Twenty4Seven Magazine: Issue #66 by Twenty4Seven Magazine

ISSUE #66 2021

GG TOWNSON + Laila Odom. Ashley Antoinette Coleman.

Madison Shamoun. Jessica Obilom. J. Brown. T. HIll. #BrooklynNets.

Editor/Publisher: Tyrone Davis Graphics: Brightwood Entertainment Photography: Brightwood Entertainment T4S Staff Contributing Photography: Divine Influencer PR Jesse DeYoung Nathan Pearcy Optic Studios LA OneTakeJake Photos TMari & Co. Candace Mabra Birdie Thompson Michael Sundjata Johnson Emily Malan

Greetings, Finally, it is 2021! I know a lot of us like to feel like the new year offers us a new start and we set goals for ourselves that we aim to accomplish. All of that is great but along with that be mindful that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Crush those goals but continue keeping yourselves and others safe. We lost entirely too many people last year. Hopefully, there is some relief this year but while we continue to quarantine in the meantime, be sure to check out, like and subscribe to our Youtube channel “Twenty4Seven Magazine” where we have quite a bit of video content including live interviews, events we’ve attended and other entertainment shenanigans. Also, feel free visit us on our website at www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com. Tyrone Davis

Marketing/Sales: Jus Mi Luck Promotions Contributing Writers: Corletha Norman, LCSW Lucky Smith Ra-Fael Blanco Stylist/Hair/Makeup: Anton Khachaturian (Makeup for GG Townson) Jae Angela (Hairstylist for GG Townson) Shahirah Ahmed (Stylist for Laila Odom) Ashley Donovan (Makeup for Laila Odom) J Michael (Hairstylist for Laila Odom) Jovana Louis (Pink Jacket for Laila Odom) Megan Renee (Gold Look for Laila Odom) Ganni (White Robe for Laila Odom) Contact: twenty4sevenmagazine.com twenty4sevenmagazine@gmail.com youtube.com/twenty4sevenmagazine Twitter: @twenty4sevenmag Instagram: @twenty4sevenmagazine Facebook: Twenty4Seven Magazine Editor Contact: brightwoodentertainment@gmail.com Facebook: Tyrone Brightwood Davis Phone: 404-409-6553

CONTENTS ASHLEY ANTOINETTE COLEMAN MADISON SHAMOUN INGENIOUSLY CREATIVE JESSICA OBILOM J. BROWN GG TOWNSON BEAUTY OF THE MONTH #BROOKLYNNETS LAILA ODOM PICS: ON LOCATION T. HILL

6 7 8 9 10-12 14 15 16-18 19 20

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WHO AM I AND WHAT I STAND FOR Corletha Norman, LCSW, Owner and Clinical Director of Bonhomie, LLC.

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

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COMING TO THEATERS

A “PIECE” OF MIND

+ STREAMING PLATFORMS.

ASHLEY ANTOINETTE COLEMAN | AUTHOR How would you describe your material? What genre’ would you place it in? When we first started out, we were two kids from a very urban world. So, we were writing street fiction. We were writing what we lived and what we knew. Now, as a 34 year old woman, I am writing women’s fiction the most, tapping into a genre that black women can relate to. I feel like my novels are a form of escape of escapism for women who wear so many different hats. There are so many different expectations and burdens and baggage that black women carry around. I feel like when they open up my books, they let all of that go. There isn’t a character in those books that don’t make them feel reprieve from the life that may be stressing them. So, I’m heavy into romance and black women’s fiction right now. A lot of people spend a lot of time on social media reading but they don’t actually “read”, if that makes sense. What is your perspective on that? My heart loses a little bit of theme when somebody tells me that they don’t read. I just feel like it’s a duty as a black person to pick up a book. It doesn’t matter what type of book it is but literature and reading, being articulate and being well versed in things that are happening between the pages. It is important that we exercise our ability to educate ourselves, our ability to read, because we were not always given that. So, it does bother me to know that there are people out there that don’t take the time to read. There are a lot of distractions nowadays. Social media is a huge distraction. There is a lot going on in the world but I try to write books that appeal to people who wouldn’t normally read. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DIVINE INFLUENCER PR INTERVIEW BY TYRONE DAVIS

To read our full interview with Ashley Antoinette, visit our website at www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com. Also, check her out on Instagram @ashleyantoinette.

