Curtis “All Star Chuck” Brasfield is the epitome of grind up till you glow up! Chuck moved to Houston, Texas in the summer of 2012 to plant new roots and to try to kick start his burgeoning career as a hip hop artist after the disbanding of his group KRT (Knights Of The Round Table). One member went on to join TMZ, one decided to sell extended car warranties and another unfortunately lost his wife to cancer. Once Chuck touched down in H-Town his plans would soon change, now at the top of his game as the host of one of the hottest internet hip hop radio shows he’s just warming up. Up Next : Let’s talk about the move to Houston to start, what was your initial reason for moving? Chuck : Honestly it was slightly career based but also family motivated as well, plus I’m from the south originally (Alabama) and I missed the southern hospitality but it’s still all love to my people back in St. Louis and St. Charles and I try to get back to Missouri as much as possible. Up Next : What age do you think you became invested in music? And what do you remember about some of the first stuff you really loved? Chuck : About 4 years old hearing Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and other stuff I heard on the radio not even really stuff my family was playing around me I always had an ear for melodies and things like that. Up Next : Do you remember the first album you bought? Chuck : NWA - Straight Outta Compton cassette at a flea market in Alabama and I played the sh*t outta the tape you know to the point the print rubs off, shit after that I was like I’m a rapper lol just like everybody else! Up Next : What artists inspired you to rap? Chuck : Run DMC, LL Cool J, The Fat Boys, The Juice Crew…..8Ball and MJG, Rap A Lot Records, Suave House Records
upnextmagazine.com | 8 | DECEMBER 2016
Up Next : I’m glad you mentioned Rap A Lot and Suave House there historically has been a negative connotation about hip hop in the south, what do you think is the biggest misconception about southern hip hop? Chuck : that they can’t rhyme, only rap about cars, clothes, money, women etc. they put the south in a box talking about gold grills and what not but they’ve always had something to say look at Scarface one of the illest to ever get on the mic am I right? Up Next : Absolutely , Face is a legend ……..Why internet radio? Chuck : The opportunity presented itself honestly, knowing absolutely nothing about it but I figured why not try it if nothing else I would have a little more experience understanding airplay and rotation which is more traditional for terrestrial radio but you have to start somewhere ya know Up Next : Ok Chuck’s Corner Radio is your platform and from listening to the show you’ve used it very well how did it come about? Chuck : we started in August of 2015, I originally was looking for airplay for an artist I was consulting for I reached out to someone at the station (texas101jams.com) we had a conversation and she made the comment that I sounded like I knew what I was talking about she made the connection with me and the station owner (Go Getta) and the rest is history. Up Next : you had a message you wanted to get across from day one with the platform, you wanted it to be the haven for the indie artist talk about why that’s so important. Chuck : Exactly it’s the showcase for independent artists to give them the platform to get their music heard not only in the city but outside of Houston nationwide each week their voices go out to all listeners across the country it’s helped a few artists featured build a larger fan base and gain support and that’s our motto “Support Is Real” Up Next : And you’ve had some great guests on the show so far! Chuck : yea man shout out to all the guests we’ve had some major people up there former Rockets point guard Steve Francis, DJ Ready Red and Bushwick Bill of the Geto Boys, Chingy, Murphy Lee, Project Pat, Chase N Cash, Tarboy of Trackboys, Turk from the Cash Money records “Hotboys” , Slowdown of the St. Lunatics, Ronald Olley from the Netflix Documentary “Last Chance U” , Young Lyric from Jermaine Dupri’s “The Rap Game” on Lifetime and y’all gotta stay tuned we have some upcoming surprises. Up Next : so you’re a radio host, former rapper, photographer and also a consultant for artists, you wear a lot of hats bro delve into the consulting for me. Chuck : I provide, radio airplay, assisting indie artists with getting their music registered for online distribution, physical distribution and helping them set up publishing (BMI, ASCAP), media runs for artists in and out of state as well as getting them radio and magazine interviews, the company is called “Earcatching Artist Services” Up Next : What was the basis for ECAS? Chuck : at the time I was recording music and I was branching off from a group that I was in (see above). I was a bit upset at how the business was handled so I branched out on my own to ensure that the business would be handled in a correct manner, from that point on others reached out for help with their situations and it kind of snowballed from there Up Next : And you’re also doing club hosting let’s talk about that Chuck : The Hustle and Mix Show series is a concept I came up with for the artist