TRU ENTERTAINMET MAGAZINE
ISSUE 9 LIFE STYLE 28
“COMING OUT” Life Out Loud with Keith King
ART& CULTURE 15
FASHION 30
An Intimate look inside of Kenneth’s World
36
Tru.Style spotlightn on Khayshea Pope
Cirque Du Soleil Winter Wonderland
FEATURE 50
The Atomic DOG George Clinton Unleashed
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TRU ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE
EDITORS NOTE For those of you who know me, you know that I’m a woman of few words (most of the time) smile, and Kev- he’s the quiet one. I can be tough to get on the phone and when you do leave me a
message I take way too long to return calls. So...with that said, I’m not too much into the whole “Editors Note” big speech; blah, blah, blah thing unless- I have something real to say. Otherwise I find those notes to be, mmm, just a bit self-indulgent. So don’t expect to hear from me all the time. Doesn’t mean that we’re not here, it’s just that sometimes, we like to let Tru. just speak for itself. With Love, The Editors
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TRU INDIE ARTIST
On Blast! w/ Brandon Trevon Brandon is a young man with a plan! Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, IL. he moved to Minneapolis, MN with his mother and younger sister with a goal to develop his music skills. A goal he has fought relentlessly to make. Brandon was raised in a single parent home where he watched his family struggle in strenuous conditions, he knew then that he wanted to make a difference with his gift. He joined the Metropolitan Boys Choir and by 13 he was doing local talent shows, performing at school events and acting in commercials. These days Brandon spends his time giving back by working with Minneapolis youth. Helping them to develop their; writing, singing,dancing rapping, and spoken word talents via a program he co-founded called “WE ARE HIP HOP”. He plays all of the local hot spots like; The Fine Line Music Cafe and the Capri Theater, as well as all of the local colleges. This talented young artist hopes to inspire and influence many with his stylings of R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Pop, Soul and Gospel flavor. Brandon is working on an independent EP project and it will be his 1st. Tru thinks this young artist is pretty talented, so we wanted to give him a little shine....this, Tru. Fam- is Brandon Trevon.
TRu. How did you get your start in music? BT:“Music has always been around me ever since I was a little boy. My family is not a musical family but I always heard music. If I was in the church music was around, in my home music was around, or at family gatherings music was around. I just love music. I knew I was gonna do something with music”. TRu. What’s most important to you about your journey in the industry? BT:“I think being the best that I can be in anything that I do is my journey. I would also say being an inspiration to others as well as being of service for someone is a great tool on my journey because I was blessed with gifts to bless others. So why not take time out to speak life into someone else or mentor another person if I cannot do that how can I expect the same”? TRu. If you could work with any artist who would it be and why? BT: “Wow! This is a hard question because I am so grounded when it comes to music in various genres. I have an appreciation for many artists that vary from Chris Brown, R. Kelly, Dave Hollister, John Mayer, John Legend, The Beatles, and Donny Hathaway to Whitney Houston, Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, Dolly Parton, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Mary J Blige,Karen Carpenter, Stevie Wonder etc. The list goes on and on. To answer the question I wouldn’t mind doing a song with Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Beyonce, Ludacris, Eminem and any of the living artists I mentioned before, because they are all talented in their craft and I have learned so much from every last one of them. For more info on Brandon you can find him on the following social media sites; Facebook.com/BTrevSingz Twitter.com/TEAMB_TREV Youtube.com/brandon55443 Soundcloud.com/teamtrevon/swerve
‘I was blessed with gifts to bless”
Photographer: Erik Blume
Blessed, Balanced & Complete NAKED & UNASHAMED
Are YOU...Blessed, Balanced &
Complete?
Columnist: Hery Alonso I’ve always wondered why is it that most NUDISTS are people I really don’t want to see naked. LoL! But that’s NOT what I wanted to write about here. I actually wanted to write about “Marriage Intimacy” to hopefully help ONE struggling rejected-feeling couple be FREE. First of all, choosing to be INTIMATE is not just a code word for SEX. It’s to allow one’s self to be FULLY known & to take the risk of revealing one’s TRUE self to your spouse. It is usually reserved for those that we really love & acceptance we seek. It is FRISKY...I mean RISKY, but its what a spouse desires/needs. God’s design for intimacy in marriage can allow us to experience a little bit of what PARADISE {Garden of Eden} was “IF” both spouses allow themselves to it. The matured caring spouse understands the needs, desires & wants of their spouse and seeks to meet them; even going BEYOND the minimum...NOT reject, live reserve & prudish. Can you choose TODAY to stand emotionally, mentally, spiritually & physically NAKED before your spouse risking it ALL & trusting God to BLESS your marriage for it?
Kickin it with Keith, the Relationship Doctor Question: Keith, why don’t you focus on happy marriages? Answer: Marriage cannot make you happy.
I think it’s safe to say that many people who want to be married think that marriage will make them happy, but I maintain that’s just not true. We’ve all grown up with the fairy tales where the princess finds a prince, gets married, and lives “happily ever after.” Simply put, nothing can “make” you happy. Absolutely nothing. Happiness is a personal choice and is not contingent upon one’s circumstances. There are plenty of happy poor folks and miserable millionaires. If you aren’t happy before marriage, chances are you won’t be happy in it. And unfortunately, a lot of people get dejected when they enter a marriage and realize they’re not as happy as they thought they’d be. Learn to be happy independent of outside influences. If you are not happy before the marriage, don’t get married! I prefer to “focus” on the things for a successful relationship BEFORE the marriage. Chances are, if you improve on those things, you will increase your chances of a “happy” marriage. Too, too many people approach every relationship opportunity and turn it into a challenge by seeking marriage qualifications versus Compatibility, Commitment and Companionship criteria. Communication, Compassion, and Character are more factors to consider. Speaking of consider, Consideration… is another. Instead we focus on appearance, income, charm, charisma, education, intellect, or if he will make a good father to the children you don’t even have yet. That IS putting the cart before the horse! You’ve made Contact. You go on outings. You commit to exclusivity. You Court. You “discuss” marriage! You become engaged. You’re Committed. You plan the wedding and SIMULTANEOUSLY continue to discuss and dialogue about marriage. What it means to you. What it means to them. You marry, you are in Covenant! I don’t have solutions for “happy” marriages. I do have methods/measures to aid in having or achieving better results. Not going to do a lot of preaching today. Instead, I am going to give you some nuggets to chew on. Actually, you mighta, oughta, wanna write these down for future reference AND commitment to memory!