INGENIOUSLY CREATIVE: 2020’S RESILIENCY IN 2021 Words By Corletha Norman, LCSW 2020 gave us all a run for our money. From masks and canceled plans to sickness and death, 2020 was a year that will forever be marked in the mental memory books of all. In this moment, be my guest to sit silently for those that are not here with us in this realm to even view this article. 2020 was not a test; it wasn’t anybody’s drill. In the midst of it all, how many of you learned how much of an absolute beast you are?! Listen, you’re in 2021! You made it! Your resilience showed and proved! Resilience? Your ability to adapt to various changes and types of adversity in your life. Too often we compare thoughts and our situations to that of others. In those thoughts, we minimize and invalidate our own experiences, abilities and capabilities. We work and push ourselves harder because we don’t see our own wins. We criticize to the death of parts of ourselves because of our self-inflicted blinders or colored lenses. When was the last time you gave yourself credit for your works? I want you to take a moment to sit and ask yourself the following questions and allow yourself to truthfully reflect:

MADISON SHAMOUN | ACTRESS - BLACK-ISH + #BLACKAF How did your role on “Black-ish” come about? Black-ish was so funny. It was a last minute audition. I think they were shooting on Monday and I had sent in a tape that Friday. They were like, “We didn’t find anybody that we liked. If she could just send in a tape, we’re just going to review some stuff.” and I think the next day is when I got the call that they had pinned me which basically means that it was between myself and another girl, most likely. They were checking our availability to see what worked before they made their decision. So, it was an audition like any other but it was just so last minute and hectic. When you say, “like any other audition” what do you mean? What are some of the pressures of being an actress and getting landing that part? What does it feel like? It is intense. I can only speak for myself but when I’m in the thick of it, I’m auditioning anywhere from 7 to 10 times a week. If you think about each audition, it is anywhere from 4 to 8 pages of lines to get off. If I’m not going in, I have to find a reader to read with me. I have to make time in my day to do those self-tapes and each one could take anywhere up to an hour. I don’t have time to let it affect me in such an intense way, just because I’m in the thick of it that I really didn’t realize that I guess the magnitude of Black-ish until I got that call the next day, that was like, you’re pinned because I was already on to the next audition. It is crazy. To read our full interview with Madison Shamoun, visit our website at www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com. Also, check her out on Instagram @madisonshamoun. PHOTO BY JESSE DEYOUNG INTERVIEW BY TYRONE DAVIS TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

What were your most difficult moments in 2020? What thoughts did you have to reflect your emotions in those moments? Are those same thoughts with you today? Are those thoughts a fair reflection of your experiences during those tough times in 2020? How can you utilize those skills learned in 2020 for a better 2021? For the future beyond? Know that those skills you acquired or uncovered in 2020 should be kept in your toolbox to be used for other “jobs” on a later date. Trust me. You will come in handy for yourself at a later date.

CORLETHA NORMAN, 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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JESSICA OBILOM Words + Q&A By Lucky Smith

The following is an excerpt of our interview with actress, Jessica Obilom.

Figuratively set to the rhythmic pace of its infamous, steady-grinding automobile factories, while its streets are legendary and wellknown the world over for the hyper-creative and musically fertile atmosphere that gave birth to Motown, Detroit continues to be a music capital of feel-good, contemporary music that ultimately proves timeless. The list of iconic names that have catapulted and captivated from the Motor City seems infinite…more than a few simply known by one name. Typifying the old saying “something in the water,” singer/songwriter J. BROWN – though generationally removed from the Gordy company’s then revolutionary melding of contemporary R&B and pop – has paid his dues and persevered in bringing those time proven musical values into the new music era with his recently released and, long-in-the-making solo debut EP. With music firmly in his blood and armed with tunnel-vision focus on following his passion of making music from the heart, J. BROWN delivers a dose of straight-up R&B – some with subtle pop and 90s throwback influences – to a music generation largely devoid of truly soulful and impassioned music.

