Audiyo Element Local Twins Cities Group Audiyo Element kills it at First Ave. They are one minneapolis band you need to be on the lookout for.
A
udiyo Element is a collective out of Minneapolis that has quickly become one of the break-out bands in it’s city. The dynamic HipHop/Rock group pride themselves in songs that have a positive message. Within the first year starting the 8-piece group sold out their first Christmas show at The Fineline Music Cafe, booked a headlining night at the Dakota Jazz Club, and packed out local bars like The Cabooze and Bunkers Music Bar and Grill. In 2014 they emerged victorious at The Pourhouse’s Battle of The Bands and brought that energy to their debut performance at First Avenue “The Main Event”. To bring in the new year AE released one of their songs: “Rewind” from their upcoming album available on iTunes
www.audiyoelement.com/ www.facebook.com/audiyoelement
We also hear that they are pitching a New Reality T.V. Concept called “The Alexanders” Check it out here www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJKMDWu9PU
Team Tru Lydia and Kevin King, Founders Editor in Chief L. King Managing Editor Kevin King Graphic Design Kevin King Magazine Cover Design and Graphics Creation by Donna Assoc. Editor Marc Smillow Senior Production Coodinator Haley Drinkall Copy Editor Rebecca Lane Staff Writers Jay Snook Dani S. Keith King
Nick Slick L. King Mike Smoove Contributing Writers Stacy Brown Curt Brown Haley Smillow JC Gardner
Dr. Artika Tyner
FINAL MIX serves up the latest in R&B, Jazz
Fusion, Blues, Hip Hop, Rock & Roll and original material. The leader and songwriter of the group is DEL “SAXMAN” JONES. For Del, blowing smooth sounds from his saxophone is as natural as his heartbeat. After many years of playing his soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, this internationally acclaimed musician and front man of FINAL MIX is taking the band’s sounds and high-energy performance around the world.
www.finalmixshowband.com www.facebook.com/maxxgflip/about
Staff Photographers Kevin King Keith King David Booker Freelance Photographers Brian Few D Lo Slaughter Brandon Jefferson
Tru. Entertainment Magazine proudly presents; Minneapolis 2.0 in our next three issues. A peek of some of Minneapolis newest kids on the block as well as those pioneers in the entertainment that you might not have known about until now. Minneapolis 2.0 the Re-birth of the Minneapolis Sound. Looks for special features and pics now all through 2015.
TABLE OF CONTENT 28
MN FATS
MOD SUN Stands apart as a band that follows its own path, creating a sound you won’t hear anywhere else.
Ronnie Wotorson
38 Minneapolis Rap Royality MN FATS Taking on the World
Shiek Mahmud-Bey
Actor pitches pyschological thriller about drugs,recovery
Maestro P.
22 14
Minneapolis’ Maestro P. Don’t let the ‘smooth taste’ fool ya...He’s all business when it come to his music.
18 Hailed as a “Top 40 Attorney under 40,
46
Hilda Simms
Hilda Moses Simms went from St. Margaret’s Academy to Broadway and Hollywood blacklists
WWW.TRUENTMAGAZINE.COM
ON-BLAST
DeMonica Flye W
hen it comes to the definition of artistry, many proclaim the title, but few really encompass the sweet aftermath of a melody. DeMonica Flye, a seasoned House Musician who hails from the city of Springfield, Illinois, not only captures the very meaning of the word, “Artist,” but this songstress breathes a new beginning of indefinable greatness, every time her lips are pressed against a microphone. Like bound illusions, her adept vocality delivers a new kind of magic that pushes the limits on House Music arriving at a superior and new platform. Her eclectic sound can be described as the lovechild of Tina Marie and Loleatta Holloway meets Pat Benatar; electronically profound and seasoned with a dynamic measure of Soul, Rhythm and Blues. With songs such as “Raindrops,” “I’m Not the One,” and “The Voice,” a duet with Chuck Love, her musical extension transcends a multitude of seasons, having been married to her vocal masterpiece since the early 80’s. She’s sung alongside notable greats such as Daveon Overton, Farley Jack Master Funk and many others. Belted background vocals for the incomparable Stevie Wonder, and opened up for class acts such as Atlantic Starr and Jeffrey Osborne. This talent house has managed to drop an unparalleled melody in musically inclined hotspots such as Chicago, and cities all the way from Minneapolis to the musical capital of the world, Los Angeles.
www.facebook.com/deann.mottley
Currently, with the assistance of her live band ANutha Level, Flye is initializing breathtaking new measures to catapult herself from simply that whisper in the crowd, that creates mountains of verve within her listeners, to a force known worldwide that inspires the reverb to every melodic affair with the sound she’s making famous. DeMonica Flye and ANutha Level, are sweeping the world by storm: fierce as a hurricane, but smoother than footprints on water. Get ready to feel the wave.
