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JUSTICE FOR MEEK MILL IS JUSTICE FOR ALL In regards to the harsh, undeserving sentencing of Robert Rihmeek Williams (Meek Mill), I felt the need to create a petition asking that the Board of Pardons closely review Meek’s application for Pardon and have his unjust prison sentence remedied. We also call on Governor Tom Wolf, who has spoken out in support of rehabilitation and criminal justice reform, to immediately look into this matter. More than just a celebrity or rapper, Meek Mill has been a powerful voice in the community for young people all across the country - and the world. Meek has made positive contributions to many communities and programs, dedicating his time and money to the cultivation of our youth and our neighborhoods; even while overcoming his own adversities. Meek has continued to be dedicated to being a positive force in the world and shown an immaculate work ethic, even while the overly restrictive conditions of his probation made it nearly impossible to tour, which is how he makes a living. The criminal justice system is adamant that individuals work in order to be productive citizens, but at times made it difficult for Meek to be able to earn his livelihood. Every time Meek needed to travel, he was forced to seek permission, which was often denied unnecessarily. However, he still remained dedicated to making a difference not just in his city of Philadelphia, but worldwide. Meek didn’t just inspire his fans - but through his music, interviews, community service and energy he showed that individuals can move forward, beyond their past and their circumstances, to have a positive impact on society. Meek has adhered to several rules and regulations as a part of his parole such as: reporting to and passing mandatory drug tests, community service, meeting with his parole officer, and reporting his whereabouts and obtaining permission prior to leaving the city. Moreover, the charges that led to his current violation, were subsequently dropped and the stiff sentence was handed down despite the recommendations of both his probation officer and the District Attorney. Meek’s efforts to change his image while still remaining true to his artistry and who he is as a man went unnoticed as well.
SIGN THE PETITION
www.Justice4Meek.com This petition is designed to show the amount of people who believe that Meek’s punishment was harsh and unjust. It is a waste of not only taxpayer resources to incarcerate Meek for 2-4 years but it is also a disservice to the youth and community at large. This petition will be delivered to: Honorable Lt. Gov. Michael J. Stack Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Governor Tom Wolf
We humbly ask for the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to grant relief in his sentence and call on Governor Tom Wolf to closely look into this matter and address why Meek, and thousands of other young, black men throughout the state are unnecessarily incarcerated for minor parole and probation violations.
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@TONYMAZZNYC
OFFICIAL APPAREL OF
URBAN LIFE NEWS MAGAZINE LLC 3
REMEMBERING
THE FATHER
The Allah School in Mecca is the nation’s headquarters established in 1971 for The Nation of Gods and Earths, a.k.a., The Five Percenters. Founded by Clarence Edward Smith, a.k.a., Brother Clarence 13x as a youth center to teach the young black youth knowledge-of-self, that is, “God is our body: arm-leg-legarm-head = ALLAH.” The Nation of Gods and Earths is not a hate group, gang, or religion. There are many misconceptions of the group as being anti-white or pro-black. They emphasize they are neither anti-white nor pro-black, but rather pro-righteous. In fact, the group recognizes equal opportunity and welcomes people from all ethnicities in an attempt to make positive contributions to society.
Clarance 13 X • Father • Allah
In 1971, Clarance 13 X Founded The Allah School In Mecca, Street Acadamey, located in Harlem NY.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
Publisher’s Word
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2014 West Indian Day Parade
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Book Review: This Day In Rap and Hip Hop History
19
Murdering Da Ink
24
Who Judges The Judge?
25
Remembering Prodigy
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I Am Strong Island
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Preparing Our Youth For Careers in the 21st Century
35
Is There a Heaven For a Gangsta?
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Shout Outs: A Voice From Within
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Legal Directory
WE SALUTE YOU BOBBY SHMURDA Born August 4, 1994, Ackquille Jean Pollard, known professionally as Bobby Shmurda is an American rapper and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York.
WRITE TO BOBBY: Ackquille Jean Pollard 16a4386 Clinton Correctional Facility PO Box 2001 Dannemora, NY 12929 5
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PUBLISHER’S WORD. Finally! It gives me great pleasure to present; Issue number 3 of Urban Life News. I would like to thank everyone involved in the process di rectly or indirectly in making this, issue a reality. Thank you for your patience. It has taken me a minute to get this one off the ground for many reasons. There were many lessons I have learned along the way to producing issue number 3. Sym bolically: In the world of supreme mathematics the number 3 comes to represent understand ing. Out of all the things in life when it comes to thinking and using your brains, having under standing, is considered having the best part of all areas of thought. Understand represents insight, comprehension and the ability to see things for what they are and not for what they appear to be. To demonstrate my appreciation and ac knowledgement; that you haven’t abandoned the Urban Life movement. Throughout the pages of this issue and every other issue of Urban Life News, I am blessed to put out I will share my lessons with you. I will show you my growth by putting out Greater issues of Ur ban Life News. I will be honest about my mis takes, be on time with future issues and contin ue working to represent you and tell your story. I will also hold you to a higher standard of conduct. Our Personal, performance and Conduct, as people who come from the bot tom as we travel towards our goals of suc cess and accomplishments, must improve! We must bring back some consciousness to the so calledhood. I remember growing up and stand ing in the hallway of Freeport Buffalo Projects hustling all day! But when somebody’s mother walked through the hall, WE ALL GOT OUT THE WAY!!! Even, if we had beef with her son. If she had bags, we helped carry them. All Gangsters have respect. It is the first principle of POWER. Self- re spect, respect for others and respect for the game. It is how you survive the streets and in prison. Start reading again!! I don’t care if it’s a fantasy novel! During, my last bid in Nassau County Jail;
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Demar “Jahliek” Tyson, Publisher
when I arrived in the dorm. Nobody had books!! How do you bid without reading!! How do you survive and increase your sharpness?! Reading allows us to see beyond our own experiences! It allows us to barrow the intelligence of those who came before us! Knowledge is power! In closing; to you brothers who have young er brothers under your guidance and jurisdic tion; it is your responsibility to educate them. Uplift, motive, empower them and bring back honor, respect and intelligence. Get mon ey and do what you do WE DON’T JUDGE, but have some principles! Hold your own!
I remain your publisher,
DemarJahliekTyson
URBAN LIFE NEWS CEO & Publisher
Demar Tyson
Associate Editor
Ujima A. H. Jame
Business Services
Nerissa Tyson
Layout & Design
Matt Lawrence
Advertising Director
Demar Tyson
FOR ADVERTISING info@urbanlifenewsmagazine.com 1-800-288-1744 Fax: 516-667-0711
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Reproduction or use of any part of urban life news without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings or photographs. All manuscripts, drawings or photographs sent to urban life news will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to the newsletter’s right to edit and comment editorially. Urban life news assumes no responsibility to determine whether the people whose photographs or statements appear in such advertisements have in fact, endorsed such products or consented to the use of their names or photographs, or the statements attributed to them. The publisher is exempt from the record keeping requirements and disclosure statements mandated by the U.S code, Section 2257 A-C and the pertinent regulations, 28 C.F.R Ch.1, Part 75, since all of such materials fall within the exempted material set forth section 75(a) (1-3)of the regulation.