What made you decide to become an actor and when did you know it was your true calling? I was 11 years old when I decided (a lot happened when I was 11 lol). I was watching television one day and as I watched the actors, I thought to myself, “That looks fun. And easy. I can do that.” I don’t remember what show it was, but since then I’ve never looked back. However, I knew acting was my true calling in August 2018. Or rather, I knew it was my true purpose. I was invited to speak at Celebrate Church in South Dakota of all places. I had never even heard of this church nor did I know a single person in that state. But they invited me to speak about my faith-based movie, Beautifully Broken, that had just been released in theaters. I was on a panel and sharing the stage with the freaking Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I just remember looking out into the faces of the congregation and feeling like I was where I was supposed to be. As an artist, your responsibility is to reflect the times and to tell stories. And stories are powerful. Stories can heal. Stories change people for the better. Beautifully Broken was the 2nd movie (the first was Trafficked) that I’d done that had such an impact on audiences, and I knew on that stage that this was what God had called me to do.

You have quite a few roles in upcoming projects that are in post-production. Do you care to give us a little insight on them? Sure! I can talk about Discovering Brooklynn, written and directed by Aliya Brooks. It’s a series about a girl named Brooklynn who is discovering her sexuality and overall identity. We’ve only shot the pilot episode and will be shopping that around to different festivals. I really loved playing Brooklynn and I cannot wait to live out the rest of her story. I also have another upcoming project called Black Excellence, written by Darryl Wesley and directed by Javicia Leslie. It is a film that starts a dialogue on black families and the false feeling of always having to appear as perfect. It answers the question: “Is it important for families to eat together at the dinner table?” Black Excellence will be available for virtual viewings in early 2021. To read our interview with Jessica Obilom in full, please visit us at our website, www.twenty4sevenmagazine.com. Also, follow Jessica Obilom on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok @obloombloom and on Facebook under Jessica Obilom Actor. Photos: OneTakeJake Photos (Top), TMari & Co. (Fence) + Optic Studios LA (Red/Pink/Blue) TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY CANDACE MABRA

Words By Ra-Fael Blanco

What has been your most challenging role and why? My most challenging role was Mali in the feature film, Trafficked. Mali was a sex trafficking victim from Nigeria that had been trafficked from country to country for 5 years. She has a son back in Nigeria that she doesn’t think she will ever see again because she has accumulated such a large debt. A lot of these women have to pay back a “debt” before their release will ever even be considered and this can take years. So everything I just said is the reason why this role was so challenging for me. Mali was the complete opposite of who I am and what I’ve experienced. I had to do several weeks of research and character building just to begin to understand that world and put myself in the mind of such a character. Working on this film was truly a rewarding experience that caused me to grow not only as an artist, but also as a human. I was able to give a voice to the voiceless, and it will forever be one of the most beautiful and sad experiences of my life. I think about and advocate for those in bondage all the time, and I pray that God will bring about the end to their nightmares. With more awareness and government intervention, we can make a difference.

J. BROWN

You’re in season 3 of “Stuck with You”. How much have you grown on this show and what can we expect from your character Katrina this season? Stuck With You is the biggest TV role I’ve had so far. But I believe my series regular role in the YouTube series Stepford Sidechix helped me prepare for it. I’ve learned that preparing for a role in a series is not the same as preparing for a role in a movie. Going into season 3 of Stuck With You, my second season on the show (I am not in season 1, which is on YouTube. Urban Movie Channel picked up the show afterwards for season 2), I have found myself feeling more confident and comfortable both on set and as Katrina. I feel a sense of ownership and a higher sense of duty to be even better than I was last season. My character Katrina cries a lot less this season (lol), which was something that I had to adjust to because I had gotten comfortable with the crying. I can cry my butt off if I want to. But in season 3, we get to see Katrina in a new light. It’s like I’ve been re-introduced to her and am getting to explore her in new and exciting ways, which has been so refreshing. With that being said, you can expect a stronger, more confident Katrina. And that’s all I’m going to say!

