Dec 2015 issue featuring Ervin EP Pope

http://HarryNervous.tumblr.com

http://issuu.com/urbantymes/docs/utoct2015

40.

It’s about whatever makes the project a great project.

FEATURE

Ervin Pope 05.

www.urbantmedia.com

December

Volume 7 ISSUE 12

Essentials Preserving Your Brand pg 08 Knowing the Affordible Care Act 2016 pg 10 Businessman/Brand

Jeremiah Holt

14

pg 44

Urbanity Gift Ideas 2015 pg 15 Models of 2015 pg 17 Literary Treasures with Kisha Green K.L. Belvin pg 26

Power Suit with GvS pg 32

06.

Urban Tymes Magazine is a publication that celebrates the diversity and talent that surrounds us daily from a positive perspective. Featuring the best of the best via the arts, entertainment, luxury, lifestyle of professionals and more.

Reaching various consumers across the country and overseas, our editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate this ideal to the masses.

For interviews, advertising or additional questions or comments: magazine@urbantmedia.com or urbantymes@Hotmail.com

Charlotte - Atlanta Oakland - International Founder/ CCO Editor

Carey W. Digsby

Assistant Editor

Leslie Digsby

Promotions

UT Street Team

California UT Editor & Creative Director

Special

Jowhari Trahan

Katherin Waddell

Correspondent

http://thisneedstobesaid.com

Follow us on:

Finances* Business * Politics* * Health

How Important is Preserving the Continuity of Your

By CW Speaks

I posed this question recently on social media, Business owners. .how important is preserving the continuity of your brand? Please. ..share.

The response was interesting Shannon ScorpioSeason Truesdale: A brand without continuity is simply a name.

Effective continuity is the backbone of success.

.08

Katherine ThisNeedstobesaid Waddell: Extremely! Urban Tymes when I think of how extremely important it is I take action by continually learning how to stand out in my industry. I realize that helping others do well in business will be to my benefit so I give generously. So I

invest in others as my business depends on it.

Michael D Snell Extremely important. When a person is truly vested in their brand you become one with it! As you don't want to deface your surname you wouldn't want to deface your brand. It takes years to build brand awareness but only a few second to lose it all. But if you remain connected and constant your brand can with stand. Hope this helps explain sir!

Blak Optz Continuity...to me means flexibility.... the ability to conform to an ever changing market of demand...while maintaining your overall brand or vision..

Jeremiah Holt Jr: Crucial to the longevity of the company.

Shaun Corbett: Everything

08.

Business When we first step out on faith to start a business or create our brand, we have as the “parent� of this dream, project or idea have already planned in our minds what we want to be ultimate result. Usually, much research, inquiries, and creation go into this, and when it comes to fruition, we are pleased. We know that we are providing service or a need to others, and work tirelessly to make sure we focus to hit the mark.

brand. I was surprised when seeing not only the great responses from these businesses owners that have worked hard to ensure the success of their brands, but surprised not to see more responses as well. Each of us as business owners have a story to tell. About paths taken to get where we are now, and the pitfalls and successes along the way.

By preserving the continuity of our brand, in reality we keep and maintain the vision that was But then there are times in established at the beginning of which we don’t readily see the the journey, to ensure not only fruits of our labor. Things are not the brand, but to make sure that moving as fast as we think they a legacy is created as well, long should. Ultimately, we look to after we are gone. take shortcuts, or partner with those that may not have the I thank everyone for contributing same vision that we do, but do it to this inquiry, and to parts of for the fame and lights. Then this publication for this month, sometimes, we get complacent, thereby keeping the vision ever and give a minimal amount of so consistent and clear! effort.

Each item mentioned can greatly affect the continuity of the

BRAND

09.

