YOYO
Kevon Gulley Creator & founder of
Fearless & The Woman Behind the Legends
Melvin Jackson Jr of the New Edition Story
Talks adjusting to fame How it was working with Chris Rock
Untouchable Magazine Presents:
“Public Service Announcement� Mixtape
Contents 04
Bing-Banners / Nikela
05
Shonta Gibson
06
Mr. SoFly
08
Untouchable Magazine Photo shoot
09
Fingaz
10
PSA Mixtape
12
WorldStar Hip hop Tribute
13
DJ Scratch
14
Dot Hines
18
The Woman Behind the Legends
20
Melvin Jackson Jr
25
YoYO
27
JP Cali Smoov
28
Fung$wayDaKid
30
Dana Macc
34
Save Black Boys
1-888-766-8808 sales@bingbanners.com www.Bingbanners.com Ship out same day place your order by 2pm PST.
Sameday Shipping Details
Film/tv/beauty Makeup Artist
Nikela “Nikki”
Nikela is a Los Angeles, California based makeup artist. Her passion for the art came naturally as she started her career as a self-taught artist. Her family moved to Atlanta, GA working at a makeup counter while she was growing up. Later she took a chance and moved back to California to pursue her makeup career in Hollywood at “E.I. School of Professional Makeup”.
Nikela is available for various on site makeup artistry needs, including Film/ Television, SFX, Bridal and Wedding Parties, Editorial, Print, Video Shoots, and Photo Shoots. Her training and experience in the industry has made her an expert in creating a flawless look for any occasion.
4
Photo by Eddie Bell
Shonta Gibson Shonta Gibson A.K.A Queen G journey began about 7 years ago when she was asked to Co-host every Monday with DJ Big Keith in the city of Las Vegas on internet radio at station Xradio.biz. She co-hosted and discovered that she had a love and comfort of being in front of the camera as an interviewer and host. Carla Simpson of EOTM, (Entrepreneurs on the Move), discovered that she had a thing for radio, so she offered her a spot with her team. There she homed her skill in front of the mic, and was given opportunity to interview celebrities. It was at EOTM that the broadcast name Queen G was developed, and has been her broadcast name since. Queen stayed with the fam at EOTM for about 4 years until the doors closed. She went from there to Enter 907 live out of Alaska, where she Co-hosted with Slicc Young, it was called The Slicc Young and Queen G radio show. At this radio home she discovered her love and passion for social media, and what it takes to go to new levels in broadcasting. In most recent years she planted her feet with Nina Womack as a co-host of The Let’s Be Whole radio show out of Los Angeles. It was a holistic approach to radio. Queen G holds her own, on a panel of three hosts. She has also been a special guest on The Jeffrey Henderson radio show in Hollywood, ca. as well as a list of others like the recent guest host spots with Crystal Glass of The I am Spot Light radio show at Accelerated radio, in Los Angeles owned by Kevin Nash of KJLH. No matter what Queen G is no holds barred and feels very comfortable in the broadcast seat. She calls the radio her couch. Queen G definitely has a bright future in radio.
5
6
Mr. SoFly
1. At what moment did you realize the music industry was for you? The first time I realized the music industry was for me would have to be the moment I step out of my comfort zone in high school at Pete Knight High School in Palmdale CA, first talent show; I remember choosing the song (Nice and Slow by Usher) honestly, after the show the feedback I received from fans I loved every second of it. Just being able to get on stage and rock the crowd, yeah I knew I was meant for this. I had a great performance I had the whole school auditorium rocking, cell phone lights for the crowd, and everyone singing the words with me, great times.
I want to be one of the greatest in the future when you talk about music on the West Coast 2. Describe what your doing to gain your buzz in the Palmdale / Lancaster Area? I’ve pretty much been doing a lot of networking. I’m like a networking junkie when it comes to gaining a buzz. In the Palmdale & Lancaster area I pretty much get out there to the streets, I promote, perform, promote more, go to other shows; make my presence known, I promote other artists and DJs, I network to sum it up. My success would have to be just networking and pushing myself sky’s the limit. 3.When do you know you got a hot single? And how do you react to it? I know I got a hot single when it moves me and got everyone else turning they heads. Yeah that’s it. That moment when someone gets into my car, or go to a show, or just heard the track somewhere and they tell me that track stuck in they head. That’s the hot single. My reaction is simple ride the wave. Perform it, Promote it, Sell it, and Feed it. In the same process rebuild on that for the next hot single. At the end of the day I’m honored and humbled that anyone listens, play, or promote my music. I got a track for someone. 4. What is your goal you plan to accomplish with music? My goal I plan to accomplish with music is to spread timeless music, I want to be that artist everyone rocks too, being able to reach someone through music is a powerful blessing and I just want to spread love, express my life through music to where it speaks to all ages. I want to be one of the greatest in the future when you talk about music on the West Coast.
