Urban Image Magazine March 2015 issue by Urban Image Magazine

Pieces of Our History pg 26

The First Part II pg 30

Waist Training pg 36 #teamnaturals CARING FOR LOW POROSITY HAIR pg 43 4

Fashion Designer's Secrets to Help You Look Fab pg 54

Fashion Victims pg64

SIX SURE SIGNS THAT YOU’RE THE SIDCHICK pg 71 Women Hate...pg 82

Ask Emiaj pg 76

Hoosier Pick pg 94

UIM’s Round the Way Girl pg 84

UIM’s Sex Facts pg 100

UIM’s Manl Meal pg 104

Cuban Manhatten pg 107

Deszion’s Star Design pg 110

UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exclusive Interview with Darrin Henson star of Sons 2 the Grave pg 117

Celebrity Dish! Pg 132 7

Introducing John Dabla pg 140

Ava DuVernay : This Month’s Most Beautiful Woman pg 150

UIM’s Movie Reviews pg 162 The Candy Shop pg 155

EXCLUSIVE Interview: Mario pg 164 The Prescription pg 173

No Nonsense Telling It Like It Is: Sell Out or Say No- The Blackballing of Mo'Nique

Dear Readers, How's everybody out there doing? We're right back at cha' with another issue. This one is packed with a celebrity interviews and a nice spread where we deem Ava DuVernay as the this month's Most Beautiful Woman. I'm really proud of this issue and the work our staff of writers had put into it. We're continuing to grow and we appreciate your support. If you have any comments or feed back, or if you would like to become part of the team, drop us a line. Until next month, enjoy. Peace and Love,

My name is

Richarh Aswanu AKA Daddy Rich. I am the CEO and founder here at Urban Image Magazine and GangstatLit. Writing is not a phase in my life, it defines who I am. I’m a man on a mission. I want my freedom! This is why I write! I have been locked down for 8 years but have published 3 books thus far. I have my own style that separates me from other authors. I created Urban Image to serve as a publication you can be proud of. It is our aim to dissolve the negative stereotypes associated with the “Urban Community”. We will inform, educate, entertain and inspire our readers. In addition to providing you with thought provoking content, Urban Image Magazine will showcase talents who haven’t had the opportunity to reach mainstream media outlets. Urban Image Magazine was founded as a life changing movement for all that are involved in our mission. We are a stage for those without a platform to have a spotlight. Published to be accessible online, this magazine is designed to serve as a catalyst to success, a place where you can network with like-minded people who are in pursuit of their dreams

Hello, my name is Denetra Key better known as D Queen or Boss Ladii. I am the president here at Urban Image. I am a mother of three and also a 15 year nurse by profession. I also am our magazine layout designer… so I hope you enjoy my art. My articles and blogs are to shed light on issues that are dear to my heart! I apologize in advance if I offend. But my pieces are based on my opinion. Our opinions reflect that we are individual children of God. One promise I can make is that I will report on the topics in as accurate fashion as I can. I welcome you to leave your comments good or bad in regards to my work. I actually appreciate it! Your views give me insight. Thank you for visiting our page. While your here please take the time to browse around and look at our past magazines and blogs. Thanks again and God Bless!

Deszion Amani Nasir was born in raised in Hampton, VA, where she penned her first novel in the 6th grade when her simple ideas were read by others and she was told "Wow... this is good. You should be a writer." The light bulb clicked on and never turned off. In 2012 Nasir debuted her first novel, "Untrust," the strange tale of an unusual set of twins with no family, yet more family drama than oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever deem possible. Then she released, "Dragonflies & Demons," part one of a short series about a couple stuck in a vicious cycle of domestic violence that blurs the lines between victim and abuser. After that, the followup of "Untrust" entitled "Wicked Blues," dropped in November. She is currently writing her first paranormal/sci-fi novel, "Sariah," which is due to be released in the Spring. This excitingly eerie novel will come out in the Spring. Nasir is currently in the works to drop an Anthology with two other authors that will be released in June. The next installment to her series, Uncommon Devil, will be released in the Fall.

Emiaj Ahdai is from Greensboro, North Carolina. She is our Fashion and Arts Blogger, our Managing Editor and recently promoted to Vice President. She is currently working on her first novel, and is a contributor to LAID: Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Experiences with sex in an easy access

culture. She brings us a unique look on love and relationships through her Single and Ready to Mingle blog and her column Ask Emiaj. This little woman wears a lot of hats but she has a big heart. You would never believer that she started out just blogging with us in her spare time. She believes in hard work and dedication will pay off in the end. Look for her name among the stars. 19

BLESSEDselling

Author E.

Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas” and the “Still Divas” three book series, which have been coined “Soap Operas in Print.” She has written women’s lit and erotica under the name KIMBERLEY R. JASJoylynn M. Jossel and street lit under the name PER was raised in JaJOY. When she's not penning these addictive semaica Queens, New ries for her adult Christian fiction readers, she's York and still depenning children's and tween's stories. Her chilscribes herself as a dren’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received true New Yorker the American Library Association Coretta Scott through and through King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by despite currently reScholastic Books and the book has sold almost s i d i n g i n H u m b l e , T e x - 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school a s w i t h h e r f a m i l y . A f - children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workter self-publishing her shops Joy performs in schools nationwide. first novel, she is now

Currently, Joy is the acquisition editor for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which and passion as a writthe titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing er. From horror ficCorporation. In addition, Joy is the artistic develtion with a mystical oper for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal twist to erotic thrille r s , t h i s a u t h o r c a n d o with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying. You can visit Joy at it all with wellwww.enjoywrites.com. fulfilling her purpose

seasoned finesse.

Larrod Evans was born in Baltimore, MD but bounced around from state to state. He takes pride in his cultural diversity and his biggest influences are his mother, Hip-Hop and traveling. His interest consist of music, art, sports, reading, the outdoors and cooking. He also has a degree in culinary arts and makes a mean pizza! Despite being incarcerated, Larrod maintains self-discipline, is optimistic and works hard towards his goals. He is currently working on various T.V projects and will be launching his publishing company Chapter 34 later this year.

Pieces of Our History By:David Brim-El III

Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) True Mother Nature She was in love with getting her people ahead, a selfless strong woman of color.

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) A Different Sound The best that ever played guitar, hands down!

Sterling A. Brown (1901-1989) The Vernacular Poet Bringing country grammer was his game. His works were all about how our peolple talked in the South. The South only our people knew.

The First!!! (Part 2) By: PJ Fleming

Last month I came with a piece highlighting some of the remarkable pinnacles in history by some extraordinary black individuals. I spoke about my Great G. Ma' and I discussing her being around for a lot of these pinnacles in history and those labeled as "The First". Last month was Gabrielle Christina Douglas, Dominique Margaux Dawes, and William DeHart Hubbard (1903-

1976). This month I have a few other African-Americans who's made history being labeled as "The First" in their own rite. The First: Josephine Baker (1906-1975), Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) and Mary Mahoney (1845-1926). Josephine Baker born a Freda Josephine McDonald born in St. Louis,

Missouri and died in Paris, France. She was an American-born French dancer and singer who symbolized the beauty and vitality of black American culture, which took Paris by storm in the 1920s. Baker grew up fatherless and in poverty. Between the ages of 8 and 10 she was out of school, helping to support her family. As a child Baker developed a taste for the flamboyant that was later to make her famous. As an adolescent she became a dancer, touring at 16 with a dance troupe from Philadelphia. In 1923 she joined the chorus in a road company performing the musical comedy Shuffle Along and then moved to New York City, where she advanced steadily through the show Chocolate Dandies on Broadway and the floor show of the Plantation Club.

hall entertainers in France and achieved star billing at the Folies-Bergere, where she created a sensation by dancing semi -nude in a G-string ornamented with bananas. She made her screen debut 1934 and so going down in history as "The First" black entertainer to star in an international motion picture.

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks was born in Topeka, Kansas and died in Chicago, Illinois. She was an American poet whose works dealt with the everyday life of urban blacks. Brooks graduated from Wilson Junior College in Chicago in 1936. Her early verses appeared in the Chicago Defender, a newspaper written primarily for that city's African American community. Her first published collection, A Street in Bronzeville (1945), reveals, her talent for making the ordiIn 1925 she went to Paris to dance nary life of her neighbors extraordinary. at the theater Des Champs-Elysees in La Ms. Brooks goes down in history Revue Negre and introduced her dance as the first African American poet to win savage to France. She went on to bethe Pulitzer Prize (1949), and in 1968 come one of the most popular musicshe was named the poet laureate of Illi 31

nois. Annie Allen (1949), for which she won the Pulitzer Prize, is a loosely connected series of poems related to an African American girl's growing up in Chicago. The same theme was used for Brooks's novel Maud Martha (1953). Mary Eliza Mahoney was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts and worked at the New England Hospital for Woman and Children (now the Dimock Community Health Center) for fifteen years before being accepted into its school, which was American first. Ms. Mahoney's parent originated from North Carolina. They were newly freed slaves from the South. Ms. Mahoney challenged discrimination of the African American race in nursing being the first black to graduate from a nursing school (Howard University) and she prospered in a predominately white society. Ms. Mahoney goes down in history as "The First" African American to study and work as a professionally trained nurse (registered nurse) in the United States, graduating in 1879.

get inspired. Too often do I hear people talking about what they don't have and what type of disadvantage they have and what they can't do-pointless complaining. Looking back on history on these inspirational individuals labeled as the first, they...had some disadvantages. Yet, they still accomplished their goals and done what they set out to do.

YOU are your own worst enemy. The only one that can stop you from doThe more and more I look back on ing what you dream of is you, and even our history it's impossible for me not to you shouldn't be able to stop you. 32

WAIST TRAINING, GIRDLES AND TIGHTLACING AND THE HEALTH RISKS By: Deszion Amani Nasir

Beyoncé, Kim K., Blac Chyna. The manhunt for the perfect figure has sent all these women down the same route. And because they’ve gone down a certain road, it’s inevitable their fans are going to follow them. This road is the world of waist training, the practice of wearing restrictive garments to force your body into an hourglass shape. But along the way, confusion along with deceptive marketing has told women that tight lacing is the same as waist training, when they are in fact, different. So what’s the difference? And what are the health risks? If you’re going to get into the practice, at least do your research and be informed of the differences and potential health risks. This article can be your beginning start: Girdles Let’s start with girdles. Girdles are restrictive garments made out or lycra, spandex, etc, that DO NOT contain boning in the material. Many women work out, sleep in them and wear them from2 hours to overnight, thinking they are going to get that shape they dream about, when in fact all they’re doing is sweating off water weight, which isn’t burning off any fat. Marketing companies are playing off the popularity of these products and labeling them waist trainers when they in fact, are not. All they are doing is changing your shape under your clothes temporarily. 36

comparable to Spanex on steroids,” says Skyler Sandman from Orchard Corset, a leading retailer of corsets and undergarWhile corsets have been on the market for centuries (the first true corset ments. The garments often come with boning on the inside. was invented back in the 1500s), they have come back into vogue not only as a way to change the shape of the body but Companies that sell fitness waist cinchers claim that they compress your core, to lose weight. In fact, companies are selling products specifically labeled as ramp up perspiration, release toxins, and “fitness waist trainers” and “sports waist metabolize fat. The tight fit also restricts cinchers,” designed to increase the im- your abdomen, reducing your food inpact of your workouts by targeting your take during the day. Advocates assert that these garments will help you lose fat midsection. and inches from your waist. “Waist cinchers are made of latex and Waist Trainers /Corsets

Tight Lacing Some people say that tight lacing is anything beyond a 4 inch reduction. This may be challenging if you have a natural 24″ waist, but easy if you have a 40″ waist. Others say that tight lacing is anything more than 20% reduction, which would obviously be different if you are starting from a different size. This would be the equivalent of a person with a 24″ waist lacing down to about 19″, while the person with the 40″ natural waist being able to lace down to 32″.

Still others say that tight lacing is arbitrary and dependent on the individual’s personal squishiness, tolerance to restriction, etc. Therefore two people with the same starting waist may each cinch down to a different point, they may have a different apparent hip spring, etc. but as long as they are laced to the point where it is a ‘challenging’ (but not painful) reduction, each may be considered a tight lacer in their own right.

