ULM THE MEN'S ISSUE May/June 2011

m a y | j u n e 2011

http://UrbanLuxMagazine.com

S T Y L E | C U L T U RE | C ON SC I E N C E

URBAN LUX MAGAZINE

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URBAN LUX MAGAZINE “ URBAN is NOT a definition of race. It’s city dwelling. It’s a lifestyle.

It’s STYLE, CULTURE and CONSCIENCE . . . It’s URBAN LUX MAGAZINE “

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EDITOR'S NOTE

editor

's note

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HERE WE ARE at our second annual men’s issue! In this issue, we wanted to not only to focus on people, places and things as they relate to men but to provide some valuable information and entertaining content to be consumed by you our readers. As you read through this issue you will find that we bring focus to and awareness of a statewide adoption program, Freddie Mac Foundation Wednesday’s Child, as well as, offering a wealth of information for men and those who love them. From Men’s Health Issues Exposed, to selecting the Perfect Scent, learning The Art of the Cigar and planning a Bachelor Party Getaway. We also sat down with Q Parker from 112 for an in-depth interview on Family, Music and the Truth.

I hope you enjoy . . .

LENTHEUS CHANEY - Publisher/Editor-In-Chief LentheusC@UrbanLuxMagazine.com

| EDITOR’S PICKS |

yoforia.com

tsefonline.org honestyjewelry.com

UrbanLuxMagazine.com twitter.com/UrbanLuxMag facebook.com/UrbanLuxMagazine

Join “THE LUX LIST”! Text the word LUX to 24587

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CONTENTS

contents

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4 7 8

EDITOR’S NOTE THE LUX TEAM LUX APPROVED

10 STYLE 13 culture 14 conscience

An Urban Lux re-style mix of fresh fashion choices for to his wardrobe.

Spoken word artist and film maker, Malik Salaam discusses his “Every Scar and Dimple”.

18 22 24 32 33 35 36 38 39

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Meet Wednesday’s Child. Giving metro foster children a chance at having a permanent loving family.

Q PARKER Family Music and the Truth THE ART OF THE CIGAR THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF BRANON WIGGINS Featuring Q Parker PULSE Men’s Health Facts LUX DESTINATIONS Bachelor Party Getaway LUX ECONOMY Liquid Soul Media - Survival Tips for Business Owners LUX ESSENTIALS The Power Of Scent SUGAR & SALT Real Raw Relationship Advice ON THE LUX SCENE

ON THE COVER Photography: Brandon Wiggins wigginsstudios.com Styling: Edmond De Andre’ Grooming: Rey-zer Barber services Makeup: Michelle C kissablelipscosmetics.com Models: Q Parker and Quinness Parker JR Beaded Bracelets: honestyjewelery.com Necklaces: noirsoul.com

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THE LUX TEAM

lux

U RBAN LUX MAGAZINE

team

LENTHEUS CHANEY Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

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MONICA COMPTON Travel Editor ZACHARY DAVIS Lifestyle Editor KENNY J. GRACE Community Editor URBAN LUX MAGAZINE©2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6040 Dawson Blvd., Suite F, Norcross, GA 30093 Phone: 888.446.1269 | Fax: 888.446.1269

OKEEBA JUBALO Cultural Editor

CONTRIBUTORS may/june 2011

Brandon Wiggins Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Brandon Wiggins is one the elite and most sought after editorial and entertainment photographers of the South. His brand of photography infuses vibrant colors and composition with a stylish new perspective.

Tia Aikens With over 16 years of experience as a Licensed Aesthetician, MakeUp Artist & Fragrance Specialist, Tia’s journey through the beauty/ fashion industry has enlightened her on the universal significance of internal and external beauty and has extended her professional pilgrimage to that of a Life Coach and Writer.

LaToya Dockery

Pioneering entrepreneur and innovative small business owner, LaToya Dockery, has set up shop inspired by her passion for elevating others. With more than ten years of experience as an executive assistant, opening and running her own administrative support firm, Heavenly Assistants, LLC, was a venture suited for Mrs. Dockery’s capable hands.

James Carter, MD

Dr. Carter is the founder and director of the Peace Medicine Institute for Healing and Longevity in Atlanta, Ga. He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC and completed his Family Practice training at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Carter is a board certified Family Physician.

Joyce “Cigarfoxy” Larkins Larkins is a budding entrepreneur a n d P re s i d e n t a n d C h i e f Smoking Officer of Lashes and MustASHES LLC., an upscale portable cigar lounge experience company that provides a plush cigar & pipe smoking oasis to any non-smoking environment, event or high falootin soiree!

Briian Dargon Imagery, Details, Old and New School Cool and a fascination with birds led Founder and Designer of BSIXTEE6 Clothing Company/ Photographer Briian Dargon to our pages AGAIN. Briian recently completed his first book “Broke(n) Genius”

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LUX APPROVED

lux

by: ZACHARY DAVIS

approved

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, gifts gadgets and such that will add a little joy and or excitment to his otherwise ordinary humdrum life.

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Not to be out done his peers, Chris Bridges a.k.a. LUDA one of Atlanta’s own “Hip Hop Mogul” further diversifies his empire with his new line of headphones, SOUL. Even though many other lines look cool, and some even give you that studio quality sound, few give you both the look and sound that today’s modern man desires. Just like his own music, Ludacris’ SOUL line shows that style and sound quality can coexist. SOUL by Ludacris is here to change the game with prices ranging from $69-299, see more at: Soulbyludacris.com

For the “ballers on a budget” who want a reasonable combination of comfort and performance. There is only one way to go, and that’s with a Hemi, you hear me?! Priced from $26k to 33k, the 2011 Dodge Charger 3.6L (292hp) or 5.7L (370hp) should satisfy those who just want the look to those who want that Hemi power. Some may recognize the door scallops and tail lights from the 68’-70’ models you may have seen on the “General Lee” of “Dukes of Hazard” fame. If putting the pedal to the metal of this celebration of American Muscle doesn’t make you feel like a man, I don’t know what will! See more and even build your own at: Dodge.com/en/2011/charger/index.html

For the “anti-I-phone” guys out there, Sprint’s “I-phone killer” just reloaded! HTC EVO 3D features a 4.3″ QHD screen that shows glasses-free 3D imagery and two 5MP cameras to capture stereoscopic stills and video. 3D videos are shot in 720p resolution but 3D stills are limited to 2MP for some reason.

HTC EVO 3D packs a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and 1GB of RAM, running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The phone measures 126mm x 65mm x 12.05mm and packs a mammoth 1730mAh battery – it weighs a hefty 170 grams though. The HTC EVO 3D packs MHL (the port that combines USB and HDMI), WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, microSD card slot and other goodies. To date Sprint has not released the cost of its EVO 3D or release date, but you can salivate until then at: Sprint.com

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LUX APPROVED

lux approved

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In the game of four door luxury sports cars, I’ll see your Porsche Panamera and raise you one Aston Martin Rapide! This true four door sports car is wide, low to the ground, engineered for no compromise performance, and with a full back seat. Think about it, this $200,000 beauty will go nearly 200 mph with you and three other adults riding comfortably. While this may be a dream for some, this is indeed one dream car you may want to make a reality! See more at: Astonmartin.com/thecars/rapide

There’s no quality that women find as attractive as a man who can cook. Take your kitchen game to the next level with How to Cook Everything ($4.99)!

Man could subside on beef enchiladas alone, but when entertaining it’s time to show that special someone that you can bring home the bacon and fry it up. When it’s time to treat her to a night in, gain one-touch access to more than 2,000 recipes and 400 idiot-proof illustrations with this App. Available for the IPhone and Android powered phones.