JuJu #MrSoFly RudeBoii www.facebook.com/@SoFlyEnt88 @Ju_SoFlyEnt https://soundcloud.com/juju-lou-1/sets/on-b4-2-late-mixtape Get your copy of #OnB42Late #TheMixtape on SoundCloud New Single Out #2Nasty
7
Photo Shoots & Live Interview Exclusive interview with Untouchable Magazine Locations: Downtown Los Angeles & Las Vegas studios
Location: 6392 McLeod Dr Las Vegas, NV 89120 Email: untouchablemagazine@gmail.com Phone: (323) 539-4170 untouchablemag Untouchablemagazine Google Search - Underworld Status Unlimited 8
FINGAZ
5 STAR / AOB recording artist, Frank “Fingaz” Jones began rapping as a hobby at the age of twelve. He was inspired by legends such as, Tupac Shakur and The Notorious BIG. Also, as Frank “Fingaz” Jones continued his journey of illustrating his metaphors, he soon learned this was no longer a hobby but a craft in which he gained the ability to articulate his expressions through music. While adapting to his urban environment in the greater Los Angeles area, he obtained the name “Fingaz”. Fingaz homeboy GNutt motivated him as an adolescent. He trusted GNutt who is also an artist & CEO of Yard Down Music, to take his everyday life as a youth in South Central. Talking about it through music and the production of the song “Hit Yo Brimmin” in accordance receiving over 800,000 views. This moved forward his crea-
tivity and ambition to grow. In 2013, Fingaz started knocking on the door of another person from his hood onetime artist & actor Don Nelson President of “5 Star Service Group LLC Entertainment & Management”. Where he was introduced to the business aspects of entertainment, along with honesty, integrity, and adapting to any environment with the assumption of finding his niche, which separates him apart from the average rapper.
Waseem & Mils produced by Ty Dollar $ign. Fingaz has a number of singles that are buzzing like “Too Gee” Feat. AV LMKR, “The Pussy Was Dope” feat. Badd Lucc, “Boom” feat. Maxo & Mils, and “Whoopin” Prod by DT the great. Don’t sleep on this youngster with a strong ambition that will soon move many out the way with his lyrical perceptions of life. His second mixtape tiShowing his gratitude and humility for tled “My Lane” is on the way be sure to the music industry he was embraced stay tuned. by artist & CEO of AOB Joe Moses, who soon became his mentor which For those that don’t know now your lead him to rep that AOB and gave him going to know where to find these the opportunity to record his single bangers or you can always use your titled “Cash Out” feat. Joe Moses. Fo- search engines and Google “AOB Fincusing on his music more than ever his gaz“ or simply go to iTunes, Soundmentor “Joe Moses” featured him on Cloud, HulkShare or various apps. Be a song titled “I’m Leaving” feat. Fingaz, sure to follow my links below.
FRANK JONES | AOB Fingaz | AOB Fingaz | AOB FINGAZ or YDM Fingaz For booking info please contact Don Nelson 800-280-8572 donenelson@aol.com FINGAZ TAGS: #fingaz #mylane #party&bullshit #boom #whoopin #ochieman #cashout #toogee #5star #aob #GaimChng3r #RazorEdge #ingrooves #Universal
FINGAZ 9
PSA Mixtape
1. L.Dot – Pipe Down 2. O.G Mack Drama – O.G Mack Drama 3. Grip Ft. A.B.S – Work 4. Mr.Cheeks Ft. Buddy Wike - New York Shit 5. Ekko Seven – Wide Awake 6. Ekko Seven ft EllE from 7669 - Another Lover 7. Rhyme Scheme ft. Keith Murray - Enough 8. Member$Only - I’m on another Level 9. Young Retro - Favorite Song 10. JUJU #MR.SOFly – WOTS 11. Morayle – Know 10
12. M-dub the Magnificent – I Don’t Think So 13. Paul Douglas – The Douglas 14. Jaleel – Flip A Coin 15. (Uk) Tha Unknown - Ghost Twerk 16. L.B ft. RoddyPype & SKEEZ – Out My Face 17. Dank Synatra - I Don’t Think 18. FleetWood Da Cotton Pickas - I Am 19. Knowledge - Dirty Money 20. Nunu Baby & Lil Ronny Mothaf - Get Skinny 21. Nina Boy ft. Tee Tee – Ride or Die
Mark your calendars
This is an event you won’t want to miss (May 19th - May 20th 2017) | #JamItOrSlamItShowdown
#Register Today: https://lnkd.in/eRvsUu8
#Event Info Here: Bit.ly/jamitslamit
#Join Our Event Page Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/637979333076326/
www.DelyricEntertainment.com
Lee “Q” O’Denat Born November 2, 1973 in Queens, New York, USA, Lee O’ Denat A.K.A ‘Q’ was the founder & CEO of WorldStarHipHop.com. The term “WorldStar”, came to mean something that should be filmed for posterity’s sake. Q dropped out of Grover Highland High School, landing a job at circuit city where his friends called him Q, and that is where his love for the digital world ignited. His first launched sites became a porn site, then launching an E-commerce site where their lead no progress. In 2005, hitting success by launching WorldStarHipHop.com, a site that changed his life for good. The site was a source of hip hop culture, capturing rap battles, celebrity interviews, sports clips, super cuts and the latest viral media sensation. Over-
12
Title: WorldStarHipHop Founder & CEO Sunrise: November 2, 1973 in Queens, New York, USA Sunset: Jan24, 2017 in California, USA
time ‘WorldStar’ became a chant in homage and in hope a recorded clip sent to WorldStarHipHop.com would go viral. In 2009, “50 Cent”, successfully sued his website WorldStarHipHop.com for publishing a photo to the public of him without permission. In San Diego, California, On January 24, 2017, Lee ‘Q’. ‘O’ Denat lay resting with the Angels. According to San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office the cause of death has been listed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Leaving behind his wife Brianna Padilla and three children. The world would forever be grateful for such a creative man and an ambitious heart for the world would forever say your legacy. For old times’ sake do it for, WorldStarHipHop!