NOW…FOR THE HEALTH CONCERNS…

The Myth of Spot Reduction

University of Missouri. “If you want to lose body fat, you’re going to do that The premise behind these garments is through aerobic exercise and a sensible that they “spot reduce” fat around the center of your body. “That’s an exercise diet. You’re not ever going to be able to target where you lose fat from,” he says. misconception,” says Dr. Stephen D. Ball, Ph.D. and Associate Professor of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the According to Jan Schroeder, Ph.D. and Professor of Fitness in the Department of Kinesiology at California State Uni39

versity—Long Beach, “Corsets do not cause you to permanently lose fat in the midsection; they cause a re-distribution of the fat and organs in the trunk,” to give you an hourglass shape. Since waist cinchers are made from latex, they also make you sweat…a lot. “When you sweat, you’re shedding water weight, and that’s not fat,” says Francine Delgado, New York Citybased certified personal trainer. “People may lose weight initially, but you would have to wear the thing forever in order to keep the weight off and to keep the shape,” she says.

Pittsburgh. While Dr. Nason has not treated corset or waist cincher-wearers, based on her medical opinion, she notes that constricting the abdomen and torso could impair lung function by restricting the amount of space available for the lungs to expand into the abdomen and fill with air. “When the lungs don’t expand…they don’t exchange oxygen or expel carbon dioxide, and the person is short of breath.” If you are wearing a waist trainer while

The Downside of Waist Training “Wearing a corset for an evening to portray a slimmer waist does not seem to be a problem,” says Dr. Schroeder. Yet, there may be some potential physiological side effects from wearing a waist cincher for prolonged periods of time, according to Dr. Katie Nason, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of 40

exercising, this could be problematic when your rate of breathing and demand for oxygen is higher. In addition, Dr. Schroeder observes that restricting your lungs may lead to lung disorders, and the lack of oxygenation may even contribute to metabolic syndrome, which can actually result in weight gain. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term impact on the body.

Even for those who are truly waist training, Sandman says that it’s unnecessary to wear the garment while working out. “The amount of time you spend at the gym is not enough time to backtrack in your waist training,” she says.

“Keep in mind that our body shape is often determined by genetics,” says Dr. Ball. “If you genetically don’t have an hourglass shape, you can exercise all you Sandman also notes that these garments want, but you might not end up with an are not true corsets and that using a waist hourglass figure.” Regardless, the best cincher isn’t real waist training—the way to initiate positive changes? Exerpractice of reshaping the body by wear- cise and eating right, Dr. Ball says. ing progressively smaller corsets for two “If you’re not willing to put in the effort, to 10 hours a day. “People get the idea that cinchers work for waist training be- then anything else is the equivalent of cause they look at themselves in the mir- taking the magic pill,” says Delgado. ror and they have a smaller waist when “They’re doing that at a significant risk all they’ve done is sweated out water and it’s not sustainable.” weight,” says Sandman. 41

#teamnaturals

CARING FOR LOW POROSITY HAIR By: Deszion Amani Nasir

So, I’ve been in and out of a lot of my hair groups lately, and it seems a lot of women seem to be having a fit with their hair this winter. And a lot of them have Lo-Po hair (Low Porosity). So this month I’m going to focus on identifying and caring for low porosity hair.

can also be affected by external factors such as exposure, heat treatments and chemical processing. Knowing your hair's porosity can help you choose the right products to keep your hair wellmoisturized, supple, strong and shiny.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY HAIR’S POROSITY IS?

There are two methods you can use to find out how porous your hair is.

According to naturallycurl.com, Porosity refers to how well your hair is able to absorb and hold moisture. It is affected by the flexible outer hair layer called the cuticle, which determines how easily moisture and oils pass in and out of your hair. For most, porosity is genetic, but it

The Float Test: Take a couple of strands of hair from your comb or brush and drop them into a bowl of water. Let them sit for 2-4 minutes. If your hair floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks, you have high porosity.

DETERMINING HAIR POROSITY

The Slip'n'Slide Test: Take a strand of

tract and hold moisture to your hair. Choose lighter, liquid-based products such as hair milks that won't sit on your hair and leave it oily or greasy. MEDIUM POROSITY

hair and slide your fingers up the shaft (toward the scalp). If you feel little bumps along the way, this means that your cuticle is lifted and that you have high porosity. If your fingers slip smoothly, then you have low porosity hair. LOW POROSITY

Hair with medium porosity often requires the least amount of maintenance. The cuticle layer is looser, allowing just the right amount of moisture to enter while preventing too much from escaping. Hair with normal porosity tends to hold styles well, and can be permed and colored with predictable results. Over time, however, these processes can damage your hair and increase its porosity.

Hair with low porosity has a tightly bound cuticle layer with overlapping scales that lay flat. This type of hair is usually considered healthy, and is often very shiny, especially when it's dark in color. Low porosity hair repels moisture when you try to wet it and is hard to process since it resists penetration of chemicals.

Occasional deep conditioning treatments with protein conditioners can benefit medium porosity hair, but proteins should not be included in your daily regimen.

Low porosity hair is also prone to build-up from protein-rich deep conditioning products, which can leave it feeling stiff and straw-like. Stick to protein-free, daily conditioners with humectants such as glycerin or honey. Use moderate heat with protein-free deep conditioning treatments to help open up the tightly bound cuticle. Low porosity hair requires moisturizers rich in emollients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil and mineral oil. It also benefits from humectant products, which at-

HIGH POROSITY

High porosity can be either an inherent property of hair or the result of damage from chemical processing, rough treatment or environmental damage. High 44

porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, which let too much moisture into your hair and leave it prone to frizz and tangling in humid weather. Even simple acts such as bathing, swimming and shampooing can create more damage and breakage due to the sheer amount of moisture highly porous hair can absorb. Be sure to use anti-humectants in climates with high heat and humidity. This will help seal your damaged cuticles and prevent them from absorbing excess moisture in the air. Because highly porous hair can also lose moisture easily, it's important to use leavein conditioners, moisturizers and sealers. Layering these products will help your hair hold on to the moisture you're giving it. You can even follow up with a heavy hair butter to help fill the gaps in your damaged cuticles and further protect your hair from losing too much moisture. Now that we have that out of the way, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move on to how to care for lo-po hair.

wiry, tangly or brittle it not necessarily lacking oil or conditioner - it's lacking hydration and flexibility. Hydrating lower porosity hair takes a different mindset - and a special bag of tricks. If your hair is medium to coarse, it may also need help with softness, something you get from conditioners and some oils. Look for conditioners thickened with acetyl alcohol to lend softness to your hair. Moisturize: A catchall term. Moisture is water. Not conditioner, not oil. You don't drink oil when you're thirsty. Hydrate: Provide and maintain adequate water. Ah, now this is what your lower porosity hair needs! Hair contains water. Well-hydrated hair is more elastic, more flexible, and less frizzy or fluffy than dehydrated hair. Hydration is all about water in and around your hair Low Porosity Hair Hydration How-to (one or more of these may work for you) 1) Work at the surface of the hair with these tips: You can do a lot of hair-

If your lower porosity hair feels dry, 45

hydrating to soften, add flexibility and lubrication with products that never need do anything but stay on and around your hair shafts, helping prevent water loss and providing superficial effects. Leaving in conditioner: For low porosity hair, leave-in conditioners are used to add lubrication, weight and flexibility and provide softness. We are not expecting a leave-in to "soak in" with low porosity hair. We're using it for a superficial effect, as a styling product. If you find that leave-in conditioners seem to sit atop your hair, try this trick: The trick for low porosity hair: Use leave-in conditioners on dripping wet hair, or apply them and then quickly move your head under and then back out of the shower spray (or pour some water over your hair) for good coverage and dilution. Conditioner for leaving in can be used alone or mixed into a gel like homemade flaxseed gel to combine effects, improve distribution and get it all done in one step. You may not need much leave-in or left-in conditioner and diluting & distributing it with the shower spray or mixed into a styling product can be a necessary step because you're using it for a superficial effect. Your leave-in helps style your hair, plain and simple. You can also mix a little conditioner with distilled water in a spray bottle to apply a leave-in. Film-forming humectants: Film-forming humectants really are the bee's knees for low porosity hair. Flaxseed gel (linseed) or okra gel (homemade), aloe vera gel, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, marshmallow root, slippery elm, panthenol, xanthan gum, Hydroxypropyltrimonium honey; all these ingredients form clear, 46

flexible films over your hair that trap water near your hair to keep it hydrated or moisturized - but without being heavy, creamy or oily. Protein also falls into this category, more on that below. These ingredients can keep hair hydrated extremely well and also have great styling benefits. Hydrated hair is flexible, welldefined and soft. Protein: Protein for lower porosity hair acts as a hydrating (or moisturizing) agent. Protein slows water loss from hair. Larger proteins form hair-hugging, water -grabbing films over hairs that trap moisture near your hair. Smaller proteins can do this and also settle in around the cuticles and keep the water in your hair longer. This is different than oils which just trap water. Proteins grab water from your wet hair and hold on to it so when your hair dries, it stays better hydrated.

Moisturized! Fine and medium hair are more tolerant of protein than coarse hair. Fine and medium hair can usually tolerate more frequent protein than very coarse hair. Because protein adds some extra support to hair, it can make coarser hair feel rough and dry and abrasive if used too often. 2) Work at and beneath the surface of your hair with these tips: Oil Pre-Shampoo / Pre-cleansing treatments: With low porosity hair - getting a benefit from oil sometimes means knowing some tricks for using it. Using a hairpenetrating oil on your hair like coconut oil or sunflower oil or olive oil for several hours before you wash your hair can add softness, lubrication and weight to your hair. Because you wash after this

treatment, you won't have greasy feeling hair, but the softness and definition remains. Oils do not create build-up like conditioners can (with the exception of cocoa butter and plain shea butter or other solid-at-room-temperature plant butters). These are ideal treatments for lower porosity hair because even though your hair doesn't soak up loads of oil, it can benefit from it. And because low porosity hair can be build-up prone, oils can be a good option for deep conditioning. When your hair feels tangly, use oils that have good lubrication for your prewash such as sunflower, jojoba, olive or grapeseed. Trick for using oils on low porosity hair: Use a light touch for an oil pre-wash treatment. Enough oil to add some shine, or maybe a little more to add some

weight and make your hair feel a little "dirty." Use this only on the ends if your hair becomes greasy easily. Leave on for 2-6 hours. Use a good shampoo to cleanse; if you're using a very mild shampoo, you might want to do a second wash with shampoo diluted with water if you used more oil than you needed. Heat: 1) Heat may increase your hair's porosity slightly but not in the more aggressive way of acids and alkaline solutions. Heat helps your hair cuticles open up to absorb conditioner better. 2) Heat liquefies ingredients, the act of wrapping your hair to apply heat improves product distribution, and more conditioner will adhere to your hair with heat. Use heat with deep conditioning treatments if

more than usual. Using heat can double the amount of conditioner that binds to your hair. Steam: Steam combines the beneficial effects of heat (listed above) with an abundance of moisture in the form of water vapor. In the presence of steam and a conditioner, your hair will be plumping up with water and with it will go some of the good things from the conditioner you have put in your hair. Heat increases conditioner binding to your hair, hydrates it to the maximum for even more softening and conditioning. Use a hood or bonnet type steamer or a handheld steamer made for use on hair. Steamers made for upholstery or clothing will produce steam that is much too hot to be safe.

10-30 minutes for the most intense effect. Other hydration boosters: Aloe Vera rinse: Combine 1 part Aloe Vera juice (the drinkable kind) with 1 part water. Add a small squirt of glycerin if you like. Apply with a cup or squeeze bottle, work through and leave on for a minute or two. Rinse. The reason to dilute with water is to keep the pH around 5 because aloe vera juices can be quite acidic which is harsh hair and may irritate your scalp and eyes.