MURPHYISM’S:
Is Your Relationship An Unsolved Mystery? ? ? Well stop closing your eyes when you look in the mirror! ! ! Yes! Yes, you can solve it! ~ Murphyism It is what it is. It is what it’s meant to be. It will be what it was supposed to be. ~Murphyism Growing pains are worth it... if you grow. ~Murphyism
Your Credentials Don’t Make You, Your Character Does. ~Murphyism Knowing God and Knowing about God are two different things. ~Murphyism Some people we have to love by proxy. ~Murphyism
Self love is not a sin. In love with self... uh, ya’ might wanna think it over and get over yourself. ~Murphyism Trying to get better is a never ending process. Practice makes you better, and will not make you perfect. In the process of practice, you may achieve excellence. ~ Murphyism Our perfection is in knowing our flaws! ~ Murphyism Until next month, thanks for kickin it, with Keith
www.keithvmurphy.com
TRU Love Isn’t Hard to Find Angel Richards If you have found the love of your life…congratulations! If you haven’t… don’t worry, you will! How can I be so sure? Because true love isn’t hard to find…it’s just hard to keep! Most people spend their years searching for “the one” and when they finally find them they make some deadly mistakes that send them running all the way back to where they came from. It’s hardly ever intentional. No one really wants to spend years waiting and then ruin the good think they’ve been wishing, hoping and praying for…but they do. So let’s talk about the #1 way you can work towards keeping your true love ONLY yours! RULE #1 Become his best friend! Relationships built on a solid foundation start off as friends. This doesn’t mean you need to know him from childhood…just don’t rush into marriage before you take the time to see if he is worthy of being your friend first. As time goes on, you should become his best friend. This is not to replace his other friends but to become someone he can talk to about anything and everything…without judgment. Many men talk to other women because they feel like they can’t talk to you. Trust me, I made that mistake of limiting what conversations me and my man could have. It didn’t stop him from having them…just from having them with me! Let him be the one you talk to about your concerns that pertain to him. We all know what happens when we go and tell our girlfriends about our man problems…the male bashing begins. And once everything is all worked out…they hold it against him. He could never do right in their eyes again. If you want to keep him around, you have to keep your friends out…of the business that is! When issues arise (and they will) you two can step out of lover roles and talk as friends. People tend to place higher expectations on their mates than their friends so this allows you to bring it down a notch and realize that he is still human and if nothing else…he’s your friend. Don’t take him for granted because of his commitment to you. Speak to him with love and respect as you do your friends. Give him that 2nd, 3rd and 4th chance like you give your girls. And please give him some space to process it all…make it a girls night out! So don’t expect him to be just like your friends on the journey of building a deeper friendship with him and please don’t think he can replace them. Matter of fact, don’t be that woman who gets in a relationship and cuts her friends off. You may spend less time with them given you have a new CONT’ ON PG 35
ALTON McCULLOUGH Designer Collection for BEACH BLING SWIMWEAR Alton E. McCullough {Aking} owner, CEO and Designer for Beach Bling Swimwear LLC. The newly established business was founded September 2009 while vacationing on the shores of South Beach Miami, Florida. With a passion for travel, and an enduring love for sexy and unique swimwear, he noticed an array of creative styles of suits on the beach that inspired the entrepreneur to launch his own brand of swimwear for men. Additionally he created an even more sexy line of swimwear for women, introduced March 2011. Aking launched the first annual Beach Bling Swimwear – presents: Spring/Summer Heat Fashion Explosions 2011. As the show theme was geared towards fashion for travel, cruise, resort and beach, Mr. McCullough took it a step future and included a noted team of guest Designers to partner with BBS to introduce additional creations of fashions for travel and vacation. Alton is an accomplished business owner, and creative industry leader with over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur. His talent extends far beyond the creations of his swimwear. Mr. McCullough is a graduate of Florida A & M University, and The American College of The Applied Arts in Atlanta, Ga. Additional studies completed at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Mr. McCullough has worked in many areas of Designs, as a licensed Interior Designer, Showroom Designer, Wedding Cake Designer, Florist, Prop and Stage Designer, and Model. Beach Bling Swimwear LLC BBS, established September 2009 launched its first unique line of swimwear for men. Thru the creative uses of the internet, and many social network services, BBS grew in the fashion industry in a matter of months. As an invited guest designer in many professional fashion show presentations Beach Bling Swimwear begin to hold its own as a Creative Swimwear Clothing label in the south. On March 2011 BBS took its next venture to another level by introducing a new line of swimwear for women. Beach Bling Swimwear additionally took it to another level and presented its line at its own newly established annual Spring / Summer Heat Fashion Explosion 2011. Alton E. McCullough, Designer, Owner, and CEO of BBS, invited a team of creative professionals in the industry as well as guest designers to participate in introducing creative fashions geared towards travel, cruise, resort and beach wear. The show itself unexpectedly a sellout to 475 guest created an additional path for BBS to grow. BBS continues to grow in all areas of the fashion industry. BBS in 2011 was featured in the summer issue of Snytch Fashion Magazine, and introduced as a noted swimwear designer with the Swimwear Association of Florida. On March 24th 2012, Beach Bling Swimwear LLC will host its second annual Spring /Summer Fashion Explosion 2012. During this very large presentation , BBS will introduce its 2012 collection of swimwear for men and women, as well as its newest line of Cover-ups for women. BBS will also introduce and new selection of creative Fashion Designers that will present an array of fashion ideas geared towards travel, cruise, resort and beach. Additionally BBS will introduce a new line of Hats, Bags and Jewelry to compliment your next designer swimwear for 2012. Our professional design team continues to canvass the globe to spot trends from London and Paris, Tokyo and China, New York and Florida, and of course California.
Splash into Paradise with Swimwear From Beach Bling Swimwear” Seaside Bliss, created at Beach Bling Swimwear” A perfect Collection of Swimwear exclusively design By; Alton E McCullough” “A collection of ready to wear swimwear design by Beach Bling Swimwear” “PURE ALLURE enticing looks from the BEACH BLING SWIMWEAR colletion website info is: www.beachblingswimweardesigns.us email: beachblingswimwear@yahoo.com Contact Number: (404) 246-3096
www.btyliskintherapies.com
Atlanta Based natural and organic skincare line specializing in Sustainable Beauty™ and wellness through the decades. B’Tyli is a skincare company your whole family can grow with starting from B’Tyli “Little Me” babyline all the way up to our anti-aging systems without compromising your health, natural beauty and vitality.
