRY PIERT S. ROBERTS SAXTON PITTS MACY’S UNION SQUARE FILIP KHARON MARCELL JOHNSON BRANDON PARIS KELLY K PUBLICITY HEIDI WELLS ART SKIP PAS ROB BRUGLIERA WEST COAST STARS MANAGEMENT NICK NAVARRO LISA ROONEY MATT DAVIS IMAGES BY GRACIE DESI ARNAZ DEBBIE NGHIEM DESIGNS SERGIO SANDERS BRE SMITH DJ RIVERS WEST COAST LEATHER ZANUS PURSES LUKAS PLATO SHAWN VILLASENOR GZ PHOTO STUDIOS CURTIS JERMANY IRUKANDJI APPAREL SMART MODELS ARASH SARABI AJ DUNBAR RCA RECORDS RYAN NEAL SILVER MODELS (NYC) NO RAL APPAREL DESIGNS PHOTOSPHERE ALAHN BREZAN DAPPER AFRIKA CHAVOS AARON RANDI ROGERS DJ SKRIBBLE CINDY NGUYEN MARK & KATHY TURNER

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A D V PE RR TOI M S EOM NN T TE IO

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| ON THE

RADAR | M U S I C

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DJ SKRIBBLE IN THE HOUSE

I stay relevant by trying to constantly evolve with the music & technology as well as trying to stay ahead of it, which is what keeps me always on my toes.

Who were your influences? And Why? I take influences pretty much from every aspect of life whether its music, family or happenings in the world.

Do you consider yourself an artist, entertainer, and musician, DJ or MC? All of the above Would you consider the evolution of digital music a disadvantage or advantage for artists, musicians and MCs? It’s a Blessing and a curse. The tech is such a 50/50 split because YES it has opened what we do to a lot more people BUT it has taken so much away from the craft of what we do as a DJ Now a days all you have to do is make 1(one) record do a festival press a button have a ton of lights and production around you, throw your hands in the air and your considered a great DJ and that is sad.

What would be your ultimate achievement in your craft? And why?

I’ve had a lot of firsts… first celebrity DJ, first DJ to play dance music on MTV, First DJ to really be a household name thanks to MTV. There is so much. I’m not jocking myself, but I know I changed the game and no one can ever change that.

So I guess my ultimate achievement in this biz at least is to be remembered for that.

Who is your audience? And why?

I have such a diverse audience from 15-40 LOL! I’d like to think they love how I play and I like to cater to the crowd I’m with. I play for them not for me. I may not like every thing I play BUT it’s about those people who paid their money to come see me play…

Is there a particular genre of music that you play? And why?

I love playing it all. However there’s no greater energy than playing dance music.

My roots are and will always be HIP HOP. I owe my life and career to that!

What’s on the radar for DJ Skribble?

Touring throughout the summer. I have a new compilation in the fall. I have my own radio channel being created on the future.fm. I’m also about to start filming a movie called the Defenders with Kevin Costner and rumor has it Chris Brown.

Most importantly over the past month I have established a new way of life in regards to nutrition and exercise also I was invited to be a part of a charitable foundation called United Transformation which has newly launched.

A DV E RT I S E M E NT

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How do you stay relevant in the digital music world today?

How do you get your audience to embrace your sets?

You have to know your market and every city you go to is different. What I play in Boston is not going to be the same in Tennessee. Every night is different. One night its top 40 one night it could be Hip Hop or all EDM. You have to know how to read that and program accordingly that’s why I never have a set show its always different.

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Who is DJ Skribble?

DJ Skribble is many things now days. I’m a DJ/Producer who loves to this day what I do. I travel all over the world with one mission….

TO ENTERTAIN people through music!!!! (And I actually DJ) I love to also develop new Talent as I have now done with my lil brother, LODATO who has becoming an incredible DJ/Producer who’s now traveling all over.

Most of all now a days my most important job is being a dad.

P R O M OT I O N

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C O N N E CT W IT H U S

LIFEMEDS™, BREAKFAST & ORANGE JUICE, VOL. 1: A HEARTFELT COLLECTION OF POEMS OF WORDS AND WISDOM, AND ALSO VOL. 2: THE 42 DAY TRIAL PACK.

I initially met Sergio at a fashion event where he was a spectator in the audience, I explained to him I was drawn to his presence, in some uncanny way due to the fact I normally do not interact with the audience in a great deal, because I am usually there to capture the event photographically and after that, I mingle somewhat with the designers and models then I leave.

Sergio was well spoken when we talked, and mentioned that he has had written a book, and I said ok this is a young man who has written a book, so I wanted to find out more about him, and thus we have our interview.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK?

LifeMeds™ Breakfast & Orange Juice, the title somewhat threw me off. We both laughed! Sergio says, the “LifeMeds™” is invisible medication, it’s “motivation for your soul”, he says with big Cheshire cat smile. Sergio believes the pharmaceutical companies use people’s downfalls to make money, stress, and depression, anxiety things that they cause by injecting these emotions into society. “I don’t like how they profit off of human need”. Humans need motivation, inspiration and encouragement. LifeMeds™ are words of wisdom that you cannot overdose on. He offers medication in the form of inspiration not as an alternative to traditional medication but another form of it. The breakfast concept is most people eat their breakfast have their orange juice, coffee or favorite beverage and go about their day. LifeMeds™ Breakfast & Orange Juice, you can have anytime of the day its not editable, it’s cerebral.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO? I actually found my purpose about three years ago working at the group home. After working there for a short time people were always encouraging me and saying you should think about being a motivational speaker. I initially rejected the idea, but it happened so often that I decided to give it a try. After a while I came to the realization, I have a gift of sparking inspiration in people about their dreams and goals; to help them understand or at least think about their own purpose in life. “The Creator gives us all dreams”. People do not know how to dream anymore, some get caught up the 9-5 job, caught up in the cookie cutter way of living. I feel we should break free of the cooker cutter way of living. We are not supposed to be enslaved to someone’s system. I want people to break free from the system by the power of their dreams.

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ow we are here, Sergio Sanders an amazing young man I met recently that has two books out entitled, LifeMeds™, Breakfast & Orange Juice, Vol. 1: A Heartfelt Collection of Poems of Words and Wisdom, and also Vol. 2: The 42 Day Trial Pack.

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INTERVIEW/ SERGIO SANDERS/WRITTEN BY SERGIO SANDERS AND RON FULCHER

HOW DO YOU REACH PEOPLE? HOW DO YOU GET PEOPLE TO EMBRACE WHAT YOUR SAYING?