on the North side of Houston, a local club owner who happens to be from Stl (Saint Louis) provided me with the venue for the show. We’ve kinda linked up through Chingy, the show has been successful so far we’ve been packed the last few nights it’s really in demand down here so our presence has been felt Up Next : Ok, so you have the artist consulting business, the radio show and the “Hustle and Mix” series how do you balance that stuff with being a dad at the same time? Chuck : …...still trying to manage things sometimes your personal life can spill over into business matters so I’m still trying to find the perfect balance it’s tough but it’s all worth it. Up Next : How would you judge success? Chuck : success is what you make it, you get out what you put in but ultimately it’s in the eye of the beholder we may all judge success differently but for the guy next door to me success may be his lawn being perfectly manicured, for me I don’t know yet but I’ll let you know when I feel like I’ve finally reached that point. You can follow Chuck on twitter @CT636Music , instagram @allstar636, Facebook - Chucks Corner Radio and snapchat allstarchuck636. Catch #ChucksCornerRadio every Thursday night from 10 pm - Midnight central standard time on texas101jams.com for more information on Earcatching Artist Services and The Hustle and Mix Series check allstarchuck.com By Derrick Jackson
upnextmagazine.com | 9 | DECEMBER 2016
FASHION
M
ichelle Ragland is the owner and founder of the company Elegant Evenings Boutique. She has
been in business for four years. In conversation she reflects on when she was a little girl and how she use to dress her dolls up and have “fashion shows” and from there, at the age of nine she discovered fashion was her passion. The first design she did was a dress that her cousin wore to a formal event. She showed it to one of her seamstresses that she currently works with; she was so proud of herself, and excited because her cousin looked absolutely gorgeous.
The person who inspired her to start her brand was Monif C, and God. She always prayed and listened to what
God was telling her before she took a leap into anything. Her brand caters to all types of audience from bridal, elegant events, pageants, kids, and couture clothing. Her latest fall fashion style are designs with a lot of orange and browns incorporated in her designs. She has attended 20 shows since her brand has been out. I asked if there were any major setbacks and, yes there where some major setbacks. One of her major setbacks’ was trying to get her brand out to the world and while not having enough family and close friends believe in her vision. It was only her mom and herself financing her vision and the cost of getting her brand out to the world was really expensive. But, with the help of God and the determination of herself and her mother, together they made Elegant Evenings come to life.
During her time as a Fasion Designer, the best advice she was given was: “You must crawl before you walk. She
uses that advice to inspire other models and during her selection process. She does have a method of chosing models. She loves to chose models who are passionate and serious about their career. She knows with those models they will be loyal, and will make her designs look more beautiful. She also uses models that are given to her. But, she prefers to do casting calls, and speak with the models. If she could design for any supermodel it would be a mixture of these amazing models: Kimora Lee Simmons, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Roshumba Williams. She sees these ladies as powerful and independent women. And to represent power If she could do a photo shoot anywhere in the world she would do the shoot in Africa.
She would love to thank everyone who has believed in her and her brand. She would love to thank her mom
Josephine Brodie, her son Javon, her auntie and assistant Beatrice Gill, best friend Tracy Andrews, and Antoinne Duane Williams for the amazing networking and shoes they have done together. She would also like to thank Aly Camara, and Alvin AJR Imagery for the amazing photo shoots that they have done together over the years. She would also like to give a thank you all the beautiful and dedicated models she has met over the years. So, Everyone can get in contact with her through facebook Elegant Evenings Boutique. She can also be found on instagram at: it’s a couture thing, or on her website at: aelegantevenings.com. By Jaylsa Dalmida
Mr. HoodMuzik
“Raw, street…..my music is jumpy and catchy it’s for the streets”
Candisweets was created by Marjorie in Northeast Philadelphia. It’s a assortment of flavors composed of strawberries, pretzels, Oreos, apples,and Rice Krispies to name a few.. The name Candisweets originated from her alter ego Candi in which she always called herself and sweets being for her treats, the idea for the moniker came from her older sister. Marjorie started making treats 15 years ago for her son’s second birthday party. A coworker of hers was all set to make taffy for her son’s birthday but suddenly felt ill. It was time for Marjorie to learn her future craft, she summoned her over to her home to teach her how to make the taffy.