Honey: Mix warmed honey (do not let it boil, it will become hard when cool) into conditioner or with warm water or warm herbal tea. Apply to hair as usual for conditioner, leave a honey rinse on for a few minutes. You can use this with heat Deep conditioning: Lower porosity hair too. does not pick up as much conditioning as hair that is more porous. If your hair needs an intense burst of softness, detangling or hydration, use a deep conditioner, or your usual conditioner with a little oil and whatever else you like added. - Add heat or steam to the treatment, barely warmer than body temperature. - Leave it on 5 minutes for hair that is easily over-conditioned or gets too soft,

Banana: You must be careful with bananas! Banana has amazing hydrating and shine-enhancing power. No green bananas. No solidyellow bananas. I am not kidding. It's really hard to wash out banana chunks and for some reason, when you put banana in your hair which has not been pureed to complete and total mush or is not ripe enough - it forms chunks. In your hair. But when it is good - it is so good! Honey and banana combination can soften hair a lot. Blend up 1/4 to 1/2 very ripe banana (lots of brown spots on the skin) and apply it to your hair - with some warmed honey if you like. Leave on with heat for 3-5 minutes. A better idea is to use baby food banana puree if you have never used banana before. Yogurt: Stick with non-fat plain yogurt if your hair is easily weighed down. The lactic acid in yogurt hydrates hair and there are some proteins that are small enough to be "active" in your hair. Use this before a thorough cleansing to avoid any lingering yogurt in your hair. 50

Fashion Designer's Secrets to Help You Look Fab By: Cesar Sosa

Clothing that Compliments You: Every woman has something to complain about when she looks in the mirror. If you don't, god for you! But if you are like most women, once you fix the one thing that bothers you, another seems to emerge. The journey never ends. The closer we get to perfection, the more annoying other imperfections feel, exhausting, isn't it?

you look at many fashion magazines, you will likely see the ideal as tall and thin. If you ask the average male he will say a woman who is "curvaceous." And if you ask yourself? Hmmm... that may take a little while to answer. But here's the ideal: In order to begin to build a wardrobe that expresses your personal style, you must determine what your shape is. Okay, don't roll your eyes, but yes, I am going to ask you to asses your body and then compare yourself to a piece of fruit.

In my personal experience, designing beautiful garments for women, I came up with my own theory that will help you look fabulous at all times. Here I share my secrets with you, but don't tell anybody, keep them for you.

The shape of many women can be described as bearing a similarity to either a pear or an apple. Now, take a look in the mirror and decide which of these two you resemble most. If you're a pear, you tend to carry your weight Determining Your Body Shape: around your hip and bottom area, and if What's is the ideal body shape today? I bet you're an apple, you tend to carry your weight you're saying, "It depends on who you ask." If around your upper body. 54

Once you know your shape, your next job is to figure out how to use fashion to accentuate the parts you love and help hide the parts you don't. By discovering how to draw attention away from problem areas, you then have the general knowledge you need to dress in the most flattering way for your body type, no matter the occasion. Whether you're a pear or an apple doesn't mean you're overweight. Apples simply carry their weight in their upper bodies, and pears tend to carry their weight around their hips and bottoms. The secret is to use your clothing to make your figure more proportioned on top and bottom.

No matter your shape, you can use my personal secret advice to make the most out of your clothing. The most common fruit: The pear. the most common shape for women is the pear shape. What that means is the widest part of your body i below your waist, around your hips. You can be tall, short, heavy, or skinny and still be pear shaped. If you're a pear, your fashion goal is to elongate your figure so that you look les bottom heavy. The first step is to balance your hips and shoulders while showing of your curves. The secret here is to accentuate your top half. For example, if the eyes are drawn to the cute top you're wearing or the scarf around your neck, it takes the focus off your bottom half.

But, what if I don't fall into either category? Some women are cut pretty straight up and down; others are fairly proportional. FortuAlways wear something darker and slimming nately, you don't have to be either one or the on the bottom, like dark jeans or slacks, or a other to make this information work for you. 55

dark knee-length pencil skirt or A-line skirt. And no, that doesn't mean that you have to always wear black on the bottom, but make sure that the bottom is solid in color and darker than whatever you have on top. As a pear, you want to direct attention to your tops. Wear fun colors, prints, or detail at the neck, they all serve the purpose of drawing the eye away from the hip area. Just make sure that your tops don't end at your hips because that draws unnecessary attention there. My suggestions; Go for clean, tailored lines on the bottom: Whatever you wear on the bottom should be more tailored, such as flat front pants. With skirts, the A-line or flared skirt is a great piece to use as a base to accentuate a beautiful selection of tops. Stay away from pleats, side pockets, or anything that is going to add dimension to this area. If you wear a belt, make sure it is slim and the same color as your pants, a wide belt draws more attention to the area you are trying to deemphasize. If you belt a dress, make sure the belt sits higher up at your waistline rather than your hips. Better yet, wear a top that's gathered around the stomach. Doing so hides your tummy if you need to. Ruffles or puffy sleeves on top 56

are also great for pear-shaped bodies.

You can wear patterns, just follow these guidelines:

When you keep it simple on the bottom, you have so much room to play with tops and accessories. Try a fun scarf around your neck, a fabulous necklace, or a great pair of earrings. These items all serve to draw the eye up to your best feature your face.

Any large pattern is going to draw attention, so don't wear a large pattern on top. Wear a small subtle pattern instead or save the patterns for the bottom. A great print skirt with a solid sweater set is a great way to express yourself while also flattering your figure. If you have a fuller chest area (and are comfortable accentuating this area), draw attention to it: Doing so keeps straying eyes from your midsection. Wear a sexy Vneck. (Ooh la la!). Wear bras that support your bust. And any straps on your tops should be wide enough to cover your bra straps.

The next popular fruit: The Apple Apple-shaped women are fuller around the middle. If they gain weight, it shows up around their belly and upper body. They're usually largerbreasted and their upper arms and shoulders are broader too. Their legs tend to be thin and their butts tend to be flat. As an apple, you want to emphasize your strong points, your bust and legs, while camouflaging your weaker ones like your mid-section. Keep it all in balance. Since the idea is to draw the eye toward the parts of your body that shine, and away from those that don't; you want to show off your great legs.

If, like most apples, you have great legs, short skirts are in order: If you're in the office, the shortest your skirt should be is above the knee. If you're going out for a night on the town, go a little higher! 59

A-line skirts work with your figure: Since they flare out from the waist, A-line skirts offer balance and proportion to your upper half.

natural, wider waist. Don't wear pants with pleated fronts, as that only makes your middle look larger. Don't wear pants that are too tight, even if you have nice legs, because that If you don't have much of a backside and you makes your top seem too large. Remember, while you want to emphasize your better want to give the illusion that you do, wear attributes, the challenge is to do so while pants with back pockets: Your jeans should have a rise lower than your keeping your overall look in balance.

Go for longer jackets: Your jackets should be on the long side, never ending at waist level. Make sure they come down to your hips to create a long, lean line right over your waist and tummy area. And opt for single-breasted jackets that you can keep unbuttoned. A double-breasted blazer that needs to be buttoned to look right only makes you look larger on top. Opt for drop waists: A dress with a drop waist (that narrows down at the point of your hips instead of your true waist) bypasses any constricting fabric around the tummy area and makes your torso appear longer and leaner overall. If you're an apple with great legs, you can get away with anything on the bottom, even knits. As far as the top goes, stay with materials that offer more structure, like a straight cut cotton blouse, or something blousy like silk. Both of these camouflage the midsection. You want to avoid tight knots on top because they cling and accentuate this area. I hope that you find this information useful. Remember, have fun with fashion, follow my golden rules and you will always look fab. Dress to be happy and be random. 61

Fashion Victims: I’m not Green with Envy Edition Hey ya’ll thid is your girl D Queen fillin in for Cesar this month fir your Fashion Victims. And well I figured that in honor of St. Patrick's Day and my Irish heritage (and yes Black Girls can be Irish too) that I would highlight some of our favorite celebs attempting to sport my favorite color….you guessed it GREEN! And believe me not everyone can pull this color off. LOL! Ok lets start off with Ms. Solange. The first thing I would like to say is will somebody tell this child to comb her damn hair! I mean seriously! People wanted to dog Blue Ivy, but at least she is a kid. She has no control over what gets done to her hair but her Auntie here, she um, just...Never mind. Anyway… Ok her dress not so bad. It fits her well and the coloir actually compliments her skin tone quite well. She would be alright it her triflin self hadn’t tried to sport some ORANGE shoe with the dress! Really guys...who does that. I’m not getting these shoe choices. Her attire would have been much better suited with a pair of metallic heels. IJS...off with them heads.

Now on the other hand Sister Bey didn’t make such a wise choice at Movie Rocks 2007, where she sported this tight green gown. The color looks great on her but doesn’t it just look like if she takes one heavy breath she is gonna bust right up out of that dress and Lord forbid if she were to sneeze. Oh my Goooodness Bey stop with the shenanigans. But hey at least she got her hair did before she went!

Ms. Zoe Saldana...isn’t she just as cute as she can be? Cute being the main word here. Thought this simple gown shows just how radiant her beauty is it does not compliment her in any way shape of form. She might as well took a green trash bag, you know the king they use to gather leaves and tied it around her and called it a day. Because it would have did her just as much justice as that expensive dress she has on in this picture. She looks like a kindergartener playing dress up in her Momma’s too big clothes. 65

I swear it must be Kim Kardashian’s goal to be in every Fashion Victims column we put out. I don’t get it...this is one beautiful woman but I keep finding endless accounts of her slippin and trippin on the fashion forefront. This dress right here was not the one for her at that moment. I mean she damn near look like Miss Piggy, bout to pop all up out of that thang. The color looks amazing on her but that velvet sends me straight to the 70s . Like I said in last months edition we need to find her stylist and make some off wit they heads moves. IJS!

Finally my one Fashion Hero, Ms. Viola Davis! She absolutely rocked this beautiful green gown at the 2012 Oscars. Not many woman could have pulled this one off with such elegance and grace. Just think ain't she like 72 or something? Her lean, toned, body captivated this dress and made it her own . No flap no where. All the way from her well groomed natural cut to her earrings and her clutch girlfriend rocked that thang. Now that’s “How you Get Away with...a Green Dress! LOL! You Go Girl! 66

SIX SURE SIGNS THAT YOU’RE THE SIDE CHICK By: Kimberley Jasper

Your man is always hustling, so it didn’t bother you that he took you out to dinner the weekend after Valentine’s Day. He’s your Boo and he treats you so well throughout the year that you don’t need that one special day. Right?

Maybe. Or maybe, he had to take his main chick out on the weekend of and knew he could hit you up later. No one wants to be classified as the side chick, and no matter how much you want to believe that you are the only woman, some guys are much trickier than you think. You are loyal to him, but you are not his main. If you don’t already know, here are 6 sure signs that you are the side chick. 71

1.HE’S NEVER AVAILABLE

You’re never able to get in contact with him; he always has to call you back. Random hook-ups for lunch are absolutely out of the question unless he’s the one popping up on you. If you even know where he works, there’s always some reason why you can’t come see him. You only have a cell and work number for him, and he claims not to have a home phone. Nothing is ever spontaneous, but instead has to be planned, sometimes weeks in advance. This is usually because your man has to not only set aside time for you, but he has to make up lies to tell his main chick. 2. HE NEVER TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE Asking him about his views on the future of your relationship is like pulling teeth. Simply put, he just doesn’t think about the future with you because he really isn’t planning one. In his mind, he’s probably well aware that keeping you as the other woman won’t last for too long, so why plan on a future at all? He already has his future set up with someone else, there’s no point in trying to talk about one with you. 72

3. YOU DON’T CELEBRATE TOGETHER When you do celebrate holidays, it’s never on the real day. He always has plans on the actual day, but promises to make it up to you afterwards. Valentine’s Day is celebrated a week before or after, as are other holidays. This is because a majority of his time and money is being soaked up by his main chick. He celebrates with his family first, then he does a quick celebration with you.

