The Focus July Edition 2017

4:44

The Official Magazine of Focused Radio

End of July 2017

Be Every Woman with Bry and B pg 16

What Did We Learn

Fleet Dj Conference Rap-up pg 25

#ExclusiveIndie Charts inside 1 The Focus

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focus points 8. Ask Gizzy: I'm one smart cat 11. Cover Story: What did we learn from 4:44 16. Small Business Spotlight- Lawanda Menefee of Bry and B Fashions 25. Culture: Fleet Dj Conference rap Up 30. Fashion: the right Sunglasses 32. The Heart of the Matter 38. Exclusive indie charts Editor in chief: TommyP content supervisor: Erica Jenkins lead visual artist: Brandon crafter Each month “The Focus� spotlights small businesses, entrepreneurs, community events, political topics fashion and the arts, we are poised to stay relevant and to influence what people are talking about and doing.

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From the Editor Independence isn’t FREE. Nor is a subscription to TIDAL music service. This month we talk about how those two may have taught us a valuable lesson about the “Land of the Free.”

Starting a business is not an easy task, however when you have inspiration it makes it so much more worthwhile. This month’s spotlight business owner is making some strong waves with her fashion company that was birthed from the inspiration of the two she gave birth to.

We also travel to North Carolina to get the scoop on this year’s Fleet DJ Music conference. With 3 Fleet DJ personalities on Focused Radio and many others that contribute, we got to see all the great things that went on there and the upcoming events from this great coalition.

We got style, talk to Gizzy, and we also get to the Heart of the Matter, so make sure you check this month’s edition out and share it with all those you love!

As Always, #StayFocusedMyFriends TommyP

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Funny, insightful, and the perfect way to get your day started...

Weekday Mornings 8a until Noon only on

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Ask Gizzy?

He’s One Smart Cat

Hello Focused Magazine Viewers It’s Ask Gizzy Time Again!! Ask Away????

Ask Gizzy: What’s the best way to stay cool in this heatwave?

Tracey Thomas Tittley...

I am a indoor cat for a reason. So I don’t deal with heat waves...

Ask Gizzy: What type of activities would you like to see happen in the Star City?

Lawanda Menefee...

I am a Star and this is my city. So as long as I’m active I could care less..

AskGizzy: Why is Tommy Page not with the train coming back to Roanoke?

Boo Rowe Smith 6 The Focus

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If Tommys not with it then Gizzys not either!!! I’m a Tom Cat, next!

Ask Gizzy: When is the rain coming?

Ericka Perry...

I’m not a Weather Cat I’m Gizzy Cat Ask Gizzy? Gizzy have you ever thought about modeling?

Joe Denfield I am a model a role model that is!!!

Ask Gizzy: Gizzy my husband wants to know if all women how much do women have to pack when going away for one night?

Jessie Medina Benjamin Jessie tell your husband how much a woman packs for one night is not my concern. Gizzy doesn’t do packing!!!

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Dangerously low blood supply prompts nationwide call for blood donors. Blood and platelet donors urged to give now. Schedule today at www. donateblood.vablood.org

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What Did We Learn from Jay-Z’s 4:44 Hip-hop music has shown that has lasting power. For almost 40 years now, we have seen this genre continue to break records and become the new “pop” music.

One artist who has maintained a successful career with it, jay-z, released new music last month. The question I want to ask is what did we learn from it 11 The Focus

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Duh, duh, duh, duh, duh, duh, “Kill Jay-Z.” That’s how JayZ’s newest project 4:44 starts off. No funny skit to prep you for what’s about to happen. No sound byte from previous recordings to let you know what you are about to hear. Nothing but a dope beat and an even doper Emcee going in.

That’s how you know something major is about to take place. That’s the signs of a true artist who has emerged as arguably the greatest of all time in the world of hip-hop music, knows how to carry the culture forward.

However, for some reason it 12 The Focus

seems that the message behind 4:44 is unclear to some, hypocritical to others, and just not interesting to the rest. Unless you are a true lover of hip-hop music. If you fall in that category, then this project was everything you wanted and more.