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Photo: Anothony Geathers
SPECIAL THANKS TO: ANTHONY GEATHERS, PHOTOGRAPHER I’d like to take a moment to give a very special Thanks to Brooklyn’s own Master Photographer Anthony Geathers. Without his selflessness this issue would not be possible. I was trying to come up with a creative and dope way to re-introduce Urban Life News Magazine back to you. So I considered paying a Tribute to the recently passed, Great Prodigy, of the Infamous Mobb Deep. However I didn’t want my tribute to be cliche-ish, and tacky. While searching for content I ran across a really nice photo of Prodigy and for a moment I considered just using it. To make a long story short, I reached out to the Photographer who happened to be the famous Sports photographer and connoisseur of the Hip Hop culture, Anthony Geathers. Once I shared my vision with him and gave him the telephone version of my life journey, he quickly and consciously agreed to send me what turned out to be the last professional photo shoot of Prodigy. Without knowing me, with out someone in the “Industry” to vouch for my work and publication. This man took a chance on allowing me and trusting me to share with you, specifically those of you sitting in those cells, behind those walls, PRODIGY.
Anhotny Geathers Photographer
I am grateful. Respectfully, Tyson.
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BOOK REVIEW This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History Author: Chuck D It’s been 40 plus years since the birth of Hip-hop by DJ Kool Herc in 1973; Facts. Yet to date there has been no big synopsis of this music genre till now. We all know that in order to move forward you need to study your history. Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, more commonly known as Chuck D has done just that. His book provides a chronological revelation of hip-hops history from 1973-2016. This book is good for your coffee table and as he says has points that can be integrated into school curriculum. This book is a teacher and in the words of Boogie down productions “you must learn”.
in the genre with the people involved in production and development of different works and in some cases the background which helped to shape the monumental and significant events in hip-hop history. Along your journey through this book he recounts his memories of some of the persons and events involved which provided another layer to depth of masterpiece. Who better to do this then the legendary Chuck D of the legendary group Public Enemy and radio host. His experience and longevity in the field make this an enjoyable read.
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers NY 1st Hardcover edition October 2017 Pages: 342 ISBN: 978-0-31643097-5 (hardcover) Price: $23.99 Special Features: Day by day annotation of Hip-Hop history, and various artwork throughout the text.
Jazz Tyson
Contributing Writer Educator
Keep this book around on your cofChuck D lays down the road map of the fee table or in your personal library as development of this multibillion dollar a reference piece. A worthy purchase industry by marking significant events and investment. 14
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The name NIKE is a globally popular name for an American sportswear company. In Greek mythology, the name NIKE means victory in battle and peaceful competition. In the streets of New York, a legend by the name of NIKE Hare wood, owner and urban tattoo artist of Murda Ink Tattoos 2, is as influential as the company and triumphant as the Greek myth. From angel wings to skulls to area codes, stars, crosses, and my favorite crowns, NIKE has inked hip-hop artists to local celebs to basic individuals across the country. Also known for his pioneering efforts in Hip-Hop fashion in the late 80's as one of The Mighty Shirt Kings, this entrepre neur has taken his artist craft to amazing and remarkable business-savvy levels. Urban Life News got a chance to stop by the Hempstead, New York Murda Ink Tattoos 2 (tattoo parlor) to explore the life, art-of-the-game, and wisdom of a true King and master illustrator. Before the dookey gold rope chains, before the 3 finger rings, before the inventive merging of air brushing to clothing, where does NIKE Harewood hail from? I hail from Bedstuy Marcy Projects. I went to the High School of Art and Design where I discovered I was talented in art. I explored my talents throughout the high school years and as time went on I graduated and continued with my artwork. I worked a couple of odd jobs in and out. In 1986 I got with some schoolmates and we formed what we call The Mighty Shirt Kings.
How did The Mighty Shirt Kings originate? The Mighty Shirt Kings originated back in 1986. It started with myself Clyde aka NIKE Harewood, my friend the deceased Rafael KASHEEM Avery, and the other partner Edwin PHADE Sacasa. We went to the High School of Art and Design together. As time went on I got a job doing construction with KASHEEM. KASHEEM got laid off and PHADE was making T-Shirts and selling them Uptown in Harlem. PHADE got a hold of KASHEEM and he said listen I got an idea that we should airbrush and I want to teach you how to airbrush. He said, where's NIKE? KASHEEM told him I was working at the job he recently left. They called me and said they wanted to airbrush some T-shirts in the mall. I told them I didn't know how to do that and plus I was still working. He said, "We will teach you. If you lose your job give me a holla." Low and behold I lost my job that next week. I got laid off. I called and said, "What's that shirt stuff y'all were talking about?" Next thing you know we got together. I started off with hand painting shirts because I use to do it back in Marcy Projects for a lot my friends. As time went on I picked up the air brush because KASHEEM and PHADE made me. I learned it and mas tered it in a matter of a week. Low and behold we called ourselves K&N Shirts, KNP Shirts but it didn't sound right to us. I said, "We are better than that we are kings of this here." They said, "You're right we are kings, we are the shirts kings." I said, "That's right that's who we are the shirt kings." That's the day June 6, 1986 The Mighty Shirt Kings were formed.
When did your talented flare for art flourish? My talent for my art flourished when I was about seven years old. I was watching my older sister make her own patterns and clothes and sew for herself. She went to the High School of Fashion Industries back then. It fascinated me to watch her. I said to myself, I wonder if I can draw? It was something that came to me. I grabbed the Sunday paper. There was a cartoon strip named Beetle Bailey. I started looking at it and picked up a pencil and paper and next thing you know I'm drawing. I realized I really had a knack for this thing. My sister wasn't the only one in the house with the flare for art. That's when I realized I had the talent and that's when my art started to flourish.
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Those were the glorious days back on Jamaica Avenue back in the 80's. Like I said The Mighty Shirt Kings came about in 86.
It was a thing that we didn't know that it was going to take us where it took us. It was something new, something different for the people. We didn't start airbrushing. Airbrushing didn't originate from Shirt Kings but we had our own unique style with it. That's what made us stick out. We would take cartoon characters and dress them up in the latest fashion. The sneakers, the dookey rope chains, the three finger rings, and gold teeth that the people were wearing of that era. It took to a lot of people because they never saw anything like that before. So as time went on we had the whole Jamaica Avenue, to Hollis, to Southside. They were all coming down there spreading the word that these guys were in the Colosseum that called themselves Shirt Kings that make these hot shirts. Low and behold it was the time when the first rapper that came in the Colosse um which was Biz Markie. He came over saw what we were doing. He liked it, sat down with us, beat-boxed around us for a while, and said I want one of those shirts. I was the one that said I'll do it because at the time I was the only one out of the three of us that could do portraits well. So I did a portrait for him on a shirt and Biz Markie wore it on the cover of Right On! Magazine. That's what really did it for Shirt Kings. We were on our way. Biz Markie set it off for us.
one to do the stuff for the rappers from the Bronx and that made a big impact on us when KRS-One put on that shirt and made that comment. Alongside him, a lot of other rapper said the same thing. Everybody just started feeling like yo you ain't nobody without a Shirt Kings shirt. It was like we were the Dapper Dans' of airbrushing at that time. It made a nice strong impact when KRS-One made that statement.
