Twenty4Seven Magazine: Issue #60 by Twenty4Seven Magazine

ISSUE #60 2019

CashKid Ru. Cyrene Lovette. + Nafisah Carter. Karimah Westbrook. Ferow.

Editor/Publisher: Tyrone Davis

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Graphics: Brightwood Entertainment Photography: Brightwood Entertainment T4S Staff Contributing Photography: I’merge PR The Meme Agency Nate Taylor Immanuel Powell Nathan Pearcy

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Check out www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com for news, interviews and other great content in the meantime. Tyrone Davis

Divine Influence PR (Creative Director for Nafisah Carter) Marketing/Sales: Jus Mi Luck Promotions Contributing Writers: I’merge PR The Meme Agency Corletha Norman, MSW, LCSW Lucky Smith Monique Jackson Consulting LLC Contact: twenty4sevenmagazine.com twenty4sevenmagazine@gmail.com youtube.com/twenty4sevenmagazine Twitter: @twenty4sevenmag Instagram: @twenty4sevenmagazine Facebook: Twenty4Seven Magazine Editor Contact: brightwoodentertainment.com brightwoodentertainment@gmail.com youtube.com/brightwoodent Twitter: @brightwoodent Instagram: @brightwoodentertainment Facebook: Tyrone Brightwood Davis Phone: 404-409-6553

CONTENTS CASHKID RU 5 CYRENE LOVETTE 7 ARE YOUR SHIPS SINKING? 8-10 KARIMAH WESTBROOK 12-17 TJ JACKSON 18 BEAUTY OF THE MONTH 19 PICS: ON LOCATION 20-21 NAFISAH CARTER 22 FEROW

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CASHKID RU | PAGELAND, SC The nickname “CashKid” was given to Davonta Robinson as a child because he always seemed to be on his entrepreneur game. The name holds true to date for the Carolina native whose infectious hooks seem to be a key to his money making sound. The artist has been inspired to pursue a career in entertainment for his family and the many people who support him in his city. He doesn’t hide the fact that Chief Keef has been among his favorites and has inspired his sound. His first single, Ru The Takeover launched a fan base for him and gave him his first serious platform. The delivery of his unique hooks and creative style will certainly set him apart from the up and coming freshmen artists. He is passionate about conquering positivity in music and having fun doing what he loves. To view Cashkid Ru’s full interview, visit us on YouTube. Also, check him out on Instagram @CashKidRu, on Facebook @DavontaRobinson and on SnapChat @DrillGang. Her single for “I Know” is available now.

PHOTO COURTESY OF I’MERGE PR WORDS BY I’MERGE PR

CYRENE LOVETTE | MURFREESBORO, TN Cyrene is known from Bravo’s hit reality show Thicker Than Water: The Tankards, as a beauty influencer for multiple products, lifestyle content provider for Essence Magazine, gracing several red carpets, and empowerment speaker and life coach for the millennial of today. As an empowerment speaker and life coach, Cyrene has been speaking and touring not only here in the U.S. but in countries like Belize, Paris, and more.

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Cyrene is pushing forward with her quest to inspire today’s millennial with the release of her journal called Journey to Self. Journey To Self is an interactive, thought provoking journal catered to young women ages 13-25. The journal features prompts that encourage critical thinking and self reflection. The goal of this journal is to help clarify, strategize, and execute in various areas along your journey. Journey To Self can also serve as a place holder and a point of reference for strategies regarding personal growth and development to carry you through the different phases of life.

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To view Cyrene Lovette’s full interview, visit us on YouTube. Also, check her out on Instagram @cyrenelovette and her website at www.cyrenelovette.com.

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COMING TO THEATERS

WHO AM I AND WHAT I STAND FOR

CATCH A FLICK.

ARE YOUR SHIPS SINKING? Corletha Norman, MSW, LCSW, Owner and Clinical Director of Bonhomie, LLC.

By Corletha Norman, MSW, LCSW

When did relationship begin to only refer to romantic relationships? I can’t tell you how many times I have sat between two individuals and mentioned working on improving their relationship, just to have them give me a look of repulsion. Not to mention the attempt to explain away the connection between the two. In most contexts, when I say relationship I mean all of our different relationships. We have relationships with our jobs, school, college, ourselves. We need to seek to have reciprocity in all of our relationships. Reciprocity is the balance of giving and receiving between two individuals or two entities. All too often the is an imbalance with giving and receiving in relationships.

We are certified to provide Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist in your healing from trauma.