Tru. Art
Cirque Du Soleil Winter Wonderland Your Head Won’t Believe Your Eyes. By: Matthew Fleegel The Cirque Du Soleil Winter Wonderland production at Mystic Lake Casino hit all expectations and delivered a great holiday experience. Even though this year’s production didn’t have a storyline, the non-stop gravity defiance and versatility of the variety acts brought the spectacle one has come to expect from Cirque Du Soleil. The show was orchestrated by a Winter King & Queen who performed musical acts and introduced each of the performances as they came to the stage. The performances included many jaw-dropping stunts as well as extensive choreography and truly insane balancing acts. The aerial acrobatics within the show did not disappoint. There were multiple solo & group performances, where the individuals defied common sense and tested the limits of the human body, while twisting and contorting through the air. One of my favorite acts was a balancing act involving a man with a series of daggers and swords in his mouth while placing and stacking multiple champagne glasses on the blade without any of them falling. Ending by placing a lit candelabra on the top of a ordinary balloon that was sitting on the blade of a large sword while the performer was holding the handle of the sword in his mouth. The most amusing part of the evening for me involved two small contortionist, and a small hollow metal barrel resulting in a human scale finger-trap with a full grown person stuck in each side with just their hands, face, and feet popping out the ends. Over all, Cirque Du Soleil did a fantastic job of putting together a Holiday themed variety show that both astonishes the eyes, and provides high quality entertainment for any age group.
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B M A D I G I TA L C H A N N E L 9 3 7 - M I N N E A P O L I S / S T. PA U L , M N B M A D i g i ta l C h a n n e l 9 4 6 - L O N G B E A C H , C A E N T E R TA I N M E N T C H A N N E L S A Division of The Urban Mass Media Group
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In the Kitchen with Sharon Fox
FRESH FRUIT WITH CREAMY SAUCE 8 oz. Regular Sour Cream Zest of one Orange 3/4 Cup White Sugar 1/4 Cup Orange Juice (I use fresh squeezed from the orange) Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. (I like to make it the night before so the flavors all come together.) Chill until ready to use. Pour over fresh fruit. Top with granola, if desired. You may also use some cubes of pound cake, top with fruit, and pour the sauce over the top! There are so many combinations you may like!
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ASPARAGUS AND SOFT SCRAMBLED EGGS The key to these eggs is their melting soft texture. If that is not your style, of course you can cook them a bit longer to suit your taste. A splash of cream is divine. 3-4 stalks asparagus 2 fresh eggs Sea salt ½ tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon cream or half and half Clean and trim asparagus and cut on the bias (an angle; it’s pretty) into ½ -inch pieces. Mix the eggs with two pinches of salt with a fork until the eggs are well incorporated. In a small, non-stick skillet, heat the butter just to foaming over medium low heat. Add the asparagus and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour the eggs over the asparagus. Draw the egg from the edges of the pan into the center with a wooden spoon or spatula, creating large, soft curds. After less than a minute, when the eggs are still wet, remove from heat. Residual heat will continue to cook the eggs but removing from the heat now will ensure that you don’t overcook them. Pour a tablespoon of cream over the eggs and continue stirring with a spatula. Eat the eggs immediately, with some sliced tomatoes and soft pita bread or toast. Some olives would also be delicious. I also like Greek yogurt and honey mixed together for my bread.
Eden Sassoon salon owner, daughter of icon Vidal Sassoon
Kaya Jones pop recording artist and entertainer
Lance Reddick actor: The Wire, Oz, and Fringe
The Be The Link Campaign is the first of its kind to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS, visually linking 250 influential people in a voice of unity. All proceeds will be donated to The Until There's A Cure Foundation supporting HIV/AIDS awareness, education, and care
Chuy Bravo talk show icon: Chelsea Lately
for people with AIDS. The black-tie Hollywood Gala Red Carpet Event will be held on February 21, 2013. Media inquiries contact Photographer & Campaign Director Andy Tsagaris (203) 520-0466
@bethelink1
be-the-link.org
You Have To Speak What You Desire
www.enjoylifemovement.com
Let’s pick up where we left off:
I have developed an audio series entitled “The Nine Departments of Your Soul”. In that series I help the listener to discover and tap into all nine of these departments. The nine departments of our soul are: 1. The Will: “This is the governor or gate keeper of our mind.” 2. Reasoning: “Give the ability to be analytical” 3. Emotions: “Gives us the ability to feel” 4. Imagination: “Gives the ability to create”. 5. Conscience: “Gives the ability to keep our motives correct” 6. Five Senses: “Gives the ability to gather and experience information” 7. Memory: “Gives the ability to remember” 8. Discernment: “Gives the ability to bring things to a balance” 9. Sub – Conscience: “Gives the ability to be reflexive in action and thought”. Let’s deal with the department of imagination for a moment. The word imagination is defined by Webster’s dictionary as:
1. The act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality. 2. A: creative ability B: ability to confront and deal with a problem: RESOURCEFULNESS C: the thinking or active mind. 3. A: a creation of the mind. Think about it for a moment everything that we enjoy that is manmade was created in the department of the imagination. Thomas Edison formed the mental image of electricity and from His mind came forth the imagination that became a reality. Alexander Bell imagined that people could communicate through pieces of wire and hear each other. Remember, not too long ago some of us use to watch the original television series Star Trek and we use to marvel at their portable communication devices. Today we enjoy what used to be nothing more than a science fiction prop. The Wright brothers had the imagination to fly and while others laughed they were already flying in their minds. Before they ever felt the first wind current carry them to the heights of their imagination, they first had to allow their thoughts to carry them to heights no one else had ever dreamed of. I travel a lot by plane and it never ceases to amaze me, as I look out the window at about 35 thousand feet, that these aircrafts, though they weigh so much can fly in the air. Dr. James West creator of the electric microphone, 90% of microphones used today come from his invention. Eli Whitney and the cotton gin, Bill gates and his software empire, every one of these incredible inventions came from one of the most powerful tools that the creator has ever given us. The tool of imagination is given to all, but not everybody makes the conscience choice that is exercised by their will to develop and strengthen
theirimagination. Where would the world be without the dreamers? Without those who dare to imagine what has not yet been seen, heard of or experienced yet? Many refer to the imagination by different terms such as; visualization, dreams, creative thinking or a creative mind. Regardless of the rhetoric of terminology, let’s start using our imagination. Consider the first part of the definition: “The act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality”. Begin today to start the process of engaging into a daily regimen of building and developing your imagination. Today is the day that everything will begin to change for you. By forming a mental image of something that is not present yet, is the first step to realizing your dream. It is this imagination that will aid you in seeing internally what you desire to experience externally. Go ahead dare to envision what others are afraid to see. Ok, now that you have a mental photograph of what you desire it’s time for the next step. “Speak it”. I have heard it said “you can have what you say”. Though that is not an absolute statement there is certainly a lot of truth in it. We must understand the seriousness of the words we use in our daily lives. Some of the synonyms for speak are: articulate, converse, verbalize. These words begin to give us an idea of the activity and purpose of this action called “speak it”. When we articulate something we are bringing forth an explanation of an action a thing or mindset to someone else. We fail to realize that when we engage our mouth into action we are articulating who we