“Every since that day I was making taffies for family and friends just for fun not really making any money or putting any thought into how big this could be!” Two years ago she decided to bet on herself and her talents. When asked if it took a long time to create her designs, she stated that “It comes to me instantly, that’s what you call talent”. It can takes hours for some of her creations, she admittedly can obsess over every detail. She creates both kids as well as adult themed treats, with both being in high demand. This is not just a hobby for Marjorie, this is a full time job that she has invested the past 15 years in.
Lamona Laverne: What’s the biggest highlight since launching Candisweets? Maj: The biggest highlight is my chocolate covered strawberries which comes in different colors, metallic, bling, etc. And also my unique Candisweet Tray which is a sampler so it comes with a lil of everything Marshmallows, Rice Krispies, pretzels, oreos, strawberries and your name in big letters which I think is why its a big hit, your not going to find that anywhere else. Lamona Laverne: What’s been the biggest struggle and how did you overcome it? Maj: My biggest struggle was Candy Apples. It took me a year to perfect them. I just kept practicing and now I am teaching other treat makers. Lamona Laverne: What is the best advice someone has ever given you? Maj: The best advice I was given was “Never give up” Lamona Laverne: Was there ever a time where you wanted to give up? Maj: I wouldn’t say I wanted to give up but at times it can be overwhelming. When your dealing with different people you will have some that appreciate you and support your vision and others who have never spent a day in your shoes but will tell you how to run your business and what you should be doing. Lamona Laverne: What are your plans for Candisweets future? Maj: My plans for the future are to expand and be well known. I would love to open up a store selling my treats.
G
rowing up in a single parent home no matter where you are can be tough. When that single parent home is in Philadelphia, PA it can be that much more intense. For Mr. Hoodmuzik it’s home as well his canvas for his art. With a bright future ahead of him I got the chance to catch up with him and find out what makes him tick and what’s next for him. Derrick: So you’re Haitian correct? Were you born here in the US or in Haiti? Mr. Hoodmuzik: Yea I’m Haitian, I was born here in the US. Basically from all around Philly West and North pretty much. Derrick: Are both your parents Haitian? Mr. Hoodmuzik: Nah, my mom is Haitian my pop is Italian Derrick: What;s your background? What did you see yourself doing when you were a kid? Did you always want to be a rapper Mr. Hoodmuzik: I wanted to be a boxer actually. The fighting style of the Philly man if someone steps to you then you have to defend yourself your reputation will travel you could be labeled as a punk or a p*ssy you can’t let anyone get over on you…… Around here I was raised to gain respect in the area you need that if you lose your respect in Philly you basically dead in the streets …..that’s why Meek going through what he going through right now, Meek and Cassidy don’t really have a rep in the streets they rap about the streets but they never really was about that life. Derrick : Boxing that’s interesting, how’d you get into boxing bro? Mr. Hoodmuzik: I’ve been boxing since like 4 years old man I’m nice with my hands if it ever came down to it you know …… I’m the oldest of my siblings ya know my mom put me in boxing, I loved school when I was a kid but as a light skin kid the bullies weren’t far away so i had to learn to defend myself and she figured boxing was the perfect way for me to learn.
so I see where you get the influence from, name one album that you were really invested in that you can still listen to from the beginning to end? Mr. Hoodmuzik: DMX “Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood” first album i played from beginning to end that sh*t reached me I can’t explain it but it just did.
Derrick: What’s your writing process like do you write a few bars in your head and lay the vocals or do you try to write the whole 16 down on paper or Mr. Hoodmuzik: Since around the age of 12/13 watching The in your phone and lay it down…. Lox as well as DMX videos …..Tupac very influential the message behind his music but all those dudes were so influ- Mr. Hoodmuzik : I freestyle for about a half ential to me I loved the gritty nature of their music you know an hour and record myself to a beat into my I’m from Philly they were talking about sh*t that was going on phone I listen take out the best parts take what in my hood everyday so I could relate even at a young age. I like maybe use it for the hook and then create based on that little skeleton of a song Derrick: They definitely are all legends in the game Derrick: Ok, so how long have you been rapping?