Consequently, the recent breakthrough of J’s sunny-vibed, easy-bumpin’ “Sunrise Sunset” and “Moon” on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart is the culmination of years spent honing his craft and holding true to his dream of bringing back passionate music. The youngest of five children born to a preacher and musically ambitious mother, J’s life-long musical journey predictably began in the church when a mere eight-year old’s musical interests were unleashed by singing with the choir every Sunday morning. Though his personal music influences as a youngster included the likes of Usher, Jay-Z, Jimi Hendrix, Nas and Sting, it turns out the only direct Motown connection comes through his initial musical inspiration, his Mom. “She was initially signed to Motown back in the day,” J explains; “she and my aunt had a situation with Motown. Smokey Robinson actually signed them, and then my Mom got pregnant with my older brother. That pretty much finished that deal. So it all pretty much started for me with my Mom, with all of her experiences and what she did as far as pursuing her dream inspired me.” While exposed to the classical music his Mom regularly played at home, grade school found young J nurturing his acting and vocal skills in a local theater group, which afforded him the opportunity to sing the national anthem at Pistons and Lions games, as well as perform for then President Clinton multiple times. Beyond the laidback, feel-good vibes of “Sunrise Sunset, Moon and Hopelessly In Love,” music listeners are set to discover J. BROWN’s silky-smooth, old school-reminiscent vocals amidst a refreshingly clean, straight-up R&B sound with touches of pop, hip-hop and rock. “The majority of the songs definitely fall into the straight-up R&B feel,” he says of his forthcoming debut EP. “Some things have a little pop influence, but the majority of it is straight R&B with that old-school feel. You might think of Babyface, Mint Condition, Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition, Jon B or maybe a little Jaheim when you hear it. I just hear a combination of so many different artists when I go back and listen to my music. I don’t have to use Auto-Tune on a record; I can sing on the spot without any technology just like the old cats did. Capturing that “old school feel” and bringing it back was actually my objective.” Connect with J. Brown: Twitter: @JBrownMusicOnly Instagram: @JBrownMusicOnly Website: www.JBrownMusicOnly.com TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

GG TOWNSON NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS Words + Interview By Tyrone Davis Over the years, actress GG Townson has been making a name for herself in the entertainment business, appearing in several online sketches and TV sitcoms, including “Everybody Hates Chris”, “Corey in the House” and Bounce TV’s “In The Cut”. Most recently, GG will be starring as Cheryl ‘Salt’ James of the legendary Hip-Hop group Salt-N-Pepa alongside actress Laila Odom. GG and I discussed her experience filming “Salt-N-Pepa”, her role in “Welcome Matt” alongside Tahj Mowry, the current state of social media and being an independent creative as well as methods she uses to become better at her craft. “Salt-N-Pepa” premieres January 23, 2021 at 8pm ET on Lifetime.

How does it feel to finally be close to the release Lifetime’s TV Mini-Series, “Salt-N-Pepa”? I’m very excited and anxious. We put a lot of hard work and heart into this project. I want the viewers to receive the messages and enjoy the story we are telling. Did you feel any pressure starring as Cheryl ‘Salt’ James? Also, did you get the opportunity to meet her? Yes, there was a lot of pressure playing Cheryl. In the audition process, she had to sign off. Contrary to what social media may think from the beginning, Cheryl was an open book. She would sit with me and break down each scene and tell me the real stories behind each scene. She would be on set, giving me notes and telling me different things. I appreciated having her there and having her in my corner through this entire process. What methods did you use to become her? Is there anything in particular you had to do? I wouldn’t say there was anything, in particular, I had to do to prepare more or less but just listen to her stories and understand her point of view so that I knew how to react in certain scenes or for certain lines.