are, how we feel and where we are presently at in our mental, physical and spiritual journey. When we look at the definition of the word “speak” it reveals a few things: 1. to express thoughts; 2. to express opinions; 3. to express feelings. So when we are talking, we are involved in the process of revealing what we think on any given subject. When we speak, we are exposing our opinions allowing our feelings or emotions to be known by those who listen. Remember, this could be a good thing or a bad thing, it all depends on what is on the inside of you. So why should we be concerned about speaking the thing we desire? Well, we must first come to terms with the idea that much of what we are presently experiencing is a direct result of what we have spoken in our past. You see, we do not treat words with the importance they deserve. Somehow we have been fooled into thinking that the old nursery rhyme, “Sticks and stones …… but words will never hurt me” but the truth is words do hurt and when they are released into your environment they create an atmosphere you will have to live in. A healthy way to view and understand words are through the world of agriculture. We must begin by seeing our words as the seeds we plant; our mind is the ground they are planted in and our life as the field where those seeds will eventually be harvested. When we think in terms of words being seeds allow yourself to be the farmer that is going to select the proper seeds for the particular harvest he is going to expect. Wouldn’t it be foolish for a farmer to plant corn seeds and expect to reap a harvest of beans? What’s the problem? Well let’s see,
he was diligent and sowed his seeds, he went through the different process to see them come to maturity and yet he did not get what he was expecting. I know I can hear you pointing out the obvious…it’s the seeds that he planted! That’s exactly the point. You see, the issue in your life could just very well be a seed problem. If you keep planting the wrong seeds and expecting different results you will only be disappointed time after time. Start sowing the seeds that are connected to the harvest you desire. Remember the process. What did you see? What did you dream? What did you envision? And what did you put up on that vision board of yours? Start speaking about those things to your family, friends, co-workers and frankly to any one that will listen. That’s right, put it out there and let everyone know you will not live a mundane mediocre life. You my friend are going to reach for the stars and live the dream in your heart. It can really happen! Begin right now to speak out loud what you desire and what you want to achieve. Get comfortable hearing yourself saying it and then get confident enough to share it with others. Remember you’re a farmer and you have the seeds within you to reap the harvest you desire. If you do not like what you have been eating change what you’re planting. Words have power and they will come to pass. Count on it. Steps for “speaking it”: 1. Get rid of negative verbiage. 2. Learn a new vocabulary. 3. Speak positive things for one month consecutively.4. Start speaking what you desire. 5. Share it with others. 6. Look for your harvest it’s on the way! I hope you have enjoyed part one of this two part series that will help you to better Enjoy Your Life. Enjoying Life
George Aja
www.enjoylifemovement.com
Tru uptown and
(1)Singer, Sue CEO of JD Sty monds Reality Sons of Bazerk D, (5)P-Funk L Simmons and
d around the Town
e Ann Carwell with the editor’s brother Leland, (looking cozy) (2) yle Group, Jessica (JD) Dereschuk with Boxer ,Caleb Truax (3)Diay Show Star , formally from Prince’ Band, “Cat” & “Half Pint” from k, (4) BMA Founder/CEO Pete Rhodes and Public Enemy’s Chuck Legend George Clinton with Music Mogul and Businessman Russell an unidentified friend
Cont’ from pg 12 LOVE ISN”T HARD TO FIND a new boo…but don’t just fall off the face of the planet (trust me, he won’t!) Be chill while balancing out your life and love. True love isn’t hard to find…it just takes work to keep. As they say…easy come, easy go. Your true love is no different. Just as he came, he can go and find someone who will provide unconditional love and support through the good times and bad times. It’s easy to fall in love but requires work to stay in it! Are you willing to do the work? Are you willing to find and keep your true love?
Every now and again we ALL need a lil “Smoove Advice”! Jordan McKittrick How come all these girls are giving me the vibe like they want me and then I start to make a move and they reject me? The first thing that comes to my mind is when you see someone from across the room, instantly get a crush on them. Next, you walk up to them. Then you look them up and down and they do the same. Then they say something real dumb or have an annoying voice; and you instantly get turned off. Sometimes saying less is saying more. I’d go over what and how you talk to the ladies. Maybe you give them too much. Or you’re too much of a nice clean-cut guy. Sadly to say I think most girls kinda like a guy with an edge and some mystery to them. They like the chase just like we do. They want to figure him out. Maybe they’ve got you figured out already. Step your game up brah.
Leslie Jamila Quin-Ka How important is your family’s approval of a potential mate? I guess it all depends on who you ask; and since you’re asking me…My answer depends on who in my family we’re talking about. The people I would care about most would my kids, my parents, and maybe my siblings (In that order). Parents are important; in most cases they know what’s best. It’s not unrealistic that they may be bias or constantly compare your current selection to a previous person you brought home. Respect their opinion, but when you get tired of hearing them you can go home. Siblings’ opinions should be valued as they know you and may see mistakes you make before you realize it. Also, if it’s a younger sibling you may be making a bad decision for them to follow. Kids are vitally important! They are most affected by your decisions. They are the ones who will be molded in your image. It’s likely that they will imitate your style to some degree. So don’t mess up too much. For example, ladies don’t date or deal with a man that you don’t want your daughters to date or deal with. You can’t tell your daughter that mommy was with the guy cuz he had money or he had “the magic stick.” You should have a sound explanation for your choices.
To submit your questions to Mike Smoove send your email to; truentmagazine@gmail.com
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Life out Loud with Keith King
I often sit and wonder now how it would have been if I had decided to come out to my family, friends and the world that I was GAY, at an early age. Would I be the person that I am now? Would I have the same mindset that guides me through life as I know it today, or if I had come out early in life would I be a flaming Queen? Early on I really knew who I was inside, and I always knew that there would be a specific time and moment for me to come out to the world about my sexuality; and when the moment came, that it would be the right time. But when is the right time to come out to the people that love and care about you? In this writer’s opinion- “the later the better”. Even though we are living in a time of acceptance and freedom of sexuality, some still find it hard to “accept”. Especially the ones that are closest to us, like our parents or siblings. I do understand that coming out is an expression of you and your so-called independence but, keep in mind that unless you are truly “independent” and living on your own and making your own money, you should be careful of using that expression. If you still rely on your folks to clothe you and feed you, you are not living independent and are vulnerable to being homeless and stripped of any financial support that is provided by your parents. As a weapon of defense your parents may commonly use the fact that they still provided for you as a mechanism to deter you away from your homosexual tendencies. Threatening to kick you out the house, disown you or even stop providing educational assistance. This is not an uncommon situation in fact, many in the
lifestyle go through this when attempting to come out to their parents at an early age. That’s why I suggest to those contemplating coming out at a time when their independence has not yet been fully established to wait until you are on your own, making your own money and living in your own space. This way when you finally come out to your parents there is no threat of financial takeaway by them, you will have your own. True to the fact the “coming out” is truly a uplifting and a conscience free feeling, always keep your wits about you. Do not jeopardize losing the hand that feeds you. Each situation is different and, therefore, the process of coming out will be up to the individual involved but you should always only do what feels best for you. Before you choose when, be sure to think about the consequences behind the decision you make and be prepared to accept the outcome... whether it’s good or bad.