Why you ask? I’m so glad you did. It’s because if you pay attention to everything happening with 4:44, you’d realize it embodies what hip-hop music is about. It also produces some of the biggest boasts and claims from a young man who really didn’t have a “Blue Print” laid out for him to follow. Bragging

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and boasting is really what hiphop was about, however the difference is most of the others that did it couldn’t back up the claims. Jigga can and then some.

It’s really an awkward position, the project has put the music game in. Today rappers are becoming more popular and more flashy. Something Jay-Z made his career of doing in the past. We all remember he and Jermaine Dupree riding through the cit claiming that “Money Ain’t a Thang.” How is it so that now that he has more mon13 The Focus

ey than any other rapper has ever had, he is talking about being more responsible with it? Even more to that point, how is it the same guy who made all kinds of songs showing his lack of a desire to have a monogamous relationship, dedicates and titles this project in reference to his “Soul Mate?” Pretty confusing huh?

I could see how people could get caught up on those things, but to me what we should’ve learned is that nothing grows up without growing up.

One of the biggest problems for rappers has been the ability to keep the wealth they obtained, while entertaining the masses.

Most of this was due in part to the fact that most artists didn’t understand the business side of things and were more concerned about being the “hottest” thing out.

You’re not so hot, when you’ve appeared before people one moment with what appears to be millions of dollars worth of “status” only to see after a few years and someone else is the new “hot” thing, the record label shifts the money their way. Leaving you looking like WTF. Jay-Z the businessman knew the value of being independent from the very start, meaning that he controlled the amount of mon-

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ey that would be put to his campaigns each time out. He also knew the value of getting “sure dough.” Knowing how valuable hip-hop music is to the marketing of just about everything out now (soda companies, Honey Nut Cheerios, and even H&R block) his deal with Sprint this time around (remember it was Samsung last time) assured he would get paid regardless if the masses no longer wanted to be led by Hov. A lot of people learned that Jay-Z obviously did something he wasn’t supposed to the Queen B herself. People feel like this project only solidifies the claims of Beyoncé “Lemonade” and fulfills the curiosity of what really happened in that elevator with Solange’. To The Pines apartments in Roanoke, VA is ideally situated to give thoseeasy people I say, you must lookthe harder.

Thetoindustry always felt you access to the best of what area has offer. that rappers couldn’t be smarter than suits. So when rappers were able to sell CD’s like they could sell drugs on the streets, the suits got a little worried and realized something had to change. Now music is sold by the platforms they are played on, not the physical media it’s on. Subscription services are the new way of life. Having the best content exclusively on one of those said platforms gives you the edge in making your service stand out. Tidal, which is Jay-Z’s streaming service has been the one that exclusively held projects like Kanye West, Beyoncé Lemonade and now 4:44 (BTW Solange sold more records than she has ever on her last project). What we should’ve learned is that this guy is pretty freaking smart!

main picture courtesy of djbooth.net picture to left courtesy of lyrics.com

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• Primary Care • Both Acute & Chronic Care • Eye Exams & Eyeglasses • Imaging Services • Lab Work • Women’s Health Care

1240 3rd Street SW Roanoke VA 24016

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• Minor Outpatient Surgery • Psychiatry Services & Counseling • School Physicals • Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy • Project Access – Specialty Care

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Small Business Spotlight:

LaWanda Menefee

Greetings All!! As you all know I’ve been running around town since I got back from Jersey almost 2 years now...

Of course as I’m running around I’m always looking for people, places and things that catch my attention.

One of the people that caught my attention was business owner. Lawanda Menefee. Not only is Lawanda a full time wife and mother she’s also a BOSS.

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Bry and B Fashions...

Full time Owner of BryandB Fashions...Lawanda, is all that a more with her family behind her and her great dedication and great spirit the sky’s the limit for her.

With that said it’s time I introduce Roanoke to the Best Full Figured online Fashion store here...Bry and B Fashions Lawanda, I’m sure everyone asks you this but how did you come up with the name Bry and B Fashions for your store?

I came up with the name Bry and B Fashions because my two daughters their names are Bryanna and Beyonce. They’re the inspiration behind the business being that they’re plus size young ladies.

