Editor-in-Chief Amanda Nicole Fatiah Rebbekkah Managing Editor Denise E. Abrams Creative Director Fatiah Rebbekkah
MUSIC
FASHION
Editor Red Spyda
Fashion Analyst Destiny Charm
Music Director Todd Gayle Digital Visuals Eric S. Bourne
Publisher Amanda Nicole
WRITERS News Charlie O. Relationships Lisa J.
| Editors Letter | Dear Morgan Knights, “Everybody want to be famous but nobody wanna do the work” -Kevin Hart
Amanda & Fatiah
We cannot begin to tell you how many times we have come across people who can talk that talk, but do not have the stride to back it up. Many times individuals are given platforms to make their dreams a reality, yet when presented with the workload that it takes to make that dream come true they run from it. It leaves us to only think everyone wants the fame, but will not work and strive for it. No one, no matter what you believe woke up and was successful except for those whose family is blessed with that pathway, but even they sometimes have to work to earn it. So if you are someone who preaches on being more than the average “Joe,” prepare yourself for that fight, because success is a battle. You will fail a million times, as well as win and have many victories, but even after a win, it can all put you back at step one and if you are not willing to put in the work to win and conquer this battle success will always evade you. It’s great to want success, it sounds cool to call yourself a “Boss,” but I challenge you, what is your plan? How are you going to make your instagram hash-tag #BOSS more than your instagram identity and have it reflect in your bank account, in cooperate America, and in society? What have you done today to bring you closer to your dream? What sacrifices have you made? We’ll wait . . . Send responses to @TheMorganMag we dare you!
Cover Story Justina Valentine CREDITS: Photographer Mikey Rivera Instagram @Mikeyr2 Make-up by Stephanie Crespo Instagram @estafania_promua Hair by Felix Gomez
a n i ! u @JustinaMusic
J
CONTENTS ISSUE#3
Lifestyle
Fun Things To Do With your Friends The Future of The Female Things to Do Inside
Foodies Corner Bachelor Alert: Dedrick Behind The Bar
The Melting Pot
Dating Lisa J. Home Decor The Sume Up
Fashion Music
Get That Look Body Types
Cover Story: “Gloves Off� Justina Valentine
The images presented in this print are copyrighted to their rightful owners. The Morgan Magazine only has rights to materials produced by The Morgan Magazine. The images are only being used for informational purposes. Its inclusion in any article adds significantly to the articles because it shows the subject of the article and how the images depicted is familiar to the general public. The images readily available on the internet.
BODY TYPES
TIPS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE AND MAKE SHOPPING BLISSFUL with Fatiah Rebbekkah
UNDER 5’5
RT SHO
YES Sleek pointy-toe heels will so only good for your legs Instantly grow an inch or two by wearing vertical stripes knee-length skirts or above the knee Jumpsuits in solid colors Heels are your friend High-waist Styles are your friend Shorter Hems work!
ADRIENNE BIALON
NO Oversized Layering Boxy Tops Mid-Calf Boots Ankle straps visually shorten your legs Volume is not your friend
X
Wide Legged Pants make you longer
CURVY
Kim Kardashian
CURVY HIPS BOOTY AND BUST YES
X
Jennifer Hudson
Skirts should end just before or under the kneecap. Your legs will look longer A deep V- or scoop neck lengthens your neck Show off your cleavage
NO ADDING BULKING FABRIC TO THE TOP ONLY MAKES YOU LOOK HEAVY Do Not Cover Your Curves
BOY
ISH
NO HIPS
Emma Stone
YES Define your waist line Add Volume to your hips Circle Skirts are your friend Add dimensions to your Body Frame
NO Strapless does not work with sleek looks
X
Lala Anthony
Get ThAt LoOk Fatiah Rebbekkah
Winter Gala Tatiana Baroque Gown BCBG $568
Gold Embroidered Gown $188
Gemma Tassel Clutch Carvela Kurt Gelger $105
Whiting & Davis Crystal Ball Clutch $178 Clarins Four Color Eye Pallete $42
Christian Louboutin Gold Metal Knot Decollete Pigalle
Ted Baker CAMOSU Tuxedo $925
Stefano Ricci Fine Tonal Shirt $930
Tom Ford $242
Paul Smith Cufflinks $125 Hot Sox Shamrock Dress Socks $6
Paul Smith $480
XOXO Boat Neck Wrap Sweater $27
BAE Necklace PATRICIAFIELD.COM $30
Kate Spade Bow Stud Earrings $48
Tivoli Skirt
Guess Gold Plated Bracelet $105
Michael Antonio Jett Boots $35
HOT COCO Hodded Jacket H&M $25
Gucci Leather Black T-Shirt $305
Fossil Nate Watch $165
Hot Sox Candy Dress Socks $6
ACNE Adrian High F $440
RAG & BONE Chino Pant $210
FOODIES CORNER
FOODIES CORNER
Shortcut Strawberry Shortcake INGREDIENTS: 1Cup Thawed Strawberries Pound Cake Loaf Whipped Cream (optional)
Shopping List:
Step by step: 1. After bringing pound cake to room tempeture, slice desired amount 2. Plate slices, and top with thawed strawberries 3. Top with whip cream, and serve 4. Serve with a drink from our Behind the Bar. Enjoy with the one you love!!