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That’s the hard part, because your way of life has been engrained into your psyche through your parental guidance passed on through generations. We live in a different day and age. Social Media is paramount in today’s society. For me, I really stopped worrying if people tripped about what I had to say and give them light or not; either you will be receptive to my message or not. The message is there for you and ultimately its up to you if it’s for you. I give my wisdom selfishly, because if I hold it in it hurts. I can’t contain it that is why I have tattoos, my LIGHT UP THE WORLD! ™ tees and my books, these are ways for me to express my feelings and wisdom that the Creator drops into my consciousness.

YOU SAY YOU GIVE THEM LIGHT? WHAT DO YOU

MEAN BY THAT? At different times, I love to talk to random strangers on the street. Homeless, people I would sit down buy them some food, and talk to them about their life. I ask in depth questions such as ‘how did you get to where you’re at right now?’

‘At what point did you find yourself to be homeless?’ ‘Do you have any dreams still?’ ‘Let’s spark that up’. Another way is when people hit me up on Facebook, I offer inspiration, wherever or what point in time I feel I need to give light I try to give that message. I update my status with wisdom and light every day.

[We paused from the questions for moment and share philosophies. Some people equate life to driving on the freeway trying to get one place to another. How that is achieved is you stay in your lane.

If you don’t there is the possibility of you having an accident and journey is delayed or you might not get to where you planning on going. The essence of that is you have to be focused]

where layers of clothes to sleep because we didn’t have any electricity and heat, etc. I learned how to survive at a very young age and that has been my foundation for today. I had to grow up much faster than most of my peers. I still did things that most people did my age. I had other obligations that most didn’t have. My grandmother and mother always told me I was always on point. Even as a kid I was always independent and “knew stuff”. I’m twenty-three, but I feel so much older in my soul. I have a young body but an “old soul” mind and this helps me to mesh with people of all age groups and diverse backgrounds.

DO YOU HAVE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MOTHER PRESENTLY?

It’s kind of off and on right now, she’s forty-four and her mindset is that of a much younger person.

I am tired of playing that “daddy role” and “brother role” for her. I am an only child, so I keep her energy to a distance. She has some minor mental illnesses she is working through and that’s what gave me more of a push to write LifeMeds™, Breakfast & Orange Juice. She was my inspiration for the first book I wrote. The majority of my first book deals with me in my youth and the challenges I faced in my upbringing. The book consists of a lot of motivational poems, which I put my whole life into. It’s very deep! If you want to know who I am, then Volume One will give that foundation. I give you me first, then we build up and then I give you tools and lessons to evolve your mind in Volume two.

IS YOUR GRANDMOTHER STILL ALIVE? Oh yes, that’s my angel. We speak all the time and I love her to death. I call her ‘NaNa’; I was her first SO BASICALLY YOUR JOURNEY IS NOT PLANNED? grand anything. We are super tight. We try and help my Mom; we try to hold her up. We try to give It is my desire to light up the world; the creator said, “Let her as much support we can without losing our there be light.” “We are the light of the world”. He gave us own selves. So my grandmother and I made a pack light, so you have to decide how to use your light. He’s not to not be my mother’s crutch, because when my going to make us use our light we have to decide. I feel God, has spoken to me and I’m trying to get people to light up their grandmother leaves this earth whose going to be there to help her, so we have to give tough love own individual mind. Light your own motivation, and right now so she can learn. And she is learning and dreams. Spark yourself up, when your sparked up, your on getting better because of it. fire its contagious to all those that are around you.

YOU SAID YOU WERE, AN “OLD SOUL” WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY THAT?

WHERE CAN PEOPLE PURCHASE

YOUR BOOK? When I was younger, I grew up in Oakland and was raised by AMAZON.COM, BORDERS.COM, VOLUME ONE AND grandmother and mom off and on, but when I was about 11 or TWO is E-BOOK, KINDLE and mostly all online purchasing outlets that most people purchase 12 years old, my mother could not take care of me anymore books from. I am not focused on the money; the because she got caught up in drugs, so I had to fend for myself. Find places to take showers, eat at different folks houses, Creator is my source, I’m just trying to get my

ONCE YOU BECOME SUCCESSFUL? Sergio explains, “I know my path, and what my journey should be” and I am prepared for that and I am willing to wait for it to happen. I know once my name and movement is known, there will be a lot of attention focused on me so I have to prepare myself for the energy and attention that comes with the new levels of influence.

In final, Sergio has had a very tumultuous life for someone of his age, he continues everyday to reenergize his focus to spread his message to people.

DO YOU FEEL YOU’RE ATTRACTIVE?

I’m cool, I am not cocky I can’t see my face 90% of the time {laughs} when I look into the mirror I see a handsome dude, that wants to empower people. “God gave me my face”! I am not really into my physical appearance I want people to embrace what is inside me, is what I project. Sergio further explains with a smile, “If my physical appearance happens to be pleasing to people then ok too, but my main mindset isn’t fixated on how handsome people think I am. I just do me”. I sensed a little insecurity or a chink in his armor for a brief moment during our conversation. I asked him does he talk about that in his book.

He felt his path to success up to this point has exceeded the expectations of certain family members. He did not follow the path of his mother: of drugs and broken relationships, questionable behavior, and a general disregard for ones self. This has and is his motivation to succeed and give “his light” to people.

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HOW DID YOU END UP GOING

TO UC DAVIS? I always had good grades, even during my pre-teen HOW IS YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? ARE YOU IN A years when my mom was doing bad stuff, she always RELATIONSHIP? advocated for me to do well in school. Because of my I don’t do too well, in relationships with women right mom’s excitement to excel in school, it was instilled in now. I have been told that I’m inconsistent with my feelme at a very early age and that mindset is still with me ings. I’m a dreamer, what I mean is if I have a female today. My path to UC Davis was somewhat unconventhat’s digging me, we get past the infatuation stage, the tional, in high school I played football and ran track. I sexual tension and all that implies. Once we cross that always had good grades, and I applied to fourteen and bridge, most of the time we don’t develop a friendship and got accepted to eleven universities and was accepted to I find myself going backwards as opposed to forward.

UC Davis. I was accepted because of my academic With that being said, I’m into spreading my word at the achievements and I was a walk on to the football team. moment and put relationships kind of any seriousness on the back burner for now; or if God blesses me with some- HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO FINANCIALLY one special, I’d jump on it {laughs}. For the moment I AFFORD UC DAVIS? would rather just be single and learn who I am, be the When I was thirteen my mother dropped me off at my man I am called and chosen to be and down the road second cousin’s (which I call my uncle and aunt) make that connection with my queen and we can light up house and was supposed to come back and get me the world together. [We paused for a moment from three or so months later; as she was getting back on our interview and share stories, about relationher feet. What were a few months turned into five ships that most of the times we want people to years! At first I was made a ward of the court, but later meet us in the middle or at least halfway and my aunt and uncle got guardianship of me. When you they are everywhere but in the middle. It’s a are in the system and you demonstrate a desire and cultural resistance] aptitude for continuing your education you can get CAL GRANTS and that helped me out a lot.