An intima Kenneth Paul Guidroz Jr (aka K.P) is a former college division 1 football player turned professional Model. He has played football since age 6 and went on the sign a full college scholarship at the University of Tulane. Kenneth’s son (Emari) was born by the time he turned 22 and this changed his life forever. He graduated from college with a Bachelors degree in Organizational Information Technology with a minor in Sociology. Kenneth spent the next 2 years trying to get a chance at the pro level (NFL/Canadian/Arena) but never got the break he was looking for. So, after college he spent the next 3 years of his life just trying to make some cash to support himself and his son. In the summer of 2011 Kenneth was blessed with an opportunity to take a trip to Europe with a friend. While there he had some amateur photos taken on a beach resort in Turkey. But, it wasn’t until a model/friend of his told him about a website called “Model Mayhem” that he took his real first step into the professional world of modeling. After some encouragement from his friend he set up an account and posted his pictures on the site and within just a months the owner of KRAVE Magazine found his profile and gave him some sound advice. He began working out, losing his football weight and seeking amazing photographers to shoot him. And then the owner of Rufskin Clothing messaged me to ask if I’d like to be the next face of Rufskin. he agreed flew to NYC for the shoot then flew back home to evaluate where this would take him next. He received a message from the photographer who gave him his first break, he say’s he’ll never forget these words; “ hey man have you seen your mini billboard on the streets of NY”? Kenneth had not only not seen the billboard, but he didn’t even know that it existed. His photographer friend sent him pictures of it and Kenneth actually cried. He couldn’t believe that this was happening within the first couple of months of his striking out to be a model. Kenneth say’s that this was the beginning and he is just blessed to have the opportunity at a new life and career. “God is great”, he beams. And we believe him!
Ke
ate look inside of.... enneth’s World
Kenneth K.P. Guidroz www.kennethguidroz.com
TM: When did you decide that modeling and acting was for you? KEN: I decided that Modeling and acting was right for me beginning of 2102. After having my mom tell me over and over that I should look into it I decided to give it a shot. Did my research and put myself in positions to be found. TM: How did you break into the business? I broke into modeling after posting some amateur pics to a site called Model Mayhem. The guy who owns KRAVE magazine sent me an inbox message basically telling me the ins and outs to get started. Who I should work with and how my body should look. How to stay fresh. TM: What do you think set’s you apart from other models/ actors? What sets me apart is my will to be great. To want to be the best at whatever I do. I will go
PHOTOGRAPHY: LUIS RAFAEL
beyond the limits to get what I want. Also just who I am as a person. I’m very understanding and smart. I’m a man of little words but when I do speak its worth a listen. I understand life and how to get around things most people struggle with. I understand hard work and faith is all you can do as a person. Work hard and believe and let god handle the rest. TM: Which do you prefer modeling or acting? I would have to say modeling as of now because that’s what I have been doing. Now acting is my ultimate goal. It’s what I want to retire doing. I want to be in Hollywood with the rest of the A list actors. I love to model though. I think I just love being in front of the camera. It gives you a sense of power. Nothing like having all the lights on you. TM: I’m sure that you have quite the busy professional life, what do you like to do when your not working? Yeah my life is kind of busy at times. Especially with the way I work out. With traveling and all, trying to network and put yourself in the right positions to succeed it gets a little busy. But when I’m not modeling or working out I like to just relax. I spend a lot of my free time with friends. I love to remain the person I was before all this came. I am still that fun loving guy to be around. My friends know that. I never talk about the industry when I’m with them. Its just us and good times. Also I love the outdoors,. I love to fish and hunt. I love to get dirty. My friends always call me the jack of all trades. Because I do it all, one day I may be fixing something on a car, or cleaning fish, or cooking. I thank God for the many gifts he has given me.
T R U M A L E M O D E L
TM: Describe a date with Kenneth A date with Kenneth. Well since I’m a romantic guy and I love to please my date it would probably start off with a dinner at a nice restaurant. I love to know about a person when I’m on a date, I ask questions. Also, I’m all about making her feel comfortable. To me that’s the most important thing. I don’t like to talk about me much. I would rather listen. So yeah dinner and a movie or just dinner is typically what happens on a date. Everything else after that is extra-lol... but I’m sweet and understanding and I know how to make women feel comfortable. TM: What celebrity would you love to date? If I could date one celebrity it would have to be...well its unfair to pick just one. There are a few Victoria Secret models and other actresses that come to mind. But, if I had to pick one it would be Nicole Scherzinger. TM: Do you have any film projects coming up that you would like to tell us about? I dont have any films as of now that I will be working on. Although 2 of my photos will be used in the upcoming movie ‘Addicted’ starring Boris Kojo. Director Bille Woodruff reached out to me asking if he could use 2 photos to incorporate into a scene in the movie. So yeah I think thats kinda exciting and should be fun to see. TM:Where do you hope to be in 5 years? In 5 years I hope to be living somewhere warm and beautiful. Like on a beach or something. I’m all about scenery. I love nature. No better way to wake in the morning than seeing water or sand. And animals just doing what they do. But I plan on being in Hollywood acting. And maybe even still modeling from time to time. As long as I am on the right path to my dreams is perfect for me. Photographer: Eric Ganison
Tru. Style Spotlight on
Khaysh
Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, stunning model Khayshea Pope shea’s passion for modeling was discovered at an early age years. Her purpose is to inspire and create change in the l makes her a joy to work with. She has appeared in advert fashion designers, has done video, print and runway wor ous shows and events such as the Russell Simmons Annu Society of Woman Who Love Shoes, and several others to
Khayshea‘s beauty is a combination of distinctive features light skinned canvas. Khayshea has begun to attract the a and she simply cannot be described in few words. She bri appearances are viewed more like performance art pieces trated magnitude than what Khayshea brings, as she pain in her blood and she hopes to make a living in this profes she has been given.
Behold the grace, style and beauty of this new and upcom
hea Pope
e aspires to take the fashion industry by storm. Khayge and she has been active in the business for over 5 lives of people worldwide, as her often humble approach tising campaigns for high-end brands and accomplished rk. Khayshea’s sultry looks have been featured in numerual Diamond Empowerment Fundraiser, Mose Exposed, o name a few.
s, a slender frame, and natural but versatile hair on a attention of local and major fashion designers of the day, ings her own theatrical style to the business, and her s. Fashion has never witnessed beauty in such concennts the air around her with style and grace. Modeling is ssion so that she will be able to give back just as much as
ming talent!