After you’ve wined and dined that special someone, and no matter how good the sex is there is no greater mood killer than a man whose finances are not in order. Mint.com Personal Finance (Free) App is here to help. Mint’s endlessly useful personal finance application helps you keep tabs on your checking, savings, credit card, property, investment, and loan accounts all in one place. Set budgets that update in real-time and see exactly where your money goes every month, all without ever sifting through a pile bills and receipts. Available for the Iphone and Android powered phones.

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RE STYLE

style

styling and photography by: BRIIAN DARGON

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WITH THE STYLE DIRECTION of Fashion Designer and Photographer, Briian Dargon, we restyled four men with four different body types who have both similar and contrasting style dilemmas.

BEFORE

wayne alexis

Michael

deon

Age: 31 – Bronx, NY Entrepreneur

Age: 38 – New York, NY Program Director

“I wear a lot of athletic clothing and my color palette wouldn’t impress most.

I’m 5’6 and muscular so although I can find clothing that says it’s my size, I’m frustrated because it’s usually ill-fitting.

I’m constantly taking meetings and running around so it’s important that I’m comfortable but I’d also like to pull off something other than black.”

“I’ve worked out for many years and some of the issues I have with clothing are that I don’t necessarily want to accentuate my muscles but I still want my clothes to give me a defined look with clean lines. I also have problems finding pants that fit over my thighs but also fit in the waist.

I stay away from color and stick with Blacks, Navy’s and Browns because i’m 5’7 and don’t think I can pull it off.”

Age:32 – Darby, PA Exterminator “My wife picks out the majority of my clothing and I trust her judgment. I usually like to play it safe in regards to color although I’m not adverse to it.

I like a lot of graphic tees and because I work out, my clothing is usually a little bigger.“

Age: 32 – Jersey City, NJ Legal Advocate “I’m 6’6”with a 31 inch waist and my arm length is 35/36, that in itself presents challenges for me in regards to finding fashionable clothing that fit.

I can usually find pieces in H&M, Old Navy and the GAP that fit because of their cut but I have a problem when I try to step outside of that box.”

- continued on page 12

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style

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RE STYLE

style

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AFTER

wayne alexis “I’m feeling this outfit. I like how the khakis don’t look like they’re “Casual Friday” slacks but they still have a classic cut and make me appear taller.

I thought I couldn’t wear horizontal stripes because I was once told that they make me look wide but this sweater does the opposite and I dig the coloring. I didn’t think the plaid shirt underneath would work but it does. Somebody’s going out tonight.”

“Okay, Okay!!! This works for me. I think I’d been a little intimidated to wear clothing that was a little more fitted, I like how the bow tie with the plaid shirt is unexpected but it works. This is definitely my speed. I love the stuff my wife buys me but now I have additional options.”

Plaid shirt and vesst $40 each, both by BSIXTEE6. Vintage jacquard bow tie by Ralph Lauren. Jeans, $120 by BSIXTEE6. Red Indian Wedge Boots, $120 by David Z.

Plaid shirt, $40, by BSIXTEE6. Horizontal knit sweater, $19.99 by H&M. Khakis, $13.99 by Daffy’s.

deon “Wow!!! First, I would’ve never on my own thought to put this combination together, the colors work really well with my skin tone. Secondly and most importantly, the fit is amazing without being restrictive.

I feel really comfortable.

I think I can adopt this style for work and play.”

Shirt, $40, by BSIXTEE6. Vintage v neck sweater,

by Oleg Cassini. Sheeted cotten pant, $24.99, by H&M.

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Michael “I’m amazed that you were able to put together an outfit for me that didn’t come from the stores I named. I really like the straight leg cargo pants and the color of the jacket is great. The outfit also gives my build a little more proportion too.”

Cotton hoodie, $60, by BSIXTEE6. Leather jacket, $59.99, by H&M. Organix Cotton chambray sweat pant, $29.99, by H&M. Boots, $6.99, Thrift store.

I

asked Malik a few questions to give you a feel for who he is as an artist and a man.

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Okeeba: If you could do it all over again, would you still be an artist? If so and if not, why?

c u lt u r e

by: OKEEBA JUBALO

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CULTURE

Malik: Without a doubt... I have lived an interesting life... and met some really interesting people. If I could do it again I would have been much more unwavering in my attempts.

Okeeba: Which is harder…being a Black man or a Black man who is an artist?

E VE RY

SCAR

I

cannot remember the exact date I met this brother, but I can recall the feeling and mood of the time. It was around 1997, and I was a young hungry poet new to Atlanta’s underground poetry scene. There was a crew of poets, rappers, lyrists and madmen that I associated with on the regular. We went from one hole in wall poetry spot to the next, earning our stripes and developing our craft. The names of the venues varied from Club Mecca to Club Sol to The Pattie Hut to The Ying Yang Café to The Java Monkey.

There were slight changes in the audience, but the mission was the same for each poet; BURN THE MIC DOWN AND MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANOTHER POET TO COME UP AFTER YOU. This crew of poets was tight and the best that the city had to offer…willing to expose all for words of life and light.

Then one night things changed.

We were in Club Sol. At the time it was located in midtown. This placed served as the Sunday night watering hole to express our poems and thoughts to an offbeat group of young misfits that needed a spiritual charge before they started their week. Dres Tha Beatnick was

AND

D I M P LE

the host. I can vaguely remember him calling up a brother named Malik Salaam. I studied the brother’s movement and energy from my seat to see if he had any fire in him or was just one of many fools that used poetry to get some ass. He had his skull cap cocked to the side, wore a close beard and was built like a sturdy pit bull.

Malik reminded me of a few of my homeboys from back home in South Carolina…he was hood as hell and made no apologies about it. After a few minutes of pounding the mic to death and making sure that we would all remember his name, I spoke with Malik. I don’t remember the introductions…but I knew that I felt his passion for life.

Years later, I have the opportunity to introduce an artist who has been a featured poet on HBO and BET. His ground breaking documentary, Lost in the Rubble, won Best Doc at the 2006 UMFF. Mr. Salaam wrote, directed, appeared and toured in his one man stage play, Borderline. In 2007 he was featured in the Emerging Playwright Series.

His latest project, the feature film, Every Scar and Dimple, won the 2010 Audience Choice Award at The Urban Mediamakers Film Festival.

Malik: The combination of the two is, undoubtedly, the most explosive experience especially when you are stepping away from status quo. I mean, I wasn’t a gangsta rapper.

I was a poet... shut the fuck up and listen to me for an hour. Just to be a Black Man and voice your opinion and perspective like that: raw and unflinching. Shit... that wasn’t easy. Then, for Black Folk, after you reach a certain age and have certain responsibilities a full time artist is damn near idiotic. But a full time is required. Plus as an artist you think legacy... and that is a heavy thought for a Black Man. Okeeba: Is Atlanta a supportive place for your work?

Malik: The A has been good to me. I hear all the time that Atlanta is not supportive. I have even said that to people (most of the times because I knew they couldn’t cut the mustard). The A is really Missouri... you want support: you gotta show these moafuckas. Everybody wants to be something around this thang! But when I’ve given everything I’ve got... they’ve shown love. Poetry can be an isolated market though... which is why you have to artistically flex.

Okeeba: Where do find your inspiration to create your work?

Malik: This crazy place. Our world is so rich. I have been on the train lately and Atlanta has really become a bigger city... which lends to a very interesting mix of people. I take so much in. I listen to conversations... or blast my music and just watch body movement and concoct the stories in my head. Some of it is voices... just me staring into nowhere.

I don’t know? It’s just what I am.

Okeeba: Where do you see yourself and your work in the next 5 years?

Malik: Free. Yep I’m gonna get me some papers... yessur I am.

View Malik Salaam’s feature film, Every Scar and Dimple at http://indieflix.com/film/every-scar-and-dimple-31614/ may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 13

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CONSCIENCE

conscience

by: KENNY J. GRACE

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. . . half a million children in the U.S. are living in foster care and 125,000+ are waiting for placement . . .