HOW WILL YOU HANDLE THE NOTORIETY

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message out. He gives me the words to write and say; this doesn’t even feel like a “career” to me; it is I.

Westcoast Leather San Francisco Model: Travis Stansberry Photos: Ron Fulcher Stylist: Skip Pas

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Rogue Outlet Store San Francisco Model: Brandon Paris Photo: Ron Fulcher

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mixing it up WRITTEN BY: DJ RIVER & RON FULCHER

SDM: HOW DID YOU GET WHAT WAS THE DRIVING TO DO IT?

INTO PLAYING THE BEATS? FORCE FOR YOU WANTING

I am a total believer that babies who are read, played music, hear singing or are spoken to on a regular basis have a better emotional connection with their parents and tend to develop into calmer and driven individuals. Almost as if i was classical conditioned by my father who has been producing/song writing/performing as vocal keyboardist before i was born...Touring with likes of the Temptations and more, and still to this day consistently touring overseas as a solo artist for 6 or more months a year....". So hearing music in the womb definitely set me on an early path to my current passions... My driving force besides God is myself, and my parents have always been supportive of my sibling’s and I, and our passions' from day one since we were heavily into sports growing up...And if they weren’t supportive we made it a goal to make them by bringing home as many trophies, medals or cash prize winnings as possible...

LOL!

SDM: DO YOU THINK WHAT YOU PLAY AFFECTS PEOPLE, OR DO YOU TRY TO AFFECT PEOPLE’S PERCEPTIONS THROUGH YOUR MUSIC?

WITH

DJ RIVER

Yes def think what I play affects people... I think that being bi-racial growing up during the time I did and having such great parents helped me always look at things from more than one perspective... I always hear today’s DJ’s and even the vets saying "I’m a HIP-HOP DJ, or I’m and HOUSE DJ, or I’m a BATTLER" There’s a certain feel that each of those genres can provoke, and I think the message I leave people with is that I understand them all and its ok to be diverse or mix them all... I mean not only do those genres provoke certain feels they also form groups like HIP-HOP heads, house heads, etc. So I'm that guy that plays and says hey its perfectly ok for all you guys to hang out together under the same roof and be excepting of each other and each others preferences... I always say when asked what I do,“that I like to take to songs and make them make love to each other”, hell if I was closed minded or limiting myself to just being a house or HIP-HOP or dub step DJ then in theory I’d never have been born... I’m an example of interracial mixing... and I know its not for everybody I have had my episodes where a person at a venue only wants to hear this or their not open minded to this, but I generally find a creative way to force some good vibes and culture into there late night music snack that evening. By the end of the night they are saying "good job"...

SDM: WHAT

SIMILARITIES HAVE YOU FOUND

BETWEEN THE TWO INDUSTRIES SPINNING MUSIC AND COMPETITIVE DANCING?

I would say the similarities are that people tend to be very competitive to

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SDM: WHO ARE

SOME OF YOUR

INSPIRATIONS IN THE MUSIC WORLD/DANCE

WORLD?

I am just inspired by raw talent in general. Dance I was solely inspired by my crew DSD1 back in 2000-2003 as we were all so different in what we did and how we approached the dance... People hated us but loved to watch us and had no choice but to respect how tight and fresh we were and take on B-BOY VIBE at the end of the day... “Win or lose to us if we were the crew that left and everyone was only taking about that one crazy routine we did or those few solo moves done by our members than we were winners...” In music I like to say that the artist that inspired me was my friend Colette Marino aka DJ Colette... As she sings and DJ’s at the same time beautifully... Adam Goldstein aka DJ Am, R.I.P was very inspirational. I think to a lot of people for trying to change his life around and others for the better towards the end of his days. I loved him for his courage and on the spot mashups... I refuse to play it safe as a DJ, that’s why in a top 40 environment I love to be 100% myself which is only 20% top40... But if I had to play 10 hours of it heaven forbid it would be very easy... To me some late 70's and the 1980's music in general were made where the bpm's (beats per minute) actually change up throw out the song so it makes for more skilled mixing than the 90's up to todays current music structure... Lastly I’m actually inspired by all DJ’s and artist and athletes or anyone for that matter that chooses to follow there dreams or participate in a hobby now days over committing crimes or being a negative factor in today’s society...

SDM: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION TO START FATE CLUB? WHAT DO YOU ULTIMATELY WANT TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THE ORGANIZATION?

Most people want their talent and passions to mean something... for most its a comfortable lifestyle, but for some like me and my siblings its beyond that... we've always been looked up to not for how good we might have done in something but the manor in which we did it... I have the desire to be apart of something that is actually positive and life changing... Technology is great but has in a way stripped youth from a lot of basic interactions and communication skills and at times is a major distraction. So me and my brother Paul were sitting down one day brainstorming on those things and we started to create scenarios...

In 2010 we learned that we could capture the attention and wow the crowd more effectively by using one of our Xtreme Dance Routines first...With in 30 seconds they were cheering and totally focused on us... It worked way better than starting out with songs, like every other A-list artist group we performed with or opened up for that year... We applied this formula into our idea's for helping out the Fate Club Inc, by recognizing that if a teacher walked into a class room and immediately did and back flip every kid in there that was distracted by their phones or ipods or talking with their friends would quickly stop and focus on that teacher... "actions speak louder than words." So Lets use our god given creative art talents to capture the attention an bring awareness to high school students vs. letting them be a typical distraction...I see FATE CLUB Inc.’s potential for growth being unlimited... They have some very talented and supportive companies already on board supporting their FATE CLUB program and they will be 501c3 certified by the beginning of the next school semester. So me and the “Dance Band” look forward to showing up and performing for some high school campuses this fall semester. For more information on how to get a Fate Club instituted on your campus or book DJ River or the Dance Band please contact us @:

BOOKDJRIVER@YMAIL.COM OR FACEBOOK.COM/RIVERTHEDANCEBAND

SDM: AS

A COMPETITIVE DANCER, WHAT TYPES OF

DANCING DID YOU DO?

I did competitive B-BOY, house dancing, and freestyle aka open styles... The name “River” in general just compliments the way I apply myself to all things so naturally it became my dj name also...

SDM: I

NOTICED A RAP VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, DO YOU

ALSO RAP?

ARE YOU

INTERESTED IN RAPPING WITH

THE DESIRE TO ULTIMATELY GET A DEAL?