TRU MODEL
Q: How long have you been in the modeling industry and who inspires you? A: I have been in the modeling business for going on 6 years.My mother is a big inspiration to me because at a young age she was forced to make adult decisions and had she not made the right choices there’s no telling where my brother and I would be. Q: You are a beautiful woman, how do you handle unwanted attention? A: Lol thank you! I’m always flattered but at times it can be too much. Like when people stare at me when I’m at a restaurant. I eat like a pig so it’s uncomfortable then. Q: What types of projects do you prefer working on the most? A: Anything that has to do with runway excites me! The longer the better :) Q: What are the 5 things you can’t live without? #5 conditioner, I’m natural and it’s the only thing that saves me. #4 my cell phone, I don’t think I have to explain for everyone to understand I mean come on it’s 2013 lol. #3 cereal, (I eat a lot of it)! #2 my family and friends and #1 my bible. The Lord has blessed me and I know without him none of this would have been possible. Q:What’s your motto or life advice that you life by? A: Nobody believes in your dream more than YOU do Q: What do you think is the hardest part about being in the beauty and fashion industry. A: The beauty and fashion, industry as a whole can be difficult. There are so many other people that want that spot, that opportunity, so it’s literally a fight to the top. I mean could you imagine going to a casting where they’re looking for a girl 5’10, red hair, and green eyes and you show up and there are 50 girls that are 5’10 with red hair, and green eyes? That could easily be discouraging. With that comes rejection, and “creative criticism” (smh) you really have to be a competitive, determined, open minded, OPTIMISTIC individual or this industry could eat you alive. Oh and did I mention you have to watch what you eat? That’s no fun!
Q:Do you have any advice as to how to ensure good pictures every time? A: To ensure good pictures I’d say research the photographer you’re working with and practice, practice, practice. From your poses to your expression PRACTICE! Q:What work are you most proud of? why? A: I’m proud of all of the work that I’ve done because it’s gotten me where I am today in my career. As long as my work continues to grow and get better I will always be proud of it Q:What is one of your craziest, most ridiculous situation in the industry that you have ever been in? A: I’ve managed to stay away from the creeps of the industry but there was a time that I was in a fashion show that allowed the models to pick out what they wanted to wear, and a stylist would help put everything together. I asked if I could wear this beautiful evening gown but was told that it was off limits and because of the price of the dress it would stay on the mannequin The day of the show another model had the dress on and right as the lady that told me no started to compliment her on it we made eye contact. That made for an interesting situation! Q:What do you like to do for fun? A:Everything that I do with modeling is my fun at the same time so other than that I like to chill with friends, and listen to music, I can be a homebody
PHOTOGRAPHERS Creative Concepts Eric Ganison XJP Photography Dennis Webb Spazz Photography
http://www.facebook.com/KhaysheaPope
Knock Out Hunger Event- Takes a Swin By: Matthew Fleegel
Fort dominated, controlled, and outclassed Baue in practically every categ up. After giving Baue a cut over his left eye and a very swollen face in eigh The other fights saw Jon Schmidt (11-1, 6 KO’s) overcome an almost two
Schmidt showed great form in his return to the ring, while Collins couldn decision for Schmidt with all three Judges scoring the fight 60-54.
Transitioning MMA fighter Travis Perzynski (2-1, 1 KO’s) showed great e but fell short of the victory as Perzynski sent him to the ground in the fin all in favor of Perzynski.
Charles Meier (6-2-2, 3 KO’s) demolished Bruce Johnson (0-3-1) from th When Johnson tried to get back in the fight, Meier landed a well-placed r some of their other recent contributions.
Dana Munson, the marketing specialist at Emergency Food shelf Network
“The Knockout Hunger event collected 421 pounds of food and $52 in cash donations! That donation will allow us to feed
Since we started this partnership with JD Style Group, we have collected 1,251 pounds of food. That means we are able to
TRU. salutes the people at the Emergency Food shelf Network by transitioning pounding fists into pounds of food for the
ng at Inner-City Hunger
Tru.Community
The Emergency Food Shelf Network in partnership with the JD Style Group encouraged charity in the form of knockouts. The Knock Out Hunger event was held at the Crowne Plaza in Saint Paul, MN. Attendees were encouraged to participate in the events simultaneous food drive to help children who suffer from inner-city hunger. The event featured six professional boxing matches, as well as a performance from the Minnesota Timberwolves dance squad, and a raffle for an NBA basketball autographed by every member of the Timberwolves franchise. The headline fight was between “Golden” Caleb Truax (20-1-1, 12 KO’s) and Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker (19-17, 12 KO’s). Truax focused on powerful body shots as he looked to take the sting out of Walker’s punches. The fight was high intensity, but after two solid body blows from Truax early in the forth-round Walker seemed to lose his drive. Truax capitalized with a hard right uppercut that brought Walker to his knees and ended the fight with 2:59 left in the fourth round. The undercard bout, which featured Interim NABA Super Welterweight Title holder Cerresso Fort (14-0-1, 10 KO’s) winning an eight round unanimous decision versus Brandon Baue (12-8, 10 KO’s), was relatively one-sided.
gory. Baue performed antics and joked, but it did little to nothing to help him in a fight where he just couldn’t match ht rounds the Judges card read 80-72, 79-73, 79-73 all in favor of Cerresso Fort. year absence from the ring in a six round battle versus Keith Collins (4-20, 2 KO’s).
n’t put together any form of consistent attack and relied too much on his deceptive defense leading to a unanimous
effort and technique as he faced Tyler Hultin (3-1-1, 2 KO’s). Hultin had a good showing as well throughout the fight, nal moments of the fight. Hultin managed to reach his feet in time, yet the Judges scorecards read 39-36, 39-36, 38-37
he first bell on. Meier showed great instinct and determination, pounding Johnson with shots to the head & body. right counter punch earning Meier a Knock Out in round three.
k (www.emergencyfoodshelf.org) was kind enough to provide TRU. with the final statistics from the event as well as
d about 454 individuals.
o feed about 1042 individuals.”
e hungry…and that’s the TRU.th
Tru. Health
Tru Health w/ Smitty The Trainer
This month instead of focusing on workout exercises, let’s focus on what’s the most important part of life. (DIET) We’ve all heard, “you are what you eat”.. Right?