A

re you considering adopting a child? The Freddie Mac Foundation Wednesday’s Child, may be the program to assist you in finding a child to be placed in your home, permanently. Many people go through positive and negative emotions on whether adopting is right for their given situation. When you consider adopting a child, you have to be patient, open-minded and compassionate, while offering unconditional love. According to the Freddie Mac Foundation, statistics show that half a million children in the U.S. are living in foster care and 125,000+ are waiting for placement with permanent adoptive family. Nationally, the number of adoptions has remained relatively stable, while the number of children in foster care continues to grow.

Wednesday’s Child, the Brainchild of the Freddie Mac Foundation, was launched in 1992, just one year after the inception of the Freddie Mac Foundation in 1991. The Freddie Mac Foundation invests in several programs, funding Stable Homes/Stable Families, Academic & Career Success and Foster Care & Adoption.

America today is leaving the foster care system and not making a permanent connection to a family.” Regional data depicts adverse outcome of these elevated risks, not limited to substance abuse, homelessness, mental illness, depression, or being institutionalized; “there is a tremendous human cost if young adults go into adulthood without a loving family,” Boyd says.

The Wednesday’s Child program hosts a weekly television segment during the local evening news each Wednesday, profiling a child that is available for adoption. Renette Oklewicz, Director of Foundation Programs at the Freddie Mac Foundation, says “the children featured are those who are in the most urgent need of a home; they are harder to adopt because they are older, have sibling sets, have a disability or are children of color.” Although these children are challenging to be adopted, the Freddie Mac Foundation’s commitment is to find and connect with families who are looking to adopt, and provide them the opportunity and support they need during and after the adoption process.

The Wednesday’s Child program started in Washington, DC, and is now featured in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and Atlanta.

The Atlanta weekly segment is broadcasted on our very own WAGA Fox 5 TV Atlanta and is hosted by Amanda Davis/News Anchor.

Ralph F. Boyd Jr., Executive VP of Community Relation at Freddie Mac and President/CEO of the Freddie Mac Foundation, spoke to me about the urgent need to increase the number of adoptions of children in foster care. Being an adoptive parent, Mr. Boyd also emphasized the importance of “putting foster children in permanent homes and being good parents to these children, by preparing them the ability to go out in the world and be self sufficient; the largest risk factor for young people in

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{

Chanda Bryant, Georgia Wednesday’s Child Program Coordinator – DHS/DFCS State Permanency Unit, recommends working with adoption professionals when considering adoption. The adoption process can be challenging and exciting at the same time, but extremely rewarding when the adoption process is final. Ms. Bryant partnered Urban Lux Magazine with Adoptive single parent Vincent McCrea to discuss his adoption process through the Wednesday’s Child Program and to share his story.

Vincent McCrea adopted a 16 year old boy name Bobby on National Adoption Day in 2010. The irony is that Mr. McCrea was first approached by Bobby in 2007 during a DFCS child video conference session. Soon after that video conference session, DFCS contacted Mr. McCrea about a little boy that would be a good fit for him and his home. Once Mr. McCrea reviewed the child’s profile, he was shocked to find that it was Bobby.

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The Atlanta market has embraced the Wednesday’s Child program.

The unfortunate outcome is that not all children will be adopted.

However “when a child goes on the set to be featured, he or she is ensured a time of their life, and a memorable one,” Ms. Davis states. Some of the children get an opportunity to spend time with the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons and become a part of the Atlanta Ballet; one child had the opportunity to go onstage with Stevie Wonder and sing during a performance. The children of the Atlanta Wednesday’s Child program often times express an interest in music, modeling, or dance. Because of community interest and the generosity in the Atlanta market, these children are given free lessons in guitar, piano, modeling, etc., and the Freddie Mac Foundation will continue this partnership and seek other wonderful opportunities for these children.

Mr. McCrea says, “I was compelled to move forward with the adoption process, especially after discovering that it was Bobby DFCS was recommending to me.”

conscience

After Amanda Davis joined Fox 5 News and moved to the Anchor Chair at WAGA, she says that she had the desire to “focus on a topic relating to children in foster case.” Through her partnership with the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), DFCS Adoption Unit, the Fox 5 Atlanta station was approached by the Freddie Mac Foundation in November 2000 to launch the Wednesday’s Child program. Ten years later, Amanda says “Wednesday’s Child – Atlanta has featured over 600 children, and over 400 children have been successful adopted”.

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{

My reward for adopting Bobby was simple… having a family to love!!

During Bobby’s 3 years in foster care with Mr. McCrea, it was discovered that he had behavioral issues with anger management, disappointment with rejection, and issues in school. Because Mr. McCrea had previously worked in a group home handling young boys with behavioral issues, he says that he knew “the tools to get Bobby over the challenging hurdles”. It was clear to Mr. McCrea that Bobby needed attention, a father to love him, and a permanent place to call home. Mr. McCrea explained that “once the adoption was final, all the issues that occurred during foster care had subsided; the support from my family, friends and community enabled our success”.

Mr. McCrea was committed to seeing this young boy’s life change for the betterment and reversing all the negativity into positive interaction.

His goal with Bobby is to love him, prepare him and give him the opportunity to grow up and be a successful young man in any endeavor.

Such a proud father, Mr. McCrae states, “My reward for adopting Bobby was simple… Having a family to love!! … and the biggest misperception people have about adoption is that it is expensive, but I beg to differ; the support that is available for adoptive parents through the local agencies is phenomenal.”

The Freddie Mac Foundation’s partnership in each sponsored city has been powerful, it has not only led to more adoptions in the current regional communities, but been a lever to become engaged financially and provide intellectual capital to support both government infrastructure and non-profit infrastructure that is directed at improving the foster care system. This infrastructure has also facilitated the partnership with local and state Departments of Family and Children Services to help affect policy change, to improve the overall foster care system, improve opportunities for children in the adoption system and be supportive while they are in the system and post-adoption. In addition to these efforts, the Freddie Mac Foundation has co-founded a National Adoption Day each November in over 300 cities across America.

Many families and children have expressed their appreciation to the Freddie Mac Foundation and the Wednesday’s Child program, as many lives have been changed over the past decade. “The success stories have been remarkable, and many children have overcome their fears of rejection, attachment, being disappointed or hurt. To see this type of transformation in a child’s life is much rewarding to the Wednesday’s Child program,” says Amanda Davis.

To learn more about the Wednesday’s Child Program/Georgia and the Freddie Mac Foundation, please visit wednesdayschild.adopt. org, wednesdayschildga.org and freddiemacfoundation.org.

On the Wednesday’s Child website, photo listings of waiting children from the 5 metropolitan areas are available for viewing. may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 15

Q PARKER FAMILY MUSIC and THE TRUTH by: BRANDON WIGGINS

T

he music genre of R&B has experienced it’s eras of domination and decline. As the decades pass, listeners altering ears have turned radio into a revolving door of one hit wonders. R&B lovers depend on artists who possess the talent, versatility, and musicianship to remain relevant with consistent projects. We mature with our favorite artists as they grow and their music evolves. The nostalgic power of R&B music has encouraged us to dance and moved us to tears. We all have albums that represent moments in our lives of love, pain, success, and disappointments. Our artists experience these same emotions.

March 9th marked the fourteenth anniversary of Notorious B.I.G.’s death. Biggie was known for merging feel-good melodies and sincere street experiences with smooth clever delivery. One

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of his most memorable and well-known verses was the 1996 collaboration with new Bad Boy label mates, 112, on the “Only You” LP. With Biggie’s cosign, 112’s debut album had high expectations in the R&B era of Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and Dru Hill.

112 delivered with a certified classic R&B album. The album raised the standard for R&B groups with a surprisingly mature subject matter and diverse sultry harmonies. What separated them from other groups was that their songs weren’t repetitive and predictable. Though Daron, Mike, Q Parker, and Slim could all sing lead at any given time, much of the 112 sound is recognized by the voices of Slim and Q Parker. With several multi-platinum albums to their credit, the group left Bad Boy and signed with Def Jam. Their last album in 2005, “Pleasure and Pain”, debuted at #4 with sales of 118,000 copies its first week.