DFlye Productions (612) 799 4612 or www.dflye.com
TRU. MUSIC
Minneapolis’ Maestro P. Don’t let the ‘smooth taste’ fool ya...
MAESTRO P.
...the brotha is hella FUNKY too! By Nick Slick
H
is song “Midwest Smooth” went to number 21 on the ReverbNation Jazz charts for Minneapolis. He’s well respected by the Minneapolis music scene, he has a huge fan base and has toured the world including working on records with some of the most talented musicians, entertainers and stars in the industry. His name is Maestro P. and his undenyable ‘smooth’ sound is refered to by many as “That Midwest Smooth”. The multi-instrumentalist/ producer is a favorite of the live music club scene in the Twin Cities and he’s looking to take his production skills international. So without further ado let us introduce you to one of Minneapolis’ not- so -hidden gems....Maestro P!
Photographer: Kevin King
THE INTERVIEW TRU: Maestro, you’ve been in the music game for sometime now. Tell our readers how you got your start and what your journey has been like so far. Maestro P: I got my start playing keyboards for local bands. Initially in a band formed by me and ‘Brown Mark’ , former Prince bassist. I started off playing sax in the band, which was called “Phantasy”.That was one of the first bands I played with. After that I started my own band “The Future”. We had local success with our hit called “Already Yesterday”. By this time my main instrument became the keys. So I started with the sax, moved on to bass,and then the keyboard. One day I got a call from R & B legend, Alexander O’Neal to do a showcase gig, We tore the roof off the place so Alex asked me to tour with him and the next thing I knew we started writing songs together. TRU: Wow, so name some of the other
‘heavy hitters’ from the Minneapolis scene that you have either written or produced for. Maestro P: James Harris, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Q-tip, Photographer:Kevin King
Miles Warren DeMonica Flye Alexandef O’Neal and sound engineer/studio owner, Mike Vangen
Ralph Tresvant, New Edition, Alexander O’Neal and it goes on and on. It’s an honor to have the privilege of working with so many talented and incredible artists.
TRU: Which hat do you prefer wearing the best; writer/artist/ or producer? Maestro P: Producer, because when I’m in production I am responsible for finished product. It gives me a great feeling when a record that I’ve worked on is successful.
TRU: You have an incredible band backing you on the club scene. Tell us about them and what made you put together this particular group of artists? Maestro P: I must say incredible musicianship is the hallmark of any great artist. That’s why I ALWAYS have the best guys in my camp period, bar none! TRU: Whats the name of the band and do you plan on cutting a record with them? Maestro P: I Call My Band ‘The A-List’ and yes they did record with me on my CD. TRU: Are there any record or video projects your working on currently? Maestro P: Currently I’m releasing the second single on my CD entitled “Horn Song” featuring: Sten Johnson TRU: How do you compare your particular style of music to other artists responsible for creating and establishing whats known throughout the world as the ‘Minneapolis Sound’?
Photographer:Kevin King
Maestro P: Since music is an a rt form, and I am an Artist, I will not make any comparisons, I h ave too much love and respect for what I do to make ccomparisons. That’s the TRU scoop on the Maestro! Follow Maestro P at www.reverbnation.com/maestrop or email for booking at: maestrop2000@yahoo.com
Photographer: Greg Turner www.facebook.com/miles.warren.
maestrop2000@yahoo.com
https://youtu.be/QOsvKHJMXI0
TRU. SPOTLIGHT Hailed as a “Top 40 Attorney under 40.
By Dani S.
R
ecognized by The National Bar Association with the prestigious Esquire Award and hailed as a “Top 40 Attorney under 40, Attorney Ronnie Wotorson proves to be a commendable agent for praise and prestige. The Wotorson Firm, LLP was featured on Attorney at Law Magazine, is ranked #1 in Funeral Home Negligence and Mr. Wotorson has been recognized by “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.” He prides himself on giving people a “voice”. While he strives to win cases; he humbly affirms that he is not just a business man, but an advocate for justice. Specializing in personal injury, business and commercial cases, and wrongful death suits; Mr. Wotorson has litigated multiple high profile clients. His roster includes: MTV, VH1, Grand Hustle LLC, DJ Drama, and Young Jeezy, to name a few. Considering the evident notoriety of his clients I was surprised at what Mr. Wotorson disclosed next: his proudest case thus far involved an
elderly woman who hired Wotorson to prosecute a corporation. He went after the corporate “bullies” and she was awarded breach of contract damages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. In relation to many of his cases there appears to be a common thread of abuse of authority. Wotorson asserts that, “Like some of my most recent cases, my client was targeted because the bullies did not take her seriously and thought they would get away with it.” During a brief interview, I asked Mr. Wotorson what has attributed to his success as a succesful lawyer. He humbly replied, “It was an honor to be recognized and given such a prestigous award. Especially becuase I simply do what every lawyer is supposed to do: Fight for justice and fight for people.” Pledging to uphold justice, he asserts that, “getting justice for someone is far more fulfilling than any award I could receive. The “Thank-You” cards, referrals and the client calls simply to check on me although their case is long over is more than I ever imagined. This ward belongs to my family, teachers and mentors who are a bigger part of me than they can ever know.”