Affordable Care Act 2016 It is open enrollment time, November 2015 thru January 2016 is the enrollment period for healthcare coverage under the federally mandate Affordable Care Act or Obamacare as it is affectionately known as.

to the healthcare plan of your choice to pay for your health coverage. For many participants, 80% in my personal experience qualify for this subsidy with plans costing $0 per month. You can choose from plan participants like Aetna, United Healthcare or Blue Cross and Blue Shield just to name a few in NC.

First what you need to understand, is that it mandates everyone must have health coverage or be penalized when they file taxes at the end of the year. Now I know at first glance one might think that is unfair for the government to mandate healthcare because of the rising cost of it. Well there is a provision in the ACA that gives everyone who applies an opportunity to apply for a government subsidy. The government subsidy is calculated by taking into consideration, demographics like zip codes, children or dependents and household income. Once the subsidy is determined that amount can be applied

Aside from the risk of having to pay unexpected medical expenses out of pocket, the tax penalty for not having health insurance have increased since last year and will increase again each year through 2016. By applying for and enrolling for coverage for 2015, you can avoid to pay the tax penalty when you file your 2015 tax return. Last year’s penalty was 95 per adult, this year is $325 and next year is $695.

To get more information about how to choose the right plan for you and your family contact me for free advice and enrollment through the month of January 2016 which ends the enrollment period.

Varnell Bien Aime

10.

URBANITY The Holiday Edition!

This issue we will give you some gift ideas And reflect back on Some of our favorites from 2015

13.

Amazon Echo For anyone who wants a little extra help around the house, here's the Amazon Echo. The voice-activated speaker comes with digital companion Alexa, which can help you with ordering online, answer questions you would normally look up online, and sounds a lot better than Siri!

Price: 199.99

Fitbit Charge HR The Fitbit Charge HR's features and heart rate monitor make it a fantastic activity tracker. Keep up with your health in a whole new way.

Price: $150.00

Drones Drones are the hottest tech toys right now, and they can produce video from never-before-seen angles high in the air and over great distances!

Price: $59.99-$300.00

Hoverboards Hoverboards are the latest craze. And while there have been reports on people injuring themselves due to falling off them or not being able to control or balance them, people still are buying them and whizzing around.

Price: starting at $199.99

14.

15.

16.

17.

MarQues Woolford Actor/Model/Singer/Spokesman Photographer: Curtis Reynolds Represented by: Curtis Reynolds Entertainment Management (C.R.E.M) www.marqueswoolford.com

18.

Malinda Bell Model, Photographer, and Radio host Yumyum" Lead Photographer: Elisa Yeung Assistant Photographer: Patty Lilly Make-Up: Michoacana Mondragon Hair & Wardrobe Styling: Yodassa Willliams Wardrobe Contributor: Audrey Baptist *Contact: Instagram: Yumdivayum / Twitter: Yumyumsworld/ Facebook: Malinda Bell

19

LeMond Hart Model/Stylist/Fashion Designer www.thehouseoflemond.com 704-712-9531

20.

Grace Kgaogelo Lekalakala Make-up and hair done by Jadestyle You. Photographer : Tshwane Studio Website: www.theJades.co.za

21.

Jus Wright Instagram @jus-wrightt Facebook, Jus Wright.

Contact email: mrnwrightt@g mail.com

22.

WWW.ELIAHSOUL.COM

Literary Treasures

Kisha Green

26.

KG: What is your favorite genre? Why? KB: To this point my favorite genre is non-fiction. I love to learn about real people and real situations. I have come to learn the more you take in from different people the more you understand our differences to offer help and solid commentary to things going on in the world. I also find by reading non-fiction it makes me stronger as a writer because I will have a working knowledge of what people think and the things they do. There is also a spark of excitement when you're reading works which can be researched and checked. You can see what counterpoints have been offered, if any. You can also learn which people support the same viewpoints or agenda as the author in question.

KG: How many books do you read a month?

KB: I am back to listening to audio books so currently my monthly total has averaged 3 to 4 books a month.