Following international tours and performances, 112 decided to separate to focus on the release of solo projects and pursue individual interests. When R&B groups break up and members go solo, many times the group’s music fades into irrelevance.

112 is the exception to the rule. 112 fans are now yearning for new songs reminiscent of the nostalgic 90s. As a leader in the group, Q Parker is credited for co-writing and arranging much of the harmonies which defined that 112 signature sound. His first mix tape, “Real Talk,” got pleasing reviews amongst internet listeners and may have been the start of satisfying these yearnings.

On March 7, 2010, Q Parker Tweeted about reunion studio sessions with Mike and Daron. Since then Slim has stated in several interviews that he will not join his brothers on this new project.

It’s been a year since the announcement, so we sat down with Q Parker for an indepth dialogue about the whole truth on 112’s status, balancing family and music, his continuing progress on his first solo project and life after 112.

What truly caused 112 to go their separate ways musically? And what would you have done differently to prevent the breakup?

“If I could change anything, I would have communicated better throughout the ordeal”

Historically due to growing pains and money issues, many groups separate. We were no different. Since resolving our royalties in court, we had not been in the studio all together since Pleasure and Pain”. We are still apart of each other’s lives and just like any family; there were different periods where we did not speak to each other. In recent months, we’ve had more individual interactions, and there is a better understanding between us now. If I could change anything, I would have communicated better throughout the ordeal. Even if we don’t sing another note together, we have to remain brothers.

That’s what’s most important to me.

As a solo artist coming from such a successful and familiar R&B group, what are your obstacles, fears, and goals?

In our group there were four different personalities all sharing equal responsibility of the business load. I only spoke in a

fourth of interviews, performed a fourth of songs and got a fourth of the check.

Now as a solo artist, I look to my left and to my right and its 100% Q Parker.

With millions of 112 fans out there, I’m a realist and understand that they may be attached to the 112 trademark sound. I want fans to have an open mind and embrace Q Parker as an individual and experience something old and new all at the same time. There was an initial concern about the unexpected and being apart from the group that I’ve been with since I was a teenager but now that I am fully engaged in my own album I’m excited about the opportunity to show the world who I am as an individual.

If the quality were not up to par, I would not put music out in the first place. Think about Lionel Richie and The Commodores, or even Sting and The Police. Your career can be successful after going solo from a group.

I will always be respectful of the band and our music. No one can duplicate that 112 sound alone, nor try to. We all made the 112 sound as a collective. What I will do as Q Parker is stay true to me and continue to make classic R&B records that will be appreciated in a contemporary R&B era.

What do you say to those R&B fans that may say Q Parker’s album won’t be as good as a 112 album?

I was a teenager when we got our first deal.

As you grow as a man, you think and deal with things differently, so my music reflects my maturity. I see where my place is in the industry and I know what works for Q Parker. I’m not chasing anyone or trying to reinvent what’s popular. Judge me for me. The fans will be pleasantly surprised at what I bring to the table musically.

How do you view the marriage of R&B and Hip Hop? R&B is coming back, but artists today must stand firm in preserving the genre by making timeless, classic records instead of trying to create a mainstream hit. I applaud artists like Jill Scott, Kelly Price and John Legend for their musicianship and consistency. Today, radio stations lean more towards playing R&B songs with a Rap feature, so you can’t blame young artist for doing what they have - continued on page 20

may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 19

to do to get airtime. It’s necessary to sprinkle a couple of Hip Hop elements into our albums, but always do what you do well and the fans will appreciate it just as they did with the remix of 112’s first single, “Only You” which featured The Notorious B.I.G. R&B still has its place. When you are ready to make love, you don’t typically turn on a rap song to set the mood. “Cupid” is 15 years old and can still be heard on radio stations today. I make my records with the intention of still hearing and enjoying them for years to come.

The industry has changed from when you were in 112. What did it take back then to be successful and what lessons have you taken from that experience to reach success as a solo artist today?

Before we got our deal, we went through extensive artist development training with Tim & Bob, Dallas Austin, Kevin Wales, and Courtney Fields. They all played a major role in making our sound undeniable to the perspective labels. I remember for eight months straight we went to school and then to the studio for rehearsals, voice lessons, media coaching, and learning choreography. We were determined to be the best and took pride in our abilities to SOUND GOOD SINGING LIVE. Once we signed with Bad Boy, Diddy added that swag and exposure to the formula that helped transform us into superstars. Excellent work ethic was the factor to our success. I applied that same work ethic to my own process of creating my new record, THE MANual.

Why did you name the album, THE MANual?

The world has watched me grow from a 16 year old to a grown man.

This is what I have to say now, as a man. I know who I am as a person and I am confident in my vocal abilities to be successful. There is a void in music today. I believe women are being shorted when it comes to hearing matters of the heart from us men. Musical content should involve more aspects of intimacy than just sex. Chivalry isn’t dead and women require more respect, love, and sensitivity from their men than ever before. Here is a How To Guide for men to connect to their women, hence the name THE MANual. There are 12 tracks on the new project. I’m talking to the fellas but most of all I’m writing what people are really feeling with real scenarios.

One of the songs which will definitely be one of my lead singles from the album is entitled “60 Seconds”. It describes the perfect introduction. Instead of being harsh and overbearing, the lyrics show men how a proper introduction to a lady can earn her attention and respect. Another subject I talk about is a man realizing that being vulnerable is not a weakness. As masculine beings, we still need emotional support from our women to make it through hard times.

You frequently speak about the importance of family.

How has your life as a husband and father balanced with preparing for this project and is 112 still a house divided?

Life is all about balance. Without balance your success is limited.

Being very active in my son’s life is important to me, and giving him the best life possible is the reason why I go as hard as I do and persevere to succeed. My family means everything to me. There are high expectations of me and I will deliver both musically and physically. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a high priority. I am in the gym constantly getting conditioned to perform and give my fans something pleasing to the eye.

I am who and where I am today because of 112 and I will always consider Slim, Mike, and Daron my family. We grew up sharing many of the same successes and accolades, traveling the world, and learning valuable life lessons. Families fight and make up all the time. We are all in support of each other and our bond goes deeper than money.

W

ith his healthy living initiatives, Q is currently raising funds for Cancer Research with his Fitness Calendar. His new 2012 Calendar will include resourceful exercise tips and living strategies that won’t involve a luxury gym membership to be effective. Years of southern living and comfort-eating habits foster health issues that turn into disease. Q Parker says, “I want to motivate men and inspire them to live longer, better lives.”

Unfortunately, we won’t foresee 112 reuniting to save our radios from the repetitiveness and politics. The songs that we R&B lovers have been missing were chronicles of our lives, but sometimes our nostalgia gets in the way of our ability to hear what our favorite artists are really going through as they grow older. We have to continue to support our veteran R&B artists by attending their live shows, requesting new albums on the radio, and actually buying their music. In the same breath, artist cannot sacrifice their standard of quality in search of self-expression. We know good music when we hear it and Q Parker’s answer for today’s prodigal R&B is “The MANual” due to release summer/fall 2011.

This will be his own sound, not 112’s, as he introduces us to the fundamentals needed for men and women to reconnect with one another. Most of all, he wants to help refine men with songs that teach positive habits women require and appreciate. Q Parker is not just a hook singer, he is a musician. Listen with new ears.

So what is a Q Parker experience like in concert?

A Q Parker performance is sexy, lady friendly, and filled with excitement. When you buy a Q Parker ticket, it’s an undeniable package. I start out with a trip down memory lane with melody of 112 favorites, singing some of my own verses and then I introduce them to my newest material. By the time they leave they’ll know Q Parker is for real and belongs here.