Please name a few celebrities you have custom designed? Going back to what I said I've done shirts for LL Cool J. I've done shirts for DJ Red Alert which put us on the radio. We did nice radio commercials with DJ Red Alert. I did shirts for Heavy Dee, Prince Markie Dee of the Fat Boys, and Mike Tyson. We did the Audio Two album cover and their shirts. That is what made us get in contact with Malcolm Jamal Warner of The Cosby Show. Malcolm always wanted to meet us because he wanted to know, who were the guys that did the Audio Two album cover? He met us at a party and invited us to his place. At his place, we became friends and next thing you know we were going to the Cosby Show watching the screening of The Cosby Show live. I got to meet Bill Cosby backstage and I was able to give Bill Cosby a Shirt Kings jacket.
Tell us about meeting the American icon Bill Cosby?
Once Biz Markie set it off by wearing it, all the other rappers came behind him. In order there was Salt-n-Pepa then after Salt-n-Pepa there was LL Cool J. LL Cool J made a big mark on us too by wearing it in the magazines. Then we got to do one for Mike Tyson when Mike Tyson was hot. KRS-One got his shirt from PHADE because The Shirt Kings were from different boroughs. I was from Brooklyn, KASHEEM was from Queens, PHADE was from the Bronx. So most of the rappers that came from the Bronx PHADE got a hold of like KRS-One and Heavy Dee (God bless the dead). PHADE would be the
Just to get close to a person like Bill Cosby is an honor. It's like surreal. It's unexplainable. He was nice. At the time, he was going through a little problem with the timeslot for The Cosby Show with The Simpsons. He asked us to make him a shirt. Astonished, I asked "Mr. Cosby, what would you want us to put on a shirt?" He said, "I want you to put Bart Simpsons' face on my body and put my face on Bart Simpsons' body and make it seem like Bart Simpson is chasing me." I said, "Ok, cool." I really didn't get it but what Bill Cosby wants we would have done it. But for some reason it got put to the side be cause Malcolm called me telling me to hold off on the shirt. I guessed they got their time slot. But to meet Bill Cosby it definitely was an honor and it was surreal.
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Thinking back, what celebrity or celebrities had the most outrageous styling request? It would have to be Biz Markie. Biz was crazy as it is. His style was different and unique. He was my friend out of all the rappers who I really hung around the most and he would always challenge my art. He even had me design his album cover, him sitting on the toilet picking his nose. It went to the song "Pickin' Boogers." He was in the bath room and I had to put all the names of people on the wall like it was a real gritty bathroom. I pulled it off. As time went on, he had me doing jackets with all his favorite car toon characters of the 60's and ?O's. I pulled that off twice for him. I would have to say Biz was the one who really challenged me as far as doing the crazy artwork on the clothes.
How did you transition into urban tattooing? Unfortunately, the style of wearing airbrush clothing was dying down in the late 90's. It was time to take my art talent and skills to transcend to something else but didn't quite know. KASHEEM was the one that said we need to start inking. I said "What are you talking about?" He said, "Tattooing." I really wasn't for it because I didn't want to deal with people's blood but we had to eat. I wasn't trying to go back to getting a job. I would have felt funny. For Christ's sake, we were the Shirt Kings. I either had to start my own line of clothes or get with this tattooing idea. For tattooing in 95, there wasn't really anybody doing it. I said let me give it a shot. It was another form of art to try and conquer and that's how Murda Ink came about.
What was the day like filming your scene in the 1998 American hip-hop classic film Belly? I originally wasn't apart of that scene. I wasn't supposed to be in the scene. I just happened to be inside the place where they were shooting because my tattoo parlor was downstairs. It was apart of the barbershop. Nas was a good friend of mine. He knew me from Shirt Kings and he realized I was in the building. As they shot the scene, I was sitting upstairs with the rest of the barbers on the bench acting like I was a customer waiting for a haircut.
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As Nas saw I was sitting there, as he was exiting the barbershop before the shooting scene, he would always grab me and pull me up to him and say, "Stay up" and I would say "You too" then he would walk out. We did that scene twice. Hype Wil liams, the director of the movie, realized like who is this person that is not really writ ten in the script. He came over to me with the producers and told me it was alright that I say something to Nas but do me a favor and sit inside one of the barber chairs, put a cape on as if you are getting a haircut, but you can't really say anything be cause you don't have any lines. Just shake your head when Nas waves his hand at you. I said no problem fine. It was a nice experience because I got to see how the movie was made and the actual scene that took like 6 to 7 takes to complete. I also got the chance the meet DMX. He and Nas came down to my tattoo parlor and we had a good time drinking and talking. I wasn't supposed to be apart of the movie but if you look at the movie you see me in the chair. I'm the one that shakes my head as Nas walks out and waves to me.
After maneuvering into this new occupational profession, how did Hemp stead, New York become your new professional home? And how many years have you graced this neighborhood with your artistic expertise? Hempstead became my new home with my artistic abilities when I met a couple of brothers from out here named Sincere and Born. They came to my shop in Queens because they heard about me. They asked my employees at the time, which was Yaya and Derek, where was I, where's the boss? Who can they speak to regarding bringing somebody to Hempstead? They wanted to open a tattoo parlor out here. I met with them the next day and we talked. I told them I didn't mind coming to Hempstead Long Island and gracing Hempstead with our skills. I made the move and at the same time I still had Murda Ink on Jamaica Ave. I let Yaya hold it down. As time went on and I got comfortable in Hempstead and I made new friends and a new environment for myself. The people showed mad love out here and I showed it back. I let go of my parlor in Queens and gave it to Yaya. I was doing my thing out here and history was made. I became NIKE of Murda Ink in Hempstead. It was a good move. I like it out here. I've been out here since 1998 and I'm still here and its 2014 so you do the math. I've been out here for quite awhile.