We think that reciprocity within our career is we work and we get a check. With school, we go do school work and get a degree. We need to maintain discipline to be sure that we get all that we need and deserve with minimal damage. Too often I he’s of people settling for connections and experiences that lack the true essence of what it is that they’re truly seeking. How can you use a degree if you’re mentally broke down from earning it? You can’t spend your money from your check if you can’t physically function. The individual doing the giving that lacks with what they’re receiving tends to realize that their cup to receive is low eventually. Why can’t your work pay you and be purpose fulfilling at the same time? With school, why can’t you learn your course of study and also be supported in learning yourself or your vision as well? If your employer or whoever doesn’t speak to the value in you, it’s time to move on. To read more, please visit my blog at www.bonhomiellc.com/blog.

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CORLETHA NORMAN, MSW, LCSW

is Owner and Clinical Director of Bonhomie, LLC. She has over ten years of experience in the world of social work. This includes mental health therapy, intensive in home therapy for high risk, foster and DFCS/DCBS clients, family and individual therapy, couples therapy, trauma focused therapy, juvenile justice intervention, case management, advocacy, and mentorship. She can be reached at www.bonhomiellc.com.

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KARIMAH WESTBROOK SECOND DOWN Words + Interview By Lucky Smith Karimah Westbrook is an actress and “NAACP Theater Award” nominee that has appeared in various television shows and films. Currently, the Chicago native can be seen in season 2 of the CW hit TV series, “All American” which is inspired by the life of Spencer Paysinger. Following up with Karimah after our cover story on her in issue #50, we discussed “All American” and what to expect from season 2, women empowerment, giving back to the community and more.

First, I would like to say thank you for doing a follow up interview with us. Personally, I am a big fan of the CW’s “All American” and I have so many questions going into season 2. You have appeared in quite a few projects. How does it feel being part of “All American”, especially being that it has gotten such a great response? I feel very blessed to be a part of All American. The response is humbling. I think it’s a great series, it’s very relatable and grounded with so many important messages. Our writers tackle so many timely topics which gives us actors so much to explore and play around with.

PHOTOS: NATE TAYLOR

Your character and her story are relatable to both men and women. Some men go through situations where they are not sure if they are the father of a child and also children grow up not knowing why their father chose not to be in their lives. What advice would you give the mothers in this type of situation? My advice to mothers in this type of situation is to take responsibility for your part in all of this and find out the truth, even if it may hurt. At the end of the day, the only person that suffers in all of this is the child and they deserve to know. When preparing for this role, how deep were your conversations with Spencer’s mom and did she help you really get an understanding of what she was dealing with at the time? I spoke to Spencer’s mom a couple of times at the very beginning, before we started filming season one. I wanted to meet and get to know her. She’s lovely, a great mom and she shared some wonderful things with me regarding her and the kids. Those things did help me understand her perspective but as an actor my intentions were not to try to portray her. Also, I want people to remember that All American is inspired by the life of Spencer Paysinger, which means that every storyline you see may not be exactly what he experienced. Season one had a lot of things that touched the heart and made its viewers think. Were there any episodes that affected you in that way? There were so many episodes that affected me. If I can think TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

back I would say episode 10 (written by Natalie Abram and Cam’ron Moore) titled m.a.d.d City. In this episode, Spencer tries to stop some gang members from beefing in the park. He gives the guys this heartfelt talk. He says things like “we taking out all our pain on each other. Watching bodies drop like flies like it’s normal.” He tells them that “we’re all we got. If we destroy ourselves who’s gonna be left to fight for us?”. He yells “This. Is. Not. Normal.” I felt that. A lot of people felt that because it’s so true. Going into season 2, was there anything in particular that you wanted to accomplish with your character and acting in particular? I’m just going with the flow of it all. Our writers are great and so far, they’ve given me so much to play with and explore regarding my character and my acting. What can we expect from season 2? Lol, no spoilers. In season 2 you can expect more drama of course but also, you’ll see the ripple effects of the affair that was revealed at the end of season one between my character, Grace James, and Taye Diggs’ character, Billy Baker. Spencer has some really important decisions to make this season and I love that teen mental health will also be explored this season amongst many other timely issues that teens are currently facing. How did you feel about being nominated for the “NAACP Theater Award”? As an actor, any time someone recognizes your work and wants to honor you in some way for it is exciting and humbling. It’s also a reminder your commitment to the work is paying off. As an actor, what advantages come with doing theater work? Do you think more actors should take advantage of it? Why or why not? Actors should definitely take advantage of doing theater. I love theater, there are no breaks in living out the reality of the story on stage doing theater. On stage, you tell the story without stopping. You also have more time to develop your character. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