Who is the man behind the winning cases? How does Mr. Wotorson describe himself and what are his goals in the legal profession?
Ronnie Wotorson
“I tell people I’m a lawyer, not an Attorney. There is nothing corporate about me and I didn’t go to law school to make money. I was earning well and on a road to becoming a star in Corporate America before I dropped out and went to law school. I simply wanted to fight for justice. Win, lose or draw, my clients will be heard and get answers even if it’s not the answer they hoped for. Justice doesn’t always mean money. Justice is the satisfaction of knowing you were treated fairly no matter who you are. It’s basic fairness and no one should be denied that. I also tell my clients that I can’t guarentee the win, but if it’s justice you seek, I guarentee the fight in that, we both seek the same thing. You can’t fake passion and my passion for justice is innate. My voice gets loud when I’m speaking to a judge or jury about my clients and what the defendants have put them through. I often have to catch myself or have someone moniter my tone so its not mistaken for being disrespectful or simply loud for no reason. My goal is to keep doing what i’m doing and I pray that God keeps blessing me with the knowledge, strength and courage to continue fighting for Justice.
Website: Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers - About UsThe Wotorson Firm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ron-wotorson/85/857/99 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wotorsonllp
FILM AND T.V
Actor Pitches Pyschological Thriller About Drugs,Recovery.
BY: Stacy M. Brown
Shiek Mahmud-Bey represents a true Hollywood story that could eventually turn up in one of those “Unsung” episodes on BET.
Stacy M. Brown Freelance Journalist stacybrownmedia@gmail.com www.facebook.com/mrmedia2011 twitter: @StacyBrownMedia
Dreyfus.
The Brooklyn born actor who was raised in Queens Village by his father, an Army Sergeant Major, and his mother, a beauty salon owner, even managed to upstage Denzel However, that’s not because he’s ever been in over Washington’s big screen performance of boxer Rubin Hurhis head or that he’s on Skid Row and his career ricane Carter with a brilliant off-Broadway depiction of has fizzled. Not by any stretch. the boxer in, “The Way Out.” After all, fans and critics alike often recall “Night Falls on Manhattan,” a 1996 film loosely based on the infamous Bronx shootout between suspected drug dealer Larry Davis and New York City Police, many witnessed Mahmud-Bey at his best, even outshining others in the film that included Andy Garcia, James Gandolfini and Richard
“He may not be a household name, but he’s one of Hollywood’s most talented actors,” wrote a reviewer in Playbill. Now, Mahmud-Bey, a former New York Golden Gloves finalist and NYU student whose worked with Robert DeNiro, Joaquin Phoenix, Nicholas Cage, Joe Mantegna and many other A-list actors and who once held a leading role in the former NBC detective drama, “The Profiler,” is
Director Shiek Mahmud-Bey gives an actor some pointers on the set of the new drama, “The Inner Circle.”
While the drama symbolizes the patients in the group, it also represents the inner circle of deep, debilitating pain that addicts cover up with layers of denial, lies, and He’s created, written, directed, produced and stars in the television psychological drama, “The self-loathing. The resulting compulsive behaviors, which the members Inner Circle.” sometimes can no longer control, lead them to rehab, some by choice, some by family interventions and some by “Right now, I’m trying to reinvent myself as someone who creates a film, directs it, produces court order. it and act in it,” he said. “For me, my work as an artist is to build understanding and compassion “Many people assume that drug abusers lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs if because with understand comes compassion.” they wanted to,” said Mahmud-Bey, who plays Dr. BenjaThe hour-long drama, which is being shopped to HBO, Netflix, and others, is a true and gritty min Taylor, a seemingly calm and in control therapist with look at how substance abuse reaches across eth- the quiet confidence of a self-made man and the swagger of someone who has achieved his goals. nicity, class, gender and age groups. tackling a new challenge.