Reality 1V shows like VH1's Black Ink Crew and Oxygen Channel's Best Ink are now showcasing the artistic craft of tattooing. Do you feel these shows have unearthed a new stream of business in the tattooing commu nity? I'm not one to want to hate or criticize but I for one don't think there's enough art being showcased on that Black Ink show. I know there is a lot of drama on reality shows but when it comes to tattooing, especially if it's black people doing it, this is your time to shine. You are getting an opportunity to show that we can do this art too, as well as, anybody else to perfection. It's a time to show that you are a real artist. To me that's what is should've been more about. You know you have Tattoo Nightmares where you have a cover-up and the artist wants to show how they can cover-up something you want to get rid of. I don't see known of this on Black Ink show. I'm kind of disgusted with the show to be honest. I don't even watch it. I saw two episodes and that was enough for me. I'm an artist by nature and by heart and I want to see artwork done. I don't want to see drama. If I want to see drama I will stick my head out my store if I want to see drama with no problem. A lot of people say this should be Murder Ink. We should've been on lV. Yea well if it was meant to be it would be but I'm bigger and better than that. When I was Shirt Kings, I was on Yo! MTV Raps.
I did all that stuff. I was on the radio. I know what it's like to be behind the camera in front of millions of people. It doesn't matter to me. I want to showcase my art. I don't want to be on TV just to be on TV. If I'm on TV I want to show what type of great artist I really am and my partner Solomon Grungi. These shows most definitely have unearthed a new stream of business in the tattooing community. It's keeping tattooing going strong. It has grown to be more popularly accepted even more. You have corporate people that have tattoos. They might not show them but they have them, believe that. You have doctors, nurses, lawyers. I've seen doc足 tors with their tattoos. Once they find out you are a tattoo artist, they like to show that they have a tattoo. So with tattooing these shows have done what they are supposed to do, showing that it is a good business to be in. But if the show doesn't portray your skill and your art, what good is it, to me?
So many urban Americans are becoming "addicted to ink", what is the most popular tattooing style of the day? Such as name tattoos, realism tattoos, tribal tattoos, etc. All those tattoos that you asked about from tribal to name to realism, that's never going to go away. But all types of tattoos have had their time. Like there was a time and era when every young lady wanted a butterfly or wanted a rose. Then the guys wanted the panthers or some tribal. Names to me are the dumbest tattoos to get unless it's a name of your parent or children or your grandparents. To get your loved ones name tattooed on you is silly to me because that's not forever. You are going to wind up getting it covered up. Cover-ups are not that easy to do but its part of the game. The most popular tattoo to do right now are sleeves. Everybody wants sleeves and sleeves are beautiful. It's like you really should take your time and put your sleeve together. You should not just throw anything and everything you want on your body. That's the mistake a lot of people make when it comes to this tattooing thing. They just throw anything on their body without sitting down and really thinking about it. This is something that's going on your body for life. You know your body is your temple so you have to treat is that way. Tattooing is art. Art is priceless. Art is beautiful so you have to really sit down and think and plan out your sleeve. The end result you are going to be happy. I'm going to make you happy because I know what I can do and I know what Solomon can do.
With respect to Rick Ross's new "Rich Forever" facial tattoo and the many facial tattoos of Lil Wayne, Gucci Man, and The Game, what is the most peculiar facial tattoo you have tatted? I'm not a fan of facial tattoos. I'm not knocking Gucci Man or Lil Wayne and Rick Ross and all these other artist but I've done a couple of facial tattoos. The most popular is little stars or teardrops. These guys are the guys were either in jail or lost a loved one. That is when they get the tears. The young ladies may want to get the stars on their face, that's kind of cute or a heart. There was one time I did the New York Yankees symbol on a friends face. Other than that, I haven't indulged in too many facial tattoos. That's really not my thing. My thing is to do back pieces and sleeves because that's where you can really show your skill and portray your art and really do a really nice piece on somebody.
Your entrepreneurial spirit was created through ingenuity (making something out of nothing), from the days of name tag足 ging subway trains to building on an idea for urban fashion to monopolizing asan urban tattoo artist, what advice do you give to up-and-coming artist expanding their artistic boundaries? The advice I give to them is don't give up. Keep the faith. Believe in yourself. Believe in your art no matter what anybody says or whoever tries to shun you down. I had that problem with my father when I was a child. I would try to express my love with my art to him by drawing pictures and framing them in his house. My father and mother were di足 vorced. When I would spend time with my father I would do this and he would always shun me down. He thought my art wasn't going to get me anywhere in life. He said I wasn't going to make any money doing this and it scorned me. I had to really believe in myself. I had to really believe that I can get somewhere with this. He discouraged me for a little while and it hurt. Later on, I showed him that I was better than that. My art can get me somewhere in life. When I became the Shirt Kings, my father came around and saw what I became with art, he couldn't be足 lieve it. One day, I drove around with him for awhile and I gave him a gold ring off my finger with diamonds. He said, "What is this for?" I said, "For you." He hugged me and started crying. This is why I'm saying don't let anyone discourage you. Believe in your art. Hone in on it. Do the best you can. Go hard and you can become what you want to be with your art because art is priceless and art is beautiful.
What is life and entertainment like outside of Murda Ink Tattoos 2? Life for me is great. I don't have my family together like I use too. Things happen in life but I get to spend time with my youngest son. I enjoy my friends, going here and there. I speak to my mom making sure she's ok. I spend time with my sisters and brother-in-laws. My nieces and nephews keep in touch. Most of all, I leave all the art and the business where it belongs when I leave Murcia Ink and enjoy life staying healthy.
Check out NIKE and his business partner Solomon Grungi at: Murcia Ink 2 Tattoos 167 Henry Street Hempstead, NY 11550 (516)292-3600
Facebook Murcia Ink Tattoos Two Twitter Murdalnktattoo lnstagram @TattoosbyMightyNike lnstagram @S_Grungi
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WHO JUDG ES THE JUDGE? When Tyson contacted me on Instagram asking me to write for Urban Life News magazine, I was flattered. Until he told me the topic: “What is a Grand Jury?” I thanked him but declined (politely of course) because as a Canadian criminal lawyer, I could not write about a process we don’t use. Tyson then asked if there was a universal issue that motivates me. I offered to write about how the system is designed to keep people stuck because it is not a “justice” system but an economic system rooted in slavery and forced labour. We quickly scheduled a telephone call to discuss our Common Vision: spreading knowledge and fostering discussion about Social Justice. Tyson wanted to use Hip Hop culture as a vehicle for the message. I was on board immediately; excited for the opportunity.
I was introduced to hip hop when I was 10 years old playing basketball after school. Someone nearby had a small stereo blasting NWA’s Straight Outta Compton. I could feel the underlying tension and frustration laid out over the gritty beat and I loved it. I asked for a copy of the cassette tape (this was 1989 after all) and the next day I got that and Eazy-Duz-it to check out. I did not realize it at the time, but these were my introductions to the injustice of racism and poverty in America. Public Enemy and Ice T furthered my education, through music I loved hearing and a message I found intriguing. Two years later, John Singleton’s Boyz N Tha Hood let me see the lives I was hearing about. Hol-
lywood prepared me well for my teenage years, when I moved to downtown Toronto and experienced these lessons first hand. Hip hop culture, through music, movies, and magazines like this, is a vehicle of expression for those suffering through social injustice but also a means of educating people who may otherwise be ignorant. When I fell in love with hip hop, social injustice was a foreign concept. When I experienced it first hand, I understood it because I was affair of the struggle. Fast forward twenty a few decades and I get to use my position as a criminal defence lawyer to help those caught up and educate those who don’t understand what may be the biggest social injustice plaguing North America today: the Prison System.