Well this statement is as true as the day is long. Most people are creatures of habit. We go to the grocery store on the same day every week and fill our carts with the same stuff. If it’s Monday, chicken’s for dinner and Wednesday always means spaghetti. We are comforted with knowing what to expect—even if our meals aren’t that exciting, we know what we’re going to eat. That’s what makes eating healthier so scary sometimes. We are so used to eating a certain way that we rarely think about what we’re actually putting into our bodies. So to eat a healthier diet means actually waking up and paying attention to what’s on your plate. Make healthy eating a habit. Eating healthier doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you want to adopt healthy habits that will last, then the easiest way to do it is by making small, gradual changes. Don’t expect too much from yourself too soon—it takes about a month for any new action to become habit.
ith sl Sm
Nicho
Before you start making any changes to your diet, take a week or two to observe your current eating habits. Track everything that goes in your
mouth, including drinks and treats, no matter how small. Keeping a food journal will really open your eyes— realizing that you ate 10 cookies over the course of the week might make you think twice before reaching into the cookie jar again tonight, for example. You might not realize how bad your present eating habits are until you see an unhealthy pattern right there in black and white. Once you see that some changes are in order, then you’re ready to take the next steps
Try these tips to make the new year a year of change. The time is NOW. Healthy eating tip 1: Set yourself up for success the Tru way. To set yourself up for success, think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think. 1) Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety, and freshness. This way it should be easier to make healthy choices. Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. Gradually, your diet will become healthier and more delicious. 2) Start slow and make changes to your eating habits over time. Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart. Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan. Make small steps, like adding a salad (full of different color vegetables) to your diet once a day or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking. As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices to your diet. 3) Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet. The long term goal is to feel good, have more energy, and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let your missteps derail you—every healthy food choice you make counts. 4) Water- Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins, yet many people go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices. 5) Exercise- Find something active that you like to do and add it to your day, just like you would add healthy greens, blueberries, or salmon. The benefits of lifelong exercise are abundant and regular exercise may even motivate you to make healthy food choices a habit. Healthy eating tip 2: Moderation is key For most of us, moderation or balance means eating less than we do now. More specifically, it means eating far less of the unhealthy stuff (unrefined sugar, saturated fat, for example) and more of the healthy (such as fresh fruit and vegetables). But it doesn’t mean eliminating the foods you love. Eating bacon for breakfast once a week, for example, could be considered moderation if you follow it with a healthy lunch and dinner–but not if you follow it with a box of donuts and a sausage pizza. If you eat 100 calories of chocolate one afternoon, balance it out by deducting 100 calories from your evening meal. If you’re still hungry, fill up with an extra serving of fresh vegetables 1) Try not to think of certain foods as “off-limits.” When you ban certain foods or food groups, it is natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. If you are drawn towards sweet, salty, or unhealthy foods, start by reducing portion sizes and not eating them as often. Later you may find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences. 2) Think smaller portions. Serving sizes have ballooned recently, particularly in restaurants. When dining out, choose a starter instead of an entree, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything. At home, use smaller plates, think about serving sizes in realistic terms, and start small. If you don’t feel satisfied at the end of a meal, try adding more leafy green vegetables or rounding off the meal with fresh fruit. Visual cues can help with portion sizes–your serving of meat, fish, or chicken should be the size of a deck of cards, a slice of bread should be the size of a CD case, and half a cup of mashed potato, rice, or pasta is about the size of a traditional light bulb.
Healthy eating tip 3: It’s not just what you eat, it’s how you eat 1) Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits—particularly for children—and allows you to model healthy eating habits.Eating in front of the TV or computer often leads to mindless overeating. 2) Take time to chew your food and enjoy mealtimes. Chew your food slowly, savoring every bite. We tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to actually taste the flavors and feel the textures of our food. Reconnect with the joy of eating. 3) Early studies suggest that this simple dietary adjustment—eating only when you’re most active and giving your digestive system a long break each day—may help to regulate weight. After-dinner snacks tend to be high in fat and calories so are best avoided, anyway.
Healthy eating tip 4: Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet. They are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal—the brighter the better. Colorful, deeply colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and different colors provide different benefits, so eat a variety. Aim for a minimum of five portions each day. Some great choices include: 1) Greens. Branch out beyond bright and dark green lettuce. Kale, mustard greens, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage are just a few of the options—all packed with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. 2) Sweet vegetables. Naturally sweet vegetables—such as corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, and squash—add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. 3) Fruit. Fruit is a tasty, satisfying way to fill up on fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Berries are cancer-fighting, apples provide fiber, oranges and mangos offer vitamin C, and so on.
SOME OTHER GREAT TIPS… Healthy eating tip 5: Eat more healthy carbs and whole grains Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart.
Healthy eating tip 6: Enjoy healthy fats & avoid unhealthy fats Good sources of healthy fat are needed to nourish your brain, heart, and cells, as well as your hair, skin, and nails. Foods rich in certain omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA are particularly important and can reduce cardiovascular disease, improve your mood, and help prevent dementia. Healthy eating tip 7: Put protein in perspective Protein gives us the energy to get up and go—and keep going. Protein in food is broken down into the 20 amino acids that are the body’s basic building blocks for growth and energy, and essential for maintaining cells, tissues, and organs. A lack of protein in our diet can slow growth, reduce muscle mass, lower immunity, and weaken the heart and respiratory system. Protein is particularly important for children, whose bodies are growing and changing daily.
Healthy eating tip 9: Limit sugar and salt Healthy eating tip 8: Add calcium for strong bones Calcium is one of the key nutrients that your body needs in order to stay strong and healthy. It is an essential building block for lifelong bone health in both men and women, as well as many other important functions.
1) Avoid processed or pre-packaged foods. Processed foods like canned soups or frozen dinners contain hidden sodium that quickly surpasses the recommended limit. 2) Be careful when eating out. Most restaurant and fast food meals are loaded with sodium. 3) Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables. 4) Cut back on salty snacks such as potato chips, nuts, and pretzels.
Also be sure to check labels carefully. Sugar is often disguised using other terms. These are some tips to start the year off right. I can’t emphasize the importance of diet, but if you are on a health kick, doing the bootcamps and training, this is where you need to start. You’ll start to feel the difference quickly and your workout will become easier and more effective. Without the right diet, you’re basically just spinning your wheels. Feel free to contact me for more tips (smitty@truentmagazine.com), whether it be training or diet. The best advice I can give on the subject is Buy a juicer and use it, and keep kicking butt in the gym, keep that heart rate up and watch the pounds disappear for the new year. Till next time.. Stay Health conscious and feel the difference. Email your questions to SMITTY THE TRAINER at; Smitty@truentmagazine.com
Tru. Celeb.
The Atomic Dog,George Clinton.. UNLEASHED!