KG: How have you handled an unhappy reader regarding a book you wrote?

KB: I haven't had to handle any unhappy readers to date. I've had to deal with unhappy reviews but I deal with those the same as the good ones. I accept it, learn from it and grow. I don't take negatives about my work to heart. Each reader has their right to say and feel any way they want about a book they purchased. I did my job by giving them something to purchase. Now if I can grow from the negative I might be able to hold on to them with my next book.

As for the happy readers, I have come across plenty and love and enjoy each of them. Every author loves when they are given a positive word about their work. I personally set out to help readers through my work and my goal is to change their lives to the positive. I feel I have been successful with doing such when I consider the number of readers who search out my wife and me and

thank us for being so transparent with the books I write and the books we publish through our company.

But as an author you can't get lulled into a state of self-satisfaction with happy readers because you still have to push to be better with each work you complete.

Understanding readers may change their minds and allegiances. Hopefully, if done correctly you've given them reason to remain a loyal reader and supporter of your work. Hence good work creates happy readers.

KG: What are your thoughts on the eBook craze? Do you think paperbacks are becoming extinct?

KB: I don't see the current Ebook situation as a craze. To me it's a natural progression when you see where technology is headed. I find EBooks create an easy way for readers to take a truck load of books with them when traveling to and fro. I don't see anything wrong with this. EBooks also allow authors to have another stream of income beside paperbacks. So if the medium is available authors should be using it.

EBooks are hear and going nowhere. As for the paperback, it isn't going anywhere. Readers will never trade the sensation of a brand new signed book in their hands. Readers love the look and feel of physical books. They aren't going to allow that to die. Book events and shows may not be what they use to be but they are still a great way to meet the author and get a brand new signed book.

This can and will never become extinct.

The two, EBooks and Paperback will coexist as long as we have readers. Don't forget audio books either, which are my personal favorites. I prefer an audio book over the other formats. I love to listen in the house or when driving. Since I am an auditory learning audiobooks are precious to me and way more exciting to use.

27.

KG: How important is pricing?

KB: Pricing of your work is critical. When I created my company "Bravin Publishing LLC" www.BravinPublishing.com it was to offer literary services for authors who want to selfpublish. This came about when I started publishing for myself in 2008; I would travel with various authors. When I would hear what they were charging for their book I was shocked, sometimes 10% -25% higher than the industry norms. Often because of what the company they chose to publish through was charging them per book. The price point you set can be the difference of your book getting looked passed. Authors have to do solid research and get into book stores or get online and do their due diligence in reference to research and make smart choices...

KG: What do you think about e-books priced $2.99 and below? Is this a reflection of the authors' worth?

KB: $2.99 I can rock with for an Ebook depending on the actual retail price. I personally feel the EBook price should be 1/3 of the actual retail price. Since there is no overhead, stocking, or printing fees this fair.

Now with these $1.99 or God forbid $.99 books I hate it. Yes I said it, I HATE IT. I have heard authors say they are getting the eyes needed to read their books and it will help sell their previous or future catalogs of books. I call B. S.! I say if your book is a good write people will pay the price where you set it. We as authors continue to give into the evil Empire of Amazon and feel we have to allow them to set the market for our books. NOPE!! All my books are set to the price I want and not one is less than 2.99. If you can't afford $3 then what can I really expect. The time and work which goes into writing and packaging a books is worth at minimum $3. This is just my opinion please no more hate mail. I toss it after the first curse word.

KG: What advice would you give an aspiring author?

KG: Research, Research, Research, Educate yourself with as much information about the literary game as your brain can hold. Then research, research, and research some more.

Also have professional sounding boards that are actually doing or have done the advice their giving you. Also check to make sure the person you're getting advice from is not wearing "Chuck Taylors going to play ball" when everyone else is wearing leather sneakers and telling you about the "Good Ole Days of Literature." Would you party with you older uncle or auntie? That's how I look at it.