PHOTOS BY BIRDIE THOMPSON MAKE UP: ANTON KHACHATURIAN W/ MAC COSMETICS HAIRSTYLIST: JAE ANGELA

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What was the chemistry like with you and co-star Laila Odom, who plays Pepa in the series? The chemistry with Laila was awesome. We knew each other prior so when we both got the role, it was great. I couldn’t have imagined going through this experience with someone else. You two obviously had to perform those classic records. How did you prepare for those performances and did they work out the way you intended once the cameras were rolling? We did a lot of rehearsals, from dance rehearsals to performance rehearsals. Yes! I would say they turned out the way we intended. However, I haven’t seen any of the footage from those iconic moments so the first time I will see them is when you guys are seeing them as well.

What is your favorite Salt-N-Pepa record and why? My favorite Salt-N-Pepa record would have to be None of Your Business. Today many people, especially on social media, feel entitled to know the business of other people. The song is a friendly reminder that what is going on in a person’s life is none of your business. Is there anything significant you learned about Salt or Pepa as individuals or as a group that you didn’t know prior to working on the project? Yes, there are quite a few things that I learned. I can’t reveal what those things are. However, I can guarantee that you all will learn things about them as individuals and as a group as well once the biopic airs. Break down this series for us. Will this story cover the group from childhood, the origin and history of the group itself, etc.? The timeline will start when Sandy and Cheryl met. The early forming of the group and major events that happened at the height of their career into the early 2000‘s. Salt-N-Pepa was the first female rap group to win a Grammy. How do you feel about the wave of female HipHop artists that are killing it right now? I think the wave of female Hip-Hop artists is great because I love seeing women win. However, I wouldn’t be mad if some of them chose to share more of a positive image in some of their songs. The babies are listening at the end of the day and the example you set is everything for the younger generation. I learned something new this week. I am very familiar with “Medley: Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” but I never knew the name of the group who sang it. In what way is The Fifth Dimension connected to you? My grandfather, Ron Townson, was one of the founding members of the fifth dimension singing group. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

Being from a family with an entertainer who has already had success, how did that trickle down into you and your goals? When I was younger, I wasn’t aware of who my grandfather was publicly. Therefore his success wasn’t prominent when I was spending time with him. As far as I was concerned, it was just me with my grandfather. When I became interested in acting, he introduced me to my first agent, who was his agent, but beyond that, he was just my grandfather. I know more about him as an entertainer and what they went through as an African-American group singing the style of music they performed and all the politics that are involved in the music industry now versus when I was younger.

creating on social media platforms versus showing up and doing exactly what you are told. Another difference for me is the number of resources and reach as an independent creator versus working with a studio. How do you feel about “cancel culture”? Does it affect the way you operate online? I honestly think that the cancel culture is ridiculous and I can’t wait until it is over. People seem to forget that it’s okay to disagree with something or someone and move on with their lives. No, it doesn’t affect the way I operate on social media much at all. I stay in my lane, out of the drama and mostly watch cooking videos and funny reels.

“Welcome Matt” looks interesting. Tell us about this film and your role as Lisa. The Welcome Matt film starring Tahj Mowry is about Tahj’s character who suffers from agoraphobia, which is a fear of going outside due to trauma and loss. I’m Lisa, his therapist, trying to help him overcome his fear, and in doing so we find out that Lisa needs therapy herself. They help each other in their individual journeys. Is there anything you have learned from any of the veteran actors you have worked with that you have held on to? I wouldn’t say veteran actors specifically because I learned great things from new actors as well. But one thing that’s consistent with both the new and veteran actors is the notion that you’re not going to please everybody. As an actor, people will have opinions about the choices you make on the screen, but at the end of the day, who is the actor? Who got hired for the job? Who was trusted by the director and the studio to bring this story to life? So, do you and keep booking! Cornell Ross is hilarious. Break down your history with him. I met Cornell through other content creators while we were doing sketches on Instagram. Over the years, we’ve become friends and we’ve discovered that we work well together so we do sketches every now and then. Social media has provided a platform for creatives to be seen and heard without the help of major film companies. What are some of the differences in creating that way vs. working with a big film production? I think one of the main differences is creative control for TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