You become real clear about your process with acting and you have more time to do so. You get to play, explore your craft and you have multiple opportunities to do so. With television and film, once a scene is filmed, that’s it. You’re on to the next scene. In theater, you can come back the next night and do it all over again, trying and learning new things. It’s a great way to explore and build your craft/acting muscles. Who are your “Top 5” actors of today? My top five actors of today are Joaquin Phoenix, Jharrel Jerome, Viola Davis, Patricia Arquette and Michael K. Williams. Being a woman, how do you feel about the “#MeToo” movement, overall? I think the #MeToo movement is great overall. In addition to that movement, we also have an influx of women showing more of their bodies publicly, a lot of twerking and a lot of them seem to have no limits to the things they are doing. Can there be a balance or do you think some of it is being taken too far? I’m choosing compassion versus judgement and allowing people to be where they’re at because it’s usually deeper than what we see. I feel I can see past it. When I see those things, sometimes I just see a need to be seen playing out and not in a negative way but in a way of people’s unfulfilled needs, mainly stemming from childhood, trying to be met. When we heal and understand the effects of traumas or unfulfilled needs, we make choices differently in life and that includes how we present ourselves. If you had the power to change 3 things in politics right now, what would you change and why? My head started hurting reading this question, lol. There is so much I would want to change but I’ve decided to stay away from politics at the moment. There is too much smoke and mirrors around it all. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

Is “giving back” is an obligation for entertainers? I’ve kind of gotten out of the business of telling people what they should or should not do, especially regarding something of this nature. Giving back is important though as it can inspire and help those who need a helping hand and you could potentially change someone’s life and or outlook on life. That’s a blessing. Entertainers with visibility have an advantage of having people’s attention and respect, especially from kids so they are in a much more powerful position to plant long lasting seeds while giving back. So, if one can recognize that and move forward with giving back, that’s a beautiful thing. Beyond just entertainers, I think it would be great if everyone gave back in whatever way they can. I think we are all vessels and are here for each other. I think it’s a part of that saying “make the world go-round”. Overall, no one is obligated to give-back, including entertainers but it’s a blessing if they choose to do so. Tell us about “A Place Called Home”. A Place Called Home is an at-risk youth organization in South Central Los Angeles where I spent years volunteering and mentoring. Thank you again for spending a moment with us. Is there anything else you’d like to speak about? I just wanted to congratulate you guys for creating and building Twenty4Seven Magazine. You guys are synergy for us artist and entertainers. Thank you for interviewing and supporting me on my journey. Follow Karimah Westbrook on Instagram @Only1Karimah. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

TJ JACKSON

INSOMNIA Words + Interview By Tyrone Davis Coming from entertainment royalty, TJ Jackson is the youngest son of Tito Jackson and the nephew of the late Michael Jackson. He is most known as a member of the R&B/Pop group “3T” which featured himself and his blood brothers, Taj and Taryll. The group’s debut album “Brotherhood” was released in 1995 and sold about 3 million copies worldwide. After some time away, TJ is now back as a solo artist. He and I spoke about life as a Jackson, stepping out on his own and creating his own identity, adapting to social media, his late uncle and his first single, “Insomnia”. I really enjoyed our conversation. It was truly an honor.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: MONIQUE JACKSON CONSULTING LLC

Tell me a about the single, “Insomnia” and explain the concept behind it. Musically, it’s a slow jam and R&B kind of classic sounding song. I’m a big fan of 90s music like Jodeci and Shai and I wanted to do something in that vain. So, it has a lot of those elements but it’s also modern with the instrumentation that people today can listen and jive on. As far as the lyrics and concept, I was always fascinated with insomnia having a negative connotation. People will talk about how they can’t sleep as if it is a bad thing. I know oftentimes people that have to work in the morning need to get their rest but I wanted to capture that moment where insomnia could be a good thing and it’s where you just don’t want the night to end. The song is about you with your loved one and you guys are just having the time of your lives and the night can’t end for you. You don’t want it to end. You just want to live in that present feeling in that present moment forever. That is actually an interesting take because I have seen more and more people talk about having insomnia, especially on social media. It seems like it’s a really big thing because I’m hearing about it way more than I did 10 years ago. It is definitely picking up. They say that you’re not supposed to go to bed with those devices and all that good stuff because they’ll contribute to insomnia but like I said, it’s always with a negative connotation. You know, you have to get medication or people can’t sleep so they’re taking things to get some rest. But like I said, I wanted to capture that moment where it’s actually a good thing where the night is young and beautiful. I wanted to tell that story. How do you feel about releasing your first single after being away for so long?