Derrick: That’s a dope way to create...now let’s say you were telling a total stranger to listen to your music how would you describe your sound? Mr. Hoodmuzik : raw, street…..my music is jumpy and catchy it’s for the streets but like a child or a woman can dance to it, it’s versatile it’s for the people …..I can switch up but it wouldn’t sound right I can have people dancing I’m hood, my music won’t make you go wanna kill somebody it’s gonna make you wanna party but you still in the hood I’m different but I’m still for the streets UpNext : What so far has been your most memorable moment so far in your career? I opened for Styles P he loved “Wavy Nigga” he was screaming run it back…..it was up in the strip club the girls was shaking to it I had met P briefly before the show but he didn’t know that was my song when he
found out he was like “yo that’s you?!” I felt so big in that moment it was emotional but I wasn’t gonna cry or nothing but yo when one of your favorites recognizes you it feels incredible UpNext : Have y’all kept in touch? Mr. Hoodmuzik: When i post videos and he see’s them he definitely shows love that’s enough for me he’s Styles he’s a legend just knowing I got that approval is all I need it encourages me to get my ass in the booth and keep banging sh*t out Stay tuned for more from Mr. Hoodmuzik believe me you won’t be dissapointed
Real Love & Hip-Hop
Philly’s Power Couple
The presence of hip hop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can never be understated. From Schooly D and State Property to Meek Mill and Lil Uzi Vert Philly spitters have always embodied the chill of the city. If you keep your ears to the streets of the city you can hear the next movement on the rise please get Ntune.
“Success is not measured by how much money you have, fans or your celebrity status but how you handle your affairs. All that glitters ain’t gold and most of what we see isn’t reality. For us success is not having to work for anybody again, being our own boss and having enough wealth to not only be comfortable but to help others reach the same level. It’s so important to us to inspire change in the black community. We aspire to help create more opportunities for entrepreneurship.” - Ntune
Ntune began as a couple indie artists trying to obtain a record deal. Like most artists these days looking to make a name for themselves they soon found out how important creative control of their music and keeping more of the profit was. In 2013 “Ntune Entertainment Group” was launched as a collaborative effort with an eye on securing their future on their terms. “We also discovered many other artist we knew that wanted and needed help in this ever changing, tedious business. We knew we needed to reach mediums indie artist couldn’t reach so we began networking and joining with deejay squads, other artist , blogs, magazines among other networks.” The best thing about the members of Ntune is no matter how much larger their social media presence and following has made them, they haven’t changed. Drawing inspiration from some of your favorite artists citing Tupac as a huge influence. “We are huge fans of Tupac Shakur . Tupac was more than just an artist, he was revolutionary. His movement truly touched people, he was in touch with his emotions, he was raw and upfront like it or not. Pac was unapologetic, honest and you have to respect that.” As for their music believe me there is more than enough to keep everyone satisfied. With a plethora of music available this squad can handle your gym playlist or just something to simply clean your house to. They’ve got hit after hit. “We have a single out “ I’m Real” available on our website featuring Philly’s own “Tone Trump”. Trump is known for being signed to Young Jeezy’s Label, working with Grammy award winning artist Ceelo Green and or his cameo in the movie “Creed”. We also just recently released our collaboration album “Music & Marriage” featuring myself, Ntg & Yung Draw. M&M is a must have album for your ultimate hip hop collection. It’s a great example of black love and the relationship you have when your serious about your music brought to the fans from the perspective of a married couple. Music & Marriage is available also on the Ntune Entertainment Group website. Stay tuned for the follow up to Music & Marriage, “Definition of a banger” coming next year. M& M was on a mellow love tip while D.o.a.b. is straight club banger,party music album featuring a collaboration track with Philadelphia well known artist “Reed Dollaz”. We have a lot coming up including showcases with celebrity guest, giveaways, contests and so much more, everyone can join our official mailing list for updates. “We have been blessed to do so much work these past 6 going on 7 years we’ve been in the music business. You can google us (Ntune Entertainment Group, Ntg, Yung Draw, Spittagang) and fortunately we have several websites where our material can also be reviewed.” For nearly a decade they’ve been at it and show no signs of stopping, to reach out to them for collaborations or any other info please contact theceo@ntuneentgrp.com You can find them online at www.ntuneentgrp.com or www.phillyntg.com By Derrick Jackson