Mass incarceration and recidivism (repeat offenders) are a product of a system that is designed to feed an economy, not seek justice, and it is working to the detriment of millions of people throughout North America. The system is designed and maintained by those who benefit from it: politicians, police, judges, prosecutors, lawyers, probation and parole officers. These people need people to enter and remain in the “justice” system. The economy of the system depends on people being there. That is why we have such harsh conditions for bail and parole, topics I will explore in future issues. The conditions are nearly impossible for any functioning human to follow, almost guaranteeing failure that results in re-incarceration and each instance of reincarceration only
helps justify the initial lockup. Its a trap for all but the most wealthy and most privileged in society. This problem is far more pronounced in America than Canada, where our prisons are government funded and not private profit-machines. I look forward to a more detailed comparison in a future issue. Real change can only happen when the reality is exposed from both inside and out. I know that my career, my title, my degrees add legitimacy to this debate for some people. Unfortunately. People are so caught up today judging others by one action, one title, one photo, one decision, that they stop looking at the big picture, stop listening to the whole story, stop considering the rest of one’s life in their assessment of worth. One conviction should not dictate an entire life nomore than one diploma. I want to use my position in the hierarchy to expose the truth and I hope my contribution to Urban Life News Magazine helps move more people to express their outrage at a system designed to keep people stuck.
Jordana H. Goldlist • JHGcriminallaw.com Contributing Writer • Lawyer
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REMEMBERING PRODIGY 1974-2017 Interview and Commentary by Vikki Tobak Photos by Anthony Geathers
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Last October, Prodigy, one half of the groundbreaking hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, sat at a table at Pearl’s Caribbean in Williamsburg New York, not far from where he lived. In one of his last interviews, he spoke about his history with food and how hip-hop, and most acutely, his need to control his sickle cell anemia, informed his choices around food and health. He had just published “Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook,” following a three year stint in a New Jersey correctional facility on weapons charges and as he spoke, you got the sense this was just the beginning of his growing interest in food justice. “I’m starting to connect the dots,” he said. This would one of his last interviews and was also his last professional photo session. On Tuesday, after being hospitalized in Las Vegas for complications from sickle cell, Prodigy died at the age of 42. Throughout his life Prodigy, born Albert Johnson, spoke at length about how his lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia made him conscious about what he put in his body. Growing up in Hempstead, Long Island, he was diagnosed with sickle cell before he was
a year old. The disease, which disproportionately affects blacks and Latinos, causes the body to produce abnormal blood cells shaped like crescents or sickles rather than discs. a blood disease marked by debilitating bouts of bodily pain. By the time he made his home in Queensbridge Houses, P was well versed in the pain caused by sickle cell and grew frustrated as the disease disrupted his budding career and tour life with chronic pain and frequent hospital visits. By his own admission, P turned toward drugs and drinking despite understanding that a hardrock life could potentially make sickle cell all the more deadly. And as he grew older, living with the disease made him increasingly focus food and wellness. Although he would never reach his full potential as a health advocate, P saw himself as part of a larger movement in hip-hop towards health consciousness. Speaking on the long history of hip hop artists who are either vegan or vegetarians, he pointed to fellow artists including Styles P and Stic from Dead Prez who have been actively building on the
connection of hip-hop and food justice. A conversation with Prodigy from October 2016: --Growing up in Hempstead, Long Island and being diagnosed with sickle cell at a very early age, were you thinking about food and nutrition as part of your everyday early on? I was born with sickle cell and I remember being in the hospital as a little baby and I just remember the pain, bright lights shining in my face. I knew from the very beginning that something was wrong because I was always in pain. I knew some guys in Long Island who were part of the Five Percent Nation. That’s where it all started. That’s when I started changing my diet when I learned the 120 lessons and I read ‘How To Eat To Live” ( a series of two books published by Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad in the 1960s). I was around 15 years old. After reading it took another three years for me to understand and apply what I was reading to my everyday life. I had to get used to drinking water, stop eating candy and drinking soda, stop with the fried foods. I started feeling better.
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And then you moved to Queensbridge when you were 11 years old?
ally influenced me to do my own research on everything including food.
Yeah, when I was like 11 or 12, I started smoking weed and drinking 40 oz.’s , just wild living and wild life and I didn’t think much about how that was affecting my health.
Do you believe food is part of this bigger movement of social justice, politics etc..
We started Mobb Deep in like 1991 and going on the road alot. For my health, things just got worse. I’m talkin’ Hennessy for breakfast, St. Ives for breakfast …shit like that. I would get sick alot. Like 5 or 6 times a year and it would stop me from doing shows. Sometimes I would get sick in the middle of a flight. Then at 21, I started to figure out that I could control sickle cell through diet. Did anyone in the hip-hop community attempt to help you when they saw you were struggling with your health issues? Not really but they would put it into their music. Like I would listen to Rakim’s songs and I would learn to eat fish, which is his favorite dish (laughs, quoting a well known Rakim lyric “Fish which is my favorite dish…”). And then Wu-Tang, they were talking about similar things. They would talk about eating salad in their lyrics and that made it cool. That made it, like, not corny. Did you ever become fully vegan? I’ve tried it but I couldn’t go all the way. I eliminated what I could. I like to eat fish. Some people say ‘oh you gotta die from something’ and my answer to that is that you do your best. You do better than you were doing before. My grandparents were from the south, Virginia and Texas, so they were big on chitlins and pig feet and all that stuff and they weren’t too health conscious. The only things I knew (about nutrition) was don’t eat pork. That was something my grandfather told me. The doctors used to tell my family that I should drink alot of fluids for my sickle cell. I was never officially part of the 5% nation but I had a lot of friends who were. Still, I studied all the writing and teachings. I studied a lot of Nation of Islam teachings on food. And also Dr. York’s books re-
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Everything is one. The flower of life. Everybody’s energy affects everyone else. It all works together. Religion, politics, food — when you connect the dots you see the big picture. Food has been in my lyrics for a while. I’ve been planting seeds on purpose. When we came out with The Infamous, Shook Ones, all those songs and albums, I understood who our audience was and what they wanted to hear from us. And at the same time, I was learning alot and it’s impossible not to put what you’re learning into your lyrics. But I also didn’t want to lose our fans by becoming preachy and turning the fans off. Our fan base is like criminals (laughs). Out there on the block, shooting people, robbing people, this is where we come from. This is the audience that made us popular to the world. I wanted to put information into the songs but not come off as preaching. By the time we got to the Hell On Earth album, I said the word ‘Illuminati’ in a song but I didn’t want to explain. I was planting seeds. Now I’m at the point where I’m getting ready to put out a new album and I’m talking about all kinds of stuff — conspiracy theories, health, spirituality — all that. Do you feel like your cookbook is part of this larger movement in hiphop towards health consciousness? I definitely consider myself part of that. I try to put it out there for people to learn and how to eat. The book was just the start of that. What was it like when you were in prison talking to fellow inmates about food and health? A very small percentage was into it- like 2 or 3 out of 40 inmates. But several dudes came over to me and said that I helped them to eat better. And more importantly, live better. They told me that right before I left prison. There’s always a better alternative. There are different ways to fit it to your budget and and even if you just do better, that counts. You don’t have to be perfect but just take steps to improve.