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I’m excited, man. The game has changed quite a bit from when I started. Back in the day, you’d travel everywhere and do radio, you know? There was no social media and I don’t think there was any internet but I’m loving where it’s at right now. I think artists are in a perfect position because we could share things so quickly with our fans and this whole build up to the single released on Friday had fans getting excited, posting cool messages, making pictures, drawings, etc. It feels like a big movie release for me, you know? I’m looking forward to it and I’m hoping that everyone is jamming and grooving to it. The feedback I have gotten has been really solid and you never know until it has been released but I’m pretty confident that it is going to be a great song to a lot of people, which is everything to me. Right. I’ve actually seen quite a bit of that positive feedback. I would like to think that a lot of the people that are familiar with you are probably a little bit older. I’m 35 so I remember when your group, “3T” came out. Going back a bit, break down your background and history, especially for the newer generation who may not know. I’m Tito’s (Jackson) son. I’m the youngest son of Tito who I call the founding member of the Jackson 5 really, because if it weren’t for him breaking that guitar string there wouldn’t be a Michael or Janet. My brothers and I were in a group called 3T and we’ve toured the world selling millions of records and performing for millions of people. Life happens and even though we’re brothers and we’re a group (we’ll always be a group), as we’ve gotten older, we have our own interests and our own ideas of what we want to do musically and non-musically. So, it just felt right for this to be the time where I released my first song and do my thing the way I want to do it. That’s where I’m at today. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

That’s interesting to hear. I’m originally from Indianapolis so of course we’re close to Gary but my mother was in the military and I actually grew up right outside of Nashville at Fort Campbell, KY (military base). Even though I have this magazine and I’ve done a lot of stuff in the entertainment business, I’ve never really tapped into that Nashville music side of things aside from a couple of rappers and things of that nature. Well, you know what? I think back…..I don’t know what time period you’re talking but even 10-15 years ago, it was very country heavy so I don’t think that all the genres of music were properly represented out there but today it’s different, man. Now, there are a couple of cats in the Nashville area that are just so incredibly talented. They are R&B kids and I’ve written some things with them that are going to be on the record. There is just so much talent out there in addition to the country talent, you know? I think people around the world are realizing it and starting to gravitate there. I love it. It’s almost like a second home to me now.

the fans and doing the live chat and talking with them. I’m just trying to really dig down and just be there for them because I’ve learned that it is not just my journey or experience. My music will influence them, hopefully. Some songs will influence them in a strong way and I want them to enjoy them, learn about how they came about and see those creations live. That is the beauty of today’s world. A lot of big celebrities from that time are now starting to do things like that. Will Smith joined Instagram and he is killing it but if you look back two years ago, he wasn’t on it because I think he struggled with the dynamics of it. It’s just not how we grew up.

I look forward to going out there and creating. It allows me to get into another mental space because it is a different vibe when I’m in LA. I’m a Jackson and I feel like I have to be a little bit more cautious. I have to be more careful. There could be paparazzi here. I’m a little bit more sheltered. You know what I mean? I’m guarded but once I get to Tennessee I can really do my thing.

Coming from a family where you guys were extremely talented and a lot of you did some major things in life, how do you go about creating your own niche and your own name where you stand out amongst the family where it’s not always about the whole family but just you in particular? You just have to be authentic to what feels right for you. I think a lot of people think Jacksons are all the same and that’s not true. There may be something that unites us but at the same time we all have different sounds and different interests and for me to achieve that (separation), I had to be me and do what felt right for me. Yeah, there are people that say, “Sometimes, you sound like Michael or this person” but that is still me and I’ve learned to not run away from that or run to that. It was a challenge, man. I think the reason why it took so long for me to do this is because I was trying to run away from it. It wasn’t that I was ashamed of it but I was just set on doing my own thing that I was really neglecting a lot of my own creativity. Then, when you’re hearing people like The Wknd, Usher and Chris Brown come out and pay homage to my uncle and do things that sound like my uncle and family, it changed how I thought about it. Ever since I made that change I’ve been creating in a way that’s very free and very natural. I think that’s why it has been going so well for me. I think that’s the trick. Whoever you are, you’ve got to be you and do the best you can. Now, when creating R&B and Pop music, the sound of the 90s has changed. What made you want to stay in that lane versus creating music that sounds more like what is popular today? That’s a good question. I try to have live instrumentation and there are some simple 808 drums and things like that, that take place and are old school. At the same time, I wanted to do something that married both. I’m a big fan of that sound and I think it is under appreciated in today’s market but I didn’t want to neglect the sound of today. I’m just trying to do my TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