Make sure you set clear targets and find ways to get your behind out and promote your work. Know your product better than anyone and get out in front of people and let them know who you are, what your book is about, what your book is going to fix in their lives...

Yes I said fix, enjoyment, education, insight, strong opinion, and great story line, whatever will offer the reader something. Have it to offer.

KG: What is the name of your publishing company and what does it mean?

KB: My Company’s name is Bravin Publishing, founded in 2010 after two years in the literary game. The name of our company is a combination of my wife's last name and mine own. Braxton / Belvin. Since we are happily married and share everything we wanted our company to be an example of our union to each other.

KG: What is your biggest obstacle being a self-published author?

KB: Biggest obstacle, for me, it's getting folks to want to support a faith based, Christian authors who doesn't write sexual charge or violent content. People say their tired of such works but those sell out faster than anything.

The same as reality T.V. having millions of viewers watching folks acting a fool. But it's an obstacle I'll keep fighting. I refuse to give in to what the masses say is hot. My market seems to love what I write and that works for me.

Some money you have to let pass by instead of becoming something and someone you're not.

KG: When did you decide to write professionally?

28.

dren, none the less spoken in public. We have to stop acting like it’s OK to put out trash because it makes a few dollars. We are hurting young and old readers. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. We have to start holding ourselves to higher standards and standing that fence with our own. Especially when we already know there are groups of folks who would to see all out works pushed down to the same levels.

Also we have to push harder at supporting our own. Start searching for independent authors and getting behind their stories and I began promoting A Man in Transition in 2007 and published and drop my first book in their publishing companies, and allows them 2008. Everyone said don't write or sell poetry to gain so they can create more works of art because people won't support or buy it. I said and then open the door for others to do the same. you're right. I won't sell poetry. I'll sell the story behind the man who wrote the poetry.

He's more interesting than the poetry itself. I Finally, I want to see authors stop acting like was right. I choose pieces and created a plat- Amazon is the god to all literary works. Many form for myself behind the three pieces. One authors run to Amazon before setting up their was dedicated to my wife, to my mother, and own website and lose millions of dollars to a baby daddies of the world. Hot buttons points company who could care less about the smaller author. which I know would grab people's attention.

The book did well and I was on my way.

KG: What is literary success to you?

KB: Success in the literary game is to know KG: Did you ever consider hiring a literary for creating good works of author. As well as agent and shopping your manuscript to a being a stand up person and business major publisher, why or why not?

KB: I never thought about going that route. I person. To me when you've achieved this status you are successful, because if these never felt my writing was going to be good enough to the traditional standards. I also did are in place you're changing the lives of like the idea of someone telling me to change those who read your work and do business with you. my work. Also being a poet is not a money maker or attention grabber to traditional houses. Many wrote on their websites, if your KG: Do you think the industry is over saturated with too many authors? poet don't even send us your work. Smile.

OK may not that harsh but along those lines. KB: Of course there is an over saturation So I didn't. I did it myself right or wrong I was when authors can create a book from their cell phone. Many are cutting so many corners in control of my work and have been ever books are popping 4 or 5 a week from the since. same author. 34 pages at 1.99 and then book 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 come out in the KG: What are your thoughts on the current following weeks all with the same title minus state of literary?

KB: I am not happy with much in the literary the number. PLEASE!!!! industry but we don't have enough room to address everything. So I mention a few which KG: What is one word to best describe your writing style? stand out to me. With African American authors and publishers we have to stop creating KB: Honest books with these harsh and disrespectful titles. With words which should be said by chil-

KB: Years ago I was an erotic writer and poet with a good following. However when I turned my life over to the Lord, I felt I couldn't write those types of works any longer. Note I said "I" couldn't often people attempt to jump as if I said it's wrong for them to write erotica and be religious. I always leave that to who they pray to and their God. This is why I said I couldn't write any longer. So with my change of focus I started with poetry as my first book, A Man in Transition by K. L.