Prodigy was a natural and prolific storyteller. That was evident from the minute anyone heard Mobb Deep’s Shook Ones (“for every rhyme I write, it’s 25 to life…”) or really any of Mobb Deep’s music over the years. But by the time, I sat down with P, it had been years since he was the young hard rock making new music out of Queensbridge. By now, he was a man in his early 40’s grappling with a career and family, he had done time, written a book and was trying to do right by his health. He had evolved and I wanted to know more about what inspired his evolution. A few months before he passed away, we met at one of his favorite restaurants, Pearl’s Caribbean in Williamsburg Brooklyn, around the corner from where he lived. Before we left, he ordered a plate of food to-go to take to his daughter. I remember thinking how thoughtful that was. Later that night, I saw Prodigy at his book release party at Sonos in Soho, his daughter by his side. I asked her how the carry-out was. She just looked at her dad and smiled like “how does she know about my lunch?” We all laughed and that was the last time I saw Prodigy. Obviously, I didn’t realize that day would be one of his last interviews and the photographer who accompanied me, Anthony Geathers, had no idea that he would end up with the last portrait of P. Anthony grew up on hip-hip and, to him, P was somewhat of an elder statesman, an icon of golden era
hip-hop that maybe Anthony was too young to actually experience in the clubs but certainly recognized in the lyrics as a young man growing up in New York. Prodigy and I spoke about healthy living and much more, including the dietary measures he took throughout his career to stay healthy on the road, in the studio, and in prison. He told me he was “just starting to connect the dots” of the food injustices that face so many of the world’s citizens. It’s hard not to think about the impact P could have had if he were still around and it's an honor to share these words with the readers of Urban Life News...
Vikki Tobak Journalist
--Reflections on Photographing Prodigy: A Message from Photographer Anthony Geathers
Good morning ya’ll. Finally at the batcave still taking in the fact that sadly, Prodigy passed away....he’s the first MC that I got to shoot portraits of. I remember that same exact day like it was yesterday. Getting to actually hear about how he met Havoc, his days of growing up in Queens, living his life as an MC, giving NYC timeless music alongside his mans Havoc and sharing his life through his lyrics. P is New York 1000% and it is super dope to see
other MC’s, people who had Prodigy in their life soundtracks just celebrate his life and music. To be one of the last people to make portraits of Prodigy is bitter sweet. Sweet because he was on my bucket list of people to photograph for a while and I got the chance to share that moment with him . It is also bitter because one, he died so damn young, two he was the first person I photographed that passed away. I kid you not. So these portraits, I’m sharing with ya’ll today is not mourning his death. It’s celebrating an artist I grew up listening to, especially during dark times as well as the good, and I got to meet of NYC’s legends and make art with; that I can tell my future kids about. So please, share his life’s work, let’s celebrate Prodigy while I share my art with the culture and the city of NY. RIP Prodigy. NYC loves you and will miss you. Hold it down upstairs with Sean Price. And thank you for allowing this kid to make a set of pictures with love, respect and admiration that celebrates you as a respected MC, father, and son.
Anthony Geathers Photographer
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PREPARING OUR YOUTH FOR CAREERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY The classroom environment has changed drastically over the past 20 years. When you walk into your child’s classroom things may look very different from when you were in school. Chalk boards have been replaced with smart boards. Many elementary children have access to IPads and Chromebooks in the classroom. Even some textbooks are solely in digital format. These technological advancements in school represent just a mere tip in the bucket of what is required of children to be successful productive citizens in our constantly evolving society. The United States response to these needs has come a long way from the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 to the current Common Core initiatives. The skills that our children need to be successful in today’s world go far beyond mere literacy and the three R’s (reading, writing, and arithmetic). Our youth need to be equipped with the skills necessary to create, analyze, think, and produce as part of the 21st century working world. So what should/can parents do to prepare their children for the workforce. Let us first look at what are the 21st century skills? What are the 21st Century Skills? According to the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, in order for students to be prepared for college and career in our advanced society students need to be equipped with the following skills: creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and collaboration information” skills. These attributes are collectively called the 4 C’s. These skills are not to replace the core subjects typically taught in classrooms such as science, history, mathematics etc. These attributes should be taken in conjunction with the 3 R’s to provide a complete education for any child. A child’s ability to utilize the 4 C’s will set them apart from their peers who have not mastered them. Need more proof, just think about any infant you come in contact with today. These infants can operate any cellphone, iPad, or other digital media before they can spell and communicate fully with words. A child who not only can use these instruments but create, manipulate, and communicate with them will be an asset in the workforce whether they choose to create their own destiny or
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work for a company. So what can a parent do to support their child in the workforce. How do parents make sure their children are prepared to meet the 21st century goals? To put it simply parents need to be more involved in their child’s education not just inside the classroom but also outside of the classroom. The following are suggestions of how to accomplish this: 1) Be an active parent- it is important that you know what is going on in your child’s education. Today, many schools have digital grade books, parent portals and or access to your child’s grades right at your fingertips. If this is available to you make sure you download the app or login regularly. This allows you to review grades and assignments more quickly than just waiting for a parent teacher conference. With more information you will be more involved in your child’s education and be able to make better decisions concerning your child. Make this a priority to check in on your child’s work. If this service is not available to you. Write a teacher a note, make a phone call, or send an email to your child’s teacher(s) so that you can be more informed. Do not wait to react to any situations that may arise. Take the initiative to do something first. 2) Parents are teachers too. Although your child spends a majority of their awake hours at school for 10 months you are your child’s first teacher. As parents you have or can have the greatest influence in your child’s behavior and actions. Take the time to create an environment where learning and communication are encouraged in your home. It can start as easily as discussing current events on the news or radio. Create healthy discussions where the child can and is expected to express their opinion. As the parent, question their reasoning in a way that promotes societal and emotional consciousness. By doing this you are developing the critical thinking skills that are necessary to be successful in our society. This step does require work on your part. You need to educate yourself on these things as well so that you can communicate with your children in a productive manner. So the parent becomes a student as well. We all have to work but if you can catch a parent workshop it may give you some helpful hints. 3) Create opportunities for learning at home. Start by creating a space for your child to complete their school work. It can be a place at the kitchen table or desk in a corner or even just their bed. Let them know that learning is important and support a quiet place for your child to work. It is important that your child has a designated area to work and create. Encourage your child to be active in the home. Maybe creating a menu for dinner, writing a book or reviewing a book they read and cre-
ating a video report. Learning outside of the classroom should be encouraged. Instead of always watching TV and playing video games for several hours. Encourage these alternative activities. Whatever you decide will benefit your family. 4) Find opportunities for new experiences in the summer. Many communities nationwide have free summer programs that students can participate in. Do some research in your home to find out when and where they will be taking place. To begin your search start with your local school. The guidance counselors and some teachers will know of some summer programs. Look for activities that are free on weekends that you can participate in with your child at local museums and parks. Many universities have paid and sometimes programs for small fees based on family income. Take a look into those programs as well. Start your search now for summer 2017. Look for programs in science, the arts, technology/coding. These are all worthwhile pursuits. The bottom line is this; take an active role in your child’s education. Today we are not creating adults who are only required to work on a farm. The rate of new developments in technology, engineering, and other industries have created a need for specifically skilled labors who are equipped to create, maintain, and repair our modern miracles. Today the jobs that are required for the future require that worker is a fast thinker and is globally aware. It is true that the skillsets that children come into the classroom with are more sophisticated than what educators have seen in past generations. However, with that knowledge it is important for parents to take a more active role in the education of the children.