4. YOU’VE NEVER MET HIS FAMILY OR CLOSE FRIENDS Most men who are proud and happy with their relationship will introduce their woman to his parents and his friends. If you have never met, let alone spoken to his parents or friends, this is a huge sign that you can’t be known amongst his inner circles. Why? Because they know his wife or main chick. His mother would surely disapprove, so he comes up with a million reasons why you can’t meet her. But if you’ve only met that one friend, chances are, you’re the side chick. 73

5. HE CANCELS A LOT No one is that busy. Any man who is truly serious about you, will make time for you. You planned a date at a nice restaurant weeks ago, but just yesterday he had to cancel immediately. His explanations never make any sense and just aren’t good enough. A true sign that you’re the side chick is when a guy continuously and randomly has to cancel spending time with you. When his main chick is in the picture, he of course has to put her first, so your planned time together will always take the back burner.

6. YOU DON’T GO OUT PUBLICLY OFTEN You think it’s cute that he likes to cuddle on the couch, you even admire his thriftiness. When you two go on dates, it’s either across town, in some small local place, or it’s at your house. This is because he doesn’t want to get caught with you in public by someone he knows. And on the off chance that you two are in public, he doesn’t hold your hand and he doesn’t show you a lot of public affection. As a matter of fact, he acts like he’s not even with you, dropping you off at the front door while he parks the car. Or he simply just meets you there, running late, is his excuse. But you’re the side chick so he doesn’t even have to try hard, if you bounce, he can easily replace you with another. 74

relationships we grow apart. If you really love him like you say you do; have a conversation with him about what is going on. Having a conversation doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean to argue or raise your voice.

Dear Girlfriend Needing Space, You offered very little detail of why you are currently unhappy in your situation. Sometimes in

Adding space to a strain situation could cause you all to fall further apart. Before adding this so called space; find a way to get back to your happy. Maybe you all need a change of scenery. Take a vacation somewhere you have never been before, even it is just for the weekend. Go away and remember why you are actually in love with him. As I said before sometimes we lose sight of what it really there. We get so stuck in the everyday life that we looks pass the need of feeling loved and being appreciated. Emiaj

Dear Emiaj,

and have an in between. Reason why I ask this, you

Please keep this letter anonymous for me. I am so unsure at this point in my life. I have been married to my husband for ten years and have two beautiful children. In the course of the last year or so I have noticed a dramatic change in my husband. He is staying out until ungodly hours of the night with his friends. He takes very little interest now in the kids. I am not the type of woman who argues, but I will ask him what is going on and what can we do fix this. Emiaj, I feel like I am in this marriage alone. I love my husband with everything in me. I want our little family to work out but I can’t stay somewhere and not feel like my life partner is not in it with me. I have seriously considered leaving. I don’t want to but I will. How can I make marriage work, I feel like I am at my last resort.

may not argue but it maybe the way you say things

“Wife Wanting it to Work”

to him. If things are said, that needs to be explained then this may be the way to go. We as women are sometimes guilty of talking down to people. We may not mean to but we do it. If a man is going through something that is not what he needs at that point. When you noticed the change in him a year ago; why didn’t you try to get help then? Could have been that you thought it was some phase he was going through and he would come out of it. I am not going to tell you to call it quits because you know how I work when it comes to marriage. I believe that is something that is not easily broken. It is fixable. Get the counseling; those babies need their parents to pull it together to make it work. If at the end of that counseling you see things don’t change do what you need to do for your family. Please stay in contact with me Emiaj

Dear “Wife Wanting it to Work”, I will keep you anonymous, and I am sorry that you feel alone in your marriage. Something has happened and your husband is not speaking about it. Men do this thing of putting up walls and shutting people out. Your husband has an issue. Have you all thought about going to marriage counseling, 77

Women Hate... By Richarh Aswanu

when we ask "can I just put the tip in" , after we're told "no sex tonight"...

when we suck our teeth out of arrogance while trying to holla at them...

when we roll a blunt in the bathroom and spill cigar dropping on the floor by the trash can...

when we have dirty hands and try to touch em'...

when we cuss too mutha F@#$in' much... 82

when we become so predictable they can tell the time by our actions...

when we're lazy around the house...

when we barely pretend to listen to them gossip about how their girlfriend is so stupid for taking her boyfriend back after he gave her chlamydia... 83

Meet Foxie UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Around the Way Girl By: Richarh Aswanu

Every month, we pick a normal, everyday girl from "Around The Way" to flirt and ask a bunch of inappropriate questions. And this month, boy do I have a treat for you. We have Foxie, a real live phone sex operator. And she loooooves sex! How are you doin Mama! You are one sexy thang. Just Hot! I wish you would take me home with you and make me be good. It is what it is, just looking at you causes all kinds of dirty little thoughts to run through my mind...How much will you charge to babysit me? And I'm baaad to Mama. 84

Name: Foxie Social Media Info: @FoxieBookings (twitter) or https:// www.facebook.com/ FoxieBookingsLLC (Facebook)

Location: Traverse City, Michigan Zodiac Sign: Libra Favorite Drink: Red Dragon

Richarh: What makes you wanna sink your sexy lil claws into a man? Foxie: I am all woman so I appreciate a man who is all man. I have an appreciation for a Well Spoken Articulate man. I like pretty teeth and a nice smile, delicious pillow lips, smelling delicious is a plus. Although some women like 10+ looks, I on the other hand like a man who can reel me in, that drives me wild. A dominant man who has swag, jenesequa, and will not let me throw temper tan-

trums just is the best!

Richarh: How do you keep on your little Kitty Kat trimmed? Bush, shaven bare, landing strip??? Foxie: Bare and Bald, I do not want anything between my pretty lips and his pretty lips!! Richarh: What's her name? Foxie: His Pussy!! (when I am with a man ) I am currently single.

for 17 years now. I raised both of my sons, bought homes, was able to be a stay at home mother and raise my sons. I was the PTA, Football , Lacrosse mom. On the way to games I would be in my car, alone, with my headset on doing calls!! Yes, phone sexing from the car! Richarh: Tell the truth, you be playin with yourself when you talk dirty on the phone, don't you? Foxie: Honestly, no! This was always just a job for me. I hate to ruin the fantasy, but when I am on calls, I am like doing laundry, driving, sometimes shopping lol, cleaning, vacuuming. Thank God for the mute button. What most people do not realize about phone sex is that it is rarely about the sex. My clients, a lot of whom are married want The Girlfriend Experience. Their wives have become so complacent in the marriage they have forgotten to be the girl the guy married. Wives forget to ask their hubby’s like hey babe how are you? How was work? Stuff like that. That is where I come in to be everything their wives are not … The girlfriend, the friend, the wife, the confidant, the slut, the whore. I am Richarh: What do you have to say to super prissy with the best potty mouth anyone who feels that any woman over out there and I still bake cookies and 40 is too old to be twerkin and tryin to shit! That is what separates me from othget their freak on? er telephone actresses … I am still me on Foxie: Age is just a number! Women the phone... That Round the Way Girl who are 40+ are like fine wine we getter better with age therefore we take twerkin Richarh: What's your favorite sex and everything else to a whole new level. toy? Something happened to me when I Foxie: A man’s mouth! But, if I cannot turned 40 …. IDGAF! Now, I hear you're have that, then I will masturbate using a phone sex operator huh? Yes, I have my fingers. My left fingers. Yes, I am a been an adult telephone fantasy actress leftie! I have a dildo, the penthouse ser87

ies dildo but once I penetrate myself it is So I capitalized off it! like opening Pandora’s Box! I become hungry like the wolf. My appetite for sex Richarh: Now, be honest, what's the is insatiable. most outlandish thing YOU'VE wanted to fantasize about while having Richarh: I'm incarcerated, I can't call phone sex? the 800 number. Will you give me your Foxie: The only person I ever had real cell, and I'll send you your fees in the phone sex with was an ex-boyfriend. I mail? Do you accept postage stamps as fantasized about being with another a form of currency? woman. Then my fantasy came to fruiFoxie: Clients are never privy to my cell tion, and I soon realized I am so super phone number! The only form of paystrictly dickly! ment I accept is cashy!! Taken in the form of check, credit card, or pre-paid Richarh: Do you have any unfulfilled gift card. I need the green!! fantasies? Foxie: No, not as of right now but I am Richarh: Please share with us, what's open minded. I recently had a gentleman the most outlandish thing a customer that I actually I suppose one can say has wanted to fantasize about while dominated. I gave him a golden shower having phone sex? in his mouth (yes he swallowed) and he Foxie: When phone sex fantasies turn in- performed cunnilingus on me while I to reality … I have a client whom I have menstruating. speaking with for over 10 years now. Our relationship has evolved quite a bit. He Richarh: On a scale of one 1-10, was straight when we first started speak- what's your sex drive like? ing but now this client loves men and Foxie: 8.5 transsexuals and takes me to glory holes with him via his phone and or to the ho- Richarh: Do men have a hard time tel. He lets me listen in and speak with keepin up with you? the men or ladyboys who are penetrating Foxie: Sometimes, that is because I rehis ass and mouth. Also, I have Sneezing fuse to fake orgasms in my 40s. I faked Fetish website. Yes men want to see and way too many orgasms in my teens, 20’s hear me sneeze. Sounds weird huh? It is and 30’s. Women are like ovens we need quite popular. How did I find out about to be warmed up, so it takes a while sneezing fetishists I am sure you want to sometimes. I like to color outside the know? My ex, he had a sneezing fetish. It lines using every crayon in the box! was awful to be honest with you, but I Foreplay is a must in order to make this was so young and insecure and longed girl experience the euphoric state of orfor a relationship I went along with it. gasmic bliss. The only way we had sex was if I was sneezing. He would blow pepper in my Richarh: How many orgasm do you face and perfume. It was awful. But then have a day? I thought well if he likes this there must be others and yes there certainly were. 88

real cock look alike vibrator. I was like a man glued to the Victoria Secret T.V. special. I came and came and came! When I am really horny I will masturbate like twice a day. I usually do masturbate once a day! If I am having sex I prefer to save it for my partner! Or masturbate in front of him, that’s hot! Richarh: How many do you think you've had in your lifetime? Foxie: Hundreds, most of them sad to say selfgiven! Richarh: What's your favorite position? Foxie: I love to feel the weight of a man on top of me, so missionary. Richarh: How do you feel about oral sex? Foxie: I, myself am very orally inclined therefore I require a partner who is orally inclined himself. Let’s face it, any woman can bend over and have a man take her and make him cum but when you know how to wrap your lips around a man’s cock and suck him like you were sucking the nails out of a board followed Foxie: The most I ever had in one day by swallowing every drip of love was 6. It was when I bought my very first juice…. What man is going to forget 90

that? When a woman licks her own juice off of a man â&#x20AC;Ś total hotness!! Richarh: Would you mind giving me some lessons one day? I want to learn how to perform better? I promise I'm a good student. Foxie: You would like for me to give you phone sex lessons? Hmmm, let me think about it Richarh: I bet she's pretty. What are some proven coochie care techniques you've used over the years to keep her in tip-top condition? Foxie: Keeping lady parts perfect include kegels, kegels , and more kegels to keep her nice and tight. While shaving her use a brand new razor every time using KY warming lube, it relaxes the hair follicles and leaves it sooo super smooth and yummy! Moisturize her please! She is skin like the skin on your face!

Hoosier Pick? By: Lonnie Hall

March Madness is upon us again and that means many college basketball fans will be filing out their brackets. This year the Kentucky Wildcats will be the favorites to take title and have gone unbeaten so far. It's no secret, I'm a Hoosier and I'm rooting for any team from Indiana, we have four trying to make a run for the Championship this year. Notre Dame is ranked 12 and just beat the Louisville Cardinals. So, they'll be in the tournament. The Purdue Boilermakers have been playing good enough to make the cut also, while Butler and the Hosiers are on the bubble. Like I said, I'm Indiana all the way, Hoosier pick?

This Month in Sports! By: Denetra Key

Good News for the Pacers. Yesss! Paul George has had a full practice... Can anybody say

The Knicks waive Amare Stoudemire. Looks like the Mavs are pretty interested. Personally I think he'll be ridin the bench.

Commissioner Goodell of the NFL is looking into punishing teams with domestic violence issues, possibly including draft picks.

Rondo gets suspended for spazzin out on Coach Carlisle. Then he had another exchange of words in the locker room...

Ray Rice apologized to Baltimore in a newspaper ad. Who do you think will sign him??