Set in hardscrabble Detroit, the series takes a fresh new perspective of how the abuse of drugs and alcohol is costly for our society and, left untreated, places a burden on the workplace, healthcare system, and many communities. “The Inner Circle” depicts the suffering of patients and their loved ones and, Mahmud-Bey said each episode brings audiences deeper into each of the member’s lives and closer to understanding their pain as well as the circumstances that led them to rock bottom.
Dr. Taylor operates a drug rehab facility that will eventually come to house a superstar shortstop, ostensibly from the New York Yankees, an A-list Hollywood actress and others. But, as Dr. Taylor seeks to help his “Inner Circle” of clients, there’s a more personal battle on the home front with his 18-year-old daughter and her divisive grandmother. He said his new pilot, “The Inner Circle,” makes him reflect on the late Philip Seymour Hoffman whom he worked closely with and also about a member of his own family whose battled problems with alcohol and one whom Mahmud-Bey regrettably hasn’t seen or heard from in more than a decade.
“I couldn’t understand compassion before, but substance abuse is real and this television show brings that to the fore,” he said. Addiction can either be subtle or, in some cases, quick. “Several contributing factors may be the cause of substance abuse, such as environment and genetics, which makes quitting difficult. This makes spreading information about the biological, environmental and developmental complexities of drug addiction, along with prevention and treatment initiatives, an imperative,” said Mahmud-Bey, who is also working on a new talk show that he created called, “Psychological Perspectives with Doc B.” The talk show features co-creator Detroit Psychologist Dr. LaSonia Barlow, a Diplomate Forensic Examiner, who has done extensive work with the substance abuse and mental health population. Among the topics that the talk show will include is the use of the controversial AIDS drug Truvada and children of incarcerated parents. The talk show and the new drama about addiction fit neatly in what’s already shaping up to be a busy year for the Queens-actor. “It’s going to be my year,” he said. “I’ve got a lot going on but these are important projects and if to evolve and grow, than I’ve failed as an artist.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8-7O5MhWjk
TRU. EDUCATION By Dr. Artika Tyner
Education for Social Change
W hat is in your hands to make a difference in the world? Dr. Artika Tyner raises this important
question during each student interaction. Dr. Tyner shared her thoughts on taking action to reimagine education at the inaugural at TEDxUniversityofStThomas. The title of her TEDx Talk was: Education for Social Change. Her vision for reimagining education begins with placing an explicit focus on leadership development and social justice advocacy. In her talk, the educator and civil rights attorney shared her experience of transforming the classroom into a learning laboratory where students experiment by applying their technical training to address the social justice challenges of our time. Over the past eight years at the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Tyner has reimagined education with the help of her students. Together, they have advanced justice in the arenas of criminal justice, juvenile justice and education. For Dr. Tyner this is a dream come true since she always wanted to become Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire. “Basically, Wonderwoman with a law degree and an afro,” Tyner says in her talk. She was determined to use her education in the struggle for justice. Dr. Tyner and her students have leveraged their legal training as a tool in order to address some
of the barriers often hidden but a lived reality for those living at the margins of society. They moved beyond a traditional law school of curriculum of representing a handful of clients each semester to focusing on systemic change- changing the underlying policies which were closing the doors to access for many. Case in point, Dr. Tyner’s team in partnership with TakeAction MN fought to create equal access to jobs and to end the racial jobs gap. When 1 in 4 Americans (65 million) have a criminal record this often times restricts one’s ability to gain employment. This coalition fought to make sure that barriers would be removed so people who have a second chance to secure employment and a second chance to define their destiny. Dr. Tyner is building a social change movement by reimagining education and reimagining the very essence of community. Her work is inspiring students across the globe to unleash the transformative power within their hands. “The power to move beyond race, tribe, and creed to our shared humanity and shared destiny,” Tyner says in her talk. Will you join Dr. Tyner in taking a stand for justice and freedom?
You can watch Dr. Tyner’s speech on the TEDx channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5QHAhMYwoA
TRU. CELEB FEATURE
A seemingly unlimited number of unoriginal clone-like bands these days dominate the music scene, and most of them sound the same. They all stick to using the same popular messages, making them almost indistinguishable from one another. Mod Sun, however, resists following this trend, breaking boundaries and exploring the unknown. Their sound is refreshing in a world full of bad stereotypes and negative vibes. Mod Sun graciously agreed to an interview, sharing his unique views and what drew him to pursue a career in music.