JD Tyson Educator
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NEW WEB SERIES SENSATION
What is Professional Chiller? A Professional chiller is a person is comfortable with being themselves, a cool, calm and collected person and a person who is not predictable. Who is the founder? I, Arlis Michaels am the creator and founder of The Professional Chiller Web Series. Where did you get the idea and inspiration from to start professional chiller? I watch a lot movies and TV shows so I wanted to create something that everybody can relate to; Something like Shaft and John Wick for example. Something that has a little humor, but down to Earth and real. How many episodes and seasons are there? There are 14 episodes in season 1 and we are, at the moment, up to five episodes in season 2. Was it difficult to start? It is always a challenge because everybody that we work with has a different schedule. Who writes the scripts for professional chiller? I Write the script but sometimes we might do a little improv. Do you do all your filming in Long island? We mostly film in Long island, but we also film in Queens and Brooklyn. How is it working with people from your hood? It’s actually fun because everybody in the show are my friends. What is the future a Professional Chiller? The future of the show is to get a major deal. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start a series on the web (YouTube)? My advice to all inspiring writers and filmmakers: Think out the box and do something different.
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LOYALTY Loyalty is what we are Keeping it real is how we do Staying true to the game And keeping it official With those who keep it official with you. Tough times don’t last long But tough people do Many shall come but the chosen are few We chose the game The game doesn’t choose you But if you don’t stay loyal To those who stay loyal to you Ain’t no guarantee That you’ll make it through So let our word be our bond And our bond be our life I will give my life before my word shall fail My honor is what keeps my soul From burning in hell. This truth I give from me to you Play the game fair And to thine own self Be true. It is my sincere hope that You take head to the wisdom Of those who came before you Enabling you to side step The follies of youth. I present to you My truth.
DEMAR TYSON
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1304 Grand Ave Baldwin, NY 11510 38
NO KIDS LEFT BEHND No Kids Left Behind is an organization built on the foundation of love, respect and unity. Witnessing firsthand the lack of resources in the East New York Community, I knew then that I had to make a commitment that there would be NO KID LEFT BEHIND. Whether a child is feeling neglected, bullied or just can’t fit in, I resolved there will always be a place for them. My name is Keith Watkins; I am CEO and founder of No Kids Left Behind. I’ve been working with the youth in the East New York Community in Brooklyn NY for 26 years. I organize and facilitate basketball, football and baseball tournaments. we also teach fundamental skills that go along with these sports, we separate clinics and workshops. we developed and implemented life skills and conflict resolution workshops for the youth and adults. I also serve as a liaison for the 75th precinct and the PSA#2 police officer. I established No Kids Left Behind in 2012, without funding to meet the overlooked demand of keeping our youth off the streets and giving them a place where they can be productive. The staff of No Kids Left Behind is trained and has experience as youth development practitioners. They are qualified to work with the youth. I began this organization by starting out with a Flag Football Tournament for boys and girls 11-14 years of age that consisted of 6 teams and 66 participants. Over 70 participants registered for this tournament and since that first day on September 28, 2012, the number of participants has increased. We also started a dance program in 2012 that
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served 60 boys and girls from preschool to middle school. African dance, Tap dancing and Stepping were offered. The program has grown and is currently serving 130 youths in the community and the numbers are respectively growing. Furthermore, we provide a range of activities that incudes arts and crafts, dance, stepping, Double Dutch, and other recreational activities. We have an extensive sport program including basketball. Football, baseball, street hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis, track and field and soccer. At this time, I have two overall goals to expand No Kids Left Behind. Firstly, I would like to broaden and strengthen the program offered by providing additional activities that will reach more youth. Secondly, I would like to expand services offered to meet the needs of the participants in the community beyond after school programs and summer camps. In closing; We provide the youth with education, homework help, recreation, workshops, conflict resolutions, team building skills and communication skills through enrichment activities. These trainings and workshops will provide the youth with positive outlooks on everyday life circumstances. NO KIDS LEFT BEHIND INC. P.O. Box 80332 Brooklyn, NY 11208 Nokidsleftbehind2012@gmail.com Keith Watkins
CEO & Founder
SHOUTOUTS FEATURED SHOUT OUT
A VOICE
FROM
WITHIN
WALTER “TUT” JOHNSON
First let me thank my brother Mr. Demar Tyson for being such a positive source of inspiration and creating a publication for those who are dealing with the harsh realities of incarceration. My name is Walter Tut Johnson and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I sent a picture of myself to show you what happens when you take out time to work on yourself. You see that smile on my face...there was a time when I couldn’t smile because I felt that I had absolutely nothing to smile about. One day I looked into the mirror and realize that the person that I was for so many years wasn’t the person that I wanted to be for the rest of my life. So I decided to do something about it and after a long hard period of soul searching, I finally found the tools that would help me dismantle the old me and reinvent myself into someone that I could feel good about. Years ago I lived my life without true meaning or purpose, and it was that lack of positive interest that caused me to make many bad choices. There is nothing special about me, I’m just like you when it come to strengths, vulnerabilities, and the desire to be someone special in life. My problem was that I invested time and energy into the wrong things and tried to take shortcuts in most of my endeavors. But when the time came and I was tired of being that no good shortcut taking loser, I began to do the things that make you a winner. I became self-aware of my environment and came to the conclusion that it is impossible for a man to love himself, family, community and country if he is a selfish person. I stop thinking about what I wanted out of life and began to figure out how things would be if I had a more positive attitude and live my life for the greater good. It took prayer, self inventory, lots of internal cleaning and humility. Then I changed the way that I perceived people, places, and things. I seen people as my allies instead of my enemies and became proactive in programs that demanded discipline. You see that certificate in my hand...It’s verification that I passed what was required by the Department of Labor to gain an apprenticeship as a “Hospital Sanitary Technician” years ago that wouldn’t have meant anything to me because my mind and heart was in the wrong place. Today I’m not that old school gangster running around prison fighting, extorting, stabbing and sticking people up. I’m a humble proud mature grandfather that value Public Safety. I’m facilitating victim Impact classes, spiritual awareness, road to redemption, crisis management, deglorification of gang lifestyle and reaching out to provide enlightenment to the youth with Keith Watkins No Kids Left Behind Program. Today my goals are to empower others to make productive choices and decisions, so that they will take responsibility for their actions and be accountable for the things that they Say and Do. To assist others transition from gangsters, thugs, and convicts into healthy holistic thinking members of the human family. To redefine manhood by encouraging others to become proud servants to the communities that we damaged. To helping other males like myself develop the skills that are needed to become fathers who are capable of loving their children
and qualified to navigate their families through the storms and struggles of life safely. Men who live life with respect and appreciation, and who don’t become angry or violent when things are not working in their favor. I want our communities to stand up and remember that the best qualified mothers/fathers are often like the Phoenix; they are reborn from the mistakes of their destructive past behavior. Become discipline and take control of your life, if we all can get some control of ourselves through sacrifice, we can take back our communities with skill and love. We get them back step by step and day by day. I love you all, ask for your forgiveness for my past deeds, and I personally forgive anyone who may have violated me in the past. My number one enemy was myself and that old character is fading further away every day.