part and bringing the old sound back. Aside from the single, are you working on a full length (LP)? Tyrone, man…I have quite a bit of music that is pretty much finished, so I have enough for an EP and an album. Sure, there are some tweaks I have to make on some of the songs but as of now, the plan is to release an EP in the next couple of months and then follow that up with an album around May of 2020. I’m a writer, man so I’ve been writing nonstop even though I haven’t been in the forefront as an artist. Writing is something that I’ve been doing since I can remember. I had to make an outlet for all of that creativity and all the ideas I had in my head so what I did was took the best of what I had and what was most representative of myself and went out to Tennessee and tried to make the best sounding music I could. We are a good 12 to 15 songs in and I’m still rolling. Gotcha. Now, you said you went to Tennessee. What made you go to a place like Tennessee or Nashville to create music? A couple of things: I had to find my own lane again. I had to get out and do my thing. My family has been in this industry and they have every contact in LA I can get but I wanted to do something that was unique that can call my own. A friend suggested I go out to Tennessee to write and that’s what I did about four years ago. I went out there just writing and the vibe out there was so cool. They are very melodically driven. They are very talented. They could play, they could sing and they could do everything out there. I found a couple of people out there that I really meshed well with and created the best we could together and that is what you’re hearing. It’s kind of this Tennessee influence but with some Jackson, I guess.

Speaking of LA, the paparazzi and things of that nature, how did you guys’ generation handle that growing up? Was it hard? How did that work? Tyrone, It’s kind of all I know to be honest, man. I remember being a kid and my parents sitting us down saying, “Look, you can’t go to this party because we heard there is going to be alcohol there” and it’s like, “But why? We don’t drink. We’re not going to do anything crazy.” They are like, “Yeah, but if there is a fight or the police come and they find alcohol the headline is going to say “Tito Jackson’s Kid or Michael Jackson’s Nephew Found With Alcohol”. So we had to grow up a little different than most people do. That’s just one of many, many examples like that. This is the life we know where we can walk outside of the bookstore and just start hearing clicks because there is this new headline that something happened to a family member, whether it is true or not, it doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, it affects our personal lives. That has been one of the struggles I’ve had with LA. I try to be very honest and open and chill and I’m not good with those kinds of surprises like that, if that makes sense. Being that we’re in the social media era, I think there is a huge disconnect between the fans and the superstars/celebrities because you guys are giving up more information about yourselves than before but at the same time it seems like it can either be good or bad depending on the scenario. What is your take? That is a good question, man. That is something I’m struggling with trying to figure out. Things I’m doing on social media now, I would’ve never thought I would be doing. You know what I mean? It is so different than what we grew up with. We were so close to my uncle Michael and he helped teach us how to be artists and he was so private about everything. When he released the picture or something, it was perfect. In today’s world, it’s like the less perfect it is, the better and fans really want to be connected. So, it’s a different experience for me because my teaching was one way and the world is moving in a whole different direction. I’m just trying to do the best I can. I enjoy my time with

Entertainers used to keep that mystique about themselves going and the fans didn’t really know much about them aside from their art. Now, they are giving the world a little bit of everything. I think Will Smith has done a great job at giving you some information and keeping people engaged without going too far. I personally think he is incredible at this social media stuff and he has taken it to a whole new level. It’s funny because even my aunt didn’t have Instagram 2 years ago and she was the last holdout. She has started to do it and as time goes on she is on there more and more because it is necessary. If you don’t participate, the fans will move on and forget about you. Your art won’t have as much of an impact as you’re hoping it will. One of my business partners is about a generation up from me. We grew up in two totally different eras and a lot of times we clash because as a creative who appreciates the art, I’m am always wanting to create great artwork whereas with him, it is more like “We need to get it out, now and keep cranking it out.” I think it dilutes things a little bit when you rush it. You were talking about social media before and about the type of music that you make, using live instruments and things of that nature. I would hope that that wouldn’t get to you to where you feel like you have to bend a little bit for the new generation. I wouldn’t want you to feel like you need to conform to the new way. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