Birth Name: George Spivey Born: June 21, 1968 Origin: Brooklyn, New York, United States Genres: Hip-Hop Title: Disc Jockey & Producer Years Active: 1985- Present DJ Scratch has been Nominated Three Times Grammy Hip Hop Disc Jockey and Multi Platinum record producer from Brooklyn, New York. Visit the website www.djscratch.com for more visual content
13
Dot Hines 14
my fans and supporters y’all make me feel good and give me the strength to keep going
1. Introduce yourself to the world Dot Hines originally started from B.Dot when I was a teenager. When I got a little older I turned into Dot Hines. Karlton Dunkin Hines from New York had a net worth in 6 digits a day and has a documentary about himself and his story related a little to mine but I obviously have my own story. Go check it out should be on Youtube. 2. Are you doing shows in Pittsburgh, PA? Yes I do shows in the Burgh but it’s usually my whole team that participates. This is the first time I actually stepped out on my own. Prepare to see someone epic.
3. What kind of artist do you consider yourself as? Commercial rapper, Mixtape rapper, Soundcloud rapper, Facebook rapper, etc? I think I would categorize myself as a mixtape artist before the rest. Hopefully album sales rise back up I think I got what it takes 4. If you had one shot to sit down with a record label, what would you do to prefer yourself for the meeting? Identify purpose of the meeting. Know preliminary objective. Know my role. And keep flash drives with at least 3 songs on them to give to my colleagues. I think that’s how you say it lol!!
15
5. Will you be releasing any videos on Vevo in the near future? Yes 6. Tell all our readers about your company? I.L.L. State is a label set up with me and my brothers and a few friends. I.L.L. stands for Intelligent, Lavish, Loyal. Also meaning ILL State of Mind. We do shows and travel the whole nine. We have merchandise and all website coming soon. 7. What kind of mark are you trying to leave in the industry? Well my tape is called “The Golden Child” also coming soon so I guess I want to be known like Leonitis from 300 LOL!!! I got sent into the wilderness to come back and lead my small town of people up out the darkness. Let the sun shine from my direction. 8. What is next for Dot Hines? World Star, MTV jams, hopefully a few movies later on. 9. Shout outs? S/o my team, my mom, brothers and sisters, business partners, and MOST importantly my fans and supporters y’all make me feel good and give me the strength to keep going.
16
Download
“Issuu” and “ Magcloud” in your app store on your smartphone to take untouchable magazine with you on the go. 17
It’s raining! It’s pouring the old man is snoring but it didn’t stop Untouchable Magazine to proceed with their plans on January 22nd. We were invited by Dana Macc of The D Network to provide media coverage for “The Women Behind The Legends” Meet and Greet in Sherman Oaks, CA with bottomless mimosas and catering cooking by Daphne Deserts, nodding our heads to DJ Scratch on the ones and twos
18
while the Legendary Queen of West Coast Rap “ YoYo Fearless “ embraced us with life, spreading her positive energy as she was prepping to host the panel of iconic women who has played a significant role in the formation of Hip Hop. Well, one day, up the avenue there was a man surrounded by The Fort Greene Crew, He said, “ Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one, come all! “The Wom-
en Behind The Legends is having a royal ball”. Brooklyn was the scene where kings had queens that played their positions believing in dreams with winning as the mission and becoming the most powerful piece to their husband’s visions. Holding down the fort because it’s a must to continuously reign, The Women Behind The Legends is here to inform us it’s not all fun and games. Telling their story of the lifestyle of fame.
19
Melvin Jackson Jr 20
I was about 18 years old and I started managing artists. I always loved music and wanted to help artists.
1. How was it living overseas in Islamabad, Pakistan and Ankara, Turkey and how long did you live over there? It was great, it opened my mind up to seeing outside of just my community. I made lot friends there that were from different countries. I won 2 gold medals in track and field for 1500m and 3000m and a bronze in wrestling while in Turkey. I lived in Pakistan for 4 ½ years and 4 years in Turkey. 2. How old were you when you decided that you wanted to be in the entertainment business? I was about 18 years old and I started managing artists. I always loved music and wanted to help artists. 3. Who was your role model?  Who influenced you to pursue different career paths? P. Diddy was someone I looked up to and the reason I got into the music business. One of my former artist, who is a good of mine Tony told me go after pursuing acting, once I booked my first acting gig.