The Pats are under investigation AGAIN! It's alleged that Jim McNally tried to introduce an official kicking ball into AFC title game. I mean, where's the integrity??? 97

By: Richarh Aswanu

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UIM’s Manly Meal of the Month Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich By: Denetra Key

INGREDIENTS

Thinly sliced fresh mushrooms 1loaf Italian bread or 1 loaf French (optional) bread or 2 large hoagie rolls or 2 2 teaspoons garlic (minced) large sub rolls 1⁄2lb provolone cheese (thinly 1⁄2lb frozen Rib-Eye roast shaved on an electric slicer, wh)

sliced)

1 white onion (thinly sliced)

salt and pepper

extra virgin olive oil (for grilling)

1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced) marinara sauce (optional topping) (optional) or ketchup (optional topping) 104

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat a griddle or a large saute pan over me-

dium-high heat. 2. When hot, cover bottom with olive oil. 3. Add the onions and bell pepper and cook,

stirring, until carmelized, which will take about 6 to 8 minutes. 4. Add the garlic, salt and pepper, and cook

for about 30 seconds. 5. Then, push the mixture off to one side of

the griddle. 6. Add the meat to the hot part of the griddle. 7. Cook, continuously flipping the meat over

and slightly chopping the meat into slightly smaller pieces with 2 spatulas, until the meat is not pink, which should take about 2 minutes. 8. Mix the meat and the carmelized onions

and bell pepper together. 9. Divide into 2 portions, and top both por-

tions with the cheese to melt. 10. If using Italian or French bread, cut the

bread in half, crosswise, and slice lengthwise to open for the 2 sandwiches. 11. Hollow out some of the soft white bread

part from inside and place face down on top of the meat and cheese. 12. When the cheese is melted, and with 1 or 2

spatulas, flip the sandwiches over and add topping, such as marinara sauce or ketchup, if desired, and serve immediately. 105

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Cuban Manhattan By: Denetra Key



¾ oz dry vermouth  ¾ oz rosso vermouth  1 oz white rum  2 – 3 dashes Angostura bitter Stir well over ice cubes in a mixing glass, and strain into an old-fashioned glass. Add a stemmed cherry, and serve. 107

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AIRES You want to communicate on the 1st, and it’s just what you should do. Call, write, get on the local radio station and broadcast. Tweet, post, write it on the wall. Now’s the time when you really want to make an effort to get whatever it is that is in your heart out into the world. It’s good for you! And it’s good for the world, too. By the 5th and 6th, it’s high time for you to put some incredibly serious thought into your exercise routine. Is it adequate? Is it less than adequate? Make a plan for a more supportive, intensive, yet nurturing routine, this month. Then get started implementing it — immediately. A work project or a personal interaction or long walk on the beach by yourself: Any or all of these

might bring up some pretty deep emotions on the 10th or 11th. Go deep. The 14th, 15th and 16th are wonderful days get really good and grounded. Great vibes are coming your way on the 21st and 22nd. Your family or good friends need you on the 27th and 28th. Be there. Wrap up the month having fun on the 29th, 30th and 31st. TAURUS

The 1st of the month is a great time for you to take an emotional risk. Do you want to ask them out? Do you want to apply for a new job? Do you want to explore learning a new skill? Or just go out of your comfort zone? Sure, that can be scary. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. And what’s the worst that could

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happen? Falling on your face just gives you a chance to see the world from a new angle, you know. By the awfully romantic 5th and 6th, you’ll be feeling pretty special. And who doesn’t like that? Your emotions are deep — and that’s a real gift, so go with it, even if it’s a challenge on the 10th and 11th. Is there a new job or a new apartment or a new country in the offing? You could be inspired to think about this on the 14th or 15th. Stay grounded, no matter what kind of craziness is happening in your vicinity on the 17th and 18th. If a book of poems written just for you arrives on your desk, or your bedside table, on the 23rd or 24th, don’t be surprised: Yes, they were written for you! A power struggle is best navigated with humility on the 29th, 30th and 31st. GEMINI Okay, balancing a budget isn’t as exciting as, say, going deep sea diving for the first time after months and months of practicing in your neighborhood swimming pool. But even if budget balancing is boring, compared to seeing all those amazing, exotic fish swimming around in all their multi-colored glory, it’s still important and something you really need to do, with your full attention. So sit down on the 1st and balance that budget.

You’ll be glad you did! And the feeling of calm and accomplishment you get feels good, too. A deeper comprehension of a complicated issue opens new doors for you on the 5th and 6th. Enter! You and a partner from some arena of your life (work, romance, yoga) reach a much deeper understanding of it all, together, on the 12th and 13th. Wonderful! A new point of view makes it oh-so-much easier to solve the puzzle that’s been stymying you on the 17th and 18th. Work through any anxiety you might be feeling by turning to the gym (not the refrigerator) on the 23rd and 24th. Put an idea or two into action on the 29th, 30th and 31st. CANCER Your month starts out pretty fantastically on the 1st. Yes, your already impressive energy doubles. Your intuition intensifies. Your emotions flow. Your romance thrives. You could even be in for a pretty terrific surprise at work! So be sure to get to your yoga class or the pool, so that you’re in good physical shape to really make the most of this time. After all, the more relaxed you are, the more deeply you can breathe, and the more deeply you’re breathing, the more present you are in the moment. If you have something to communicate, the 5th and

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6th are great days to do that. Do something really nurturing for yourself on the 12th and 13th. Why not get a massage from a friend who’s training as a massage therapist and needs to practice? The 19th and 20th are full of good energy, so go ahead and get a little philosophical while considering your life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by work, go for a walk on the beach on the 25th or 26th. You’ll feel better listening to the sounds of the waves! You’ll feel pretty great about everything, again, on the wonderful 27th and 28th. End the month with a bang on the 31st. LEO As you walk to work or cycle home from the gym or board the train or stroll to your corner cafe on the 1st, you could have an insight, or a vision, or an idea, or an inspiration. You should pay close attention to this! Take it very seriously, because it is important. You’re in a good place for taking new steps and starting new things, right now, and you should follow your instincts. By the absolutely amazing 2nd, 3rd and 4th, you’re in an extremely successful place. Your romance is thriving, your work is wonderful, your exercise routine is extraordinary (and having an out-of-theordinary effect on your state of wellbeing). Great! Plan something amazing for that date you’ve got in the works on the 5th. By the 12th or 13th, you’ll be ready to go out dancing cheek to cheek all night long. You’ll swing, you’ll tap, you’ll tango. It will be awesome! Chan-

nel all your feelings (frustration, happiness) into something creative on the 19th and 20th. Brainstorm on the 25th! You never know what you could come up with. Some amazingly great days wrap up your month on the 29th, 30th and 31st. VIRGO Whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or an outing to the museum for ten of your best friends, get organized on the 1st. You’ll love dealing with all the details (avocado sandwiches or PBandJ?) that set the tone for these kinds of events. You’ll love the feeling of creating a truly special experience for all of the ones you love. Finally, you’ll enjoy the activity itself all the more, knowing an expert like yourself planned it. Great! Romance is a thing that is going to be taking up the lion’s share of your energy and attention on the 5th and 6th. And, of course, you’ll love it! Well, why wouldn’t you? After all, there’s not much in this world that’s better than romance. You work hard, and on the 14th, 15th and 16th, you’ll see just how well this pays off. It feels good to get the recognition you deserve, doesn’t it? When it comes to balancing your checkbook and generally keeping your finances in order, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to do it right on the 21st and 22nd. Read over your emails twice before sending them at work on the 25th and 26th. Be humble on the 29th, 30th and 31st. Life is a gift! 112

LIBRA If a project that you thought would move quickly seems to be languishing on the 1st, don’t worry. Sometimes things just take longer than you think they will. Sometimes things that have been languishing suddenly take off, with all the complicated moving parts clicking into place. Either way, there’s not all that much you can do about it, sometimes, and now is one of those times. So do your best, then break for coffee, go to the lunchtime power stretching class, and get a good night’s sleep. By the pretty amazing 7th, 8th and 9th, everything is flowing, from your work projects to your love life. You’ll truly be amazed by how in tune you are with the people around you, and how well the universe and you seem to be grooving along together. It’s only natural for old wounds to smart or ache, once in a while, and if this happens on the 14th, 15th or 16th, do something nice for yourself. You probably just need a little TLC. On the 21st and 22nd, relationships are the thing you really focus on, and that’s great. Put a vase of flowers in your bedroom on the 27th. Stoke your hopes on the 31st.

complish a lot, right now. A good day really gives your spirits a lift on the 5th and 6th. Some extremely good energy fills you with a very warm, fuzzy, yet powerful feeling on the 10th and 11th. Your career should be front and center in your attention on the 14th, 15th and 16th, and it probably is. That’s great! Think hard about what it is you most want to accomplish in your work life. Then concentrate on accomplishing it! A touch of touchiness is best dealt with through a trip to the gym on the tetchy 21st and 22nd. Use all this pent-up frustration as an opportunity to get in touch with your body and your emotions. A splash of something new and unknown and fresh and fun and possibly foreign is a good idea for you on the 27th and 28th. Don’t make waves at work on the 31st. SAGITTARIUS

Ideals are there to be questioned on the 1st. So question them. If they don’t hold up to questioning, you might have to do just a little adjustment work. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with shifting your ideas about your ideals and your ideas about the world and the world of your ideas, and so forth, you know! SCORPIO Even if your colleagues are driving you For you, the 1st is a really good day to crazy on the 5th and 6th, try your best get what you want. Your powers of per- not to lash out at them. Instead, take a suasion are strong, and your sense of breather. Better yet, leave the office as strategy can’t be beat. You know just early as you can and work off any irritahow to ask for what you want, and just tion at the gym. By the super amazing how to get it. Great! You can really ac- 12th and 13th, you’ll be in a really great 113

space, surrounded by friends and generally feeling completely loved. Great! If you’re feeling sluggish and slow on the 19th or 20th, it could be a sign you aren’t getting enough sleep, lately. Or have you been skipping meals? Or skipping your sleep? Regardless, get going on some intensive self care, and you’ll soon feel better. Build castles in the sky on the 25th and 26th. It’s fun, and inspiring! If you can possibly travel on the 29th, 30th or 31st, you should! It will really be good for you. And fun!

30th and 31st, you need to be on your tippy toes at work.

CAPRICORN You are in the mood for something new on the 1st. New attitudes, new approaches, new experiences, new challenges, new people, new you. Great! Get searching, and you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for, or maybe even something you never thought to look for, but which is even better than anything you could have imagined. Perfect! Be sure to put together a very detailed plan on the 5th and 6th. By the 12th and 13th, your idea could be rapidly turning into reality. And there’s nothing more exciting than that! You’re really in a groove, in your love life and at the office — not to mention when it comes to your kitchen remodel — on the super great 14th and 15th. Seeking stability is a totally valid effort on the 21st and 22nd, but don’t sacrifice your ideals for it. Communicate your needs on the 25th and 26th. It will really make a big difference in the way the world interacts with you. By the 29th,

AQUARIUS Be sure that you are being honest with yourself and everyone around you on the 1st. Little white lies can be more damaging than painful truths, and painful truths are healthier than evasion or hoping it will all just go away. No, you don’t need to open your heart to everyone in your vicinity. But you do need to be straight with folks. By the 5th and 6th, you’re feeling like you might need to update your exercise routine. Do it! The stronger you are physically, the better things will go for you. Give some serious thought to the career path you’re following on the 10th and 11th. Is it the right one for you? You are in for some amazing news and awesome vibes and terrific experiences on the 17th and 18th. Great! Connect with someone you love on the 23rd. Writing an email or calling them on the phone is a good first step! Better yet, meet in person. Rest assured that everything you are doing right now is helping you towards your goals on the 27th. It’s time to really focus, then really relax, on the 31st. PISCES Love and romance and flowers and poetry are what’s on your mind on the tantalizing 1st. That’s great! You love to love, and you love to be loved, and this energy is really going to build you up. There’s just nothing quite like it for

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making you feel alive! By the 5th and 6th, you could be called on to help some friends navigate a tricky relationship dilemma. A light touch is key. Luck is on your side on the 12th and 13th. Be aware, at work, on the 10th and 11th â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there is someone who is jealous of your success. Everything is working out pretty awesomely on the 19th and 20th and you feel happier and more content than ever. Why not visit a meditation course, or go to a dietician, or both, on the 25th or 26th? You are in good shape, but if there are any lingering anxieties or ongoing colds that you want to deal with, now is a good time. Love is in the air, again, on the 27th and 28th. It really couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be lovelier. Fantasy and reality interact, in an astounding way, on the 31st.