You know what? That is the struggle. I think both of you guys are right because here’s the thing, your fans/followers want to know what is going on all the time. It’s a challenge. I’m a professional so if there is a picture that isn’t right, I don’t want it to come out and be seen. I have a 19-year old son. He looked at my YouTube channel and was like, “This isn’t going to work.” I was like, “What do you mean? I haven’t put out my first song yet so what am I supposed to put on there? My video hadn’t come out yet. So, he grabbed the camera, drives me around, turns the camera around and just starts talking. It still feels weird but I’m working on it. Okay. So your son is 19? He is right in that pocket of social media and it’s probably all he knows at this point. That’s it. It’s funny because yesterday I was like, “The lighting is not right” and he goes, “Yeah, but that’s even better.” I’m thinking that is not the best it could be and he told me to stop thinking that way. We just need to do it. We did one take and there was a guitar in the background that was crooked and he’s like, “Nah, that’s how it is. That’s how it’s going to be.” So, it’s a learning curve for me. For the new generation, it is more authentic and “Let’s Roll”. To me, it’s not natural, that’s for sure. We are talking about music, your son being 19 and you taking a hiatus for awhile. How did you go about taking on the guardianship of Michael’s children and how has that been? I had my son when I was really young, at 21 years old. I needed him because my mother was murdered when I was 16 and I had lost all sense of hope and care for life in a sense, you know? I needed that person in my life that I could love unconditionally again so I had a child very young against what was the norm where I grew up. I’ve always wanted to be a parent. I remember being young thinking about parenting and I used to subscribe to the parenting magazine at 14. Also, I grew up with my uncle and he was so influential and positive in our lives that I always thought about how I could repay him. I couldn’t buy him anything. There was no new TV that he couldn’t have before it hit the market, you know? There was nothing I could get for him that he didn’t already have. When he passed, it just felt right. That was the opportunity to pay him back and do something for him. I knew how he raised his kids and how he thought about parenting and our kids were similar in age so we would always talk about it. We wanted them to be humble and empathetic. We wanted them to be learners. So, when he passed, it just felt natural for not only myself but also my brothers to step in and try to help my grandmother out as much as we could. Then, time happened and as my grandmother got older, more responsibilities fell on me for the kids. I love those kids with everything. My heart is soft for them because I know how much they lost when they lost their father. I’m just trying to be the best father I can for them. I shouldn’t say the best father but the best guardian parental role I can for them. Right. You have a foundation set up for your mother, correct? Yeah. Like I said, my mother was murdered and the loss of a parent is like no other. My brothers and I started a foundation back in 2015 that helps people deal with loss. Not just the loss of a parent but also the loss of a sibling or best friend or even a strong loss like a house. Loss is so difficult in today’s world because we are so busy celebrating winning. When you get on social media, all you see is people winning but people have to be able to deal with loss because for every winner, there is a loser. Our foundation is about handling that loss and growing from it. I’ve thought about that over the years as some of my friends TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

have lost a parent or grandparent because I haven’t had any major losses yet but I’m always dreading the day I do. I don’t know how I’m going to handle it. It is a real thing and you’re not alone. There is a book called, More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us by Steve Leder. It’s an easy read and very powerful because it talks about losing not being the end of the world and a lot of people struggle with that. They go into a funk that could really affect their lives and their loved ones who are surrounded by their lives. The better we can get at learning how to deal with and navigate through that the better off we’ll be. I don’t want you to think by reading it that it’ll put it into existence but at the same time, I think we have to be prepared because we can lose time dealing with loss and recovery. Starting early prepares us for those times. I hope I’m making sense. Yes. I got you and I appreciate the advice and referral. I would like to ask from an artist’s standpoint, what type of advice could you give someone who wants to get involved into writing? Just do it. Write. Write. Write. It doesn’t matter what kind of device you have. We all have phones that can record. Keep creating. Keep a journal and keep asking for feedback. Be humble and don’t let your ego get in the way. Understand that you’re going like a lot of what you do. You’re going to think you’re there and are the next big thing but you have to stay humble and open to suggestions. You have to welcome them. I think that is a big hurdle that a lot of people have. Their egos get in the way and it stunts their growth and potential. Great. Are there any misconceptions that you would like to clarify right now? It could be about anything. That’s a good question too. Whoo…That that’s a good one, Tyrone. The main thing I’d want people to know at this moment is that my uncle Michael was an incredible loving person who supported me. He was the nicest person and would give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He spent all his time in hospitals and giving back. I think that message doesn’t get enough play and enough volume. Again, we like to celebrate and look at negative things but his heart was second to none. That’s what I would say. Lastly, how can people find you on social media and how can they get ahold of your single? Okay. So, the single is available on all major platforms. My Instagram is @tjjackson9. My Facebook is TJ Jackson World and Twitter is @tjjackson. Also, people can go to my website and sign up for my newsletter, which I’ll be doing once a week. Join my journey. All right, man. Well, I appreciate you speaking with me today. Much respect to you and your family and I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you, Tyrone. I appreciate it, man. Great questions too and good luck with everything in your life. Thanks a lot, bro. Take care. *Editor’s Note: A few weeks after our phone interview, TJ came to Atlanta on a press run where we were able to catch up with him for a follow up interview on camera. We continued our conversation, going more in-depth on some of the topics that were discussed here. To view that interview, visit us at on our website at www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com or on YouTube under our name, “Twenty4Seven Magazine”. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

LEEANNALEE-MOOK

>> ON LOCATION

LOCATION: ATLANTA, GA LEEANNA ENJOYS MODELING TO EXPRESS HERSELF, CREATIVITY AND BRINGING OTHER PEOPLE’S VISION TO LIFE. SHE ALSO STUDIES PUBLIC HEALTH AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY IN HOPES TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AS MUCH AS SHE CAN, ESPECIALLY TO THE LESS FORTUNATE. HER HOBBIES INCLUDE PAINTING, SHOPPING, TRYING NEW FOODS AND TRAVELING. AGENCY: ALIMA INDUSTRIES LEEANNA’S CONTACT: INSTAGRAM: @_ITSSLEEANNAA PHOTO: @IMMANUEL.POWELL TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