Would you call your business a family business?

Yes Bry and B Fashions is a family business. That consists of my husband Steve and our daughters. Everyone has a role in the business.

Do your daughters help you pick out the inventory?

Bryanna and Beyonce helps me pick out the inventory. They keep me updated on the latest trends.

How do you juggle being a full time wife, mother and business owner? Erica, this is a very good question.

Honestly, It is very challenging. But I am learning to have better time management skills.

Being humble enough to ask for help and assigning tasks to others when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Finding creative ways to spend time with my daughter’s outside of work. And my husband plans date nights for us with no cell phones or discussions about business just spending quality time with each other.

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Your store consists of plus size Fashions what a sizes does that range from?

Our Sizes Range from 14 to size 24 What differs you from other plus size fashion stores?

By offering personalized services. I offer custom ordering.

Being a plus size woman with plus size daughters I understand the challenges of shopping for clothing. So, I want each customer to have a personalized shopping experience. I’m readily available to assist them.

What type of accessories do you sell?

I sell what is considered as faux statement pieces of jewelry .

Necklaces,earrings,and bracelets. And unique hats, and purses.

I hear some plus size women complain on how they don’t know how to find fashion to compliment them? Do you offer a personal consultation to help them with any fashion issues?

Do offer personal consultations. Everyone of my customers are unique in her own way and I understand that some ladies need help finding her style.

I want her to walk away feeling great about herself and purchase.

I know your an online store can you let people know what the benefits are at shopping at your online plus size store versus a mall plus size store?

Convenience, you can shop from home and not worry about parking or fighting the crowds. My prices are more affordable since I don’t have the added expense of being in a mall.

You also do pop up shops tell us about those and how to contact you if interested in having one?

Lastly you offer delivery service can you tell us about that and if there’s a fee?

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We offer delivery within a 20 mile radius of Roanoke for a $5.00 fee .Outside of that radius we offer shipping options.

For the Pop Up Shop we will come to your business, events, church,or home.

And set up a mobile boutique which includes a table setup with jewelry and accessories and selected clothing items. We love to do Pop Up Shops! Please contact us at info@bryandbfashions.com Or you can call 540-632-7433 We have a new website coming and if you want to add the information about our plans for a future appointment space at your building.

Go get your consultation and best look now!!

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#GetThewordout Since March 2014, Faith 4 A Cure and Virginia Blood Services has partnered together to “GET THE WORD OUT” about Sickle Cell Anemia. In order to do so we have used a diverse range of settings, such as: • Higher Education • Faith-based Organizations and forums • Community Engagement • Media/Broadcasting • Health Fairs • Public Service Announcements • Blood Drives At some point in their life, Sickle Cell patients will need a blood transfusion. In many cases blood transfusions are routine treatments. Because of this fact, the primary focus in getting the word out is through hosting blood drives throughout the state of Virginia. It doesn’t just stop here. Faith 4 A Cure is on a mission to create awareness and education not just in Virginia but globally through the use of social media, web presence, radio and television, speaking engagements, educational forums, and much more.

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Motha with DJ FM Frequency Fleet DJ’s Music Conference Raleigh, N.C. Thurs July 20th – Sat July 22nd 2017 Good day good people! I attended the 6th Annual Fleet DJ’s Music Conference in Raleigh, N.C. this year. There were several panels such as the All Star Fleet Radio Panel, which gave insight on how to get radio play and the Fleet DJ’s Power Panel focusing on music education, blog placement and marketing. The keynote speaker this year was Hiphop music producer/artist Duane Darock.

From the Artist Listening Session and Award Ceremony to the Fleet DJ’s All Star Concert and after party where Fleet Artists took the stage.

The DJ’s gave back to the Haven House during the Fleet DJ’s community event and we listened to up and coming artists at the Fleet DJ Sound Stage - Artist Performance Showcase.

My favorite was the Fleet DJ’s Café/Producer Session where DJ’s showed their skills on the 1’s and 2’s. Shout out to our very own DJ FM Frequency of the MidDay Music Mix and DJ Joe Storm who were amongst the DJs to dazzle us with their techniques.