Yes in that video was my Brother Paul aka Kicky Kiddo, We actually are not currently pursuing any type of conventional record deal... We came to realize after performing throughout most of 2010 that it's not ultimately what we're looking to do or be marketed as in regards to our group and careers.. Then fate so to speak led us to joining with Fate Club Inc. If we were to get a huge recognition from this non profit company reaching Its full potential than great, that would be a dream come true... But if we don't we will at least be extremely happy looking in the mirror at the end of the day knowing we used our talents to give back to the community and further the positive development of adolescents and young adults in todays society.... www.facebook.com/fateclub for more program info: FATE CLUB INC. (future awareness through entertainment)

SDM: WHO ARE YOUR

PARTNERS IN CRIME THAT YOU

COLLABORATE WITH IN YOUR MUSIC CAREER?

"I only have a hand full of DJ' friends that I network with and keep in touch with, but the main three are long time friend of the family Justin aka Dj Weaksas who sold me my first set of turntables over 10 yrs ago and the other two have been very instrumental in my understanding the virtual side of the Djing, Carlos aka Dj Liquid and Henray aka Dj Henray..."My main partners in music in general

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the point where they often get personal and its overall bad for the scene...

I would also say they were way more similar before DJ-ING went into CDJ’s and then to digital vinyl... Now dancing to me is different because is way more physical... Personally I don’t really care to get into the politics of it, but I could teach a 5 year old how to run a virtual DJ program off of a straight laptop that’s just running into a house system... But in defense of them I couldn’t teach a 5 year old to understand when to play and when not to play certain songs or genres... DJ-ING is very deep which I love cause that’s where I feel most at home "lost in thoughts"....

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siblings all-specializing in something different and all coming together to form a masterpiece or a dancing band so to speak... My Brother Paul aka Kicky Kiddo is a well known and a established B-BOY and MC/PRODUCER in the group, my brother David aka Iz is another well-known BBOY and incredible pianist/vocalist/songwriter... My sister is also an amazing song writer/vocalist/and guitarist... And I’m also a known B-BOY and DJ/Producer in the group... I live with a few of them and we are always motivating each other to take it to the next level with our personal abilities...

SDM: IS YOUR VIBE AN

EXTENSION OF WHAT YOU

LISTENED TO WHEN YOUNGER OR SOME NEW VISION?

Yes I think it is... I would be on the bus listening to things like deep forest and enigma at 14 years old on the way to football games... Funny because I was a star player on the team and it was like they questioned whether to look up to me on a sports level just because of what I like to listen to... "He’s good but listens to some weird crap" LOL but in the end I think it was that level of respect that I had from sports that opened their minds to the music... SO I don’t mind being that guy that has to break open doors or knock down some mental barriers.

SDM: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO EXPLORE MUSIC / LEARN THE ART OF SPINNING MUSIC?

Well back in 1996, I was ending my second semester of college and I had always loved emotion-sparking music growing up and dancing... I had friends Neil, Tony, Edwin, Danny, Sky, Jackie, Chappy, Paul, Eugene, Renee, Tiele, Stephen, Adar, Kristine and Brandon, who took me to my first rave in 96. I immediately fell in love with the sounds, atmosphere and the overall freedom of expression type of environment... Next thing I knew I was spending almost every weekend out raving from then until 1999 with my small group of friends Neil, Tony, Edwin, Brandon, Danny, Sky, Jackie, Chappy, Paul, Eugene, Renee, Tiele, Stephen and Kristen... My friend Eugene was a HIP-HOP DJ, and my roommates where Jungle/Drum and Bass DJ’s so I got maybe 2 lessons back in 98 then in 2000 after I stopped raving I finally had an opportunity to come up. I got some cheap second hand turntables. From that point on I started

listening to all genres (FROM TRIP HOP/JUNGLE ROCK/INDIE/POPR&B/HIP-HOP/ACID JAZZ/EXPERIMENTAL) of music and mixing them

all together but focusing mostly on house music mixing...I was making my own mashups before I even knew what to call them mixing Pat Benatar's love is a battle field - into jungle tracks by known artist Pesay... So I guess naturally the love of music in combination with dancing just kind of led me to the turntable like a vision quest...

SDM: WHAT

MESSAGE DO YOU WANT YOUR LISTENERS TO WALK AWAY WITH AFTER ONE OF YOUR SETS?

That its ok to be yourself in this world... its ok to be a leader and not a follower... being a leader can be a lonely life if your not recognized or classified and quote unquote famous but I always say better a lonely leader than letting society shape and mold your ideals on what is acceptable, fashionable, or the norm in general.

I also don’t drink alcohol, caffeine, or use any sorts of illegal or prescription drugs to get high on or off the turntables... LOL I like to be 100 percent aware of my surroundings at all times and I love the feeling of a natural high...

SDM: DO YOU

CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE

MARKETABLE TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

IF

SO, WHY?

Yes - I think I definitely have my own style and could easily be marketed... I think one of the coolest things about me besides the hair I get all my attention for LOL (which I've styled and cut myself since I was 14) because my dad didn’t want to spend money on haircuts, "is that I don’t drink or alter my body or mind state in anyway during, before or after I DJ... " I made a personal choice 6 years ago to quit smoking cigarettes so I quit caffeine and alcohol all at the same time. Lets just say my ex, and girlfriend was walking on eggshells for about 2 months... ha-ha... I wanted be marked as that pure, self made guy that influences others to do "themselves" that they should play for love not for VIP parking, free booze or girls lined up outside to see them... I play for the purest love of self-expression there is... Plus side to that is the love you transcend into the crowd is felt and they have no choice but to love you for it... I think it would take someone that’s not afraid of following that stereotype to put me on, but if they did they'd have something very rare in the scene aside from how I perform on the decks...

SDM: WHO

HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST IN THE

PURSUIT OF YOUR DREAMS?

“I would have to say God... I’m very spiritual and whenever times get tough and I feel like I can't go one he always introduces a new concept for me to fall right back in love with DJ-ING again...”"My Family, Friends, Fans, Supporters, and Sponsors have been very influential as well inspiring me to always keep progressing... Even My Dogter (Dog & Daughter put together) Chi Chi, is influential as i want to be able to eventually live a life where I have more time to spend with her and buy her a doggy mansion... LOL! My Sponsors, Friends and Fans have been a major driving force to continue to get better and make them proud threw my representation... My current Sponsors are: (JoJo Electro/Osiris Shoes/Subjekt headphones/Aok Clothing/Kajmir Beats/Macshot20/Beckii Lee Graphic Design AUSTRALIA AND WWW.DJHENRAYCUSTOMS.COM) SDM: IN FINAL WHAT

Be open minded, be creative and don’t ignore your passions or dreams they are what this life is all about... Otherwise you end up existing for someone else or living the life of someone else.

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every one of my sets whether there are thousands, hundreds or 10 people listening. I don’t play for fame or any of the other 7 deadly sins.