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Follow Q Parker on twitter @QParker112, on facebook /QParkerMusic and learn more about his fitness calendar and philanthropic efforts at QParkerFitnessCalendar.com.

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the ART OF THE CIGAR

the

by: JOYCE “CIGAR FOXY” LARKINS

art of

I

the cigar

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t is impossible to encapsulate the cigar lifestyle in a simple word. The various ways by which cigar enthusiasts partake is just as complex as the symbol for which this lifestyle centers around. For some, smoking a premium cigar can be as casual as sitting on the deck or patio in self reflection, or as formal as a tasting event, show or “herf” embracing the camaraderie displayed by volumes of BOTLs and SOTLs (that’s brothers of the leaf and sisters of the leaf). One of the most interesting aspects about this lifestyle which has eluded many a gathering is that the shared love of premium cigars trumps social, political, racial and gender gaps. When you walk into that collective, you are a premium cigar smoker above all else.

So how do you become a member of this club?

Cigar smoking has long been thought of as a luxurious activity reserved for the rich and famous or the elite boys club. But in the latter part of the 20th century, this pleasure began spreading to people from all walks of life and socio-economic status.

Unlike some pursuits, the cigar lifestyle can be undertaken by just about anyone. However, it still remains a symbol of success and the quintessence of the “good life”. All that is required is a sincere interest, practice and a desire to become an aficionado of a true art form.

Smoking your first cigar can be a daunting experience. With the many complex rules and rituals it may seem difficult to know where to begin. The important thing to remember is that smoking a cigar is supposed to be a pleasurable and relaxing experience. Every moment of the cigar ritual is one to be savored and enjoyed.

Unlike cigarettes, a cigar should always be smoked slowly. Some of the larger varieties of cigar can take over an hour to smoke, so you should never rush yourself and always allow a good length of time to smoke your cigar properly.

A key thing to remember is that you should never inhale the smoke from your cigar. When you are appreciating a good cigar you should compare it to appreciating a fine wine and consider the following aspects of the cigar; the aroma, the body and the flavor.

Aroma: It is important that you are pleased by the aroma of

the cigar.

Body: There are three different types of body, or strength

of tobacco. These are light, medium and heavy. The varying strengths will have a different overall effect on the smoker.

Flavor: Cigar experts prefer to use terms such as floral, fruity,

herbal, nutty and spicy in order to reference the balance and mixture of tastes. They can recognize flavors such as cedar, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus, coffee, cream, nut, nutmeg, pepper, leather and wood. They also classify the degree of the flavor under mild, medium and full.

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“For me, it’s a ceremonial experience that takes me to an elite s Taste it slowly, allowing yourself time to savor the complex aromas and flavors of the smoke. It’s all about the palate so find yourself a beverage that complements your choice of cigar, sit back, and relax.

So let’s begin to build your expertise.

The first step to joining the ranks of the cigar enthusiasts is to select the best cigars to use to practice. Cigars vary in quality, taste, strength and cost so you want to be sure that your hand-rolled cigar selection is from a tobacconist or authentic cigar shop as opposed to your local convenience store. There is a big difference. Don’t be intimidated or nervous about asking for advice from the resident store expert as they’re the best on hand resource for learning about premium cigar smoking.

How do you choose a cigar? All of the features such as the shape of a cigar, the size, as well as the color of cigars, affect the cigar’s taste.

The size is measured by length and ring gauge (the cigar’s diameter).

One ring is equivalent to 1/64th of an inch. A cigar with a larger ring gauge, compared with the smaller ring gauge cigars, will have a fuller and more intricate flavor and will produce more smoke. The larger the ring gauge the more a cigar maker can blend and combine different types of tobacco leaves. Some of the most common are: • Churchill (7.25 x 48) • Corona (5.25 x 42) • Double Corona (6 ½ x 48) • Lonsdale (6.75 x 42) • Panatela (6 ½ x 35) • Robusto (4 ½ x 50) Color also plays an important part in choosing your cigars. The first thing you see when you look at a cigar is the wrapper and it also plays a very important part in the desired flavor of your cigar. The wrapper is made from a single tobacco leaf rolled round the tobacco filler. It has several properties, which affect

| the

Once you have warmed the tobacco, put the cigar in your mouth at a 45 degree angle and use another flame to light it. Hold the flame directly in front of the cigar (again, so it is not actually touching the wrapper), and slowly inhale to draw the flame to the foot of the cigar. While lighting your cigar, ensure that you turn the barrel so that all sides of the foot are equally lit. You may wish to lightly blow on the foot of the cigar to even things out and make sure your cigar continues to burn evenly.

“The important thing to remember is that we cigar aficionados should present ourselves as considerate and understanding individuals.

Changing people’s preconceived notions and giving the growing numbers of aficionados a good name is well worth that little extra effort.”

Always light your cigar using wooden matches or a butane lighter, as anything else contains chemicals that may give the cigar an unpleasant chemical taste. Paper matches and gas lighters are especially poor choices in this regard.

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Like the Cuban, Nicaraguan cigars are often full-bodied and spicy. Mexican cigars are famous for being sun-grown and often have a very dark wrapper, like the maduro. You will find that the filler is often wholly made from home-grown San Andreas tobacco.

Speaking of cigar etiquette, in 1967, a man named Zino Davidoff published a now famous essay for cigar connoisseurs.

It includes a charter and code for cigar smokers everywhere, telling them how they should behave when smoking or preparing to smoke their cigars. As to his reasons for publishing what is effectively a guide to cigar etiquette, Davidoff has this to say:

cigar

Cigars from Cuba (illegal in the USA), Nicaragua and Mexico have a strong, fullbodied flavor and will mostly be dark in appearance. Nicaraguan cigars may be milder giving a medium strength smoke, though you will find that the mildest cigars generally come from Jamaica. The majority of the tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic has been from Cuban seed and is full-bodied with complex flavors. Ecuadorian Cigars are milder and are high quality as they use a mixture of tobacco grown from seed found in Connecticut and Sumatra.

To light your cigar, it is important to, “toast the foot”, warm the tobacco prior to putting the cut end in your mouth. The cigar is always lit with just the heat from the flame of a match or butane lighter. The flame is not touch the underside of the wrapper. Roll the cigar slowly between your fingers to make sure the entire foot is evenly warmed. This will make the tobacco in the cigar more readily accept a flame.

the

both the look, and quality of your cigar, not to mention the taste. The cigar filler is arguably the most complex component of the cigar. It can be blended with other types of tobacco to create different flavors and strengths, or can be entirely made from one kind of tobacco (like many Mexican cigars).

Smoking a fine cigar is truly an experience.

Whether relaxing by yourself or socializing with friends, this ceremonial art form is designed such that every aspect of smoking a cigar should be savored. From the selection, to the cutting, to the lighting , to the first to final draw, enjoyment occurs from the cigar by itself or when accompanied by a rich coffee, a fine whiskey, or with a full-blooded glass of wine. Always follow cigar etiquette and always ensure that you have the time to savor every second of the cigar experience.

of

- Joyce “Cigarfoxy” Larkins

There are different types of cigar cutters, but the guillotine cutter is the most popular.

Hold the cigar in one hand and the guillotine cutter in the other hand .The cut should be made just above the cap line, just before the curved end of the cigar begins to straighten.

Cut too low and you won’t create a big enough aperture, making the cigar difficult to smoke. Cut too high, and the wrapper may start to unwind. The cost of a cigar cutter is less than the cost of an expensive cigar.

You can also simply punch a hole in the cap of the cigar using a pencil or a pen, but again, don’t do this with an expensive cigar.

If your cigar goes out, just tap it to remove any clinging ash, and then blow through it to clear out any stale smoke. Then, merely relight it as you would a fresh cigar.

What to expect is an amazing relaxed state.

art

AirHarp Photography

state of mind if just for a few hours.”