Stands apart as a band that follows its own path, creating a sound you won’t hear anywhere else. THE INTERVIEW By Jay Snook
TRU: Hey Mod, what have you been up to lately? MOD: I have been working on my new album Look Up, which hit shelves on March 10th. I have been working on it for two years, and it comes with an audiobook too. I am also on tour right now.A Mod 2 TRU: So how did you come up with the name of the band? MOD: Mod Sun is an acronym, which stands for Movement of Dreams Stands Under None. TRU: What brought this band together? How many members do you have? MOD: I have played in bands my whole life, playing the drums mostly. I wanted to sing, it is easier to hear yourself. Got tired of playing drums. It is easy to get to rhyming and rapping, and anyone can do it without disappointment. Well, the band is just Mod, but I do have a band with me when I go on tour. TRU: What inspires the creation of your songs? How do you define your sound? MOD: The main reason is to know who I am speaking to, and when I am speaking to myself. I will not become this, I am this. It is important to look at it this way. Every day is the best day of your life. My sound is ever evolving, but began as hippie hop, but now it is sort of alternative. When I am older, I could be a folk singer (laughs). But I prefer to look at my music as inspirational, inspiring, but no real genre fits it. TRU: I heard you are on tour. What cities do you plan on visiting? What bands will you be touring with?
MOD: My tour started in California, and that is where it will end. I cannot wait to hit New York and Minnesota and I am really excited for this tour. I am going to be touring with Karizma, who is a KR rapper from California; Black Bear, who is a singer and songwriter; and Dylan Cooper, who is a DJ and is hosting with G Nash. TRU: So, do you have any final words you want to say to your fans? MOD: I have zero fans in this world. I prefer to not call them fans. If I am inspired, people will inspire me. I want friends from the people I meet. With hits like ‘Never Quit’, ‘Howlin’ at the Moon’, and others, you don’t want to miss this album. Mod Sun wants to get his message out there, and I can attest that it is one you will want to hear. I strongly suggest running, not walking, to the store when this album hits. Better yet, let your friends in on the secret too. You’ll be their hero. BY: Tylor Thuirer www.facebook.com/modsun http://modsun.com/
The Green Room
TRU. MAG REVIEW
1st Annual party of “Unleashed Atlanta Edition
A
tlanta was all the roar with the 1st annual party of Unleashed Atlanta Edition, brought to you by K-DADRE’ Productions/ Blue Diamond Ent. – and A Traxx Girls Presentation held at the fabulous “Rain Night Club” in Atlanta Ga. The event brought out some of the most celebrated alternative lifestyle in the industry artists, such as; Kim Joyce, Casino Diamond, Ziggy, Slim Jenkinz and feature artist Temper. This band of talented artists did not disappoint and had the party jumping with a mixture of rap and neo-soul music. Hosted by the one and only “Mook Da Host” who kept the crowd entertained and crump all night!
Unleased Atlanta was a celebration of female power combined with the force of music the world of alternative lifestyle performers always bring to the table. The night was glowing with festive atmosphere fused with slammin’ music,a great crowd and drinks reasonably price and made to perfection. Tru. Entertainment Magazine was honored to cover what looks to be the first successful of many more event taking place in Atlanta.
RATING 4.0
By Keith King
www.idream.tv
TRU. CELEB FEATURE
Minneapolis Rap Royalty By L. King
...
...Taking on the world
T
he homeboy, Minneapolis’ own, MN Fats is out here killin it droppin hit records with legends like Snoop Dog and Waka Flocka Flame. Fats new joint, “Rockstar Sh*t” with Dipset’s Jim Jones is now in heavy rotation on both East and West coasts. Fats is a brilliant rapper, a musical force, business man and bonefide hustler to his very core. But the talented, loveable big boy rapper is also an entreprenuer, with a heart for God whose first message to the kids is always “stay in school”. He’s all truth and the ultimate of real deal when it comes to his opinions and point of view. Equally important is the fact that he’s a TRU grinder who finds it critical to travel the globe making sure that his sound and his genius be known. Where is he today? Some of everywhere!