NAFISAH CARTER: CREATING BEAUTY WITHIN BEAUTY By Corletha Norman, MSW, LCSW Nafisah Carter is no stranger to hard work and hustle and that is why she has been so successful within her lane in the beauty industry. Read on to learn how her creation of beauty has manifested beauty in her life. What inspired you to jump into the hair industry? I have a lot of inspirations. My mom inspired me. Also, I worked for a celebrity hairstylist and she was my inspiration. My mom had a business growing up and she always traveled and had to go to shows. She would fly to New York in one day and fly back home with my sisters and I. I saw how hard she worked, and she definitely inspired me as an entrepreneur and traveling and staying busy.

out of town and things of that nature, it sounds like you need to balance work and play. How does that work out? Oh, that is extremely hard! A lot of times I say, “I’m going to work three days and then I’ll play two days.” but it never works. I end up working way more. But, I try to get in that day of doing whatever I want to do, relaxing or sightseeing or whatever. But it is hard to balance those two.

As far as hair, Rita Hazan inspired me. I worked at her salon in New York. I saw her travel all over the world and color people’s hair and work with a lot of different celebrities. I knew I wanted it to be like that, so she inspired me as well.

Can you tell us a little bit about your line? It’s called Pyara Hair. It consists of different types of hair. I have Indian hair, Brazilian hair, Peruvian hair, Cambodian hair. I have everything. Curly, straight, wavy, etc. It is really high quality hair. It doesn’t tangle. It doesn’t shed. It colors very easily and it lasts about two years with proper care.

What has been your experience working with celeb clientele? I love it! It has been really great. Everyone has been really nice to me. It is fun and exciting. I like to meet new people. So, it is different than going to the salon every day and working. It keeps me going. Can you tell me about the first time you booked a celebrity? Like, how did you feel and what went into that process? My first experience going out of town with a celebrity, I was an assistant. I remember I was working in New York and it was my first time going to Miami. It was for Tamia Hill. She had a photoshoot there. I was so excited. I had never worked on a video shoot and it was just so amazing. It was really nice. Great! Tell us about your story. How does a single mother maintain this amount of longevity in the hair industry? I started out in Durham, NC. I graduated from Dudley’s Beauty College. Then, I knew I wanted to work with celebrities so my son and I moved to New York. I worked a few years. It was hard because I am a single mother but I did have my family to help me. I had my sisters, my mom, my grandma there and my aunts. So, I’ve always had a support system. I worked there then moved back to North Carolina and opened up my studio. At the same time, I was still juggling a lot because I am a single mother so it was very hard. But, I think that if I wasn’t a single mother, I don’t think I would have worked as hard. When it is just you, you have to do it. You have no other choice. You have someone looking at you and you just have to make it happen.

PHOTOS: NATHAN PEARCY CREATIVE DIRECTOR: DIVINE INFLUENCE PR HAIRSTYLIST: NAFISAH CARTER MAKEUP ARTIST: MAKEUP BY BARBEE TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

You mentioned having some support from sisters and grandmother. Generally speaking, with a lot of things that we do in life, support is very important. There are a lot of individuals (even myself) that I come across that have dreams and aspirations but when they mention them to the people that are closest to them like moms, dads, aunts or whomever, they shoot them down and say the worst things that could happen or whatever the case may be. Do you happen to have any advice for unsupported young ladies or young men that are considering the hair and beauty industries as their career path? Don’t give up because a lot of times people don’t understand. Whether it is family members, your friends or whoever, they don’t understand your vision. Just don’t give up. Of course, people are going to say, “No, you can’t do it.” Don’t listen to them. Do what you want to do. Do what you feel is best for yourself and just keep pushing. When it comes to going on tours, working with your clients