21
4. Did you take acting class to enhance your career? In the first 7-8 years of my acting career I took no acting classes. It was just a God given talent. Later, on I started working one on one with an acting coach and then took a few acting classes. 5. If you could do a movie with one major actress or actor who would it be and why? As far as actress it would be Meryl Streep. Because she is amazing and I love her work. I loved her in “Devil Wears Prada”, she did so well that you didn’t like her. As far as an actor it would be Eddie Murphy. Because I have always been a fan of his work and he is a comedic genius. I have been compared to him many times. 6. How did you overcome stage fright? As a comedian I still haven’t quite got a handle on that yet. I just had to deal with it one show at a time. I just go up there and try to do my best and just remember to have fun.
22
As a comedian I still haven’t quite got a handle on that yet. I just had to deal with it one show at a time. 7. What is one of the best experiences you have had as an actor? Working on BET’s “The New Edition Story”, Chris Robinson, Jesse Collins and Abdul Williams were my coaches on set. They brought out the best in me. The cast was amazing and it was an honor to be in my favorite group’s movie. 8. How was it playing Bernard on the hit HBO’s series “The Wire”? It was amazing being on one of my favorite shows. From the day I auditioned for the role I felt like this part was mine. It just felt right, like it was written for me. 9. Explain how working within different paths in the entertainment industry helped you grow as an individual? It helped me to respect and appreciate every single job in my industry. I would therefore learn about what each person’s job was when on set and learn the production side. It helped me to be more of a triple threat. 10. How was it adjusting to fame after your first big role? It wasn’t that hard because I didn’t let it get to my head. I went to some of the best events and parties and met industry professionals I admired.
23
11. How was it working with Chris Rock on CW’s “Everybody Hates Chris” as a director? It was fun, he gave me great notes and he is a comedic genius. He takes his job very serious and he will bring the best out of you. 12. What project is next for you? Well I am currently finishing filming a Christian based film about the entertainment industry I wrote, am directing, producing and starring in called “The Price of Fame”. Then after will be filming “DPG 4 Life” aka “Dogg Pound 4 Life” sometime this year where I will be portraying rapper Kurupt.
melvinjacksonjr
24
melvinjacksonjr
YoYO
During “The Woman Behind the Legends” live taping in Sherman oaks, California Untouchable Magazine happen to run into the host of the show; The Queen of the West Coast “YOYO”. Born Yolanda Whitaker, the American hip-hop recording artist first appeared as a guest on Ice Cubes “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted” album in 1990 Featured on the single “It’s a Man’s world”. Rapper Dana Dane gave YoYo a call and said that they were working on this project called “The Woman behind the Legends” and that they were going to have a meet and Greet. Back in 1991 the Entrepreneur dropped her debut album, “Make way for the Motherlode” with her single “You can’t play with my YO-YO” ft. Ice Cube. Once Yo-Yo found out that the
husbands were doing something with the “The Woman behind the legends” she thought it was so inspiring because people don’t know how much a woman has to deal with especially when these Hip-Hop artists go on the road forever, they got a bunch of fans and groupies, they go back to their hotel and theirs a elevator full of woman. Since she been on the road with Ice Cube, N.W.A, Lynch Mob, she would love to support the “Woman Behind the Legends” because people really don’t know how hard Ice Cube works at home. The media think just because her husband is famous that she has it all and that is not at all the case. We all look forward to seeing what kind of impact the woman behind the legends are going to make.
Untouchable Magazine would like to thank YOYO the queen of the West Coast for the exclusive interview and the drop.
25
JP Cali Smoov JP Cali Smoov (nee John Paul Misquez) is a Los Angeles-based hip-hop recording artist, freestyle rap battle champion, and aspiring entrepreneur. Best known for his musical collaborations with DJ Quik, Wiz Khalifa, and Snoop Dogg, Smoov is a multitalented and multifaceted entertainer. Born December 12,1992 in Los Angeles, California. JP’s childhood was spend in and out of foster care and group homes until he moved to Chicago as a teenager. While in high school, Cali discovered his love of hip-hop music and started writing lyrics despite getting in with negative elements in his neighborhood. After going in and out of the legal system, he flew to a show in Indiana which would be the beginning of a turning point for him. On the way to the club, Smoov was in a fatal car accident,
resulting in the death of his two best friends Tim and BJ, leaving Smoov on the brink of death with a torn aorta and broken arm. Ultimately after heart surgery and months of rehabilitation, Smoov decided to turn his life around and dedicate himself full time to making music. Royal Rumble featuring DJ Quik and Problem is his first single since the accident off his mixtape Jackie Robinson. Melding lyrical genius with chill house party beats, Smoov drops knowledge like Nas but has a syrupy flow like Snoop. Smoov is also the winner of Snoop Dogg’s Battle Rap show for TrapFlixx.com, where he out-rapped 11 other aspiring rappers. He’s also the reigning undefeated champion of mutiple freestyle battle rap outlets. Smoov is also an aspiring clothing designer, and will be launching his Black Sheep Club clothing line this year.