29.

http://www.divabooksinconline.com

The House of LeMond 516 East 15th Street Charlotte NC 28205 704-712-9531

Style And

Fashion cementing their place in the business world without them even having to say a word.

Wearing a power suit can help you establish yourself as an up-and-coming professional in today’s workplace. Mid-level managers to executives tend to judge employees for promotions not only by the quality of their work, but also if they display a professional image, which brands the organization. A power suit can make a significant difference in how people perceive you, as a hard worker or as an up and coming rising star.

I received a call from my fraternity brother, Louis, the other day to assist him with his attire for an upcoming million dollar deal, utilizing his current wardrobe. Here is the

In the boardroom there is a line that separates the men from the boys. It’s not the items in which you wear, but the color selections and coordination may infringe on your promotion.

Succeeding in Corporate America involves very few components: Education, Experience, and Appearance. A selection of power colors are what will get you the job and what affects your performance. Colors exude confidence, security and authoritative behavior. By wearing particular colors, you advice and a few does and don’ts about silently represent your ability to navigate professional attire I provided to him. In the among professional and social circles. So, world of men’s fashion, there are certain what are power colors? Power colors range suits recognized for their ability to quietly from dark tones of black, blue, grey, and exude power. There are suits that your high-powered businessmen choose to wear, brown.

by Michael D. Snell 32.

The Power Suit: The best power colors are navy blue and dark grey. The darker colored suits, typically, exude a higher level of management and responsibility and/or authority. When in doubt go for navy blue, it’s the universal power color for a

special occasion. Aside from its appearance, a power suit should make you feel confident, successful, and in control. As a result, having an impeccable tailor is an absolute must. A perfect suit fit helps project confidence and exhibits that you care about your image. For all professional meetings, job interviews, and or social engagements, your efforts spent towards your appearance will definitely impress are likely indicative of how you approach all aspects of your life.

The Power Shirt: Dress shirts are so much more than a ‘shirt’ you throw on. There are shirt rules. White shirts are the most formal of dress shirts (for financial services).

The best shirt colors are French Blue (or baby blue), blue and white stripes (in any direction), powder pink, and pale yellow. A little tip: If you have a lighter complexion, wear an oxford blue shirt ONLY if you do not intend to remove your suit jacket. The shirt without a darker jacket can be too pale for such lighter skin complexions. If you’re unsure about collar options, a classic spread will work perfectly.

The Power Accessories: No need to get fancy and search for something ‘new.’ You can wear simple lace-ups like cap toes or wing tips. For the newbies, beware of clunky soles.

Best to invest in hand made shoes – it’s so worth it! You should also look at suit. Navy suits pair well with every color adding these few items to help with your combination in your closet – good or power suit: a classy watch, tie, and bad. attaché case.

You should wear black with caution.

Although it may seem to be the likeliest choice and most common color, it can appear threatening and a bit snobbish.

Brown is a ‘new school’ power color. It is considered a non-threatening shade.

While looking through Louis’ closet, I saw many attractive suits available.

Unfortunately, not all could be considered a power suit. I selected a solid dark grey, two button suit for this

33.

Have you noticed that almost all high-powered businessmen wear a classy watch? This isn’t a necessity, but it adds a nice touch. Although, most people won’t notice if you are wearing a watch, but they’ll definitely notice if you do Try carrying a black or brown leather attaché case to match your shoes. Nothing destroys the effect of a power suit faster than hauling a bulky briefcase, messenger bag, or backpack around with you. Although a slimmer sleeker attaché case will limit what you can carry.

It forces you to only carry what you need and it exudes power over the above mentioned bags.

The Power Tie: Choosing ties carefully is an art. It’s almost as important as selecting your suit.

Your tie is the first place someone’s eyes will go.