When it comes to proper care, what does that consist of? Using the correct shampoos and conditioners and just taking good care of your hair. If it is a sew-in, when you take it out, shampoo it, condition it, hang it up and let it air dry. Don’t apply too much heat to it. It is kind of like what we would do with our natural hair. You don’t want to damage your hair or over-process it with color. Take care of it like you would take care of your own hair. With hair extensions, there are all of these new innovations or inventions in the world of hair extensions like frontals and 360 units, for example. What would you say has revolutionized the extension game? Honestly, it is really not even new. Celebrities have been doing it for years on TV, in photoshoots and things like that. I think now that we have social media, it is getting around and people are realizing how to do it on their own. Microlinks is still not new but that is kind of like the big thing on social media right now. People want microlinks. Can you explain what microlinks are? There are a lot of different types of microlinks. You can have the individuals that are closer to the keratin bond method. It is safer on your hair. You just kind of clamp the strands in. Then when it is time to take them out, you unclamp them. Then you may have a track with the beads and then you attach your hair into the bead. Then, you just clamp it in and that’s it. It is really easy and low maintenance. You can wear your hair up and down. A lot of people are beginning to like the microlinks but there are about four different types of microlinks. With yourself individually, what influence do you hope to place on the hair industry to change the game? I would just like for people to be themselves because that is what I am. I haven’t changed my style of hair. I see where one thing will come out, and then people will go do it. Something else comes out and they will go do that. I just like a very natural look. That is just me. I like for things to look real. I’m just being myself. I’m doing what I like to do and I feel like that can take you further than trying to jump around and do what everyone else is doing. Just be yourself and you’ll do great. To book an appointment with Nafisah Carter, look her up at styleseat.com. Also, follow her on her Facebook and Instagram page @NafisahCarter. To view the full video version of this interview, visit us at www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com or on YouTube under the same name. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

THE DARIUS NORMAN SHOW

CHECK ME OUT FEROW ATLANTA, GA

M U S I C , C U LT U R E , E D U C AT I O N A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T

“THE DARIUS NORMAN SHOW” IS A DAILY AND WEEKDAY INSPIRATIONAL RADIO SHOW WHERE WE FUSE AND MERGE MUSIC, CULTURE, EDUCATION, AND ENTERTAINMENT BY INTRODUCING THE LISTENERS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DOING INCREDIBLE THINGS IN THEIR INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY. Queen with a broad vocal range. The infectious beat forces you to listen closer to Ferow’s entrancing voice sing: “Oh My Love, I’ll do the time for the crime for you...for you”. In per-

“I’D LIKE TO THANK HYPE MEDIA GLOBAL AND OUR RADIO STATION MANAGER NICOLE SMITH FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A HOST A RADIO SHOW WITH THE NETWORK.” - DARIUS NORMAN

fect harmony, Dremo follows up the seductive flow behind

TUNE IN DAILY

Ferow’s romantic prowess. The two voices fade off into bliss. This is a single worth dedicating to your Summer 2019 love. The production by Ace Harris & DJ Tag captivates you as the bass bursts through your speakers. Afro Pop fusion has taken the globe by storm. The Vibe is infused with a mixture of reggae, R&B,hip-hop and African folk music. This genre has proved that it is not just a trendy fad. As a new outlook on traditional sounds, Afro Pop fusion is here to stay. Female artiste Ferow is making her mark and rising to the forefront of this international genre.

Last week, Atlanta’s own budding Afro Pop artist/model, FEROW, dropped another sultry end of the summer track with “FOR YOU,” along with a hot music video! “For You” by Ferow featuring Dremo, expresses a special connection that makes for a sultry summer hit. An unconditional love like this leaves you in a whirlwind of emotions and keeps you wanting more. The exceptionally beautiful and talented EastAfrican singer Ferow steps onto the scene in her latest track “For You” featuring Dremo. Her melodic vocals take your breath away. She is an African

The indie female artist of Eritrean heritage has a history of going viral with her bestie, The B. Simone. The Houston pair accumulated millions of views from a web series of comedic shorts discussing topics relevant to millennials of color. Ferow is now taking a new approach as she makes music the focal point of her blossoming career.

KENTUCKY, CINCINNATI AND OHIO ON 101.2 FM WTTA FROM 1-2PM EST

DALLAS, GA

ON 99.1 WDJY (ON THURSDAYS) FROM 3-4PM EST DARIUS NORMAN @THE_DARIUS_NORMAN @DARIUSNORMSHOW

LISTENERS CAN ALSO LISTEN ONLINE OR STREAM WWW.WTTAFM.COM OR WWW.WDJYFM.COM

Follow Ferow on Twitter and Instagram @TheFerow. PRESS CONTACT: Monique Jackson Monique Jackson Consulting LLC Monique@moniquejackson.com 310-766-0624

MIX PICKS

TJ JACKSON

ROMO II x OMERETTA x YOUNG DRO

YOUNG DEUCES

LOS ANGELES, CA

ATLANTA, GA

MILWAUKEE, WI

INSOMNIA (SINGLE) TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

NAN (SINGLE)

HOLD IT DOWN (SINGLE)

STRICTLY BUSINESS TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

ISSUE #60 2019

CashKid Ru. Cyrene Lovette. +TJ Jackson. Karimah Westbrook. Ferow.