BEHIND THE BAR
HOLLYWOOD MARTINI
FILL A MIXING GLASS WITH ICE 3oz OF VODKA 1/2oz BLACK RASPBERRY LIQUEUR DASH OF PINEAPPLE JUICE SHAKE AND STRAIN INTO A CHILLED GLASS TOP WITH CHAMPAGNE
FROSTED ROMANCE (Frozen) IN A BLENDER 1/2 CUP OF ICE 1oz BLACK RASPBERRY LIQUEUR 1oz WHITE CREME DE COCOA SCOOP OF VANILLA ICE CREAM BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH (if too thick, add milk or if too thin add ice cream)
TIP #8962 Start the New Year off with trying new things. Start with changing your 驶GO TO始 Drink to something total different from your norm --- Lisa J
BACHELOR ALERT !! Freelance Artist
LIVES IN THE BRONX, NEW YORK
WORKS IN SALES
DEDRICK IG @DEDRICK_DUANE LOOKING FOR * educated woman with a sense of humor to die for * Independent and sure of herself * Has it together. * He is about living in the moment when it comes to romantic dates. He rather sit back and let “her idea” of a good first date unfold. “I will never date an ex-girlfriend of a friend “GUY CODE!” Dedrick loves to seduce his women, making them crave him. He loves being desired. Dedrick will take a woman to her peak, make her want it then give her nothing.
Deal Breaker * College Educated with an Attitude from Hell
“ A SIMPLE MAN”
JUSTINAVALENTINE
“This dream and this grind is not for the meek or the weary. This is a field and a career where you have to be totally dedicated, determined, and persistent. Unless you come from a lot of money, have a family member usher you in, or you are just lucky enough to step in shit, it's going to take blood, sweat, tears, years, and everything you have to maybe have a shot at living your dream.”
Scarlett Letter is a fitting name for the red head, Justina Valentineʼs new EP coming in 2015. She definitely has a few hit singles on deck for this project. She is looking forward to working with Shy, Red, Infamous or Pyrmds for her next single following this EP, because these are all amazing producers who have been rocking with her from the beginning. I spoke with Justina Valentine to learn more about her and her team. Amanda: Who are some of the different people you have worked with from the beginning to now? Justina: Three of the very first people I worked with at the start of my career are Shy Boogs, RandyHaze, and Rick Ruga. I currently still work with all three of them and they are all like brothers to me. Shy is a producer/songwriter. Randy is a guitarist/ entertainer & Rick is a videographer. A key component of my team now is my manager, Junior Goris. He is amazing and makes my whole operation run. Money Nels, PYRMDS, D, Stephanie Carnegie, Chris Herche, Meghan Steele, Red Spyda, Stephanie Crespo, Mikey Rivera, Mark the Spark, Infamous, Lee R., Evan F., Bob C., & Conquer Ent. are a few more very important people I relay on & rock/have rocked with. And of course.... I can not forget the fans!!! Amanda: How does it feel being in such high demand for live performances? Justina: It feels really great to be in demand for live performances. It tells me that I put on a dope stage show and that makes me extremely happy, because performing is my favorite aspect of this all. I don't know that I'm in "high" demand yet. When my calendar is booked solid then I'll be happy (smiles). Amanda: Where are some places you have performed? Justina: Wow, we have performed at a lot of venues and cities. We have done Warped Tour twice and three national tours as tour support for bigger acts. We've done The House of Blues in Cleveland and New Orleans, Wooly's in Iowa, The Continental Airline Arena & Hard Rock Cafe in Miami, The Comcast Center in Boston, the Viper Room and The Roxy in LA, Trees in Dallas, The Blind Pig in Michigan, TLA in Philly, PNC Art Center in New Jersey, The Bitter End, Webster Hall, Sullivan Hall and SOBs in NYC just to name a few. Amanda: Describe the feeling you had going on tour for the first time?