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UIM’s Exclusive Interview with Darrin Henson star of Sons 2 the Grave By: Richarh Aswanu and

Denetra Key

It’s not everyday that I get to set down and talk to a star that shines as bright as this one. Darrin Henson does not just possess star power but he possesses power over the mind. In this candid interview I got have and in-depth discussion with Mr. Henson about Sons 2 the Grave a new feature film he’s starring in written & produced by Lynne Stoltz of Have Faith Productions and directed by none other that Mykelti Williams, a part that the writer could only envision him in, as well as other roles and projects he has coming up this year. Outside of his professional career we got to take a look at just who Darrin Henson is in real life and get a glimpse of the mindset that catapults him to success in everything he does. 117

UIM: Congratulations on Sons 2 the grave. For those who might not be familiar with the movie, tell us a little bit about it. Darrin: For me in my words...the movie is about how we all have a specific job to do in life and how for us it's about living out our personal legend, but during us living out our personal legend we cross paths with other people and sometimes in crossing those paths with other people we can be inundated with their issues, their problems, and it's up to us to continue on our own path. It's up to us to continue doing what we came here to do but sometimes it crosses and becomes inundated with assisting other people, or helping other people or trying to fix other people, but it's really about living out our own personal legend.

lieves in. That's why he's a detective. He wants to make sure that there are laws in place so that people can enjoy their lives and people can feel safe and people can feel comfortable. I think all of that is what kind of came together for me as an actor.

UIM: In preparing for the film, how did you get yourself in the mind state of a detective? Darrin: I spoke to detectives. I spoke to police officer friends of mine. I paid attention to what was going on in the streets, even during the time that we were filming. I paid attention to my surroundings and I looked passed the obvious of what people can see. In other words you have much larger perspective when you look passed what you can see. That all helped me UIM: How did you land the role? in the role; just to see beyond what is Darrin: I was called to the role. I believe the physical manifestation. the role was attracted, in an energetic way I'm speaking of course, I wanted to UIM: How does what Marcus Jenplay a detective... I desired to play a de- nings and his mother Ruth go through tective and through a chain of events correlate to what's going on in our Mykelti Williams, the director, and communities today? Lynn Stoltz came together and chose me Darrin: I think that there are alot of to play this character, Detective David parents that allow their children outReynolds. side of the doorsteps of their home and don't really know what's going on UIM: What was in the storyline that with their child's life after they leave spoke to you? the house. I think that our desire to Darrin: Passion...Passion to correct love our children the best way we can something that the character felt was also is blinded by what also is possible wrong. Passion about youth. Passion and parents who hear language in about life and being and being able to live life fully. Which my character be118

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their children or parents who see their children acting a certain way kind of vail themselves with "Oh, that's just him.", but really that can be a signal for something else that is going on in his or her life. So I think that alot of people will be able to see and feel this film from a perspective that is so much stronger then someone who doesn't have a child so it's going to be one of those heartfelt situations and make people think about what may be going on in their own homes.

UIM: Will it be in the theaters or will it go direct to DVD? Darrin: It's a feature film in theatres. UIM: What was it like to work with the director Mykelti Williamson? Darrin: It was a joy and an honor to work with such a profound and giving director. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised by this director / actor, actor/ director. Most people know him as an actor but he's an amazing and he's a very giv121

ing director. He lives best of both worlds, because as an actor he knows how to work with actors in order to design and help to unfold the scenes in the film the way he directs. It was awesome and I can't wait to work with him again actually. UIM: What was it like working with the writer & producer of the film Lynne Stoltz? Darrin: I would describe Lynn as a passionate writer because not only is she involved with having written the film but she's on set and she's there to lend any answers to questions that you may have as an actor. And I had alot of questions and to help unfold the character I needed information from her as well. SO fused with the information she provided and what I felt for the character we were able to mold Detective David Reynolds together. So it was awesome.

close knit family vibe? Darrin: I think that everybody became very, very close because of the subject matter of the movie and it was something that I think was profound because we got on set and really started to gel together. I mean when you have such an important subject and topic you want to do the best job possible and that's what it was really all about. It became a family affair, I believe, It truly became a family affair.

UIM: As you played your role, was there anything that really hit home, that you could personally identify with? Is there a Marcus in your family, or was there one in your neighborhood? Darrin: Well yeah, actually in two particular instances when I was a teenager there was a young man who I grew up with named Tommy who was shot on a street corner. He was a street pharmacist who was actually doing what he did to pay for college UIM: Who do you share the screen but as you can see it wasn't the best with in this film, any familiar faces? Darrin: Demetria McKinney, who peo- choice that he could have made and it ple know. Justin Martin who I was in cost him his life. But he was actually the Express with. So that was pretty putting himself through college by doawesome to work with Justin again ing what he did. Also later on Scott because I had worked with him in Sterling, who we know as DJ Scott La 2007 in a feature film called the ExRock was also killed trying to assist press. So that was really cool. someone, as we know DJ D Nice, in a dispute that he was having. So those two people come to mind immediateUIM: What was the atmosphere on ly. set, was there a lot of fun or did the subject matter of the film create a 122

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UIM: Tell us more about your character, what's his name? Darrin: Detective David Reynolds is a very kind, passionate focused man. He cares about cleaning up the streets. He cares about the teenagers and the families that walk the streets he grew up in and he wants to make sure that these people can live and work and play in an environment that is conducive of positivity and when there's a wrong he wants to correct it. He wants to make sure that these streets stay clean. He's very close with the character in the film who comes against turmoil in the film. He's always rooting for the youth. He wants to see them live out their dreams. Just a very passionate man and a man who has experienced pain and happiness like most people. UIM: What was your interpretation of Sons 2 the Grave, what did you take away from it? Darrin: Well for me you can sum the whole movie up in one word; it called choices. It's about life's choices. It's about being aware of the choices that you make. What movie is about life's choices and being aware. UIM: There's this bridge in the film that separates the low income housing division from all the rest of the town who lives in nice houses, and enjoys somewhat of a posh lifestyle. Does the bridge have some sort of symbolic

meaning in the film? Darrin: I think there is classism everywhere and we know that within certain communities you can have a wealthy neighborhood two blocks from a lower income neighborhood and they don't cross the bridge. So I think it's symbolic of our society and how close we are in proximity but how far apart we are in our thought patterns, in our effort patterns, in our work patterns and just in our daily rituals. I think that is to me what it represents. But it really also can be the bridge that bridges the gap and brings both of these worlds together. UIM: Can we expect to see you playing a detective in the upcoming season of Single Ladies? Darrin: Yes Single Ladies starts March 18th. I'm on there as a detective in the fourth season of the show. I would liken my detective to the relationship that Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte had in 48 hours. It is very, very similar to the banter they had going on with my partner and I on Single Ladies. People are going to be very pleasantly surprised this year with the way that the show is filmed and the way that it's directed. It's going to really be a new drama. If people are enjoying Empire they are going to love Single Ladies now. It's a whole new feel to it. The new season Wednesday March 18th at 10 pm on BET and Centric.

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has done very well in those states. People find that when they read the book that it's a clarity perspective. The book says "Come as you are, just don't stay as you are." Because nothing stays the same. We have to continue growing. We have to continue evolving and what happens is that when we choose not to we get left behind. The world is going to keep going no matter what happens. There are people that we love that are no longer here physically but the world didn't stop. So we have to recognize that. Also people in our lives and we've heard this before; we may choose to keep them UIM: What made you decide to express yourself through writing? there but that may not be the best Darrin: Well I figured I couldn't be choice but we're making. But we feel everywhere at one time but a book can sorry for them. You can't feel sorry and "Ain't That the Truth" is about ac- enough for a person to make that perknowledging, admitting and inviting son start being aware of their selftruth into your life and it really is so worth. You can't feel bad enough for profound because the people who someone to make them start feeling have read; and more and more people good. You can't be poor enough to are ordering it every day. I just did a start making someone else be wealthy. lecture in Atlanta, one in Cleveland So this is what the book teaches. It and one in Mississippi and the book talks about moving forward. It talks 126

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about loving self. It talks about expanding consciousness and not looking behind. If you drive your car going forward while looking behind you're going to crash, and that's what this book is about. It's about being truthful to yourself so that you can be honest with everyone else.

read in the day. I'll take time to pray...to meditate. I'll take time to just notice someone or something. I'll literally stop and just look up at the sky or to hug a tree...help a lady across the street or up the stairs... play with my dog and take him to the park or find out what the family is doing..."What's going on with you guys? Is there anything that you need? Is there anything UIM: So, who is Darrin Henson as a that you want to do that we haven't person? done." It's just really about breathing Darrin: Darrin Henson is a person who and enjoying life and when you can do is always evolving. Darrin Henson is a that you get to do it more often, I find. person who loves what he does and Everything doesn't have to be inunloves who he is and doesn't ask perdated with work, work, work, work... mission from anybody else to validate and I find that most people are inunhim. dated with work..."I gotta make money. I gotta grind" Well, we don't make UIM: What drives you to succeed? money... we can only earn it. Darrin: Knowing that I can. That's what drives me...knowing that I can! UIM: Thanks for taking the time out to talk to us, before we go, what can UIM: What do you feel is your purwe expect from you next? pose in life? Darrin: More of Darrin Single Ladies, Darrin: My purpose in life is to beSons 2 the Grave, the new feature film come more of who I already am. My Chocolate City, another feature film purpose in life is to become more of called Happiness another one called what I image myself to be. My purChoir Director. There are alot of films pose in life is to allow myself to be in- coming out this year that we already spired and do those things that I have worked on and are in editing or dream of doing they are putting the music on right now that will be unfolding and out to UIM: What's a normal day like for people in movie theaters starting you, when it's time to just relax and around May. So I'm really happy about get away from everything? doing what I do and hopefully people Darrin: Well, I never want to get away will enjoy it as well. But I'll just keep from everything, but what I love to do doing it. I'll keep doing it and doing it is work out. I'll run. I'll take time to 128

and everybody is welcome to come to my website: DarrinHenson.com

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Celebrity Dish! By: Clara Freeman

Happy March, my peeps! Well, y’all know we just came off of Black History Month in February, commemorating some of the most horrific times in history of black people and their sacrifices, leading to change in the world for people regardless of their skin color. Those times in the lives of our great African-American pioneers of yesteryears, many of whom remain unsung heroes in the fight for justice and civil rights should be celebrated every day. We shouldn’t wait for Black History month to honor the trailblazers of our heritage. Just sayin’ Anyhow, the last months were great for celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. via documentaries and film. The movie SELMA , depicted Martin Luther King’s and other civil rights activists, historic walk from Selma, Alabama to the state capital of Montgomery in 1965 to advocate for the right of black folks to vote. Y’all know that Oprah Winfrey coproduced and starred in the movie as civil rights activist, Annie lee Cooper and David Oyelowo, (of The Butler) portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The movie earned 4 golden globes nomina-

tion and won in the best song category. Negro history is so rich and so not honored enough and so it seemed fitting that my March column for Urban Images Magazine be about Black History or African-American History or Negro History. I was moved by the movie SELMA , which led me to watch The Book Of Negroes, a six-part miniseries that aired Feb. 16 through the 18th on BET, depicting the capture of a young girl who was enslaved at eleven years old and who would ultimately soldier through her struggles with grit , courage and the strength provided her, by the love of her life, played by Lyriq Bent.