How has the book, “The Power of the Actor: The Chubbuck Technique” aided in your growth as an actor and individual? The different techniques and ways she breaks down character development, becoming a character down to mannerisms in little ticks to the specific character, the breaking down a script and creating your moment before. I think this book is beneficial for every new actor to read because getting in her class might not be easily attainable for a new actor, but the book sure is. What are your “Top 5” sitcoms of all time? 1) The Cosby Show 2) Fresh Prince 3) Martin 4) Sex in the City 5) Friends If you could give aspiring entertainers 3 pieces of advice, what would they be? 1) You are enough. 2) Trust your gut. 3) Don’t wait for perfection. Do it. Go after it. Get it done. How can people connect with you on social media? My social media handle is @GG_Smilez across all platforms. I don’t have a TikTok account. Any last words? Make sure you tune in to Lifetime on January 23rd at 8pm ET for the premiere of Salt-N-Pepa! TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

ALEXA HARTFIELD BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

THE

BARBERSHOP

LOCATION: CHICAGO, IL ALEXA HARTFIELD IS AN ACTRESS AND MODEL WHO SPECIALIZES IN FASHION, GLAMOUR, RUNWAY AND VIDEOS. AS AN ACTRESS, SHE HAS BEEN FEATURED ON “EMPIRE” AND “CHICAGO PD” AS WELL AS THE “DEATH WISH” FILM REMAKE ALONGSIDE BRUCE WILLIS. HER HOBBIES INCLUDE DRAWING, PLAYING THE GUITAR AND VOLUNTEERING WITH HER CHURCH. ALEXA’S CONTACT: INSTAGRAM: @ALEXA_HARTFIELD FACEBOOK: ALEXA HARTFIELD PHOTO: MICHAEL SUNDJATA JOHNSON

WWW.PHOTOSBYSUNDJATA.PHOTOSHELTER.COM

TWEET DAT!

@HeyFranHey: Erica Banks is having a great week lol @ebenet: To the rest of the world America must be THE best reality show.

#BROOKLYNNETS

@booyeahg: Brooklyn dumb ass hell this all I see in that trade, repeat of the worst trade in history, Brooklyn will never win anything, traded future for 3 niggas 30 n older with big ass egos again say hi to 2 good seasons n no cap flexibility or picks for 8 years #jamesharden #BrooklynNets @_fawwad_: And just like that, Steve Nash just became the highest paid group therapist in the world #BrooklynNets @HeavenWilliams: I’m happy we got Harden! but i would’ve traded Kyrie and kept Jarrett and Caris... these guys ball hard! It hurts losing them #BrooklynNets

@antunltd: Tired of hearing bad news.

@BodybagJaytv: I wonder if @KyrieIrving has an issue with the #BrooklynNets trying to get @JHarden13 and thats why we maybe seeing him act a way. I also feel like I would love for the nets to get JH13 but they would be giving up a lot. Maybe even too much. Nets have the best 5 & bench now 2me.

@russbengtson: i don’t think we can even grasp how bad this is all going to get

@joecarlino14: Is is safe to say that Brooklyn is now officially the favorite to make it out of the East? Or am I still supposed to ride with a team like Milwaukee? Cause this is a huge win for the Nets. #BrooklynNets.

@PremiumPete: Trust me don’t ever let someone talk you outta your dreams, if you never give up anything and I mean anything is possible!