27
Fung$wayDaKid
1. Sway (Intro) 2. Stuntin 3. 2 Kids 4. Bitches Wid Ya 5. Durty 6. Unfair 7. Pressure 8. Fr Fr 9. Sway Day 10. I Put N Work 11. Remember The time
28
12. Checkin In Sway 13. Bonnie XXX Sway 14. Life of The Party
15. Love Dem 16. Vibe 17. Hustle for Mine
FungSway Social Sites: Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fungsway1 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dakidchris.flyguylv Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Fungway-1624856381099683/ YouTube: http://youtu.be/-ukSGXxtvco DatPiff: http://www.datpiff.com/mixtape//782212
Dana Macc When she started The D Network Public Relations, Dana Fikes had already worked in the entertainment industry with her aunt, Billie Green who was the president of the Beverly Hills Chapter of the NAACP. Her aunt and her colleagues put the Image Awards on the map at the chapter level showcased at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Dana recalls being MC Hammer’s handler back in the early 90’s and admits to taking a few shameless photos with X-Clan and cast members from the television show ‘A Different World’. Dana learned the ropes and the mechanics of Hollywood by working with another aunt, Sandra Evers-Manly, founder and president of Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. BHERC has put on The African-American Film Marketplace & S. E. Manly Short Film Showcase for the past twenty-seven years honoring the elite in Black Hollywood as well as screening films from indie filmmakers. Dana grew up as an extra-curricular-drill team-girl scout-bookworm, graduated from CSULA and made her way
30
to Hollywood where she established herself as a publicist. It was definitely inevitable as she had checked all the boxes: working with big names, handling celebrities, orchestrating events, communicating with media and executives she lampooned her own success working with veteran publicists, etc., etc. The wunderkind flack has a penchant for writing and has plans to pen a book and produce a documentary in the near future. Dana shares the life and times of Black Women is a subject that is dear to her heart and the subject matter of her book and documentary. “The love and tenderness that is Black Women is something that makes us vulnerable to our very own- Black Men. I want to unravel some of the reoccurring myths and realities that keep the two at odds in our interpersonal relationships”. There’s something to be said about a person who can manage the rough terrain of the entertainment business and still keep smiling throughout the
years. Dana credits her no-stress approach to yoga and meditation that she has practiced since 1999. What brought her to yoga? Dana says it was the desire to connect to the interrelationship between the mental, physical and spiritual aspect of the practice that piqued her interest. She confesses, in actuality, she wanted to seek a new way to challenge her body and incorporate the self-realization and inner peace that is inextricably connected to practicing yoga. “Inner peace is your health, you cannot progress in anything worthwhile and not attend to your inner self, that’s where your heart is, your passion, your creativity” Dana enlightens. She stands as a behemoth in her five foot frame, respectfully characterized as a feisty hard-nosed go-getter by clients, friends and family members alike. Our time interviewing Dana gave us insight to the world of public relations, life-lessons and an intimate look into the woman behind two lucrative brands. “Each level of success required a different me. Most people
Hip Hop music keeps me motivated to conquer the world have no idea I have two degrees and a master’s in education, I stay motivating myself” Dana professes. That common thread of motivation in the “leveling up” is what sparked the idea for her tshirt company, Seeing Real Success which has translated into a platform for motivational speaking, a meditation CD and activism in the community. “I originally created SRS because of a cocky retort from my favorite cousin Johnny when I asked him about an old friend. When he replied, “Oh he ain’t seen no real success” I was so taken aback by his response I typed into my iPhone and built the company off that premise.” With a smile that could light the Las Vegas Strip Dana exudes a confidence in her day-to-day business dealings that includes talking to clients, media outlets, managers and other publicists. “It’s a constant in this realm, you are always on until you specify the turn-off time which you must do or this game will wear you thin,” Dana warns. What was obvious about Dana is her professionalism and the class she presents herself with when she’s conducting business. She shares she focuses on her client’s ultimate satisfaction and works tirelessly to have successful campaigns with analytics included. What we highly respect about this hardworking lady is her ability to build relationships while making a difference in the lives of others through her unparalleled work ethic, positive character and ability to help others see their potential. She’s the most motivating publicist we’ve encountered by far. Dana’s a team player and she has co-produced events that have hit the top page on Yahoo Voice, has had a client interviewed on national media outlet TMZ, and others photographed by Getty Images. Dana has worked with various business entities in public relations from the ed-