TRU: Fats, what up with the name,we’ve been dying to ask? MN FATS:The name Mn Fats was inspired from a character Jackie Gleason played in a old movie I used to watch. Back then (andnow sh*t) I didn’t knowmy pops too well, I just knew he was heavy set like me andhe could play pool really well. Jackie G. went on to play on the honeymooners which made him a bigger star. Not to mention the pretty skinny girl he came home to and the best friend poking his head in window, andhis stylish; (blue jean suit),all which felt like parallels in my life. Therefore,when I was deciding on a name or moniker I felt as if I had been Mn Fats my whole life. RU: Do you think that being a “Minneapolis Artist” has held you back. T MN FATS: Minneapolis artistry is different than the rest of the country as far as purpose. The people who come from here are usually workers Jimmy, Terry, Cardo, Chrishan, Skee, etc etc...The lack of Hip Hop resources make the Minneapolis artist independently savvy from the jump. We learn to cut it, print it, anddistribute our own music in order to get it to the offices in LA, ATL, NY andto the masses. There has never been a Minneapolis Russel Simmons, Puffy, or Ice Cube andone day I plan to be that staple where the question is answered correctly..No Minesotan has not held me back, it just makes you appreciate the process. (laughing) RU: Whatdo you think about other Minnesota artists,who doyou like ? T MN FATS: Minnesota artistsare doing alotof different things these days. Ashley Dubose & Paris Bennett are killing the R&B world.The standard with their version of Hip Hop hasa big following andit’s all positive no matter how I personally feel about. I like Buddah Bless & Muja Messiah because them guys can really spit. Mally, Mod Sun, Taylor J, DB The Rasta who travels around the world reppin the Twin C ities in a real way ;andour youngins,Dutch Rugar & Spiffy all have work so hard over the last year to become relevant. I support my city . Chuuuch On The Move! RU:What projects are in the wings? T MN FATS: New single off “Saturated Fats 3” featuring“Game” 100 and my new single ”Is It Good”, from the upcoming full length Album. The album features beats from Zaytoven, Drumma Boy, Droid, & Honorable C-Note. I am also releasing Dutch Rugar debut record “OutLaw”. I will also be joining the upcoming “Machine Gun Kelly” Tour ‘15 RU: That’s sounds like it’s going to be EVERYTHING Fats! T So, if you could, tell us what you would change about the music game, if anything. MN FATS: I would change the extreme payola in Hiphop. Every genre has cost affiliated with promoting andmarketing an artist, but in HipHop it’s ridiculous. Managers, Djs, PD’s, Assistants, everybody got they hand out. Then once they get paid they never do exactly what they promised for your money. I understand game is to be sold and ya can’t feed ya kids favors... but damn-Chuuuch!!! MN Fats keeps it TRU! Get his music and keep up with him at: www.myspace.com/weonrecordsincor www.myspace.com/mnfats Check out his website at: MNFatsMusic.com
WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT UPTOWN AND AROUND THE WORLD IN 26 ISSUES THE
George Clinton and Chief Editor Lydia King
Tru CEO Kevin King with NFL player Larry Fitzgerld ,his brother and farther.
L. King on set with Germain Brooks. Teem Tru (Kevin and Lydia).hanging with Promoter LaTron Micheals and Friend with MN Fats
Team Tru on cash money set with Director Sher Toor of World Starr. Hip Hop.
L. King at benifit with Lance Alexander of Lo- Key.
Kevin and Keynon with Rapper Brother Ali.
Kevin with Gary Hines of Sounds of Blackness
Team Tru. with R&B singer RL.
Kevin and Chuck D. of Public Enemy Kevin chillin R&B GreatAnthony Hamliton. L.King with Alexander O’Neal.
THE
WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT
26
ISSUES
Cash MoneyRecords CEO Bryan Wiliams aka “BirdMan.
KMOJ- DJ Chaz Millionare and and friend with Kevin King
L.King and “Freeway Rick Ross in L.A. Tru. Freelance photographer D-Lo and SnoopDogg.
Kevin and L.King with Shelia Ray Charles .
KMOJ Dj Ray Richardson and Jellybean “ from the Time.
L. King with Comedian Guy Torry and Gary Hines.
Kevin King at Sounds of Blackness Video Shoot.
L.King with Celebrity Pychic Micheal Bodine with Local Radio Personnality Lennie Chism.
Sounds of Blackness. Black History week performance.
Love Promotions CEO Pamela Weems, Lenny Williams and L.King
27 year old aspring artist, producer, and engineer for the north side of minneapolis.
TRU. NEW ARTIST
Check out His Video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=huJAyN1RY2E www.facebook.com/INTLNick612
www.BossVibe.com
TRU.TRIBUTE
Courtesy of
Hilda Moses Simms went from St. Margaret’s Academy to Broadway and Hollywood blacklists
By CURT BROWN
An activist, not just an actress, Simms served as the creative director of the New York State Human Rights Commission — amplifying racial discrimination concerns. She’d credited with opening up better film roles for African-American actors in the 1960s and beyond.
I
t was one of those lucid moments, a tender memory shared. Linda Cielinski was visiting with her aging father, Raymond LaFave, a couple of years ago on Veterans Day. LaFave, now 91 and living at the Veterans Home, has been juggling memory-loss issues for years.
RIP Mr Raymond LaFave, thank you for your memories -Team Tru.
“Then out of the blue,” she said, “Hilda Moses came up.”