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WOULD YOU SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? OR WHAT IS TO COME DOWN THE ROAD THAT WOULD MAKE PEOPLE STAND UP AND SAY THAT’S DOPE? I wear my heart on my sleeve and put it into each and

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ADVERTISEMENT INTERVIEW/COVER PAGE/BRET LOCKETT/PRINCE SYC/written by: Gracie Slegers

GET

IT

A COLLABORATION

ALL

34 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE PHOTO: IMAGESBYGRACIE

Music, Fashion and Athletic prowess merge in the partnership between Bret Lockett and Prince Syc, with their new single, “Get It All”. The collaboration of these budding talents will soon be heard and seen. Their video is currently on the Get It All Campaign website at http://getitallcampaign.com. These two young men were destined to meet despite their seemingly separate professional paths – Bret from the world of NFL football and Prince from the high fashion and music realm. Their shared artistic vision and commitment to personal growth has brought them together. Behind their good looks exists the disciplined personalities to achieve their goals. We at SDM want you to hear directly from the artists in our editorial – so let’s get to it.

Bret Lockett in his words...

FEATURE

BL: My role models growing up and still to this day are my parents. They are both still married and instilled the "never die" and "you always finish what you start" attitude along with many other life lessons that I still hold onto to.

BL: Dewayne (aka Prince Syc) and I met awhile back because my manager just happened to be Dewayne's Godbrother. It definitely was meant to happen at one time or another.

SDM: How has the overall economic climate affected your choice of endeavor?

SDM: What is your contribution to the collaboration?

BL: Fortunately for me I have been able to discover my talents at a very young age. When you know what you want to do in life and how you want to do it, it makes the path or vision much more attainable. However, it is still a never ending process of striving for perfection even though there is no such thing as "perfect". I am one of the lucky few who have been able to thrive during hard economic times such as these. So I have not been affected by the economy as much as the majority of middle America.

BL: Dewayne produced the song and also wrote his verse for both the "Get It All" single and the "Get It All" dance remix. I wrote my verse and the synergy brought the rest together.

There are few themes that resonate in my mind after researching the publically available information out about you. Your underdog outlook and having the discipline to plan ahead for the future and working hard - virtues that many young people appear to lack these days. In addition to putting out music that can be enjoyed by many is there a message in your choice of lyrics. Also, you are very intellectually mature and seem to be more reality based compared to most professional athletes. To what do you attribute this demeanor?

SDM: Is your music an extension of what you listened to when younger or some new vision?

BL: Yes and no. I love being an innovator and bringing something new to the table. However, everyone has been influenced by someone growing up, so I like to bring a bit of the old with the new and some new that's never been done.

SDM: What was the inspiration for the soon to be released single “Get It All”?

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BL: I have always been a very determined and motivated person since a young age.You can say it's in my blood. However, I have never had anything handed to me and have SDM: How did you develop the insight earned everything through hard work and dedication. It is necessary to pursue this type of business hard to be great at one thing let alone many others, so my discipline is the biggest factor that enables me to keep a plan? level head while constantly turning my visions into accomBL: My mentor, Erik Hicks, who established himself in business plishments.With all that being said, it is difficult to think imat a very young age and has been very successful for over 20 years, maturely when you’re totally conscious of all the other has played a vital role in the way I pursue business. I believe every- facets that play apart in your life. one has a path in life and a key component was missing until our lives collided together.With the Harvard type of accelerated learn- Your mix tape entitled, “Inception”, is set to be released ing, being thrown into the flames and learning through experiences this year and your first single from that album is called “Get I have been able to receive a whole new perspective on that aspect It All”. You guys come from two very different professions and your career paths are seemingly isolated from each of business. other – you in the physical/sports world and Syc from the SDM: Who were your role models? Do you modeling word. feel you are on schedule with growing your SDM: How did you two come together? various businesses?

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rom what I have read in past interviews, you are about building a portfolio of diverse businesses under the Bret Lockett umbrella – what you call the Brett Lockett brand. From Ground Flights to the Inception divisions - International, Enterprise, Capital Ventures and Entertainment - each endeavor seeks to gain a foothold in active or emerging markets, develop a presence there and take a piece of the action.

BL: When you think of "Get It All", you think greed or in materialistic items. The Get It All Campaign is far from that.

When coming up with the song title, we all wanted something powerful and a title that made a statement. However, we didn't want to make a negative or degrading song but rather something uplifting, good to the ear, and fun to dance to. So with that all being said, "Get It All' was the only answer.

SDM: How do you find time to do it all?

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BL: Without understanding the true essence of productivity, you will never understand how to manage time. To any successful person, they know that time is the most precious commodity that you cannot buy or buy back. So understanding the principle of time management and placing your energy into the correct places, finding the time to complete various activities isn't an issue.

SDM: I saw one female in your current video for the single “Get It All”. Was that a conscious decision?

And if so, why?

BL:Yes it was. Many critics and others expected to see pretty women, maybe half naked women, who knows? However, this song and campaign is not about material items, so why portray that? Yes we will be classy, yes there will be style but what it is about is the art. That's what the premise of "Get It All" was built on. True art.

Bret Lockett Inception Enterprises www.BretLockett.com

SDM: Do believe it is your responsibility to be a positive role model to your young fans?

BL: No I do not. I believe first and foremost that parents are the role models to their kids. They are the people their children spend the most time with and make the earliest human influence on. Therefore, I am just an example of what to do and what not to do. Learn from me, take ideas from me, but the parents should be their children's role model from day one to the time they pass.

SDM: So many songs are negative yet and so popular. How does your music differ from today’s trend of Hip Hop artists?

BL: I believe art imitates life - could that be why there is so much negativity throughout our world today? Maybe. If so, I don't want to be a focus for blame when I know I can make great positive music. However, I am an artist so I do write music from many different perspectives.

SDM: What impression and message do you want your fans to walk away with after seeing you perform, listening to your music or reading about you?

BL: I want my fans to see and know the heart that I put into everything that I do. Many people do things for other reasons than truly loving what they do. I want my fans to walk away saying after a performance, he left every breath, every drop of sweat, and every piece of his soul out there on the stage; giving us a complete masterpiece. Be touched by me, be inspired by me, and be motivated by me – aka "Get It All".

PHOTO: IMAGESBYGRACIE

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INTERVIEW/COVER PAGE/BRET LOCKETT/PRINCE SYC/written by: Gracie Slegers

Prince Syc in his words...

SDM: What skill(s) did you acquire in your previous career that you have found useful in your musical career?

Prince Syc: Music is life and I draw my inspiration from being around some of the greats such as Michael Jackson, R Kelly, etc. I learned to let music have any shape it wants.

SDM: What similarities have you found between the two industries modeling/music?