ucation sector to the entertainment industry. Her clients have included, California Autism Foundation, Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, actress Vanessa Williams, Hip Hop icon Dana Dane, the Legendary DJ Scratch of EPMD, Cory Oliver of Beverly Hills Pawn, model/ actress Alia Kruz and celebrity photographer Shawn Brooks, Pure Dope Magazine and DJ Mike Smoove of Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson. She has co-produced events for actress LisaRaye McCoy, and the BET Awards weekend in Los Angeles with hosts such as, Erica Mena of VH1’s Love and Hip Hop New York, LA Hair’s China Upshaw. Her ‘Eye on Glam’ event co-produced by The Luxe Style Lab, held in West Hollywood for BET Weekend, was hosted by Tameka “Tiny” Harris, Demetria McKinney of Real Housewives of Atlanta and Los Angeles’ millennial party promoter Miss Diddy. Dana has also worked with Troy Marshall, former Vice President of Promotions and Marlon Singleton, former National Promotions Manager at Interscope Geffen A&M Records for their annual Crème of the Crop party held during the BET Awards weekend. This year she produced a meet and greet for The Women Behind the Legends (wives of legendary Hip Hop artists) in Sherman Oaks that included Hip Hop artists Yo Yo as the host and turntablist DJ Scratch DJing. Major media outlets Extra TV, Hip Hop Weekly and The Nikki Rich Show were on hand for coverage and interviews. She says the success of the events have everything to do with the advent of social media, the traditional public relations (press releases, newsletters, online publications and white papers) route many of her mentors have utilized is now in direct competition with content public relation (social media, podcasts, blogs websites and videos), which most publicists rely on
in the digital age to raise their clients’ profiles and increase their audience reach. What’s most impressive is her unwavering love for the Hip Hop Culture. She’s the true definition of living Hip Hop. “Hip Hop music keeps me motivated to conquer the world,” she jokes. I have watched it transform and grow like a best buddy on the same block. It has given me the soundtrack to my life since I heard Schoolly D’s PSK.” It wasn’t the first time I was introduced to Hip Hop music but it was the first song that inculcated me into a new way of life- the movement was inextricably connected to my maturation. I was intrigued by the courage and confidence of the MC’s. As it grew and transformed so did I, with an ever evolving paradigm that I could be and do anything.” That said, the replication of that courage and confidence is evident in her tenacious approach to business. Her personal and professional experiences have given her the foundational launch pad to expertly advise her clients. “At the end of the day it’s about staying current in this field which means acquiring skills and knowledge to be leading-edge. I can’t ever imagine myself not learning g I owe that to my clients- they pay for an expert to navigate the waters of maintaining a favorable public image.” “Which is PR in a nutshell.” Dana Fikes is online at www.thednetwork.com and social media, Instagram and Twitter @thednetwork Facebook @thednetworkpr. Seeing Real Success luxury tees clothing line www.seeingrealsuccess.com and @seeingrealsuccess on Instagram and Facebook- @ seeingsuccess on Twitter. By Tenaye Owens Owens who lives in Duarte is a regular contributor to The D Network Blog.
31
Calling all College Students, Photographers, & Cinematographers Want to build your resume? Add indie, celebrities, and the most talked about local artist to your resume. Get experience in the music industry like never before. This internship is perfect for anyone with a camera looking to take his or her photography to the next level. Email: untouchablemagazine@gmail.com | Phone: (323) 539-4170 Areas: Los Angeles / Las Vegas/ Atlanta / Arizona/ New York/ Miami Opportunity: Non-Paid Internship Position: Production Crew 32
Get featured in our upcoming issues
Secure your slot today: Email: untouchablemagazine@gmail.com Call: (323) 539-4170 (text or call)
Serious inquires only 33
Key Programs 1. College & Career Prep 2. Bullying 3. Sex Education 4. Driver’s Education 5. Negativity Detox 6. S.M.A.R.T- Single Mother Awareness Readiness Training 7. Gang Intervention & Prevention 8. Community Service
34
Mission Statement Save Black Boys was designed to raise awareness and consciousness about the state of OUR CHILDREN. The statistics about the rampant murders and recidivism are there but these negative facts are not our focus. We simply want to rebuild the minds of our children and young men, restoring them to the greatness that was once theirs.
1. Tell us a little bit about save black boys and what they do? My name is Kevon Gulley I am the director of save black boys program I am a Compton kid born and raised grew up in the street I gangbanged went to the pin did 13 years in prison so I was kinda like really really a street kid and when I went to jail the last time when I came home I was tired so I decided to do something different so I started Save Black Boy program. 2. What is your interpretation of rebuilding the minds of children? Well first they (Black Boys) have to unlearn all the stuff that they been taught. A lot of it is being taught daily by the music. Often I use “The Weekend” as an example, seventy percent of his songs are about doing drugs, but if you don’t pay attention you won’t catch it. So, next thing you know you got your little nine year old son in the background singing, “Doing coke lines off of dope dimes”, a new one he said something about, ‘Cut the Ivory in skinny pieces, then
Kevon Gulley she clean it with her face’, he’s talking about lines of cocaine that the girl is snorting, but you won’t catch that if your not paying attention. So, we simply point out those things that make a kid go, ‘Oh Wow!’ and that’s what we are, we are a program of direct resource. Boots on the ground not the Keyboard. 3. Statistically speaking, how many Black boys have your program saved? Right now we have 70 Black Boys but there five other chapters including Los Angeles the programs facilities are spread throughout six cities and three states which include, Los Angeles, California, Pasadena, California Sacramento, California, Las Vegas,
Nevada, Jacksonville, Mississippi, and Montgomery Alabama. 4. Why did you name it “Save Black Boys”, instead of “Save the Children”? The children are not up against what black boys are up against. You can’t name one race of people that are killing each other the way that black boys are. Or a race of people whose music is projected to killing each other, or selling dope to each other, or doing harm to each other, or having sex with each other “Yes Young Thug”. So knowing that, and the fact that I never been anything but a black boy, see I never been white, so I can’t make ‘Save White Boys’, I never been Mexican so I can’t make ‘Save Mexican Boys’, and I never been a black girl so I can’t make ‘Save Black Girls’. We tend to go into other people lanes when we should