Justina: The first tour I went on was the Warped Tour in 2012 through Conquer Ent. I took my full band out with me and we had an amazing time. It was one of the funnest experiences we had ever had to date and also a great learning experience. We have come a long way since then in our travel techniques (laughs). Amanda: Which one of your songs is your favorite? Justina: Hmmmm that's a super hard question. But if I had to pick my favorite song of all time I might have to say "Lord Have Mercy" off my Valentine EP Amanda: Is Valentine’s Day your favorite holiday Ms. Valentine? Justina: You already know it is (winks) Amanda: What would be the perfect Valentine’s Day to you? Justina: The perfect Valentine's Day to me is an amazing stop on a tour, celebrating with my team and my fans and then face timing my fam.
Amanda: When you are not working on your music, what are you doing?
Also Madonna, Lauren Hill, Spice Girls, Mary J, Brat, Nelly Furtado, & the Spice Girls.
Justina: Honestly I do very little to nothing that is not music related lol. On some real shit though. I mean I go out and party and turn up with my thotties, but even during that process I'm always networking. Music is truly my life and I love my life so I have fun each and every day. They told me the journey is the best part so I am enjoying it!
Amanda: You have a very unique look. Did you always have this edgy look or did it develop over time?
Amanda: What was your childhood like? (Were you popular, a jock, etc.) Justina: My childhood was great. I was always popular, school president, jock, dancer, all that. I was a nice popular kid though. I was the one who always stuck up for the nerds and befriended them and made sure no one was picked on. Amanda: When did you decide to be a rapper/ singer? Justina: I was always involved in theatre stuff as a kid. I loved to act and I did a bunch of school & town plays. My Dad is a musician so I came up listening to all his music- Beatles, Van Morrison, etc. I fell in love with rap in grade school and starting writing little things here and there. By high school I was writing little raps and towards the end of school I started recording. Amanda: What female artist influence you the most and why? Justina: My biggest influences on the female side are Lil Kim first and foremost. Kim was everything to me!
Justina: My look has definitely changed and evolved over the years. I've switched it up a number of times, but I'd say my personal fav of all my looks is my current one. But yea all my looks have always had edge to them. Amanda: What sound influences your music? (New York, Cali, Oversees...) Justina: I think I grab inspiration from all the different regions. Obviously being from the tristate area, NY is my greatest influence for sure. But I also love West Coast and Down South music. Amanda: Are you originally from New Jersey? If so what part? Justina: Yes indeedy. I am born and raised in Passaic County, NJ (North Jersey). Amanda: Is there anything else you wanted to do other than music? Justina: I loved sports as a kid. I also did radio in school and after school, but I never pursued anything as hard as music. Amanda: Do you believe you are living your dream yet? If so, When did you realize that you were living your dream and how did coming to the realization feel? Justina: Yes I do believe I am living my dream. I am blessed to be as far as I am. I have a longggg road to go to get to where I want to be, but like I said, the journey is the best part. Therefore I am living my dream each and every day with some of the best people I've ever met!
FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FRIENDS Everyone doesnʼt have a date for Valentineʼs Day, but that doesnʼt mean that you cannot still have fun with your friends
Comedy Cellar at Village Underground
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Benihana
Check out a comedy show with some friends at the Comedy Cellar at Village Underground.
Go back in time and have dinner while you watch a Medieval Tournament.