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SHOUTOUTS F R O M A VOICE
WITHIN
TO: KAMERA SHA
TO: PENTHOUSE P.
It isn’t easy being in love with you and not being able to see you everyday. It’s times when I’d give anything just to gave into your eyes and hold you in my arms just for a few minutes. I’ve been feeling incomplete like part of me is missing when we’re not together. I know that right now, this is how things have to be but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Everyday without you reminds me of the joy you add to my life, the joy that we’re missing. Always remember that I love you, I’m always thinking of you and I’m counting every minute until we’re together again. I will never count you out. - Chevan Whitfield
TO: LEONARD TYSON JR.
TO: GUSTO We love you bro and we’ll continue to fight against this corrupt system until the chains that bind you are broken. The truth will be told and a lot of corruption exposed. You always say only the strong survive and your are that. God got you bro and no weapons formed against you shall prosper. #Justice4RaphaelOsborne #FreeGusto - Coco Cabrera
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Peace and Love to my brother Penthouse P. One of the realest most humble dudes I have ever come across in my life. Your energy is always positive and you are the true meaning of a stand-up dude!! I know you been walking this time down, and it’s only a matter of time before you are back out here with me living life, living free. When we took this Flick in the yard I remember the feelings I had knowing I was on my way out the door and you still had time left to do. It was definitely bittersweet fam!! I was excited to start the next phase of my life but sad to leave you and a select few others in our circle behind. But just know I’m out here making a way for us to shine once more!! From a prison cell to living well!! The world awaits your return King !!! Until then.... continue to stand strong and tall!!! - Ya Brother, Real
Whats good comrade?? My brother, my Co-D!!! I pray that your keeping your spirits up. I know you good though cause you never let anything get you down or out of your zone. You always stand tall!! Just like you stood tall during all our court proceedings From arraignment to sentencing !!! So continue to hold it down my brother... it’s only a matter of time before your right back out here shining as you always do!! Im out here waiting for you bro!! Your family and kids miss you, your bike club misses you, the streets miss you!!! And you already know I miss you family!! So continue on this journey and be grateful for the lessons learned in this chapter of your life....and get yourself prepared for the next chapter to begin!!! Its gonna be one hell of a ride! - Real
SHOUTOUTS
TO: THE REAL ROWDY
Happy Birthday to my Rowdy baby. Love this guy to pieces, he is such a Jewel. His energy is everything. When I️ get his daily calls he gives me life when I️ am feeling down. I️ wish you nothing but the best. Great health, wealth, strength; longevity and prosperity and may all your dreams turning into reality. Time Ticking. - MaMa_Shhh
TO: MATH
A VOICE
FROM WITHIN
TO: LANE
Yo Lane - we miss you out here. Family at this point. you been gone 17 long years with a few more to go, I️ know at times you were ready to break down & say fuck it all but you walked this down & handled it like a real G supposed to kept your mouth closed & rode it out. We lost some family & a few real 1’s since you been you been gone, that alone will break a real G down none that stood in your way stopped you from staying positive standing tall & doing your time. You missed most of your teens all of your twenties but believe me the best is yet to come we all out here waiting on your arrival. -Swag
TO: BOBBY SHMURDA Peace G. We all know the prices we pay for the decisions we make in this life. But your passing was not that, it has left us all empty and wanting answers to why the good leaves us so young?! Your family misses you, your friends miss you and WE have not forgotten. Your spirit, your image, laughter and way you connected and vibe with people will never leave us. May your soul rest in peace and may you continue to live through the hearts and minds of those who love you. - The Port “Port Knox”
Blessings to my baby boy the worst is almost over. Wishing you great health, wealth and prosperity and may God bless you with all that your heart desires. I️ will always be your backbone and your biggest fan. - MaMa_Shhh
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SHOUTOUTS F R O M A VOICE
WITHIN
TO: TEKMONEY
To my life line my best friend and other half. I wanted to let everyone know how I adore and love I want the world to know your the best man a woman could have. Even understand these circumstances ( incarceration) you don’t allow nothing to get in the way of you being none other then amazing Tekmoney you continue being you and by your side I will be forever We All we Got We all we Need - Dia
What would a Shout be, with out shouting out the Wave God: Max B?! From Family, those few you may call friends and Us at Urban Life News Magazine, we salute you and wish you nothing but sincere prayers of hope, health and may doors that were once closed to you, now be opened. Keep fighting! - your friend Masar
TO: BILLRIGHTS
TO: GLOBAL Dear Global I’m writing this little heart to heart. It’s been Crazy since the day you left, just thinking I was suppose to take that ride with you. I regret not being in that passenger seat. Don’t wanna go down memory lane and dwell on a situation I wish I could change. Instead I wanna talk a little positivity. Me being me , you already know I held it down , checked on momma love checked and made sure all the kids were good ; even your new born btw congrats nigga ; sorry you couldn’t be here to witness and take forth-part of fatherly activity. But just so you know as long I’m breathing your children will be cared for as if they were mine so will the family. I won’t ever get over what they took from all of us. But I see how You turned your life around from a 5 star Gangster to a Family man. And that what I was most proud of we all love you and we all miss you. When you was alive your paperwork was good and kept those like you around you . Till we speak again my brother BeKoolBeSafe - Your Brother Meak #Janetlane
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TO: MAX B
Free all my Billrights out the can. Stand tall real niggaz dont lean #Billylove - from Kapo
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