I was able to chat with FM and get his take on the conference. Here’s a little bit of that conversation enjoy!

Motha: So the Fleet DJ’s Music Conference was this past weekend, how did you feel overall about the conference?

FM: It was a beautiful thing because we were able to get together and had a chance to see the rest of the fleet family, fleet international worldwide. We are pretty much in every state.

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Motha: So I have to give it up to the DMV Fleet DJ’s.

You guys took home the award for “Best State of 2017”.

FM: It’s a good thing; we put in work last year from toy drives and other events that we held. Then to be recognized throughout the entire organization, it’s a beautiful thing.

Motha: It is a beautiful thing, I love it. So there were a lot of aspiring DJ’s trying to get into the business at the conference. What would be that jewel you would leave with them?

FM: It would be a couple of things. One, I would say find out if this is really what you want to do. You have to have a passion for this; it’s not a fad. It’s not just something that you do, it’s a lifestyle. Then look at what type of equipment you want to use. Last find your lane and you stay within it. It’s good to look at what other people are doing, but at the same time you want to be able to branch out and put your own stamp on it. It’s good to take things that other people do and add onto that. Don’t just take away from the craft without adding something to it.

Learn the music, understand the history and understand the culture. If you don’t know where it came from your not going to know where it’s going.

Motha: I can definitely understand. What others have done by opening up doors for you to be able to actually do what it is you do.

FM: Right.

Motha: Talk to me about your take away from the conference this week?

FM: Well I think it’s great that we got an opportunity to vibe with other DJs from around the country. Everybody had a different vibe based upon the area they where from. We had the opportunity to fellowship and 26 The Focus

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press palms with people that you see within the different chat rooms.

You got a chance to see exactly what they do and how they do it. How each coalition gets down. It’s was something that we need on a regular basis, fellowship.

Motha: There were several Artists that performed this weekend from signed to those trying to break into the music industry. Was there any particular artist that stood out to you and how did you feel about the artists showcase.

FM: All of the artist did great. Jacques stood out a little bit because he had a lot of energy and you could tell he believed in what he was doing.

He put on a dope performance. They all put on a good performance.

There was no hate; everybody did a good job based upon what they do.

It was just one of those things where he stood out more because he had a lot of energy with his performance.

Motha : I saw a lot of promotion around for him.

FM: He’s actually a Fleet artist.

Motha: That’s awesome, it’s great to see the marketing and promotion that went in for him.

The Fleet DJ’s expanding globally, have a coalition where DJ’s can come together. What does that mean to you?

FM: It’s a beautiful thing, it means the craft itself, the art form is not dead it’s still growing. It still has life. It’s a craft that you continually learn. Regardless of what you’re doing you can always learn something new. You don’t know everything, you’re not going to know everything.

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should? We talk about this all the time as far as the money aspect of it.

But how do you feel about how the general public views DJ’s and how is an organization like the Fleet DJ’s making an impact on that.

FM: Well I think that people really don’t understand. They think that you’re just playing music. They think that you’re just spinning records.

There is a tremendous amount of preparation that goes into DJing. It’s a profession just like anything else you would do. If you respect your doctor, dentist, lawyer and the person at the cleaners that you give you clothes to the DJ is no different. We have to prepare before sets, break down and bring equipment to the event. We may have to hire people to help us with setting up. We have to make sure that it sounds proper then we have to perform for your event. After we perform when you have already left and are on your way home we are still breaking down.

A lot of times when people are at home we are still trying to get our situation together. So it’s definitely a unique craft that needs to be looked at as any other profession. It just needs to be respected more than just playing records.

Motha: I feel like the Fleet DJ’s and these types of conferences bring a business presence on another level for the DJ. It helps to promote DJing as an art form, a skilled craft, a profession, and a viable business. It is definitely a great opportunity for you all to network and support each Pastor Cliff other.

FM: We are one of the largest if not the largest DJ organization.

Motha: So if you are a DJ you may want to check out the conference Elder Otey next year.

Bring lots of business cards and get your network on.