Red ties will be your friend – Opt for stripes, small repetitive patterns, dots, and Ivy League patterns. As fashion leans toward the motto ‘anything goes,’ we assure you wearing large patterns like floral prints, geometric patterns, and paisleys are not the way to go.

Power colors for ties should be great shades of yellow, blue, and anything in the red family, to include dark red, true red, cherry red, magenta and raspberry. Warm colored ties are classy and powerful.A little tip: Your tie should contrast with the suit and the shirt but be leery of your tie length.

Dressing for Success:

Once I completed assembling the above mentioned items for Louis, with adjustments made to fit him as perfect as possible, I presented him with the most challenging trick: knowing how to wear it. We had several weeks before his big meeting to conduct role playing making him more comfortable presenting in his power suit attire. I role played the CEO of the company and Louis was of course presenting as himself. Louis wore everything as if it were a real marketing pitch to get him more comfortable. Nothing says I am not use to wearing suits than the constant adjusting your shirt collar or tie or moving your shoulders to help relieve the stress from wearing a tie and collared shirt. After many attempts over a period of time, I had him dry clean all items including his tie a week prior to his presentation to ensure everything was clean.

When worn at the appropriate time, comfort conditions, and place, the right suit can make a powerful statement which one creates lasting positive impressions and could even impact the course of your career.

9 Quick Rules of the Power Suit 1. Choose what to wear based on your audience (The cloth is the expression of how you feel inside) 2. Your clothes speak before you do (Courage to exude achievement without coming across as being cocky) 3. Stereotypical wardrobes as it displays leadership 4. Dark conservative 2 or 3 button navy or charcoal grey suits 5. Don’t fall into the casual attire day pitfalls 6. Know and understand your style & personality as it relates to your profession 7. Be aware of the subliminal messages your attire sends 8. Always choose an expert style/image/wardrobe consultant to help polish your look (Find a male role model) 9. Custom tailored dark power suits exude authority

34.

Style and Fashion

How to tie a Windsor knot which is perfect for interviews and boardroom meetings

35.

The complete ensemble: Ready to take on the world!

This Look: Blue suit available at GvS Custom Clothiers – Horizontal stripe dress shirt also available at GvS Custom Clothiers, Tie, Pocket square, and striped socks available by Paige’s Accessories – Sunglasses by Ray-Ban (Clubmaster) – Watch with brown leather strap by Timex – Leather briefcase available from Dirty Cotton (MS) – Walnut dress shoes available at GvS Custom Clothiers

by Michael D. Snell, CEO of GvS Custom Clothiers at www.gvsclothiers.com

26.

Who We Are - Gentlemen vs Swag Academy Inc (GvSA) Youth Organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit, community and youth organization. GvSA was formed by a group of friends who love the empowering our community and desire to do our best to help our youth in these trying/difficult times.

Our Mission - To encourage and promote student success amongst at-risk students ages 8-16 and "change lives in the community one student at a time." By exposing young people to new experiences that they otherwise would not have, one on one mentorship, peer counseling and teach life lessons & skills that enable them to make wiser decisions throughout their middle and high school education and beyond.

Our objective is to teach our youth how to dream and acquire those dreams. Provide the necessary tools to accomplish those dreams. Goal setting short and long term.

We want to expose students to cultural, educational, financial literacy, style, etiquette, problem solving technique, respect for authority, social continuous/awareness, public speaking and economic opportunities by forming partnerships with others in the community so that our youth will receive: ● Nurturing ● Mentorship ● Self awareness ● Care ● Advice and Counseling ● Goal Identification and Achievement ● Strategy Development Partner with local community and Governments, to help our students advance through the existing Educational system and prepare them for the future.

Leveraging Opportunities - We want to connect with all City, Countries and County likeminded organizations, community businesses and partners that will support our youth development organization. We need your support so that our students can attend the following enrichment activities, such as college tours, leadership development camps, the Steve Harvey Youth Symposium, SAT preparation courses, and job shadowing.