@ddrodd1: Now that @KingJames is on the West, guys are moving to the East! One man causes this mayhem #BrooklynNETS #HardenTrade

@stuckonskyy: i close job applications when they start asking too many questions

@nmariacastro: My family’s cleaning lady quit working for us, to pursue modeling full time at age 40. That is the type of confidence I need everyone to have in 2021 @SonMemphis: I’m ADOS, and I’m sensitive about my people.

@San_Diego7: I’m so emotional right now. This is so bad. The @BrooklynNets just ruined my day. #NBA #BrooklynNets

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LAILA ODOM HERE I GO AGAIN Words + Interview By Tyrone Davis Laila Odom is an actress and producer known for “The Bobby DeBarge Story”, “Phantom Halo” and “Undercover Brother 2”. Most recently, the New Jersey native stars as Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton in the upcoming Lifetime TV Mini-Series “Salt-N-Pepa” alongside actress GG Townson. Laila and I spoke about her experience working on the series, the group itself and their significance to Hip-Hop, past roles and more. “Salt-N-Pepa” will air January 23, 2021 at 8pm ET on Lifetime.

Tell us about the TV Mini-Series, “Salt-N-Pepa” and your starring role as Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton. What can we expect? Salt-N-Pepa is going to be a 2-night event on Lifetime on January 23, 2021. Viewers can expect to see remakes of some of the group’s iconic music videos and performances but also it looks at the friendship between Cheryl and Sandy. How did you prepare for the role? Have you had a chance to meet Pepa? I watched everything I could find on the group and that hiphop era - I studied Pepa’s mannerisms and attitude. I definitely got the opportunity to spend time with Pepa on and offset. I also met her son and daughter (Tyran and Egypt).

PHOTOS: EMILY MALAN STYLIST: SHAHIRAH AHMED CLOTHING (PINK JACKET): JOVANA LOUIS RING BY LADA LEGINA CLOTHING (GOLD): MEGAN RENEE WHITE ROBE: GANNI HAIR: J MICHAEL MAKEUP: ASHLEY DONOVAN

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Did you know GG Townson who plays ‘Salt’ prior to filming this project? What type of chemistry did you guys have on and off screen? I definitely knew GG before “Salt-N-Pepa”! We actually were both doing sketches at All Def Digital and worked together before! We had great chemistry! I couldn’t imagine doing this project with anyone else. You two look good in character. What was the casting process like for you? My favorite casting director Leah Daniels-Butler cast GG and me. We did a chemistry read then we were asked to do an impromptu Push It performance later that day. The rest is history! Acting is one thing but performing music is another. How did you feel about performing those classic records and what was that process like?

Performing Push It was so iconic. We prepared and rehearsed for months with our choreographer (Christian Vincent) in LA and Toronto. What is your favorite Salt-N-Pepa record and why? Push It (of course), Shoop and None of your Business were my favorites. I think having dancers like the group really made the experience feel so real. I noticed that there are a few of my favorite entertainers in this series that were part of the group’s story. Without naming them all, I will say I can’t wait to see how actor Jermel Howard brings Treach to life. What did you think of his performances as well as seeing everyone else in character throughout the series? Jermel Howard definitely brought Treach to life! Director Mario Van Peeples recreated Treach and Pepa’s wedding picture and it looked very close to the real image. Also, actor Cleveland Berto played “Hurby” and did a wonderful job too! My first trip to NYC (2010), I ran into DJ Spinderella in the lobby of the hotel I was staying in. That trip was memorable not only because I was a first timer but also because I was there to attend an award show and got to see and meet so many of NYC’s entertainment pioneers. It felt great. What did you learn about DJ Spinderella’s involvement with the group that you may not have known prior to working on this project? I learned there were actually 2 Spinderella’s. We definitely get into that in the film. TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