Her father recalled growing up in north Minneapolis in a diverse neighborhood where white and black, Scandinavian and Jew, lived side by side in something near harmony. Ray told his daughter about a girl named Hilda Moses who lived in a flat across the street — a schoolmate of his late sister, Esther, at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. “Dad just said she would come over and sing in their living room with Esther,” Cielinski said. “Out of this long ago time was this sweet, dear memory of a pretty black girl singing in his living room with his much loved and missed sister.”making it there
What: A north Minneapolis singer who went on to star on Broadway and in London in the 1940s and make movies, radio and TV appearances. Big break: Her title role in “Anna Lucasta” ran for 950
performances and is considered Broadway’s first allblack production without a racial theme.
Off-stage: Creative director of the New York State Division of Human Rights, pointing out discrimination that prevented black actors from landing leading roles in 1960s movies and television.
Education: St. Margaret’s Academy; master’s in education from the City College in New York. Her dad said something else that autumn day, something A Scene from The “Black Widow” Courtesy of You Tube
about Hilda heading off to Hollywood, which she did, by way of Broadway.
so tight, she couldn’t afford the cost of tuition and books at the University of Minnesota.
Hilda Moses, one of 11 siblings, was born April 15, 1918. Her parents, Emile and Lydia, were devout Catholics. Hilda graduated from St. Margaret’s Academy and set her sights on a teaching career. But she came of age during the Depression and money was
At 25, Hilda moved to New York City — finding work on radio dramas. She joined the American Negro Theater Co. and took charge of sound effects, props and publicity. She married William Simms in 1941, but within a few years, they were divorced. She kept his name as her stage name. Cont. on pg 44
Hilda Simms -Cont 42
In 1953, Mineapolis native Hilda Simms portrayed Marva Louis in “The Joe Louis Story.”
Simms landed the title role. Although most cast members were amateurs, they drew rave reviews and the play moved from Harlem to Broadway in 1944. “For the first time, American playgoers saw an all-black cast acting in a drama that did not deal with racial issues,” according to the New York Times.
Hilda Simms and
According to the New York Times, Simms played a southern ingénue in a play called “Three’s a Family” before landing her big break in 1943. Playwright Philip Yordan had crafted a drama called “Anna Lucasta” about a beautiful, middle-class woman who stumbles into prostitution before clawing her way back to respectability. He wrote the play for a white cast. But Simms’ theater company took the bold step to stage the work. And Hilda Moses
For her part, Simms landed in the Oct. 9, 1944, edition of Life magazine. The smash-hit play had a run of 950 performances. Her mother, Lydia Moses, reportedly refused to attend because she hadn’t raised her Catholic daughter to portray a prostitute. By 1947, the production moved to London with Simms retaining the starring role. In Great Britain, she married again. American actor Richard Angerolla would remain her husband until she died. While in Europe, Simms sang in Parisian nightclubs under the stage name of Julie Riccardo. The couple re-crossed the Atlantic in the 1950s and Simms launched a movie career soon mired in controversy. She played the heavyweight boxing champion’s wife in the 1953 film “The Joe Louis Story.” She portrayed a hat-check girl in the “Black Widow” in 1954. She didn’t play her signature role of Anna Lucasta in either of
its two movie versions. The 1949 adaptation went with an all-white cast. Then in 1958, Eartha Kitt was picked to play Anna alongside Sammy Davis Jr. Simms insisted the slight was no coincidence and she was a victim of the Hollywood blacklist during the 1950s Red Scare era when anyone with a whisper of a Communist connection was shut out of acting jobs. In 1960, she penned a first-person story headlined “I’m No Benedict Arnold” for the Pittsburgh Courier. She accused the Department of Justice of
denying her passport in 1955, canceling a 14-week tour of military bases in Europe. Never mind that she had entertained the troops during World War II. Allegations of an affiliation with the Communist Party in the late-1930s and early-1940s doomed her career. She found a little work on and off Broadway, in productions of “The Cool World,” Tambourines to Glory” and a revival of “The Madwoman of Chaillot.” She played a neurologist in the television series, “The Nurses,” from 1962 to 1964 and hosted her own radio show called “Ladies Day” in New York. An activist, not just an actress, Simms served as the creative director of the New York State Human Rights Commission — amplifying racial discrimination concerns. She’d credited with opening up better film roles for African-American actors in the 1960s and beyond.