Michael D. Snell CEO/Owner GvS Custom Clothier of Gentlemen vs Swag, LLC Company number 844-214-1911 Website: www.gvsclothiers.com Email: info@gvsclothiers.com

ERVIN

EP POPE

40.

His Artstry, His Works‌ Blend Like Gumbo

Good friend and industry colleague Demario McIlwain mentioned to me at a meeting that he had just spoken to industry known, keyboard superstar Erving “EP” Pope. Immediately I responded to him of the opportunity to interview this brother. His work is a who’s who of some of the greatest talent out there. From Janet Jackson (Damita Jo); Brandy (Afrodisiac); Ne-Yo (In My Own Words); Angie Stone (The Art of Love and War) to Jay-Z (The Blueprint 2.1) Kanye West (The College Dropout, Late Registration) an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and more that could be named over the course of his music career. When I read the intro on Ervin “EP” Pope, it notes that he is a Louisiana-bred, Watts, CA-raised, church-boy with a family history deeply rooted in music and rich in talent. But talking to this music aficionado went beyond that. Here is a man that relishes his humble and challenged beginnings, giving notice to where his successes, his blessings have come from.

To speak with a person that has so many accolades and connections in the music industry, one would think there would be an air of superiority. But that is surely not the case with “EP.” Our first interaction was as warm and positive as a brother from another mother, and every word spoken genuinely meant.

41.

EP, I want to thank EP for taking time to chat with us at UT. My pleasure !

Ok brother; let us talk about that old piano……Aw man…the old piano, that old piano is everything, that’s where it started. That’s where I developed a love for music and I found out that I was gifted enough to hear something and pick it out on the piano. The piano was given to me by my uncle, who is like a father figure of mine, who happens to be the pastor of my church. And he bought the piano and put it in the house in hopes that myself or one of the siblings would pick it up and find interest in it. My sister tried it, she fell off, my brother tried it also, and it was my turn, and it was on ever since!

42.

Well you heard it first…on UT. We gonna claim that, put it existence! EP on the keys with Adele!

Yes, let’s claim that!

That creativity in Kanye’s first album is apparent, much respect for your input on that.

Who has been your most creative collab or artist to work with?

Hands down, it would be Scareface….

Scarface!?

Yes, I say Scarface because I got a chance to display more than just producing or play keys. I got a chance on this latest project Deeply Rooted which I’m the co-executive producer on, I got a chance to write songs, I wrote hooks, I placed artists on the record, I added That is a powerful foundation that you’ve background to it , laid keys on it, probuilt your craft upon. How has that drive duced and I handled some of the adtoward perfection you had when playing that old piano, applied to your craft today? I ministrative stuff for that album. So use piano in almost everything that I do. creatively… he (Scarface) trusted me, and he allowed me to share a lot more It builds confidence too, because as a kid in the ghetto, you gotta think, there than just producing on project. So hands down it would be Scarface and weren’t too many things we were exDeeply Rooted. posed to or too many things that we found out that we were good at early.

Many times I discuss that element with artSo that affected learning self-worth. ists, is the versatility. So basically you too Anytime you’re good at something or are saying that you have to be well roundyou pick up something that everyone ed as a creative artist in all aspects of what can’t do, you kinda have a sense of pride so that played more than one role you do is important. Completely imporin my life, picking out on that old piano! tant. I mean, it’s everything. You have to have the ability. Say for instance, for Your work is literally a who’s who of music that latest project, I couldn’t just bring royalty….I’m not gonna sit and name all of any singer to any song. It had to be one that complemented that song, or the them, otherwise we will be here for a long musician. Sometimes a song calls for while.(lol) But who do you long to work something different than somebody in with at this time in your career? I like up your camp. And you to be able to go and coming artists. I like Big Krit, Big outside and bring to the table what is Krit is really dope to me. Of course, I necessary and not really be about self. like Adele. I really want to work with It’s about whatever makes the project a Adele. That would be my number one great project. artist that I would like to work with! I think we would make some really dope stuff.