Prince Syc: Nowadays, Fashion dictates the music and music dictates fashion.

SDM: We know your brother is starting his own clothing line. What input have you offered based on your fashion background?

Prince Syc : We haven’t talk much about it.

PHOTOS: IMAGES BY GRACIE

Prince Syc: Well you have to wait for the book. But being the first artist MJ ever signed I have my own unique and personal stories to tell.

SDM: Your music video "Get It All" includes one female, dressed very tastefully. This seems a departure from the typical fare. Was this intentional? If so, why?

Prince Syc: Erik was the director and made that decision. It was his idea but as you see the video was about art so nothing was typical.

SDM: Regarding your partnership with Brett Lockett…

SDM: I read you were writing a book about the late Michael Jackson. What inspired you to write a book about Michael Jackson since so much is known about him already? What is it that you feel you can offer about him that the world does not already know?

SDM: How did you two come together?

Prince Syc: Through Erik Hicks.

SDM: What is your contribution to the collaboration?

Prince Syc: I produced Get It All as well as the Dance Remix.

SDM: Is your music an extension of what you listened to when younger or some new vision?

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SDM: How do you think your background shapes your choice of subjects in your music?

37

Prince Syc: I started modeling when it was really not cool for a rapper to model. Now music and modeling go hand and hand. Modeling took me around the world and helped open my mind to different sounds and cultures.

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Prince Syc: Yes, you can say both - and like I said music is life, so you find new inspiration every day.

SDM: What motivated you to explore music / learn the instruments you play?

Prince Syc: Myself I guess you can say it’s in my DNA. I have a musical family.

SDM: What message do you want your listeners to walk away with after one of your concerts or listening to one of your songs?

Prince Syc: Live I want to bring pandemonium back.

I would love for people to walk away with a chapter in their life they will never forget and talk to their grandkids about. And hopefully my songs will inspire.

SDM: Do you consider yourself to be marketable to the music industry? If so, why?

Prince Syc: If not me, the golden child, who?? But I don’t hope more than I work. Hard Work!

SDM: Who has influenced you the most in the pursuit of your dreams?

Prince Syc: I just knew this is what I wanted to do. I saw LL Cool J on Soul Train. He did “I’m bad” and I was like yea, let’s do it. Like I said, I have been around a lot of greats. And my love for all music influences me.

SDM: You work with your brother, so how do you manage to separate the two professional/personal relationships?

Prince Syc: That’s funny you ask that because I just learned how to do that - separating professional from personal - but I feel that due to experience you definitely have to!

[What we have here are two unique individuals with a wealth of talent and a common goal. Having had the opportunity to spend some time photographing and interacting with them, I can attest that they are the complete package – handsome, intelligent, humble and respectful gentlemen. I feel fortunate to have had a chance to meet them at the beginning of their musical journey together. One thing is for sure, success is in their future and I feel certain they will “Get It All”. We at Swagga Digital Magazine wish them the very best.] — Gracie Slegers, Director Public Relations SDM Magazine

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ON THE COVER 39 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Wardrobe: Westcoast Leather & Rogue Usa Outlet, S.F. Photography By: Imagesbygracie Stylist: Skip Pas & Ron Fulcher Cover Models: Brett Lockett & Prince Syc

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ď ł

C U L T U R E LIFESTYLE

44

Brown Sugar Catering Co. was created in 2005 with the hopes of serving the Bay Area one plate at a time. The owner and operator of the business, Diema Manor Ellingberg, started the business not knowing what direction she would be going in. After catering a few small events, she decided that there was a need to better educate herself in culinary. Ms. Ellingberg attended Diablo Valley College (DVC) in Pleasant Hill, CA where she receiving her certificates in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Baking and Pastry, and Culinary Arts. In the mist of growing her own business she also worked for other catering companies to better understand the field. She's been blessed through her schooling and work to assist with catering/events at Pebble Beach and CIA as well as working for various Bay Area concerts ranging from Lil Wayne and Katy Perry to Foo Fighters and Journey. Brown Sugar Catering Co. is steadily growing and continues to enjoy providing services for varies events and special occasions. In the future, Diema hopes to open a small cafe/lounge in the Bay Area.

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Recipe California Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich Boneless Chicken Breast 1 slice of Pancetta 1 slice of Provolone cheese Prepared marinara Tomato (sliced) 1 or 2 leafs of Red or green leaf lettuce Red onions (thinly sliced) Dried Italian blend seasoning (to taste) Salt and pepper (to taste) Skewer or toothpicks 1Tablespoon oil Dinner roll or burger bun Slice chicken breast in half the long way ALMOST completely. Place sliced chicken in between two PHOTOS: GZ SOULYE STUDIOS sheets of plastic wrap.

Pound chicken breast with a mallet (a rolling pin or even a canned food can be used here) to help flatten chicken. Place a slice of pancetta and provolone cheese on one side of the chicken close and secure ends with a skewer or toothpicks by threading through the chicken to seal opening. Season the outside of the chicken with Italian seasoning blend and salt and pepper).

Place oil in shallow pan and heat on med/high, Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Place chicken in a 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until cooked all the way through. Slice your dinner roll/bun in half and toast for 2 to 5 minutes in the oven. Cover both slices with marinara sauce. When chicken has finished cooking remove skewer/toothpicks carefully and cut chicken in half to fit on bun.

Place one half of the chicken on bottom bun. Add another slice of cheese if desired along with lettuce, tomato and red onion slices. Finish by securing sandwich with top of bun, slice sandwich in half and enjoy! Recipe created by: Diema Manor Ellingberg of Brown Sugar Catering Co.

healthy eating

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CULTURE 

ART 46

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expression

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PHOTOS: BY RON FULCHER

Heidi Wells Art www.heidiwellsart.com

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Soul’s Surface - 2012

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48 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE Necklace By Dear Mina Belt By Boss Orange Shorts By Gant By Michael Bastian Bag (Alon's) Stylist: Leonard Major Photo: Ron Fulcher

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Tank By H&M Necklace By Betsey Johnson Belt & Bracelets Stylist's Own Rings Model's Own Pants By Diesel Sandals By Aldo Stylist: Leonard Major Photo: Ron Fulcher

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Shirt by Gant Shorts by H&M Shirt by H&M Belt by Aeropostale Shorts by Jack Spade Stylist Leonard Major Photo: Ron Fulcher

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Necklace by Dear Mina Harness made by Stylist Belt by Boss Orange Shorts by Gant by Michael Bastian Stylist Leonard Major Photo: Ron Fulcher

A DV E RT I S E M E NT

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57 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE Photography: Alahn Brezan @PHOTOSPHERE www.photospherestudios.wordpress.com Model: AJ Dunbar @SMART Models and CHOSEN MEN (ATL) Styling: DeLuxe Stylista Swimwear Designs: NoRal Apparel Designs Location: Chatahoochee River in Atlanta, GA, USA

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58 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE Photography: Lakani Lao @ PHOTOSPHERE www.photospherestudios.wordpress.com Model: Ryan Neal @SMART Models and SILVER Models (NYC) Styling: DeLuxe Stylista Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

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63 I’ve been told that my music has helped people get through tough times. Creating music is my meditation and helps me get through hard times as well, so I can definitely relate. When I created the name “Audiopharmacy Prescriptions,” I wanted a name that recognized my music as a form of healing… audio healing. We prescribe music.