Motha

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Picking Shade to Flatter Your Face Picking out the ideal sunglasses for your face shape isn’t as easy as you might think. When it comes to buying sunglasses, determining your face size and shape is important because it will help you find a better fitting, more functional pair of sunglasses. So how do you know which shades are right for you? First, you’ll need to figure out whether your face is round, oval, heart, or square. I suggest asking a friend. Once you’ve found your face shape, then you can begin picking sunglasses that will complement your features.

There are 4 basic face shapes:

Oval Faces: are narrower than they are long, with a rounded jawline.

Both round and oval faces naturally narrow at the top and bottom, so large, oversized frames actually have the effect of making your face look leaner, because they sit right over the widest point. Also Retro Square and Aviators are great fits for oval faces.

Square Faces: are roughly as wide as they are long, with a strong, square jawline. Face has a strong jaw, wide cheekbones. To soften these features choose soft rimless edge frame. Round shaped, Aviator and shields will do the job.

Heart-Shaped Faces: The jawline is the narrowest point of face. Any frame as long as they are wide will be flattering to face if they are wide framed. Perfect fit for a round face includes, Retro Square, Cat Eye and Sport frame shades.

Round Faces: are roughly as widest across cheekbones and more narrow along jawline and forehead. Since they are long, with a rounded jawline Retro Square, Cat Eye Over Sized and Square frames will offset roundness to face.

Hopefully with these Tips you can find the perfect match for your face.

So stay Stylish with your shades this summer.

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"I'm Bookable" Mornings with

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M-F 7a

The Heart of the Matter

In most Kingdoms in the world everyone in society has a place. The men have their place the women have their place and the children have their place. Placement in most Kingdoms is also relegated to age as well, from old to young everyone has a place in society. Some kingdoms pay more respect to women and children than others, but most kingdoms in the world find it difficult to give power to women, children and the young.

We find the same trend in what we call “Church Kingdoms”. Since the New Testament days of the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter til around the 1940’s women had played a relative subordinate roll in the “Church Kingdom”. Very few women held authoritative office in the Church prior to that time.

That all changed as women gained more of a foot hold in society during WWII, because men were off to war, women was placed in that roll and thrived and never looked back.

Today women for the most part are considered equals with men in most “Church Kingdoms”.

But today’s article is about the youth in society and there place in the “Church Kingdoms”. In today’s society the young have been dismissed as thugs, unreachable, unteachable and a lost cause. To deal with this growing nuisance those with authority have chosen to incarcerate or relegate young people to brainwashing techniques that will cause them to be more reformed to a more acceptable world view. The same is found in “Church Kingdoms” relative to young people finding their niche in the Church can be as difficult as it is in the world.. For the most part “Church Kingdoms” have relegated young people to ushering, singing on the choir or in some other subservient role without any real authority unless they become more conformed to the model. This is

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not how God intended our young people be treated in the Kingdom of God. 1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

The Bible teaches in the Kingdom of God young people are to be an example. To be an example one must be out front. Our job as the older generation isn’t to conform our young people to our views and perspective only, but to collectively share our views as wisdom and give them space to operate in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity that they to will be an example to all believers young and old. Every generation has its own calling. When the old hang on to authority to long we produce a lost generation that was never able to fulfill its purpose in the world. Peace and Blessing…

Pastor Clifton Williams

The Gathering Place, where the Church assembles for praise and worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to exort, teach, preach, pray and fellowship with other believers. Come be apart of this move of 2535 Melrose AVE NW God..

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Boost Mobile in Roanoke, Virginia at 2729 Melrose Ave has some amazing deals and most importantly the best customer service you can find.

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Exclusive Indie Top airplay 1. “Woman in Me”- Si’Rese

2. “Money Callin”- Craig-O WHAM 3. “None of Them”- Skip of WELOOSE 4. “Party”- Star-Citi 5.“Been a Minute”- Don Papion 6. ”Best of Me”- T. Soul 7. “The Joys of Life”- Poe Mack 8. “Leave” - Tripp 9. “I Need You”- Jeremy Wilder 10. “Man Down”- S. Type

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