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Those of you, who might not be familiar with Lyriq Bent’s work, can check out episodes of Rookie Blue, Four Brothers, and the horror trilogy, SAW. The actor also has several projects coming out this year, including a recurring role on the SyFy series “12 Monkeys” and “Pay the Ghost”, an upcoming film starring Nicolas Cage. I finally caught up with the busy actor, where he took time out to share some juicy dish about his lead role in “The Book Of Negroes”, and a few personal tidbits, y’all women might like to know:

Kingston, Jamaica and that you’re Canadian. Is there a story behind the unique first name (Lyriq) and what’s the correct pronunciation? Lyriq: There’s no story to my name that I know of. It’s just something my parents liked and ended up naming me. My name is pronounced like “lyrics” to a song. Clara: When did you catch the acting ‘bug?’

Clara: Thanks for taking time to interLyriq: I was selling door-to-door view with us, Lyriq. First, let’s start with long distance phone service to your name. I know that you were born in 133

pay my way through school (back in about 2000) to become a computer graphic technician. As I was going door-to-door, I often

got compliments and was asked a couple times if I was an actor. My sales partner, who I was going door-to-door with, happened to 134

classes with him. Luckily, I lost the bet and ended up training with his acting coach. Soon after I started, there was no turning back and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an actor. Clara: Tell us a bit about your character in The Book of Negroes.

Lyriq: I play Chekura, Aminata’s husband and love interest in the series. Chekura is a very strong, tenacious and optimistic character. He’s a hopeless romantic and is passionately in love with Aminata. Chekura and Aminata grow up together and their love is something that keeps them going throughout their struggles – it gives them something to fight for. He is conflicted internally because he struggles knowing he’s responsible for selling Aminata into slavery as a young boy. Chekura, however, is abducted himself and sold into slavery. His only comfort is he knows he is with his love. Aminata gives Chekura’s life meaning be an aspiring actor and made a and that love is something that bet with me. Said if he sells more keeps him going. It keeps him strong. long distance than me that day, I’d have to enroll in his acting 135

Clara: How did you feel about being the lead actor? Were there butterflies? Lyriq: I wasn’t exactly nervous, more thrilled and excited to play the part. Book of Negroes is such an incredible story and knowing that put a great responsibility on me. I was also surrounded by such incredible talent on both sides of the camera; Being around that made me want to be better. Chekura plays a big part in Aminata’s life and knowing that required that I depict the character as honestly and best as I could. I had many conversations with the author to try and understand the character through his eyes so I could understand how to capture Lyriq: Right now, I can say I’m neithat essence of what Lawrence ther a character or method achad originally envisioned for that tor. I have my own process and character. try to keep it as real for me as Clara: Are you a character or method ac- possible. Each project is different and the process I go through for tor and how do you prepare for a role? every character is unique. Per136

haps as time goes by, I might have a better understanding of what my process is, but right now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to articulate. It definitely takes a lot of time, focus and energy from me, but I love every minute of it.

Clara: What one life lesson you credit your parents with giving you that you carry over into your adult life? Lyriq: Work hard and have integrity in everything you do. Clara: What do you want viewers to take away from The Book of Negroes?

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Lyriq: I want people walk away with their own experience of what BoN has to offer. I’ve walked away with my own experience and I want people to find their own truth. Clara: Thanks for dropping by “CELEBRITY DISH” where you’re going to be getting all the juicy moments from celebrities, reality TV and even some pop divas. If y’all like where we’re headed, leave a comment and we’ll be sure to holla back!

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Introducing Urban Image’s new connect to the Entertainment World: John Dabla By: Richarh Aswanu

John Dabla has been burning up the net with hot celebrity interviews. Determination, perseverance and ambition are just a few words that describe the character of the self motivated journalist. He grew tired of sitting on the sideline reading about the lives of our celebrities on a distorted monitor. No one offered him an opportunity. So, he created his own and has been shinning a light on our stars ever since... Richarh: What's goin' on brother, how are you? John: Hey, I’m doing absolutely fantastic!

and what was next. I always knew that I wanted Richarh: Aside from reading to be known for something in this "The Secret", what made world, I just never thought it’d you decide to buckle down and take control of your fu- be in the entertainment industure? try. I knew right away after John: I’ve always been involved reading “The Secret” that, I had in every aspect of my future to take what is now JohnSpeaks 142

very seriously and allow doors to open for me when the timing was right. I made myself realize that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rush opportunities, I need to let them come when they are ready.

Richarh: Entertainment blogs are sprouting up all over the web. What was it you saw, that made you feel like you could stand out? John: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a very personable in143

dividual, I felt that after looking at so many entertainment blogs and websites along with knowing that ‘The Thirst Is Real’ for some of these folks; I saw no

personality in the sense of being personable. I didn’t see stories from the authors about their journeys, endeavors, etc. You know? I’ve been extremely open 144

know me outside of JohnSpeaks. Richarh: I've heard many people who blog complain that they don't know what to write, that they don't know what stories will attract the readers. How do you know what will draw traffic to your posts? John: I totally agree, when you’re first starting out, you won’t know exactly what to write about especially if you don’t have a theme or concept for your blog or website. Lucky for me, I knew exactly what field I wanted to enter, which is entertainment. Being that entertainment is so broad, I knew that I have to touch on every category (TV, Music, Lifestyle, Fashion, etc.). You also must stay up to date on EVERYTHING in those categories, otherwise you will lose your audience that’s another thing, you must know your audience. You don’t want to be posting your recap of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and and posted personal blogs on target that to a 70 year old my site with no chaser. I feel by woman…You know what I’m sayposting my adventures and ing? You just have to know your things, it’ll definitely make oth- target audience and do lots of ers read my perspective and research on your field. 145

Richarh: You've been able to reach out to a lot of celebrities, how do you get their attention? John: It’s all about networking and connections. I have learned that you must be professional and understand that this is business. You can’t just hop on social media, email, etc. reaching out to celebrities about working together and not have a professional mindset. I have heard of and seen other bloggers and journalists, anyone in the entertainment and/or music industry “try” to make connections in the worst way possible. That’s why a lot of them have been doing this for years and still aren't established! #Shade

messy. [Laughs]. But honestly, I’ve been doing this for many years, I love what I do and I continue to do it with passion and give my all. I don’t have any favorites, I don’t need them. For what? You know, when you've been doing this for 6 years- that never crosses my mind. I am just honored and appreciative to have and continRicharh: Out of everyone you've interviewed, who was ue to interview all the people that I do. your favorite? John: [Laughs]. You are going Richarh: You seem to be to get me in trouble with this very ambitious, your drive is question, and everybody asks very evident. What aspirame this too. Y’all just being 146

career choices out there, limitless possibilities. When you decided to become successful, what made you chose writing? John: You are right, there are many possibilities out there. Why did I choose writing? As I said earlier, I’m very personable, along with being very visual. We are in a generation where everyone is on social media, emailing, etc. Many people are way tions do you have beyond more expressive in writing than writing? they are just telling people faceJohn: Thank you, I’ve always to-face, I have always been that been very ambitious and driven way. But, I have had selfno matter what I was doing. I reflection and understanding of have many aspirations even be- who I am to know that I’m very yond JohnSpeaks. I want to expressive face-to-face as well. host my own talk show, host Sometimes it’s a good thing and award shows, interview celebri- a bad thing. [Laughs]. ties on red carpet, etc. just so many amazing ideas flowing to Richarh: What advice do you my head. I know that with God’s have for someone who is out timing and my patience, every- there struggling, undecided thing will happen for a reason about their future and what and on its own. road to take in life? John: My advice is: Always beRicharh: There are a lot of lieve in yourself and have faith 147

in God. It took me FOREVER to let that resonate with me to now be able to tell someone else that. It doesn't matter what industry you are in or aspiring to enter, those are the two important ones. That’s just personal friend-to-friend advice. Now if they’re in a business mindset feeling undecided, always stay in your lane and learn to accept being told “NO”. That is one of the biggest things that I had to do on my own. I entered this industry doing all the research on my own, was given no advice because nobody else that I knew was on the same level as myself nor were they an Entertainment Journalist. So it was hard, but look where I am today. You should always network and make your brand speak louder than you. One last thing, NEVER give up!

took it all in whether I wanted to or not. Other than that, I also draw strength and determination by looking at JohnSpeaks and all my accomplishments and numerous of doors that have opened for me.

Richarh: Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers before we go? The page is yours… John: Thank God for walking me through all these years and guiding me to where I am today. Thank you to Urban Image Magazine for taking me on as an Entertainment Writer for your magazine, thank you for this wonderful interview and sharing my story with the readers. I would love to thank all my readers, followers on my social media, fans, supporters who have been riding with me since day 1 with JohnSpeaks. Thanks to all the amazing individuals that I Richarh: What do you draw from, where do you turn for interviewed on JohnSpeaks and determination and strength? Urban Image Magazine. Oh, and one last thank you to all the John: I turn to God. That’s the thirsty crabs in the thirst buckhonest truth, why wouldn't I? He is the only man in the world ets. I know you guys need who has brought me to where I something to talk about, so go ahead and do your thing while I am today. I don’t know where I’d be without Him…throughout continue to make moves that you wish you were a part of! everything I have trusted His [Laughs]. process and understand it and 148

Read the latest interviews and blogs by John Dabla @ www.UrbanImageMagazine.com 149

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Ava DuVernay

: This Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Beautiful Woman

By: Richarh Aswanu

It seems like every time I see her, whether on T.V. or in a magazine, she's more beautiful than the last. Her smooth caramel complected skin, her full kissable lips, and her eyes; filled with ambition, determination and a raw passion for film. I see her beauty radiating from deep inside her. Ava DuVernay first caught my attention back in 2012 as she promoted her second feature, "Middle of Nowhere." After I finally got the chance to see the movie, I was upset. Naw, I was pissed. Not at the quality of the film, it was excellent. But the viewpoint of the story struck a chord deep inside my heart. It was told from the angle of a woman who was trying to hang on to her man who was in prison. As a black man who has suffered the grips of incarceration, it seems like no one understands, or even cares about the pain we go through when we are suddenly separated from the woman we love. Instantly, it's like someone pulling your heart out of your chest slowly. But never the less, once I got a grip on my feelings, the movie made me proud. We have ourselves another director. Then comes Selma; a moving ac152

count of the historic voting rights campaign of 1965 led by Martin Luther King Jr. Ava re-wrote the script and told the story through "her lens." Once confronted by historians who were displeased with her depiction of Lydon Johnson, she didn't back down.

This is what I see. This is what we see. And that should be valid..." Sexy! Women who hold their own in this world are a turn on. I've become obsessed with her strength and her beauty. I read an article on her where

she understood the politics of campaigning for an Oscar. Even though she didn't expect to win, she still holds her head high as she stands by her work. Gorgeous! Another thing I love about this woman 153

is; she's self taught and she didn't ask anyone if it was "okay" for her to make a film. She funded her first feature out of her own pocket. She's bold, she's fearless and she's paving the way for herself and other aspiring black filmmakers, especially women. Ava is proud to be a black woman filmmaker. She knows who and what she is, she also knows that the statistics aren't in her favor. Half of female directors fall off after their third film. But as the founder of the African

-American Film Festival Releasing Movement, and an upcoming series entitled "Queen Sugar" slated to air on Oprah Winfrey Network ahead of her, and two Academy Awards, 4 Golden Globes, Five Critics Choice Awards, 8 NAACP Image Awards and Five Independent Spirit Awards behind her; I don't see her falling off anytime soon. This Sista's work will be here long after she's gone. Ava, I just wanted to tell you that you're beautiful. and we love you.

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Now you know it would only be right for me to start off the first edition of the Candy Shop with the smoking hot star of everyone’s new obsession, Empire. Jussie Smollett has come a long way from playing one of the little brothers on A ll of Us, the now show starring his many other brothers and sisters, along with famous sis Jurnee Smollett, from the 90’s. Who knew the lil bro would grow up to be such a ridiculously handsome piece of eye candy?! He is the son of Janet and Joel Smollett. His father was Ashkenazi Jewish (from a family from Poland and Russia) and his mother is of AfricanAmerican, Native American, Creole, and great, if not better as his acting chops. He’ s recently signed a deal with ColumIrish descent. bia Records, but did you know he’s alAs the glaring favorite of the Lyon sons ready released an album called the Poion Empire, Jamal, Jussie has consistentsoned Hearts Club?? ly shown us his vocal skills that are s 158

Check out his debut video “Get Em Up” Had me wiggling all in my seat!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s5mcJpycuE 159

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UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movie Reviews By: Jeff Russell

Foxcatcher- Steve Carrell- Based on a true story about a multi-millionaire named John Duport (Carrell) becomes involved with a champ (Channing Tatum) that leads to murder. 2 out of 5 stars...