WHEN I CREATED THE NAME “AUDIOPHARMACY PRESCRIPTIONS,” I WANTED A NAME THAT RECOGNIZED MY MUSIC AS A FORM OF HEALING… AUDIO HEALING.

WE PRESCRIBE MUSIC!

The group’s origin dates back to 1994 and in 2002 the group came together under its current structure.

SDM: When you say you meet along the path of consciousness and community what does that mean?

I choose a humble path and instinctually work well with others who aren’t consumed by their own egos (which is rare in the music biz) People who use their talents and powers to put back into the community in some way, shape, or form, are the ones whom I relate most to.

Although I’ve been told that I have a knack for bringing people together, I don’t feel that I ever formed our collective, I feel that it naturally formed itself. Rather than being based on marketability, fortune and fame, our crew manifested through inspiration, compassion, support, talent, originality, ambition, unselfish love, and common goals. I’m proud to say, my people inspire me, and we inspire each other. At this point, some of the most amazing members of the collective don’t even make music, they’re just dope people. That’s what makes our crew real.

ART BY: MARTIN TRAVERS

SDM: What is conscious hip-hop is it a sound, how would you describe what your music is about?

I think conscious music is any music that helps make the world a bet-

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TEAO SENSE:FOUNDER OF AUDIOPHARMACY PRESCRIPTIONS INTL ART COLLECTIVE AND SHISHSIN APPAREL.

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ter place rather than take from it. In hip-hop, generally the lyrics are mad present, so the content is influential and powerful. I dig conscious hip hop, but there are different degrees of consciousness in “conscious” hip hop for sure. If a song makes you more ignorant than you were before you heard it, maybe you should bring it up a notch.

Or maybe not…whatever you’re into.

Although our music came from Hip hop, our sound is unique. We fuse organic world instrumentation with turntablism, electronics, and being that our crew is internationally mixed race, you’ll find the influence of many cultures in the music. Lyrically, when we were younger, we used to address topics that made us angry such as colonization, global warming, overuse of technology, oppression, overuse of governmental power, struggle etc. Now, we still do the same, but I feel that we don’t just address the problems, we’ve learned to propose solutions.

Do you think what you play affects people, or do you try to affect people’s perceptions through your music?

Everything affects people.

Who are some of your inspirations in the music world?

I am inspired by emotion… anything that moves me. My DJ alias is DJ Offerings. When Offerings is in the club he drops funk, soul, hip hop, and cumbia. When i’m Teao, just chilling listening to music, I dig instrumental hip hop, Middle Eastern music, soul… mellow stuff. When I produce, I like to create original music that I’ve never heard, so it’s hard to say who it’s inspired by…everyone and none.

What do you ultimately want to accomplish with your music?

on by the Dept. of State and US Embassy, doing just that. I’m not saying it has been easy, nothing comes easy, but we put in the work, never hesitated and boom… good things have come back to us. Audiopharmacy Prescriptions is a collective of truly independent hustlas with good morale. We do what we love, and we stay true to it and our people. It’s been a beautiful journey and we are far from finished. We’ve started our own clothing line, import business, furniture, pancake house, skateboard company, my man Keepyahjoy even dropped the first Audiopharmacy full length film this month called “Power Struggle.” And my homegurl Barni just dropped a documentary on midwifery & homebirth too. I have to keep it on the hush, but we have a project on deck that is big…real big. Projects and more projects…we plan to keep em coming for as long as we’re able. After that?... our youth will take over to run the tribe. That’s wuts up.

then turntablism, then making beats, then learning as many world instruments as I could attain. I’ve always had a passion for music, art, and even skateboarding…maybe self expression in general.

Our collabs are mainly with fam… Ras K’dee, Keepyahjoy, Ras Pulse (also of the legendary reggae band – Zioneers from Virgin Islands), Sef, Pasha, DJ Werd (Berlin), Squ!l (Berlin), Kenji 451 (Berlin), Panthelion, Stepwise, Dr. Oop (L.A.), Gregg Green (NY), and plenty more folks on other forms than just music.Visual artists and more.

Peep our blog at: audiopharmacy.blogspot.com to catch up on videos and more from the collective.

Who has influenced you the most in the pursuit of your dreams? And why?

Who are your partners in I gotta admit. I’m typically more action crime that you collaborate than plan. Although, a humble living, with in your music? most of my dreams have already come true. First, I wanted to put out a cassette tape and survive independently from selling my music and rockin shows, Tapes, vinyl, cds, clothing, and shows….we did all that. Then I wanted to travel the world and build communities abroad. After traveling most areas of the world, I feel like we’ve done plenty of that. Then we decided it would be nice to educate youth during our tours abroad. This year we were hired as Musical Cultural Ambassadors of America by the AMA, a program put

What message do you want your listeners to walk away with after one of your sets? When someone tells me they cried during our set, I know they felt it.

Our music has many messages, but it is important for our listeners to know that our collective potential is the ultimate catalyst for change.

The shows bring likeminded individuals together in good spirit, which is the perfect opportunity for people meet and later move mountains together. I’ve witness some powerful relationships form from our shows and tours. It’s a trip.

Do you consider yourself to be marketable to the music industry?

If so, why?

We’re marketable in the same way that Portishead or Bjork blew up. We are eclectic and “Avante Guarde“ I guess they would say.

I don’t know. I’ve always had a drive to pursue my dreams. I was just born with it. I grew up under the wing of a hard working single mother, who was a good role model, but busy most of the time. In the beginning, art was a way for me to pass the time waiting in the car a lot, then I started skateboarding a bunch and just being What motivated you to explore out in the streets. Before I knew it, I was travmusic ? It came natural. First guitar, eling the world independently. It’s weird though. My life is almost identical to the life of

ADVERTISEMENT my father whom wasn’t around much during my youth. I think I got my mom’s morals and my father’s sense of freedom and day to day lifestyle. My Grandmother was also a spiritual leader in the Buddhist community in Hong Kong. She was the spiritual mother of his holiness, Karmapa. Maybe it was her who influenced me. I dunno?