Who doesnʼt love the art of a hibachi meal. The only thing that can make this any more incredible is sharing the experience with friends.
5 Bar Karaoke & Lounge
Murder Mystery Fun
Sea Thai Restaurant
In the mood to show off your talents? Go to 5 Bar Karaoke & Lounge for drinks and live entertainment by you.
Have you ever wanted to be apart of a murder mystery? Check out Murdered by the Mob for a night of suspenseful fun.
If you havenʼt already heard, you must be living under a rock, but its not too late to find out about the lovely Thai Restaurant. Grab your friends and go! Try to wings
The Future of the Female By: Charlie O. I became concerned about the future of the female when I looked around me and saw behavior that caused me to feel such sadness it was overwhelming. Watching a television show where a life coach felt it necessary and she was quite right in her actions, to bring together the seventeen women of one man who collectively brought thirty-five children into the world, to find out why did they get involved with a man with not only other women, but so many children. Then have children with him. The shame, the miss placed anger, the lost souls. It is cause for worry, it is cause for concern, itʼs my souls desire to know what is the future of the female. When a young girls behavior on the playground is recorded and not corrected or redirected and this video becomes viral. (Those of you who shared it should take some time and reevaluate your morals and values). When television shows are created along the guise of social experimentation, about bad girls and their bad behavior and said behavior is still not corrected or dealt with or redirected to help, but is encouraged and as such leads to harmful choices. I really donʼt feel that girls or women have changed that much throughout history. If we take a close look at some of the greatest women through time they have been a bit loose and some actions a little on the shady side. This just takes us back to the lesson we need to teach, at least one of them it is not what you do it is how you do it. Lets help our young women get their shit together. These days it seems as though young women just donʼt care who sees. Like the video on Facebook of the young woman giving fellatio on the train, I mean really? Iʼm grateful for books like Straight talk no Chaser by Steve Harvey, because it does take a village to raise a child. But we are relying too much on the village and not doing what we should as parents to raise our children. It begins at home some may not want to hear this but its true get over it. When did being a lady go out of style? I am not at all old fashion, but there are some things that remain true. A girl was thought that there are things about a woman that should not be public knowledge. This has gone so far out the window
that commercials zoom in on a womanʼs crotch to show her vaginal itch problem. Should women feel violated? It is no wonder that I have herd young women stand in a room of mixed company and exclaim, “I have to pee!” My mother used to call that being ordinary, today they say basic. Get your shit together. Do not get me wrong all young women are not this way by any means, but there is enough to be concerned. A concern we should all have is; not only are these young women our future mothers, they are our future teachers, nurses, businesspersons, or burdens to society. Can we start at the beginning? Can we give more time to our babies? Can we remember children learn what they live! This begins with what our children are seeing. So, ask yourself, how am I living? How am I speaking? How am I speaking to my child? How do I allow my child to speak to me? How do I conduct myself in public? Listen, we can tell our children “donʼt” till we are blue in the face. Now if we are living “do” for our children to see, this is the lesson she will learn. Too many of our young women are idol. They have nothing to do when there is so much that can busy them. For example, the girl scouts. We just need to look it is out there. I know of a young woman who posted sign up sheets and posters in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and no one showed up. Do not say you cannot afford it just ask you would be surprised what is in place to assist you. There are after school programs. Let us not forget plain OLE parental time. Being loud and abrasive, is not attractive, attacking people on the train is not cute. Cursing does not sound intelligent. Figure it out now what do you want to be, the success, as a woman of value, or the one left behind, the one passed around. The one the guys throw liquor on because they do not value you. Manners, good grammar and style will always take you further than rudeness poor speech and “rachet” behavior. Girl power, search yourself find your strength, relish in it. Live it everyday. Be and show the world the power and strength that is you.
THINGS TO DO INSIDE WHEN WE CAN’T GO OUTSIDE
The weather is changing. There may be days of staying inside because it is just too cold to go outside. If you have children start stocking up on arts and crafts supplies you donʼt want to have bored children on your hands. If not we have an idea for you too, or if you have older children to keep entertained. Enjoy these activities we do!