Horrible Bosses 2 - starring Jason Bateman, Jason Sadeikis, Charle Day and Jennifer Anniston. The trio is back for a Horrible Sequel. 2 out of 5 stars.

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Dumb and Dumber To - Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels. Another sequel. This movie isn't even worth watching. Dumb with a capital D. 1/4 out of 5 stars.

The Captive -Starring Ryan Reynolds. When a 11 year-old little girl turns up missing, the girls capture and torture the parents for years. 2 out of 5 stars.

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EXCLUSIVE Interview: Mario By: John Dabla

Multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated Singer, Mario launches his long-awaited single, “Fireball,” which will be gifted to his fans as a free download for what Mario calls “their genuine support while I transitioned into the artist and businessman I was meant to be.” His new single, “Fireball,” is a self-described song “for the turn up.” Mario states “I will also release other songs from this project which will appeal to my highly diverse following.” Mario kicked off his “Fireball Tour” this past Grammy Weekend and will continue throughout the U.S. until early April 2015. This tour will give him an oppor166

tunity to share his personal and professional evolution with his loyal fans. In this exclusive interview, the well-known singer of “Let Me Love You,” talks his new single, evolving as an artist, his relationship with his mother, and more! Read it here:

John: I have got to ask you, because the last time you were in the music scene about 2 years ago, you had a single ‘Somebody Else’ featuring Nicki Minajone of my favorite songs. How was it working with Nicki? MARIO: It was fun working with Nicki.

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She’s super talented & versatile.

excited for people to hear & see it!

John: Have you ever been the ‘somebody else’ in a relationship? Are you currently in a relationship?

John: I will be attending your show on February 15 at The Cabooze in Minneapolis- VIP style! What can fans expect MARIO: Nah, I’ve never been the some- from your tour and your upcoming new project? body else as far as I know, but you know women lie, men lie… [Laughs]. MARIO: No doubt! Cabooze going up! I Right now, I’m dating but nothing too mean, fans can expect to get close to serious. I think if I gave more of my me and feel a part of a great moment time & energy it could possibly be in time. I enjoy promo tours because deeper but I’m in no rush. it’s more personal. I get a chance to touch loyal fans before things start John: You went from being a major getting crazy!!! Being that I have creaartist spotlighted in the public eyes since ‘Let Me Love You’ and straight to tive freedom & fans around the world, my project will just be full of great mubeing independent. What’s the transisic. tion been like for you? John: You definitely know how to make a comeback! I mean, you keep us posted with your social media. That’s amazing. But being out of the scene for quite a while, was it difficult re-branding yourJohn: Let’s talk about ‘Fireball’ ! I heard self as an artist a snippet of it, and the vibe is CRAZY! I am truly feeling it! What’s the message MARIO: It wasn’t difficult rebranding myself because I had a vision already. I and inspiration behind it? I’m sure knew what I wanted. What you’re seethere’s going to be a video with this ing is just the beginning of this new diright? rection. It’s very organic just like my MARIO: Thank you! The message and music. Not to mention I have an amazinspiration behind my single “Fireball” ing team! is creating your type of fun, confidence & lifestyle. A lot of the inspiration came John: How does it feel to use your own from having friends around while cre- true craft and originality with your new ating the song & my producer introduc- project? ing me to Fireball whisky for the first MARIO: First and foremost I thank God time! The video is in the making & I’m for my gift. It definitely feels great to MARIO: The transition for me has been great. Becoming a businessman & having creative freedom was my main goal for 2015. I have achieved both.

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know I can move people with my voice. With my music I can change a person’s mood. I feel like my talent gives me a platform to remain original.

words could explain.

ments of wanting to back out, but I didn’t because it was real. I let the world into my life more than a reality show for those moments. Today, my mom is clean and well! I love her more than

John: Do you ever claim yourself to be a “celebrity”? If so, why or why not?

John: Do you watch any of today’s reality shows? What are your thoughts on them and how it portrays the cast memJohn: Before Love & Hip Hop, Real bers on screen opposed to their personHousewives, you were one of the first to al ‘real’ lives without the cameras? have a reality show- MTV Reality Show MARIO: I don’t watch reality shows. I documentary : “I Won’t Love You To hear about them & I think it gives those Death: Mario & His Mom”. What was people platforms. What they choose to the experido with it is up ence like to them. with the John: What adcameras rollvice can you ing and dealgive to any asing with piring artists? your mom’s addiction for the world to MARIO: Adsee? What’s vice I would the relationgive to aspirship like ing artist….? I with your would say mom today? build a team that believes MARIO: For in you first and me, doing foremost. the “I Won’t Study your Love You To craft. Death” docStudy the business & be as original as umentary was tough at times during possible in your branding & music. the taping process. I had many mo-

MARIO: I don’t claim myself to be a celebrity. I claim myself to be an artist & vessel. I’m here to express through mu-

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sic & art. To inspire people. John: How do you think you’ve changed as a man over the years? What have you learned about yourself? MARIO: Over the years I think I’ve become more of a businessman. Quality and taste are more important to me. I’m more creative & open-minded. I manage my time and energy a lot better. John: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview Mario! It’s a true and fantastic pleasure! I look forward to seeing you on February 15 and hearing more of your new music! I know it’s going to be fire! Before you go, what can we expect next from you? MARIO: What you can expect next from me is creative expression in different forms. Follow me on IG @OHYESMARIO to keep up with what’s next. I’m looking forward to performing my new songs & giving amazing visuals

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No Nonsense Telling It Like It Is: Sell Out or Say No- The Blackballing of Mo'Nique By: No Nonsense

Academy Award winner, Mo’Nique has been in the news as of late. It appears since her award winning performance in the movie Precious she has not been seen on the silver screen. The talk of Tinsel Town is Mo’Nique was blackballed from Hollywood because she was difficult and demanding. Director, Lee Daniels of Precious voiced his opinion that indeed, Mo’Nique was blackballed because she didn’t know or perhaps want to play the game. Mo’Nique on the other hand begs to differ. She said she was not blackballed. The movie offers and scripts were coming in but she chose not to do them because they did not meet her standards. Should you have to settle in life whether it is your career or relationships just to be down or part of the in

crowd? Should you sell out and play the game? I always had difficulty with selling out. Something in me just won’t allow it. I think I get that from my father. He always spoke his mind, no matter what the consequences. Some of us do that when we get that liquid courage. Too bad some of us can’t carry over that courage in our lives when we are sober!

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Recently I got approval to do an interview with a well-known entertainer, which will remain nameless. I got instant approval by the entertainer's agent/manager but then for some reason had to go through hoops to do the interview. I felt as if this person was trying to play games with me for whatever reason. I wondered if it was because I was a woman or not an infamous writer (yet). I got a call from the celeb last night and this person was unprofessional and said some inappropriate things. At that point I had to make a choice; how bad did I want to do this interview. I knew it would be a great opportunity and perhaps help take my writing to another level but something inside clicked and said, I will not allow anyone to disrespect me or my ability so I decided I was not going to pursue

the interview any further. Playing the game may be especially hard for women who feel they have to sell out in love or in their career to get ahead. But I am a firm believer in whatever God has for you, is for you. You do not have to sell your soul or any of your body parts to get it. So in my case I am sure there will be other interview opportunities with other celebrities, more popular than the one who thought they were going to control me or get something in return. In Moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Niqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation, if what she said was true, Kudos to her for not selling out! Take ownership of your life and destiny. So let the blackballing begin!

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The Prescription By: Larrod Evans

the Dr. called your name,

it was like a breath of fresh air. That's how I feel whenever Dr. Dre releasIn this day in age, it seems as if every- es a project. body is on some type of medication. It was 1989 and your boy was fresh Whether it be for cancer, diabetes, a off of the plane from Philly. Little did

mental disorder or a thousand other

I know, I was about to get my first

reasons. But hey, who am I to judge? dose of Dr. Dre's medicine. My physician Dr. Dre has been writKMEL was to the Bay Area what Hot ing my prescription for 26 years. 97 is to New York. My dial stayed Remember going to the Dr.'s office as locked! I was the little nappy headed a kid and having to sit in that dreary kid that always had the boom box waiting room? You'd glance over at blasting. screaming infants, sort through a

Moving to Cali deepened my love

stack of magazines you weren't inter-

for hip hop and broadened my taste

ested in while your Moms had you confined to one of them uncomfortable dark orange chairs. But as soon as

for different artists. I quickly found out that N.W.A. was the hottest thing

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in Cali. I can't recall when I first heard them, but keep in mind this was California. They were everywhere! Even my step father was bangin some of their joints. He grew up in Long Beach and Compton, so he might have been hip to them before me. The year prior to my arrival in Cali, they exploded onto the rap scene like nothing ever seen before. Their debut, "Straight Outta Compton" was filled with controversy. Off the strength of the "Fuck the Police", the album took over the streets. It was bananas! Remember, I was a year late but it still felt like the album had just dropped. The impact they made was equivalent to the 176

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Beatles craze of the 60s, and behind it was Dr. Dre. After leaving N.W.A. in 91, he signed to Def Row records. A year later, the signature G-Funk sound would revolutionize gangster rap with the dropping of "The Chronic". It was the sixth grade year and let's just say I witnessed the birth of a cultural phenomenon. Every low rider in the streets was bumping "The Chronic". Dre's slow laid back 70s soul samples laced with his heavy synthesizers made the album a masterpiece. Dre's beats took you on a trip through Compton. from "Nuthin But a G Thang" to "Stranded on Death Row" to the Grammy winning "Let Me Ride" (My favorite Dre cut), it was perfection at its finest. The album actually killed two birds with

following year Snoop released,

one stone. First, he changed the face

"Doggy Style" which brought him to

of west coast rap. And two, he intro- the forefront of the West, and further duced the world to a plethora of

displayed Dre's musical abilities.

new artists, most notably Snoop. The Dre continued to produce 178

groundbreaking backdrops for Death Shortly after, amid the East-vs-West Row artists. Next came Death Rows

Coast beef, Dre parted ways with

signing of Tupac in 96' in which the

Death Row. And he didn't waste any

Dre produced "California Love" shot

time either...

'Pac back to tie top of the charts.

His label Aftermath was soon up and 179

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running. They were met with criticism, but the critics didn't phase Dre. In 98', he signed Eminem and remerged the super producer the game knew him for. Currently, Dre has numerous projects on his radar. A collaboration album with Ice Cube, another with Timbaland and an N.W.A. reunion album are in the near future. Aside from the music, Dr. Dre is involved in a handful of business ventures. Most notably, the recent sale of his stake in "Beats by Dre" to Apple for 1 billion dollars. Rolling Stone also has him ranked second on the "Richest Hip-Hop Figures" list at $550 million, as well as #56 on the greatest artist of all-time list. With the much anticipated "Detox" album and the N.W.A. biopic in the works, the next few years should be a pleasure for Dre fans.

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BillBoard.com's Top 10 R& B/Hip Hop Albums Big Sean

Dark Sky Paradise

If You're Reading This It's Drake Too Late

Fan Of A Fan: The Album Chris Brown & Tyga

2014 Forest Hills Drive

J. Cole

The Pinkprint

Nicki Minaj

Ne-Yo Non-Fiction

Forever Charlie

Charlie Wilson

Love Sex Passion

Raheem DeVaughn

Sour Soul

BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghosface Killah

SremmLife

Rae Sremmurd

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Amazon's Top 10 New Releases

Love Sex Passion Raheem DeVaughn

Non-Fiction (Deluxe) [Explicit] Ne-Yo

Black Messiah D'Angelo and The Vanguard

Tuxedo Tuxedo

Reality Show [Explicit] Jazmine Sullivan

True Romance [Explicit] Estelle 183

Forever Charlie Charlie Wilson

Showtime Bigg Robb

10.

Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart? [Explicit] K. Michelle

Non-Fiction [Explicit] Ne-Yo

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