And her teaching dreams never quite faded. She earned a master’s degree in education from the City College of New York, working later in life at drug treatment programs and living in Manhattan. She died at 75 from pancreatic cancer at the home of her sister, Evelyn Sharp, in Buffalo, N.Y. But her memory has been rekindled — thanks to a lucid anecdote of an aging neighbor who recalled her singing in his living room. “A year or two ago, he would have been thrilled to know his memory of a neighbor girl could possibly lead to a newspaper column,” Cielinski said. “This is so special because my Dad’s memory of this time in his life will be remembered.” Curt Brown’s tale on Minnesota’s history appears each Sunday. Readers can send him ideas and suggestions at mnhistory@startribune.com
HILDA SIMMS
Writer, Curt Brown is currently in talks with a family member of Hilda Moses Simms to explore ideas on putting together further projects on the life and times of Ms. Simms. Which, may also include a; book, play and more. Keep it locked here for updates. Tru. just happens to be the ‘good friends’ with those who know some inside details!
Go pick up this historic DVD NOW! Disc 5 Minneapolis footage Produced by Tru. Entertainment Magazine!!
TRU.
with Haley Smillow Minnesota Twins Second Baseman
Brian Dozier
M
innesota Twins Second Baseman Brian Dozier set career highs this season in home runs, runs, and stolen bases. Let’s see if the Mississippi native can handle questions on the Hot Seat from Kid Reporter Haley Smilow. Haley Smillow & Brian Dozier
HALEY: Do you have a favorite ballpark other then Target Field and why? And is there a ballpark where you fell you always play well in? BRIAN: I feel that Target Field is on of the nicest in the Major Leagues but I love going to Milwaukee, Milwaukee is a fun ballpark and the atmosphere is always good and us as hitters we really like short fields the ball really flies, a lot of people like playing in Milwaukee. HALEY: Players, past or present you would pay to watch play?
BRIAN Derek Jeter would be #1 he’s always been my kind of role model growing up from when I was your age to growing up now. He’s kind of a guy that I have always looked too and wanted to be like and mold myself as a player and person to be around. I would pay anything to watch him and I am just fortunate to share the same field as him. HALEY: If you could go back in time who would you play baseball with? BRIAN: There are a lot of them, and I think one of the biggest guys is Babe Ruth. Just because every always knows who Babe Ruth is, the greatest power
hitter of all time. It is kind of intriguing to me what he did in order to be so good and stuff he’s really laid back and just very unique. HALEY: If you could change one thing about baseball what would it be? BRIAN: It is safe to say I love everything about the game of baseball, but I am not sure if I know one exact thing to change about it, I know the season is very very long, but at the same time your playing baseball so I don’t know if I would change that amount of games or not because you get to play baseball a long time.
coming from college going to a rookie ball team was really really different for me and learning the Twins system. HALEY: What’s your favorite major league memory? BRIAN: When I got my first major league hit, I got called up as a rookie for my first game against the Angels and at my third at bat I got a hit and was greeted at first base by Albert Pujols. That is a memory I will never forget. HALEY: What do you look forward to at the beginning of the season? HALEY: What part of your game can you improve on? BRIAN: Well I know I can speak for a lot of my other teammates that we got to keep getting better at this game you can’t be content with anything. I think I need to work on stealing bases more, especially hitting at the top of the line up that’s one thing that I have upon myself in the off-season and spring training to try and get better stealing bases. HALEY: Who would be on your All Star Team? BRIAN: We have an All Star on our team that has made it for many consecutive years during his 10-year career named Joe Mauer. He is one of the best in the game in my opinion and he show year in year out why he is one of the best in the game. HALEY: Do you have any superstitions or rituals? BRIAN: I have one that started when I was like 13 or 14 year old. I always play with something on my left wrist, a kind of sweatband or some sort it just feels comfortable to me. But I have been around the game long enough now that I have seen some crazy superstitions stuff that would blow your mind but baseball is a game of that a lot of guys have superstitions, but me that’s my only one. HALEY: What’s your first minor league memory? BRIAN: First minor league I played in Elizabethton TN under some really good coaches and playing in that type of atmosphere
BRIAN: Opening day is very special for all of us. I think this year is more important then ever especially coming off 2 or 3 bad years in a row for the Twins. Opening day is pretty special for all of us and the excitement of baseball in Minnesota and just the celebration after being in Florida for six or seven weeks. HALEY: What do you like to do when you are not playing baseball? BRIAN: Hunt, I hunt ducks and deer. I am a big avid hunter and that is kind of what consist of my off-season along with getting my workouts in and doing as much hunting as possible that’s my favorite hobby. HALEY: What was your strongest subject in school and how does it help you in baseball? BRIAN: My strongest subject was math, I have always loved math. As fare as it helps me in baseball, baseball is a numbers game and statistical. The only one that would help me in baseball is the P.E subject.