This is a fun activity, the fun thing about it is, you get to see how others see you. You will need: Pieces of Paper Pens or Pencils Video camera A Hat
Procedure: 1. Hand out a piece of paper and pen to everyone participating in this activity, ask them to write their name on it. 2. Place all pieces of paper in the hat. 3. Have everyone choose a piece of paper, do not reveal name do not keep your own name. 4. Decide who goes first, cue camera, take turns acting out the characteristics of the person you pulled till someone guesses who. When everyone has had a turn plug camera into the tv, watch and have a laugh.
For the kids
You will need: Construction Papers all colors Glue Sticks Child friendly sicessors pipe cleaners and yarn
Procedure: -Cut out color paper into different shapes (circle, square, triangles, animal shapes shown above) it is best to allow children to to cut the shapes for themselves. -Use glue sticls to glue shapes onto paperbags to create animal faces. -Put hands in your puppet and retell your childs favoriate story or create your own.
The Melting Pot By: Charlie O.
! From fashion to food, the shows we watch, the actors we love and the recording artist we admire. America began and is still the Melting pot of the world. Our brothers overseas continue to influence us and if you think that you are not, you are so mistaken. Sometimes I think the only true American experiences are baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet. I ask you are you influenced by the overseas swag? ! Many ladies and some gents enjoy shopping at H&M. This is a Swedish retailer. Opened in 1947, Hennes women retailer opened in Vasteras, Sweden. In 2000, the first store opened on 5th Avenue in NYC. We enjoy the affordable and stylish brands available at this retailer. We can agree that our lifestyle is influenced by the overseas cultures. Most of the designers we live for as well are from abroad. ! Okay, maybe itʼs that you are eating Curry and Roti and listening to Shabba! Or is it Marc Anthony, or the Bollywood wave, watching Shahs of Sunset. I ask you are you influenced by the overseas swag? Most of the designers we live for as well are from abroad.
Curry Chicken and Roti
! The next time you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art you may see the celebration of sorts on the influence of Japanese Art. How many times today did you use emojis? “China through the looking glass” will open May 2015, it examines the way Chinese culture has influenced the world of fashion, art and film especially in the West.
!
American fashion as well as music, was and still is influenced by British swag. Mod. Mods wore designer clothing, rode Vesper motor scooters and share an affinity for black American soul music. You loved Austin Powers, right? Then there are the rockers whose flavor are powerful motorcycles greased back hair and 1950s American rock and roll. The pendulum of influence does swing back and forth across the seas. Nevertheless, over the years and today the influence is at our shores. ! ! In the 1950s and 1960s Australian rock stayed close to itʼs American roots. Worldwide events played a major role in the fact of mainstream music. We see this with Ray Charles the Everly Brothers and others. Music became accusing of society and looked for peace. It was seen as avant-garde, but became a norm due to its popularity with the youth of that time.
Latin Culture has given us music and dances and given a new genre called Reggaeton
! American rock and roll started to decline, British music soon controlled the AM Radio and the record industry thus the British Invasion. British rock bands and pop artist found mainstream success worldwide the invasion seemed to have happened over night but it had been underway for years. The same movement can be seen with other types of music like reggae for example.!!
!
The Beatles opened the floodgate when they first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. The Rolling Stones and The Kinks followed the Beatles among others and artists like David Bowie in the later years. ! The influence of Reggae was what stood out most and had us fall hard for Culture club, and Boy George, some young people even started to dress like him. The 1990s brought us The Spice Girls a British pop girl group formed in 1994. They are citied as part of the second wave of the British invasion of the U.S. ! More recently we have gotten Adele from the UK, One Direction, The Wanted and Amy Whinehouse. From Australia we got Iggie Azalea and others. From New Zealand Nico & Vinz. ! The places we shop the restaurants where we eat everything we do even the shows we watch are influences of our brothers and sisters overseas. Food for thought, next time you complain about them foreigners. Yo quiero Toco Bell!