35
stay put. So, that’s what I did, I stayed put. I know what’s wrong with black boys because I was a black boy. 5. What did you go to prison for in the past and did you learn? Car jack, kidnap, discharge of a firearm, bank robbery, discharge of firearms at inhabited dwelling. Last time I went to jail was for possession of a firearm and forgery. Yes, I learned. I learned the first time but I wasn’t tired. You see people that continue to go to prison aren’t tired yet. You have to be sick & tired of being, sick & tired of being, sick & tired then you stop. I am sick & tired of being in a cage, being told that I can’t go outside, being locked behind a door that I can’t get in and out of on my own unless they say so. Somebody controlling a conversation I’m having or not having communication with the outside world, it becomes tiring. I was a puppet; I did what California Department of Correction said when they said it. 6. “Just like Compton” is a required textbook at community colleges and USC; did you ever think your book would influence people? Nah, I wrote that book for the homies. When I was in jail all the Urban novels were about New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, there was nothing about Cali, and I lived a pretty interesting life so you know I said “well let me write my book down and see what happens”, and it bloomed. I mean now it’s a required textbook at USC who would of thought. I wrote that book in prison, so who would of thought I would be standing in front of sixty law students guess lecturing from something sitting in courtship so no I never would of thought. 7. Who Influence you to write the book? Me, there were no books about us, the only book about us was a book called “Monster”, it was an autobiography of an L.A. Gang member
36
named Monster Kody Scott and that book was dated; it was written in the 80’s so like I said I lived a pretty interesting life so let me write something, and it bloomed. 8. What type of response are you getting from the community? And what is the community contribution towards the save black boys? The response I initially thought I would receive, I was disappointed. I thought Save Black Boys people would get involved they would help, the government would want to get involved and the local government would get involved, city council, senate uhm no! They didn’t give a damn about that; I was a one-man show until we got popular. Now I got senate and council they love me now. But here is what I want people to know more than anything else. I have to window children. The window children are the kids that the dad, the grand-dad, the uncle, the momma boyfriend say he on his way and he doesn’t come, but every time that boy hear that music he run to the window, every time he hears a car he run to the window. So, finally he figures out when nighttime comes he ain’t coming and its heart breaking. I have sixty-five adults so the response that I expected and received didn’t happen. Were popular now though now that it is working and people see that well he going to do with or without us everybody wants to get involved but before it was hard. There’s no money, we don’t get any grants still. Nobody pay me, this is because I know if I lose something he gone die or he gone kill somebody; referring to his son in the computer lab. So, I took it upon myself to say you know what I will do it. And here’s what I tell newspapers all the time, when I was doing wrong, I was the first one out the car. When I was gangbanging I was the first one out the car, If I pulled up in Yo’ hood, you saw me first. Same energy here now that I am doing right I’m the first one out the car. I’m going to do it no
matter what, I never went to go get my homies, I dealt with stuff on my own, they heard about it later. “Gansta’s Move in Silence’ 9. What is the A.R.K? The A.R.K is the goal: Twenty-FourHour recreation center, English, Math and Science classrooms, social media room, game room, barbershop and a Go-Cart track. I’m trying to get the kids a “Hood”, so they don’t have to go nowhere else, they can come there. Service is provided twenty-four hours never closed, because our kids are getting in trouble at night they’re not getting in trouble when the big boys are out. They getting in trouble at nine ten o-clock when moms have a graveyard shift he sneaking out the house with the homies at seven- eleven, but the homies done did something. So, when the other dudes pull up and they pull up busting he probably gone get killed. But if he wasn’t at seven eleven and at the A.R.K he probably would have still been alive. 10. What else is there to do at save black boys? How do you not venture your kids off? You can make anything cool, I’ve made learning cool and reading cool. Right now, if you look in the room right now there is a kid on a IPad doing his mandatory hour in the tech room, after that there’s a game room in the back, he has Madden, Call of Duty and all that good stuff $10,000 worth of Go-Cart world, there’s pitbulls to play with. Everything that boy want they have it here so they don’t have to go nowhere. But If you look in that room, and you look at rule number seven rule number seven is, ‘Men work before they play’. So, that’s what I’m teaching now so when he in college on that over-night crame session he can say “I been doing that since I was eight” or If it’s some mandatory over-time at work yall mad I been doing that ever since I was ten at the home outreach center I been
doing that no days off. Every other race pushes there kids, If I asked you whose smarter between a Chinese kid, black kid, and a Mexican kid a large majority of people will pick the Chinese kid and that’s just not true, his family just pushes him, same thing I’m doing here. No days off it’s bigger than throwing a football or dribbling a basketball you can do that secondary.
going to read. Go get your degree I got mine. I made my mark in the world they can’t kill me, what you going to do. Kids need to be inspired and that’s all it is, is inspiration. But imagine being inspired by someone who actually cares about you. I’m not a mentor. Mentors work set hours. This is a co-parenting program it’s a couple of moms here you can interview them you will see.