Much luv and thanks to Swagga for the interview. Peace n propers…

Teao n’ Offerings Teao Audiopharmacy Prescriptions Founder/Producer/Instrumentalist/Turntablist teao@audiopharmacy.com

Is there a fusion of Native American music in 415.310.2645 your sound? If so why?

We’re Audiopharamacy, we prescribe music for all walks of life. As for the live show, we are known to pull fans of many different genres out to our shows. Hip Hoppers, activists, ladies, dudes, parents, kids, cougars, reggae lovers, the three legged, it don’t matter….music lovers in general. We typically have a good mixed race crowd with high spirits. Good vibes for sure.

What would you like our readers to learn about AP that they do not already know?

Go to the website and hear plenty of free music on our AP radio player. If you like what you hear, join the tribe… sign up on the “Talking Drum” newsletter mailing list and keep in touch. There is so much talent in the crew that can’t be found by reading just one article. If you want to get your prescription, e-mail: thepharm@audiopharmacy.com and tell us your needs. If you want some music to study to, we’ll send out an instrumental prescription. Just let us know what you’re looking for… lyrics, meditative, party tunes, reggae mixtapes, whatever. Just reach out and we’ll prescribe you.

What is on the horizon for AP? Well, as I briefly mentioned earlier, this year Audiopharmacy has become Cultural/Musical Ambassadors of America. Out of 288 applied bands in the nation, we were first chosen as top 40 in the Nation to come to a live audition, then were chosen to be 1 out of 12 other bands to represent America in a paid overseas tour, performing concerts while representing the 99% percent of America…the people. This is a big publicity move for the US Embassy, and it is an honor to be following in the footsteps of other US musical ambassadors such as jazz greats, Dizzy Gilespy and Duke Ellington. We are currently accepting sponsorships too, so holla. Here’s the link if you want to check the program out. Big ups to the AMA: http://amvoices.org/ama/

How can our readers found out more about AP? Slap your name up on our mailing list at www.audiopharmacy.com. Other links aqui: SITE: www.audiopharmacy.com BLOG: www.audiopharmacy.blogspot.com MUSIC: www.soundcloud.com/audiopharmacy VIDEOS: www.youtube.com/audiopharmacy

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Who is your audience that you mostly reach out to with your music?

www.audiopharmacy.com www.audiopharmacy.blogspot.com www.soundcloud.com/audiopharmacy www.youtube.com/audiopharmacy

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Ras k’ dee is the main front man of the Audiopharmacy live ensemble. He’s African and Pomo, which is a Native American tribe in Northern California. We perform at as many indigenous events as possible to support the voice of the Natives. Ras and his entire family is Audiopharmacy family as well. Ras also is the founder of a Native American youth magazine called SNAG. Check it out. www.snagmagazine.com/Good stuff.

P R O M OT I O N

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RV OEMRO AP D T ITSI EOMNE N T

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Inked Up A STATEMENT OF INDIVIUALITY

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Model: Saxton Pitts Photos: Ron Fulcher

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photos: imagesbygracie

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74 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE Photos: By Ron Fulcher Model: Matt Davis

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Photography: Desi Arnaz

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Barku “THE WARRIOR” Photo by: Ron Fulcher

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'A Scarf Tale'

CREDITS: PHOTOS, STYLING, MAKE-UP, HAIR: PAOLO PRISCO PHOTOGRAPHER, MONACO. MODELS: SINTA SOEKADAROVA AND SATU SUOMINEN. CLOTHES, HATS, BAGS AND SHOES: ZARA, H&M, NEIL SHERIFF, TOPSHOP, PULL&BEAR, SONIA RYKIEL FOR H&M, LISA JAYNE DANN. SCARFS (VINTAGE): HERMÈS, TED LAPIDUS, RENATO BALESTRA. STUDIO SHOOTING, MONACO. VINTAGE AND CUSTOMIZED CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES BELONG TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S PRIVATE COLLECTION.

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LEFT (SATU) DRESS AND TURBAN: VINTAGE SCARFS JACKET: H&M MAN SHOES: TOPSHOP RIGHT (SINTA) TOP: TWO KNOTTED VINTAGE SCARFS (ON THE RIGHT SIDE ‘GRANDS FONDS’ HERMÈS, TED LAPIDUS ON THE LEFT) SHORTS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA BAG: LISA JAYNE DANN BANDANA:VINTAGE SCARF HAT: H&M MAN

86 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE LEFT (SATU) DRESS AND JACKET: ZARA SHOES: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF RIGHT (SINTA) JACKET: TOPSHOP DRESS: ZARA SHOES: H&M HAT: H&M MAN

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LEFT (SATU)

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JACKET: ZARA TOP: TOPSHOP LUREX SHORTS: TOPSHOP VINTAGE SCARF: RENATO BALESTRA RIGHT (SINTA) SHIRT: PULL&BEAR PANTS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA HAT: TOPSHOP BRACELETS: SONIA RYKIEL FOR H&M

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LEFT (SINTA) BRONZE BIKER SNAKE EFFECT: TOPSHOP DRESS: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF RIGHT (SATU) JACKET: H&M MAN TOP: TOPSHOP METALLIC SHORTS: TOPSHOP HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF LEFT (SINTA) VINTAGE JACKET DRESS: TOPSHOP SHOES: TOPSHOP HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF RIGHT(SATU) VINTAGE JACKET DRESS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA VINTAGE SCARF

LEFT (SATU) VINTAGE JACKET DRESS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA VINTAGE SCARF RIGHT (SINTA) SHIRT: PULL&BEAR PANTS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA

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LEFT (SATU) VINTAGE SEQUINS TOP SHORTS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF 90 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE

RIGHT (SINTA) BRONZE BIKER SNAKE EFFECT: TOPSHOP DRESS: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF SHOES: ZARA

91 RIGHT (SATU) VINTAGE SEQUINS TOP SHORTS: ZARA SHOES: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF LEFT (SATU) JACKET: H&M MAN TOP: TOPSHOP SHORTS: ZARA SANDALS: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF RIGHT (SINTA) STUD BIKER JACKET: TOPSHOP DRESS: ZARA SHOES: TOPSHOP HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF

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LEFT (SINTA) BRONZE BIKER SNAKE EFFECT: TOPSHOP DRESS: ZARA HAT: H&M MAN VINTAGE SCARF SHOES: ZARA

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Foot Wearable Art

Shoes By Swag | Soulye - Foot Wearable Art Photography: Curtis Jermany - Gz Photoz.com Photography Model: Annmarie King Model: Channa Booker

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94 SWAGGA DIGITAL MAGAZINE PHOTOS: IMAGESBYGRACIE FASHIONS BY: DEBBIE NGHIEM WWW.GGCONNECTIONS.COM CINDY NGUYEN, MUA

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