We know about your musical background, those you’ve worked with. How you give back to the community. Tell us more about Big Homies. Yeah man, the Big Homies is just, like I grew up in Watts, and I went to church in Watts, maybe a mile from where I was raised. I still attend that same church today, and that neighborhood is stricken with violence and other things that the ghetto is plagued with, and all the challenges. I know for a fact that it’s not of myself why I made it out of the ghetto, it was a bigger source, God is the reason I made it out. And everybody is not as fortunate to get out, so I think the responsibility is on us. When we experience some sort of success, we ought to give back. I mean it’s only right. If I can help someone avoid a pitfall that I’ve fallen in, or I know about something, then we have that responsibility. Myself and my cousins and my brothers we still give back to that same community, and not for accolades, it’s just what we need to do, because we see the state of the world and the state of these young men out here. With a lot of absentee fathers and no body to give them a positive example, like we’ve got to step up! So I take that very serious and not only that, I do career days at the elementary schools and junior highs, just wherever I can I can lend something. Because I know I have a voice and that’s going to ring different than a police officer telling a kid not to do something. I have a certain influence, and I know it, so I try to use my influence in a way that I can help somebody.

Do you think that those in the industry need to do? Is it Important to give back? It’s important to give back, but I think it’s only important to give back if you have the mind set to give back, because you could do further damage if you’re giving the wrong thing back. Everybody doesn’t know how to give back.

Do you ever regret taking that leap of faith, getting into the music industry? Never, not one day. It’s either sink or swim with me, you know what I mean. So have some swimming trunks on right now so just in case I sink, I’ll swim!

What’s next? What will be Ervin “EP” Pope next greatest accomplishment in the next two to five years? Next two to five years from now…The goal is to make my Production Company/ Label a household name. I have four artists signed to me currently, I have a team of producers and a team of writers, which I consider family. We have a work ethic like no other, and very shortly, hopefully it will be a worldwide situation in which everybody will understand will know who THE FURNACE is and what we bring to the table.

So how do our readers follow the musician, the producer and community leader?

Instagram: epmusic Twitter: epmusic1 Webpage: http://www.ervinpope.com/ Facebook: ervineppope Very simple, I’m around!!

43.

Our spotlight is on a consummate professional that we have the honor of publishing his works in this magazine: Jeremiah Holt Jr. He is the proud owner and creative mixologist behind the Just Right Cocktails NW brand, which is a mobile bartending service that operates by appointment and strives to meet the needs of its clients by providing offpremise, special-event bartending services.

For over four years Jeremiah has strived to make sure that every event his company is a part of is well…”Just Right.”

Why is customer service at 100 so important to him?

Maybe it’s because his former service in the Navy, where he was expected to represent not only himself, but his shipmates and country wherever they were stationed at., Doing so proudly…….

Introducing

Jeremiah Holt

44.

Or maybe it’s the drive that has allowed him to not only study and obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management, with high marks I might add….. and become a highly respected fraternity member of Gamma Psi Beta Inc. It could be that every conference, training, guild and networking event in the beverage world, he seeks and absorbs that knowledge gained to help hone his skills even more.

“Everything is mostly negotiable except for the high standards of my service!”

The services of his company include beverage-menu consulting, various beverage -and-food pair and planning in addition to the bartending services provided to your event. We also work with people who have dietary restrictions such as allergies, or other reasons to find which beverages will work best for their event. This takes him and his team to fully service the SW Washington Regional and Portland or metropolitan areas, with the opportunity to work outside of this area if requested on a case by case basis. As he puts it: “Everything is mostly negotiable except for the high standards of my service!”

This businessman is supported by his lovely wife Lori Holt, who also has business savvy and accounting experience.

45.

One can only see greater things on the horizon for this team and service oriented brand!

www.justrightcocktails.com

30.