The USA produces some excellent leaf-wrap grown in Connecticut, the home of the American cigar. These cigars have a medium level smoke and are recognizable from their brownish yellow appearance.

Cameroon produces a neutrally flavored leaf; an excellent match when couple with fuller flavored fillers.

For beginners, I typically recommend mild cigars and depending on their experience with smoking, perhaps a flavor infused premium. The closed end of the cigar is the end that is put into your mouth. But before that, you need to cut off the cap just before you light the cigar and are ready to smoke it.

Although many cigar lovers don’t necessarily subscribe to every protocol, I have compiled a complete list of DO’s and DON’Ts at LashesandMustASHES.com.

Enjoy!

may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 23

|the photography of brandon wiggins| FEATURING Q PARKER

Photography: Brandon Wiggins for Wiggins Studios - wigginsstudios.com Styling: Edmond De Andre’ Grooming: Rey-zer Barber Services Makeup: Michelle C for Kissable Lips Cosmetics - kissablelipscosmetics.com Wardrobe: Ken Barber Signature - kenbarbersignature.com & Noirsoul Menswear - noirsoul.com Jewelry: Honesty Jewelry - honestyjewelry.com & Noirsoul Menswear - noirsoul.com

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MEN’S HEALTH FACTS

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| men

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's h e a lt h facts

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he United States is one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world. It also has one of the most technologically advanced medical systems in the world. The United States spends more than a trillion dollars annually on health care yet it continues to be plagued by an epidemic of chronic degenerative diseases referred to how the “afflictions of civilization” i.e. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease. The afflictions of civilization are affecting African American males in disproportionate numbers when compared to all other racial and ethnic groups, leading to premature disease and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the ten leading causes for death among African American males are: 1) Heart Disease 2) Cancer 3) Injury, violence and safety 4) Homicide 5) Stroke 6) Diabetes 7) HIV/Aids 8) Chronic Bronchitis/ Emphysema 9) Kidney Disease 10) Infant mortality African American males have the highest death rate across all regions of the US and across all age groups from birth to age 84. What is even more shocking is the African American males have a shorter life span than males in some third world countries. The life expectancy of African American males is 68.1 compared to males in Iran, Columbia, and Sri Lanka.

The life expectancy of African American males is similar to that of males in Vietnam, El Salvador and Iraq. They have a 40% higher incidence of type-2 diabetes than white males, a 20% greater chance

by: JAMES CARTER, MD

of dying from heart diseases and are 20 times more likely to develop kidney failure as a complication of Hypertension. They have the highest rate of Hypertension in the world.

African American males have the highest incidence of cancer mortality from prostate, lung and colon cancer in the U.S. The racial disparities in African American male’s health are evident outside of chronic diseases.

They have a higher incidence of mortality for HIV/ Aids and higher rates of stroke compared to white males. Homicide is the 4th leading cause of death among African American males between the ages of 18-34. They make up 6% of the general population but 47% of the prison population, 8 times higher than that of white males.

The horrifying statistics mentioned above bares witness to the silent human tragedy that is now being played out in this country.

Ironically it is not new. African American males have had the shortest life span of all racial groups for the past 100 years.

They have a third world health status in the “mighty” United States, the land of plenty! Why?

CAUSATION There are a number of factors that contribute to the disparities in the health status of African American males that include: personal behavior, low socioeconomic status, poor access to health care and racism. Racism however is a major contributing factor that underlies all of the above noted factors. Racism and oppression of African American males is pervasive and institutionalized within this society. It promotes the persistent negative attitude towards African American males that supports individual institutional behaviors that are destructive to the physical, psychological well-being

32 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | may / june 2011

of the African American male.

There is a consciousness within their society and the world at large that has developed a belief system in the inherent inferiority of African American males. The stress of racism is a factor that impacts African American males under every waking day of their lives.

It destroys their self-concept and now leads to an overall consciousness of inferiority.

This is born out in or increasing in self-destructive behaviors i.e. increased smoking, alcohol and drug use, poor nutrition, poor physical fitness and excessive crime and violence.

African American males have lower levels of education, leading to low socio economic status (SES) low SES is associated with inability to buy nutritious food and more likely to live in areas of poor housing and increased crime. Low SES is associated with greater poverty, 25 times, unemployment twice as high and black median household earning at less than 70 cents per dollar compared to whites.

Even with regards to health care delivery, racism affects the way African Americans are treated. They were found to have unequal health care treatment in an IOM report.

CONCLUSION

What’s clear however is that the health crisis faced by African American males is a travesty in the “land of plenty”. The solution to this crisis will require a major paradigm shift in the way medicine is practiced.

A holistic system of health care must be adapted that emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention using a biopyschosocial model to address the complex issue facing African American males.

It is true the access to quality health care is a serious problem for African American males.

More doctors, more hospitals and more high cost often the fact medicine will not improve the health status of African American males or the overall health of the general population. We are getting sick, aging and dying prematurely from the afflictions of civilization, diseases of lifestyle caused by the way we think and the way we live. African American males must take personal responsibility for their health and well-being.

Government and community policies should be put into place to modify negative environmental and structural factors that support health destructive behaviors. With the African American male population health cannot be purchased or given to you.

Society must make a concerted effort to remove the invisible but deadly barriers imposed by institutional racism. If society chooses to continue Grimm statistics and give lip service to improvise the disparities in the health status of African American males, you will continue to witness their destruction. Physically, mentally and morally.

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bachelor party GETAWAY

lux

by: MONICA COMPTON

destinations

| bachelor party

Staying Local The term “staycation” may be trendy, but is it possible to stay local and still have a memorable experience? If you’re restricted in budget and timing, planning a weekend getaway in or within an hour of your home town can still be fun and adventurous. The key is selecting a site that most of your guests have never been to before. Just because you

A great choice for affordability and proximity, The Highland Inn is within walking distance of many Poncey-Highland bars and restaurants.

It offers a minimum of eight double rooms that can be shared by your fraternity brothers or you can also book a separate suite for your soon-to-be father-in-law. If your trip to the pubs leaves you wanting more, but your head (and fiancée’s voice) is telling you to get closer to your digs, The Highland Inn’s Ballroom and Lounge offers “booze, bands, DJs and more” Tuesday through Saturday.

Getting Away Whether it’s a white-water rafting trip to Nantahala Gorge or a round of golf on Hilton Head Island, your trip can be farther from home and still keep your bride-to-be sane. Located in Bryson City, NC, Nantahala Gorge is a 3.5-hour drive from Atlanta and offers Jeep tours, canopy tours, mountain biking, kayaking and fishing. Adjacent to the gorge is the Falling Waters Adventure Resort which offers luxury yurts – circular tented structures with queen size beds, refrigerators, stereo-CD players, skylights, French doors, outdoor decks and “polished knotty pine floors with area rugs.” (Did I mention hot tubs?). This is the Ritz-Carlton version of camping without the five-star price tag. At a little over four hours away from Atlanta, Hilton Head is a playground for golf lovers, but also offers a variety of water sports, fine restaurants and a range of accommodations from wallet-friendly to upscale extravagance.

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So, as you plan your ultimate male-bonding experience your way, don’t forget she might ask you to pass it by her first. Here are some suggestions that can keep the testosterone flowing for a weekend, but also ensure your fiancée’s head doesn’t perform a 360 spin when you return.

live in San Francisco, for example, doesn’t mean you’ve taken a tour of Alcatraz or ventured to the Napa and Sonoma wine countries. And then there are Atlantans who have never experienced some of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods. Consider the PonceyHighland area of the city that allows for both a nice meal at a hip restaurant (try TWO Urban Licks) and a traditional pub experience with a plethora of beer selections (visit The BookHouse Pub). Depending on the age range of your group (and willingness to get a groove on), MJQ , a subterranean nightclub and the backbone of Atlanta’s underground club scene, can be the nightcap to your evening. Featuring a different type of music in two rooms – from house to hip-hop, Britpop to reggae – the club (also known as “The Drunken Unicorn”) can bring even the most vehement “I-don’t-dance” male to his feet.

getaway

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he movies take it to Vegas. The action mixes slapstick with perverse antics, creating a cocktail of misadventure garnished with a fiancée rethinking her nuptial decision. The travel industry wants men to think they can have the same hangover experience. In actuality, the frustrated bride is behind the scenes (or center stage) planning every detail – including the bachelor party. She allows her betrothed to think he’s in charge of the ultimate “man’s weekend,” but in reality, she knows where he is, what he’s doing and how he’s going to get home in time for the wedding.