T
By Lydia King
his month Tru. got up close and personal with an Icon…welcome to ‘ backstage pass’ with, George Clinton. This celebrity needs no real introduction he is the Godfather of FUNK and known to the masses around the world. So I’ll start my story with the events leading up to this great interview…. It’s a freezing below zero (something) this evening in Minnesota but the weather on this night doesn’t faze me. I’ve been trying for the past several weeks to catch up with one of the music industry’s most elusive and eclectic artists. A legend and certainly one of the most profound entertainers of our time, the Atomic Dog himself, Mr. George Clinton. Last summer we caught up with him before his set at The Brick nightclub, in downtown Minneapolis. I was shocked when he told his media guy to bring us into the “green” room. I was thrilled to be covering the event but had no idea that I would be allowed to actually “sit” with Mr. Clinton. Kevin and I walked in, Kev with his camera in hand and I, I was simply at a loss for words. As I stood before his majesty I wasn’t prepared for the “green room” to be as green as it really was if you know what I mean! It was potent and the smell knocked me on my a%$ and so, needless to say. I couldn’t think of one interview question that night! But, Mr. Clinton, being the gentlemen that he is kept his word to let me interview him for Tru. and after months and months of trying, I finally caught up with him at his home in Florida, relaxing at the end of a very long tour…
LK: Hi George, this is Lydia King with Tru. Magazine, how are you? GC: I’m doin fine and yourself? LK: I’m wonderful,thank you so much! I can honestly say that you’re a man of your word. When Tru. caught up with you a few months ago when you were here for your sold out concert at The Brick, you promised me an exclusive interview with you and you kept your word. GC: Ah… I try to do that. LK: I appreciate that so much, a lot of artists don’t work that hard at being accommodating. I know that you’re at home relaxing, in fact, you just got back off of a long tour just a few days ago. GC: Yep. LK: So again, I want to thank you for sharing some of your private time with us and welcome you to Tru. Magazine’s ‘backstage pass’ For those of us who have known and followed you for decades and decades we’ve always known
you to be a “fashion-forward” trendsetting entertainer. And in this decade you have made yet another style change. We’re currently seeing your wear; custom suits, gangster style brims-that’s the look that seems to dominate your set when you make appearances these days. Are you making a “statement” with this switch –up? GC: Well, not so much but just…that it’s time to “change” again. That’s the way we started out in the 50’s and the 60’s. Before psychedelic and all that stuff hit we were doin the umm..Boardwalk “ghetto-style”, You know, we’re from New Jersey, so you know what they were doin in the early 50’s and the early 60’s was the gangster lids and the custom tailored suits. Even in grade school that’s the way we used to dress, so I figured, it was time to change again. The Boardwalk and all of that is happening now so that era is pretty popular. So the blacks was doin the same thing in the ‘hood at the same time. So I just figured it was time for me to change up again too. LK I know that you were recently on a tour that went through the East Coast and that some of those dates had to be cancelled due to hurricane Sandy. Yet you went back out on the road to make up some of those concerts right? GC: Yeah, we played in New Jersey, which is our home and it was beautiful to play there. We hadn’t played there in years.
LK: Did you see any of the damage from the hurricane? GC: It was pretty much cleaned up by the time that we got there, but we have band members that live in certain areas that were affected by the flooding and we saw some of that as we dropped people off. As the storm was coming in we had been performing on a cruise ship, we got off in Antigua so we just missed it. LK: What’s it like to perform on a cruise ship as opposed to performing on a live stage? GC: Oh it was fun because the whole ship was on top deck, and we rocked the ship, I mean we had a ball on there, we got off just before the storm came in, but the people that stayed on there said they caught “hell” coming back! They said they were sleeping with the life vests on! LK: Do you plan on doing any more cruise ship concerts? GC: Oh yeah, we plan to do Tom Joyner’s Jazz cruise or something, I like ‘em. LK: I found out something interesting about you as I was doing my research, your actual ‘hand’ has been cloned! A likeness of it has been designed and is for sale on the web. And from what I hear, the replica is so ‘spot on’ they had to file down your fingertips to protect your actual identity and fingerprints. It’s said that’s the closest that you can get to you George, if you don’t have a backstage pass (lol), what’s that about?
GC: Well, it’s actually; it’s a print of my hand. We wanted to find a way to get the music out to people in different ways. CD’s are going out of style, and downloads, so we figured we put out this hand with the P-Funk sign up. You can remove the detachable finger which has a USB in it, and you can put an unlimited amount of music on it. So we’re gonna be putting up free downloads for people to be able to download on to it. LK: Sounds very very cool to me! GC: There is going to be an expose’, the NY Times and ABC are doing an expose on the history of all of the music that the record companies are trying to steal. The US copyright has been infiltrated and there will be an expose on it for about 4 or 5 days that’s gonna tell the whole story on all of that stuff going on. LK: We’ll be looking out for that. Switching gears for a moment, let’s talk about some past history here. A lot of people don’t know this but you formed ‘The Parliaments’ back in 1955 based out of a barber shop back room where you straightened hair. So, you’re a hair stylist too?
GC: Yep, I’ve done hair in Newark New Jersey, umm- two or three members of the band did hair. We used to do doo-whop with the waves, and I’ve got my hair done like that now. LK: In 1989 you singed a contract with Prince’s Paisley Park label, you released “The Cinderella Theory” and one more record before going on to sign with Sony 550, what happened, why’d you leave? GC: He closed the label down, the record companies were giving him hell at the same time that I was on the label and trying to run him out of business too! So, he and I both got caught up in that. They were bent on putting him out of business. After Purple Rain made is so good, they never intended to have another Motown. They wanna make sure there is no more Motown or Philadelphia International, you know ‘cuz, blacks get on the dance floor and they don’t know how to get off! Motown was throwin down four and five hits on the top ten same way we were doin, so when Prince had Paisley Park, they didn’t want him to get started either. They have something called the Dahmer Report, you can get a copy of it. It’s designed to take over the black business of rhythm and blues. You know, designed to control that. Harvard did it for CBS. LK: Interesting stuff. So, your split from Prince’s label had nothing to do with any beef between you and him. Do you think you’ll ever work with him again? GC: Oh, most likely yes, we’ll be doing something together. LK: It’s amazing to me George, that you were born in 1941 yet your still out here tearin it up, selling out the venues and playing to yet another generation of kids who weren’t even born when your records were made. To what do you attribute your longevity and success? GC: Viagra! (laughing) LK: Well damn! (laughing) GC: You asked for it! LK: O.K.?! And you gave it to me! (laughing)
GC: No, but seriously ‘funk’ might as well have Viagra in it! Funk gives me the strength! LK: You are arguably one of the hardest working entertainers in the business. In fact, you have one of the most grueling and vigorous tour schedules that I’ve ever seen, I can’t imagine how you keep up with it. Do you have plans to slow down anytime soon? GC: No, hopefully not. I ain’t got nothing else to do. I mean, I like to fish, but I can do that in between time. (laughs) LK: Is there anything else that you would like to share with your many fans? GC: Tell ‘em to check out Flashlight 2013, and you’ll find out everything that we’re doing in our legal fight for our copyrights, all the places we’re playing and all of the new things that we’re doing. On the web look for Flashlight 2013. Mr. Clinton was just as warm and down to earth as it gets. I think I’ve finally gotten over my “starstruck” feeling after speaking with the legend, but I’ll never stop thinking of him as one!
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DA ORIGINAL ATOMIC “DOG”