>> ON LOCATION

Name 3 memorable moments while filming this series. 1) Pep was on set and it was the first day of working with the young actor who plays her son, Tyran. I remember after the first take, Pep walked over to me like, “You can’t just leave like that. That’s your son”. 2) I did my own stunts…You have to watch and see!! 3) We shot the mud performance scene of None of your Business at the end of a long day at 3 am…in the mud! Great time, but it was cold and messy! In what ways do you believe you did the group’s legacy justice? Also, what do you think the legacy means to Hip Hop? We did the group’s legacy justice by honoring these women and recreating some of their monumental impacts and achievements in hip-hop music. Salt-N-Pepa is the first lady of Hip-Hop, Queens. “Salt-N-Pepa” isn’t your first biopic. What was your experience like working on “The Bobby DeBarge Story” as Teri DeBarge? Very different. Teri DeBarge was married to Bobby DeBarge so there wasn’t any performance element. I was able to meet Teri and learn the backstory of their relationship since there wasn’t any footage for me to see. But Teri was a difficult role because it was very dramatic in each scene. What are your “Top 5” favorite biopics of all time? 1) Malcolm X 2) 42 3) What’s Love Got to Do with It

Tell us about “For the Love of Jason” and your role as Lacy. It’s a really fun show about a group of friends in their 30’s, dating in LA. It’s from Jason’s perspective. Lacey is an actress dating and trying to figure things out. She’s super petty and opinionated. What is your dream role and why? I would love to do an action film! I’m fit and athletic! I would love to do my own stunts. When was the last time you laughed hysterically and what was the reason? OMG, I laugh a lot! I laugh at the most random things and I love to see people trip. So funny! I’m going to throw a few names out there. Say whatever comes to mind. 1) Chief Honey Gary Owens and Affion Crockett! I love comedy and it was such an honor working with them! 2) Tulum My favorite place in Mexico! 3) Kevin Hart I would love to do a comedy film with Kevin Hart! With everything that had occurred in 2020, what have you learned about the world and yourself? I’m learning to be more patient, finding joy in the little things we do each day. Tell us something about yourself that most don’t know. I wanted to go to the Olympics for gymnastics.

4) New Edition Lastly, how can people find you via social media? Everyone can follow me @LailaOdom.

5) Miles Ahead TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

TWENTY4SEVEN MAGAZINE

CHECK ME OUT T. HILL ON MY MIND

people from different parts of the world who encouraged him to pursue music as a career due to his gifted singing talent as he sang everywhere he went. With undeniable vocal talent and fine-tuned production served straight up, T. Hill is an artist that any R&B/Soul music enthusiast will thoroughly enjoy. However, there is something special about T. Hill that sets him apart from other R&B/Soul acts. In a musical generation characterized by manufactured pop acts, T. Hill’s originality and sincerity do more than stand out. They reveal qualities that cannot be engineered in the studio. There is also an unpretentious realness to this artist out of Chicago, IL and judging by his growing fan base, he may be precisely what the new generation didn’t know it was missing. Now based in Sacramento, CA, T. Hill has entered the entertainment industry based on a family connection to music veteran Uncle Jamz and has joined the MECAP Music label for his first official release, On My Mind.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, T. Hill began his journey with just a simple passion and undying love for music. With the influence of an older brother as well as the late, great Michael Jackson, T. Hill tirelessly pursued a career in music, ranging from American Idol auditions, as well as other notable music talent tv show auditions to self-producing and releasing five studio albums independently. Through many failures of trying to make it as an industry artist, it was the love for writing and originality that “T. Hill” was born. Having served 10 years in the U.S. Navy, the military prepared T. Hill mentally, physically and socially. He was able to meet

The Single is available on streaming platforms and the music video can be found on Youtube on the MECAPMUSIC channel. Get to know this exciting new artist and get an inside look at what he has in store for fans this year and beyond. Follow T. Hill: Twitter: @thill4Real78 Instagram: @T.hill4real78 Facebook: /thill4real78

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ISSUE #66 2021

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Madison Shamoun. Jessica Obilom. J. Brown. T. HIll. #BrooklynNets.