Whether your plans are to take in a local scene you’ve never experienced, or drive to a resort playground that is still close enough to keep your fiancée comforted, remember one thing: this is one day you can claim as your own. At least for a few hours.

may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 33

for business owners

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The Survival tips as a business owner I took from this interview were as follows beginning with Mr. Nelson’s Tips: • Communication is key! Once the talking stops, all hell breaks loose!

• Stay grounded and never think you are too good.

• Prioritize, understand what you have to do and understand that your priorities will change some but the only priority that never changes is God. • Make sure that your spirit is right and have an active prayer life • Hire good people – Take your time and find the right people.

tips

Half way through our interview, I asked Mr. Whittley and Mr. Nelson if they could change anything about their past what would it be. Mr. Nelson responded, “My life has been my life good, bad or indifferent and

In our interview we discussed some of the toughest decisions they ever had to make and how their family and friends were impacted by their success. We also delved into some of the negativity they faced as their business grew and how they felt after they nailed their first huge account. What stood out the most in this unique interview were the pertinent survival tips that they graciously shared with and for business owners and entrepreneurs in today’s economy.

After finding out about the inner fuel that drives them both, we also discussed their “Summer Madness” Internship program which was fondly named after the NCAA Basketball tournament. Students from colleges such as Yale, Stanford, and Georgia State University apply to work with Liquid Soul Media as interns. During this program, the students will be assigned a project to complete then they compete with other teams. The winners receive prizes such as iPads, monetary rewards, and of course the prestigious opportunity to intern with Liquid Soul Media.

survival

After asking Mr. Whittley a few questions, Mr. Nelson arrived walked up and jumped right into the discussion as if he hadn’t missed a thing. As the questions flowed, I began to see the chemistry of how this mastermind team worked. Without even knowing they displayed it, the dynamic duo exhibited what can be considered the perfect marriage of business minds.

Some business partners only dream of unity and operating on one accord but their character matched their savvy and even their words were a formidable one two punch.

I don’t fret anything. I don’t have any regrets and I do more looking forward, than looking back.” Mr. Whittley told me that he feels the same way. He then stated, “We try to live without regrets. I don’t know if there is much I would have changed, if anything.” Before moving on to the next questions, Mr. Nelson revealed a humorous side as he ever so slightly recanted his previous statement. “You know what; I wish we would’ve looked at the clothes we wore back in school!” His statement and delivery made us all explode into laughter.

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R

ecently I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing two well respected people who are extremely gifted in their respective industry. Mr. Tirrell Whittley is the visionary and executive leader of Liquid Soul Media. Mr. Nick Nelson is the company’s principal and Chief Marketing Officer. Together the two men combine talent and motivation to form a remarkable tag team in a company that exudes excellence.

In addition to being a full service award-winning Lifestyle Marketing Agency, Liquid Soul Media specializes in marketing, media, and publicity for entertainment, faithbased, corporate, sports marketing and nonprofit organizations. On a beautifully sunny day with a cool breeze we stood on the roof top of their office building as they discussed essential information which included survival tips for business owners and what it takes to be successful in today’s economy.

Nick F. Nelson Principal | COO (right)

economy

Tirrell D. Whittley Principal | CEO (left)

lux

by: LaTOYA DOCKERY

Mr. Whittley created the tips below entitled – “The Makeup of a Leader & the Ingredients of a CEO”: • Accept your success with grace and stay humble.

• Develop a vision - Think big and dream in color.

• Accept nothing less than excellence.

• Motivation – You have to motivate yourself. When you are motivated, it helps get others motivated.

The next set of inquiries led me to ask them about what is beneath the surfaces…their inspirations. Like any motivated entrepreneur interviewing successful people, I wondered what it is that keeps them waking up morning after morning to come to work; so I asked. Mr. Nelson, immediately answered the question first and said, “I want to keep doing this. I love this. I love the work I do. I love the people I interact with. What keeps me going is to continue to provide for my family. I want for them to have a lifestyle and for me to have freedom. This [Liquid Soul Media] represents freedom and I don’t want to go back to the land of cubes.” Mr. Whittley’s answer was just as enthusiastic. He answered, “Finding good success, wanting my family to be fine, to have peace and good health. I want to be around to see my children, and my grandchildren become successful. I want to make sure that my wife has a good time.”

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LUX ECONOMY

Liquid Soul Media also represents the film and Television properties CNN Black in America, Disney’s Princess and the Frog, Warner Brothers Yogi Bear, Hangover 2, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2- the final in the franchise and Green Lantern.

As enjoyable as this interview was it was time to start wrapping up. Mr. Nelson had an appointment so I finished the interview with a few last questions for Mr. Whittley.

“What is your Urban Lux?” I asked. “For me, my Urban Lux is confidence, being cool and knowing that I am doing what I need to do to make a difference. I know that other people are watching but especially my daughters [and young men] so when they look at their Daddy, Mr. Whittley or Deacon Whittley, I want them to say, I want to be like him because he exemplifies qualities that are Urban Lux,” Mr. Whittley replied.

Overall, I can honestly say that this interview was inspiring and exceeded the expectations I had of Liquid Soul Media.

I gained so much insight that will definitely allow me to become a better entrepreneur and business woman. I am greatly appreciative of the opportunity to be amongst the embodiment of unity and an unyielding passion for striving with purpose. You can find more information about Mr. Whittley and Mr. Nelson at their Liquid Soul Media website, liquidsoulmedia.com may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 35

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the POWER OF SCENT

lux

by: TIA AIKENS

essentials

| the power of scent

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MEN

have embraced the power of scent throughout human civilization. Indeed, their comprehension of fragrances was expressed in their daily encounters. Truly, fragrances serve as an invisible accessory that beautifully introduced them to another. Indeed, the scent of an aromatic that a man chooses to wear expresses the various aspects of his character, emotion, and mood for the moment. Certainly, perfume is an extension of one’s personality offering a silent yet bold form of communication.

For this reason, fragrance has the ability to offer experiences that formulate memories that influence every aspect of life. Every day we are using our senses to engage the countless aspects of the world, thus the sense of smell is essential to us throughout our daily interactions.

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| power of scent

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Another aspect of fragrance that men can embrace is the influence scent has on establishing and retaining memories that are irreplaceable and infinite. Surely, there is power in being able to engage each moment with all of your senses because every encounter creates a memory that is housed in the subconscious aspect of the brain. I was introduced to a fragrance line that embodies fragrance as a lifestyle accepting the miraculous merging of smell, memory, and emotions. I am honored to share with you Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Truly, Francis is a master perfumer who embodies mastery in being able to live in the moment capturing his experiences through the sense of smell. Indeed, he resonates in the memory of the experience and creates fragrances that serve as an interpretation of his truism of the encounter. His passion and loyalty to scent has afforded him the opportunity to create fragrances for designers such as Armani,

the

However, there are external elements such as weather that has the ability to transform and intensify a fragrance. Therefore, it is ideal that a man wear a light, fresh, citrus fragrance in the warmer seasons and a woody, sensual, exotic fragrance in the cooler seasons. Remember the process of choosing a scent in intended to be natural and organic. Therefore, it is imperative that when one is choosing a fragrance time is allotted for the final expression of the scent.