The Beatles
Culture Club
HOME DECOR WALL FIXTURES
PTM Images Moon Crescent Wall Art $320.00 Bloomingdales.com
Seretha 38 1/2"High Gold Leaf Wall Decor $169.91 LAMPSPLUS.COM
Vellum Songbook I Acrylic Wall Art $150.00 PureHome.com
Eye Chart Wall Art $240.00 2Modern.com
OF THE MORGAN Mason 3-Piece Mango Wood Wall Key Wall Art Set $159.91 LAMPSPLUS.com
Criss Cross Wall Decor $410.00 PureHome.com
HELLO Vintage Word Play Wall Decor In Porcelain $20.00 PureHome.com
MERCI Vintage Word Play Wall Decor in Porcelain $20.00 PureHome.com
HOME DECOR WALL FIXTURES
Dressed in Flowers | 24� Square Canvas Wall Art $47.50 LAMPSPLUS.com
NY Red Canvas Wall Art $245.00 PureHome.com
Nador Wall Art $226.00 2Moden.com
Pink Bromeliad II Canvas Wall Art $405.00 PureHome.com
DATING LISA J @DearLisaJ
A Valentine’s Day To Remember
! Itʼs Valentineʼs Day and I woke up to a small gift bag sitting in bed next to me. I got up and went into the bathroom to freshen up. As I went back to bed to open my gift Mr. Right walked in with breakfast, eggs, bacon, a belgian waffle with a small bowl of fruit, a glass of orange juice and a glass of water. He placed the tray down in front of me and waited as I opened my gift. WOW! What Iʼve always wanted, this man is so good me. I said thank you and gave him a kiss, then enjoyed my breakfast. ! I went into my closet and got the gift that I bought for Mr. Right. I just hope it puts a smile on his face this morning like he has done for me. I walked into the living room and handed him the gift and sat down on the floor in front of him as he opened it. His eyes smiled before his mouth did and he gave me the warmest hug and softest kiss. I was so glad he liked it and I could tell that this day was going to be one to remember. ! After I got out of the shower I noticed a beautiful black dress laid out on the bed with a Christian Louboutin shoe box sitting next to it. I got so excited I dropped my towel and hurried toward the box. I opened the box and there were a beautiful pair of green pumps inside. I laughed because green is his favorite color, I smiled because he knew I wanted a new pair of Christian Louboutins and I shook my head because I knew I should have gotten him something else. ! He left a note telling me to get dressed and wait for him in the living room. I took my time getting ready to
make sure I looked perfect for him. Itʼs the least I can do, after the surprises he has given me so far. I walked into the living room and waited for him like he asked. Five minutes later he walks in wearing a black Giorgio Armani suit with a slim black tie, just looking all types of sexy. I stood up and kissed him, he grabbed my hand and outside there was a car waiting to take us into the city. ! We arrived at the Broadway Comedy Club for a night of laughs. I do love to laugh. ! I enjoyed the comedy show and it was turning out to be the day I thought it was going to be. We headed back to the car and he instructed the driver to take us to 7th avenue and 17th street. I know that address, we are going to one of my favorite restaurants, Cafeteria. ! Now Mr. Right treats me well everyday all day, donʼt get me wrong we have had our problems like all relationships do, but for the most part he is my Mr. Right. ! We drank wine and ate food and had great conversation. He made me laugh and we looked at each other like things were just perfect. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs to freshen up. On my way back to my seat I run into my ex boyfriend Erik, and he just grabbed me and kissed me. WTF... I am too cute for drama tonight.
THE SUM UP Fergie, LA LA LA LA, We are loving the single!
MUSIC
Rita Ora to drop a new album in January!
Great song, but if Only they had thought a little longer about the video. Song by Song Lindsey Stirling is our new obession.
If you have not heard this group you are truly missing out. Check the Lady, her single Selfie is Fire!
MOVIES
Guys, everything is not funny! Did they go too far?
We can never get enough Bond!
No matter how often it’s redone it’s always good!
Are we done yet?
Why, Why, Why? Who’s gonna sing now? R.I.P. Dear Beth!
Television HAS A MEL BROOKS FEEL
He did it, she saw it, now what?
Who took Olivia?
BEAT YOU WITH A BROOM IF YOU DID NOT SEE EMPIRE (INSIDER)
SOCIAL GO DAVE! ROYALS IN BROOKLYN
CIVIL UNREST
ARE THEY ON? OFF? DO WE CARE?
ITS A BOY!