11. When you push someone it is out of support or just to keep them going? It’s always out of support, I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I’ am not willing to do. If I make you read I’m
12. is your program also for woman and young woman? S.M.A.R.T is Single Mother Awareness and Readiness Training. It simply shows you how to read the signs that the street is calling your son. A
lot of moms are oblivious to what’s happening and they can’t focus on him, there’s a lot going on with him, but you don’t know that if your not paying attention. In your defense you don’t know how. 13. What’s next? The A.R.K is next right now we are putting ourselves in the position to have the A.R,K open If I can Save two States why not save another one and go International why not. The sky’s the limit right; the sky is never the limit. Shout out to Untouchable Magazine Boots on the ground; not on the Keyboard Save Black Boys. Holla!
Daymeon Sanchez Save Black Boys Member 1. How do you feel about your classes so far? I’m about to be 17 my classes no problem, not easy-peezy but there will be some obstacles, its not too hard. 2. What were you doing before you joined Save Black Boys? Before I joined the program I wasn’t really doing anything. I’ll be with my friends playing basketball or I’ll go to the gym; I work out alot. And yeah, I used to smoke too back then, all of that stopped once I joined the program I let all that go. 3. So you sacrifice your habits for your actual habits? Yeah, It wasn’t hard; the first day I came he talked to me and said “If I want to be in the program, it got to be from this day forward let it go” or I can’t be in the program. So I wanted to be in the program so I said, “it’s nothing and I’m here now”.
4. Do you feel like being in the program kept you off the streets? Yes being here kept me off the streets, it helped out alot take me away from everything else when I’m in here I can still be myself do everything I have to do to become successful. 5. How much of a bad influence do your friends have on your life? I don’t really have any friends that try to influence me to do anything, because if you don’t want to do it that’s it to it you don’t have to do it. It ain’t no peer pressure no none of that it’s all if you want to do it all on you and your actions. 6. How many friends have you lost in the program as opposed to on the streets? Certain ones I asked to join but I have a small circle. I can say I lost about seven friends back then some recent some back then.
7. What is your favorite thing about Save Black Boys? How it motivates you to do something big or to accomplish something. 8. What is your outlook on your future? Any future plans? Of course I’ve been having it plan for some time. After high school and everything I’m go to college for some time and try to start something and than after college I want to work in a oil refinery with my family and everything. That’s a few years ahead. 9. What are you doing to stay on the right track? I come to here to Save Black Boys and do my work. Since I’m home schooled any free time I get I go to school. I have a campus I go to the campus teacher is like family to me; my mom known him her whole life so I go in with her he help me out with work
37
JaMaree Boone Save Black Boys Member 1. Introduce yourself to Untouchable Magazine Hi, my name is JaMaree Boone, I just turned 16. 2. What experience have you gained being associated with Save Black Boys? For my experience Save Black Boys is more of a community of brotherhood. For us to help each other out, like for some of us it’s like having a younger or older brother that we wished we had that we never had to get. 3. How does Save Black Boys Influence you to help others? So, for the younger kids in the program it’s us playing the role of the big brother that some of them never had. There may be things that their going through that we are going through now, or been through in the past that we can help them and give them suggestions on how to get through it. It’s like having that role, that spotlight a lot of little kids wish they can have or kids my age or even older wish they could have people to look up to them and be like oh, that’s someone I want to become. Being a role model someone positive showing people what’s the right way to go and which ways not to go.
38
4. What keeps you motivated to comeback to Save Black Boys? You can come here and be yourself. It helps you get out of trouble, any help you need, if there’s something you in need of there are people here to contribute to it and help you with whatever it is. You can come here and not be told no. 5. What were you doing before you join the program? Before the program I was in and out of trouble but that was some years ago, I got my life together, now I’m constantly in school or at practice. There may have been times where I was making decisions I shouldn’t have made but being here, at Save Black Boys made me think and process things. Certain things I do will be throwing a lot of things out the window, especially opportunities like this. To be in the Save Black Boys program to be in this situation right now being interviewed with Untouchable Magazine. 6. How have Save Black Boys Helped you? Being here helped me become a better person because I see a lot of kids now and they see me as Jamari the big brother that I want to be just like. They tell me all the time; I like how you do this, do that, can I come with
you here. It’s just a good feeling to be around here, it’s like I’m here with my younger brothers. 7. What was your bad influence? Some friends would tell me lets smoke, lets go and drink but I would have to think to myself and say is it worth it. I would have to process things in my mind, like, ‘Okay, if I do this, there are consequences behind it and those consequences will not turn out to be something good’. Plenty of times when I was younger I got influenced to do things because I wanted to be that kid that everybody was cool with, that everybody wanted to be around. I wanted to be around all the cool kids so if somebody said do something I would do it just so I could impress others. One incident someone brought a toy gun to school I was like, ‘Oh I want to be cool and be seen with it’, then that caused me to get expelled from school because someone told on me. 8. What are you doing to grow? Well, right now what I’m doing Is just trying to better myself as a person by coming to Save Black Boys. Taking care of any work that needs to be done, making sure I’m on top of all my studies for school, and a lot of things that deals with my education that will help me get ready for college.
your
ad here