The complexity of a fragrance unfolds gradually thus, what you encounter initially slowly fades away within five minutes. Truly, it is the intertwining of the middle and base components that serve as the “heart” of the fragrance. Certainly, the “heart” of a fragrance is encountered fifteen minutes after application. To repeat, it takes time to choose a fragrance the rightly describes your character, mood, and emotion.

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History reveals how men have consistently expressed themselves through the power of scent. This unbounded expression of creativity also influenced the space they occupied. For an example, King Louis XIV resided in the “Power of Scent” ordering the members of the court to wear a different scent daily. Additionally, Sir Walter Raleigh passionately distributed potpourris of roses and orris powder throughout his home creating an environment that embodied an aspect of his being. Fragrances are a magnificent expression of feelings therefore, it is imperative that when a man chooses a fragrance he must resonate with the impression it makes on his psyche.

Napoleon generously utilized fifty-four bottles of cologne in a month expressing and presenting himself in many facets.

He intentionally wore his favorite cologne when he entered battle. This fragrance probably invoked courage, confidence, and determination. Certainly, fragrance can serve as a catalyst of inspiration, and motivation.

Furthermore, it can usher in peace and tranquility. The influence of fragrance on the human psyche is innumerable. These examples reveal how perceptive men understood the significance of fragrance. Indeed, this invisible accessory inspires and influences every aspect of life. The twenty first century modern man carries on the legacy of expressing the “Power of Scent.” The masculine energy can implement fragrance through the form of after-shaves, deodorants, shower gels, and colognes. Applying fragrance on the skin verses clothing allows the fragrance an opportunity to blossom through the natural process of transformation.

How a man wears, a fragrance will consist of the intensity of the aromatic merging with the natural oils of the skin.

With this in mind, most men fragrances are in the form of an Eau de toilette and this formula consist of 5-15% aromatic compounds. Since fragrances are a form of self-expression, rigid rules are exempt when discovering a fragrance that defines you.

Dior, Lavin, and Narciso Rodriguez.

Additionally, Francis is the genius behind the first Jean Paul Gualtier fragrance “Le Male” created in 1995. His creative evolution invoked him to create his own fragrance house in 2009 “Maison Francis Kurkdjian.”

His inspirational fragrances are in select Neiman Marcus stores. Truly, this fragrance house emphasizes scent as a lifestyle. In fact, Francis exquisitely presents nine fragrances, candles, home scents, perfuming laundry wash and fabric softener. Additionally, his innovated approach to scent inspired him to create scented leather bracelets, incense papers, and scented bubbles.

essentials

Therefore, applying fragrance on the inside of the wrist, back of neck, and chest region will offer the best expression of the scent.

lux

I

honor the sacredness of smell truly comprehending the influence that it has on the totality of humankind.

Additionally, I love being introduced to a man that wears a fragrance with confidence and authority. The amazing composite of a perfume gently merged with the human body creates an organic transformative encounter.

Therefore, choosing a fragrance becomes an intimate experience, even for a man.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian has two fragrances that are male specific: APOM and Lumiere Noir. APOM is an acronym for “A Piece of Me,” inspiring one to share a bit of themselves with another.

This fragrance is inspired by the emotion of vacation: imagine yourself cruising on the Mediterranean what does this look like? What does this experience smell like?

APOM offers tranquility through the aroma of orange flowers, cedar wood, and amber.

Surely, this fragrance offers a relaxed feel possibly jeans and t-shirt with the option of a sport jacket to experience dinner by the water. Lumiere Noir inspiration stems from capturing two olfactory opposites that when merged creates a unique story that can never be duplicated. Attention all men this fragrance solicits mystery and individuals will organically gravitate towards you.

Indeed, this is the “Power of Scent.” To repeat, Francis is a man that introduces fragrances as a lifestyle creating memories for others that will transcend future generations. Therefore, it is essential to take all of these elements into consideration when choosing a fragrance because your scent is an extension, and expression of your being creating memories for yourself and others.

may / june 2011 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | 37

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SUGAR & SALT

sugar

by: ZACHARY DAVIS & OKEEBA JUBALO

and

REAL RAW RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

s a lt

| real raw

Dear Zach and Okeeba, I have a dilemma. Should I give my ring back if we aren’t getting married? - Cali Valley Girl

relationship

ZACH: I think it depends on the circumstances surrounding calling off the engagement. If a woman simply doesn’t want to get married, she probably knew that when she was asked and should not have accepted it so she definitely needs to return in. Now if a man asked and was found to be unfaithful or dishonest and is playing games then that woman deserves a parting gift! If it is a mutual thing and a man ask for it back, then it should be given back. An engagement ring is not a “gift” it is “loan” and the “marriage” is the pay off!

advice

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OKEEBA: If you knew that you weren’t going through with it from the start…HELL YEAH GIVE IT BACK! Maybe you thought that it would be “cute” to waste his damn time and money, but its’ not. I am sure that you all had a few conversations before he stepped out on that limb to ask you. If he cheated or fumbled his balls, then you should still give it back. That ring was given to you with the idea that the two of you were getting married…NO MARRIAGE THEN NO RING. Cut your ties and move on because that ring will just be an anchor to keep you stuck in an unhealthy place.

Man this economy has my pockets hurting and there is a woman that I have been checking for. I don’t have the cash to take her out, but I am really feeling her. - Mr. No Cash

Z & O ! Help your boy out! I stepped out on my old lady with a young lady I see time to time at the gym. No sex, but had we been in a bed and not in the car outside the gym, there probably would have been. I know this is something I’m definitely not interested in confessing about, because my girl would definitely leave. Now though, every time I see the chick I hooked up with at the gym she’s looking at me all “googly eyed” like she’s in love. She’s engaged and usually there with a friend or her trainer so we only speak in passing, but I hope she’s moved on. Her looks don’t say so; do you think I should say something to her?

ZACH: Seems like your basically saying that this incident isn’t worth saying something to you girl about and this “chick” definitely shouldn’t be the one to let it out either. If she’s not doing much talking and only looking, then you’re probably in the clear, and if she doesn’t know your girl then I don’t see how it would get out. You do need to start thinking with the big head and not the little one, because a parking lot “hook-up” if caught by the police could have resulted in not only your girl finding out, but a charge and a fine!

OKEEBA: FOOL… that’s a dangerous game to play. Being attracted to another woman is one thing, but moving on it is another. If you aren’t prepared to lose your woman or your life…don’t do it. Yet it’s too late…your dumb ass has all ready done it. At this point all you can do is ride it out and see where this leads you. You might think that it’s over, but it may not be. IF YOU AREN’T READY TO BE IN A GROWN MAN RELATIONSHIP THEN SAY SO.

ZACH: You should approach her the same way you would if you had a million dollars. Leading with your wallet, will lead to her loving you for your wallet, and possibly leaving you one day for a bigger wallet. Don’t get it confused, you are actually in the better situation when approaching a woman with only a little change and a lot of game. Then you are able to see the real her and she’s able to see the real you, money makes everything look better even though it may not be. So step up the things you can show her on your budget, be honest and if she a real woman of worth, she won’t be worried about your net worth!

OKEEBA: Honestly you have to see if she is a GOLD DIGGER or a REAL WOMAN. Don’t paint a picture like you have it if you really don’t.

I know it’s hard because cash tends to be more important than character around here. Do you have a plan to get your money right? A REAL WOMAN will SEE YOU if you are working your plan. If you are just a broke ass because you are smoking up your check or shopping before you pay your bills…then you don’t deserve a REAL WOMAN. Submit your RAW REAL questions to ZandO@urbanluxmagazine.com

38 | URBAN LUX MAGAZINE | may / june 2011

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on the LUX SCENE

on the

photography by: AVERI WASHINGTON

lux scene

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on the LUX SCENE

on the lux scene

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