www.tawandablake.yolasite.com
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Features:
Contents
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Founder/CCO Carey W. Digsby Editor Mr. Urban Assistant Editor Leslie Digsby Darrell Perry VP Sales & Promotions
Arts & Lifestyle Senior Writer Tawanda Blake
California UT Correspondent Jowhari Trahan
Contributing Writers:
DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH’S
Mr. Urban T Blake Kisha Green Jowhari Trahan
Follow us on:
@HOTMAIL.COM ES M TY N BA R U : AT US THE TEAM! CONTACT N OI J S N R TE IN , S PHER WRITERS, PHOTOGRA
TYME to Talk… “It's not enough to have a dream, Unless you're willing to pursue it. It's not enough to know what's right, Unless you're strong enough to do it. It's not enough to learn the truth, Unless you also learn to live it. It's not enough to reach for love, Unless you care enough to give it Men who are resolved to find a way for themselves will always find opportunities enough; and if they do not find them, they will make them.” Samuel Smiles Mr. Urban The holidays are fast upon us! It seems like just yesterday we were walking into 2014 with bright eyed anticipation, setting goals and eagerly waiting to make another mark in another year. As we enter 2015, we look back at 2014 and learn from that year accomplishments, setbacks, growth, and pruning. One must understand that by looking back at the previous year, we do not wish to relive the “glory” of it, but use it as sound teaching to prepare for greater things to come. Change is inevitable, and a must in order to grow. Some tend to enter a new year with “resolutions” but those quickly fade after a month or two, and usually are lofty goals set that we cannot attain to. For 2015, let’s take time to plan accordingly, greet warmly, and let our actions speak louder in volume than the tinkling of our words……… T-Baby The most turbulent ride that you will ever get on is a bandwagon… The ride stops as intrusively as it started. Passengers hop on and off, more than happy to get to that next subject or smoking gun that has gone off. But don’t ride just for today…...pick and choose a cause… and fight for it! Get mad, stay mad, and decide, “Do I really want results?” As of now, the value of a (wo) man’s life is no more worth the dirt that he is buried in, and that is for all races. But here’s the $64,000 question: are you willing to fight for injustice for us all, or only media publicity and shine? How can we change when you, our people, our human lives in this world is so finicky? “Make me want to holler The way they do my life…” Marvin Gaye, Inner City Blues See you in 2015 fam…..
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To be a part of this monthly Event, contact us: urbantymes@hotmail.com
Urban Tymes Monthly Networking Event every second Thursday at Apostrophe Lounge, bringing out the best of QC businesses! Sponsors such as Da Lucky Spot, Food From Mars, and DJ Y.O.U grace our event. To learn more about sponsorship , vendor presentations and attendance, email: marketing@urbantmedia.com
Kisha Green’s
J.M. Benjamin
RES U S A E R T Y LITERAR
Why does J.M. Benjamin write? Writing is very therapeutic for me. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of just how far I've come. I write because it keeps me focused, motivated and in positive spirits. It's a blessing that I'm able to transfer my thoughts, feelings and past experiences on paper, whether through fiction or non-fiction, and be able to entertain, educate and inspire others through my words. I eat, sleep and drink writing...and I haven't even scratched the surface of what I believe my purpose is with this gift.
become published authors. J.M. joined team O.W.L. in 2013 where he intends to demonstrate the highest level of storytelling and book selling with the help of O.W.L. founders Ashley & JaQuavis. J.M. is a proud father and still resides in New Jersey. For more on J.M. Benjamin visit Twitter @jmbenjamin, Facebook Jm Benjamin and Instagram @JM Benjamin.
AUTHOR BIO: Meet J.M. Benjamin; He is a successful, prolific & impacting author hailing from Plainfield, New Jersey. He is also the C.E.O. of A New Quality Publishing as well as an entrepreneur, community activist, mentor and motivational speaker. J.M. spends most of his time traveling worldwide, sharing his redemptive story with places such as schools, juvenile & adult facilities and religious organizations, in hopes of saving and changing lives of others, receiving numerous of accolades and recognition for his efforts. After serving a substantial amount of time in prison, J.M. was released with a new plan, new direction and new product. His 2006 freshman novel, Down In The Dirty opened doors he never imagined and solidified him as an urban novelist. Since then, he has gone off to pen 10 more tales such as his Essence Best Selling novel series, Ride Or Die Chick, which was recently picked up by Carl Weber’s publishing company, My Manz And ‘Em, which has been adapted into a screenplay by Sundance Film Festival winner, director Alrick Brown, Heaven and Earth, One Way To Heaven and Memoirs Of An Accidental Hustler, to name a few. He is also the co-author of the non-fiction motivational books From Incarceration 2 Incorporation. In addition, he has contributed to several anthologies with some of Urban Fiction’s top authors. J.M. is known for his impeccable work ethics and his generosity when it comes to guiding and assisting aspiring writers wanting to
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Chapter 3
Felicia shook her head and let out a light chuckle.
The getaway was clean and easy but the ride was
“Are you going to get out or what bitch!?!”
a quiet and an uncomfortable one. Every so often Felicia
Monica couldn’t tell whether Felicia was serious or
would cut her eye over at Monica, who sat in the passenger joking. Her demeanor was hard to read. seat in silence and on edge. She had every reason to be.
“Are you?” Monica asked as a matter of fact.
The text message from the anonymous number had her all
The two of them were now engrossed in an eye-
the way on point. The words, “Don’t Trust Nobody!” still
lock. Felicia’s eyes lowered. She shook her head for a sec-
played in her head. Although the text didn’t offer anything
ond time. “Fine.” Felicia grabbed hold of the car handle,
more, it was enough to let Monica know she may possibly
opened the driver’s door and climbed out.
be in danger. The way Felicia had looked at her after receiving a message herself, had Monica on guard. The oc-
Monica studied her with a watchful eye. She still contemplated drawing her gun.
casional glances over at her and Felicia’s silence
Felicia spun around, surprising Monica. “Are you
throughout their ride, made her feel that danger may be
gonna get out or are you staying here?” There was a brief
closer than she realized. Monica’s mind was racing a hun-
pause before Monica spoke.
dred miles a minute. She knew she was way in over her head and had reached the point of no return, but knew she
“Of course I’m going to get out.” Monica tried to hide her nervousness through laughter.
had been careful in her movements. She had followed orders and instructions to a t from day one and wondered
“Well let’s go then!” Felicia slammed the driver’s door shut.
what could have fueled the text. She had no clue where
Monica let out a deep sigh and exited the vehicle.
Felicia was headed, but it was killing her not knowing what
She watched as Felicia snatched off the wig she was wear-
was going on. Monica turned to Felicia and decided to test
ing and tossed it in the car along with the clothes she wore.
the waters and feel her out.
Monica followed suit.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Go get in the car,” Felicia instructed Monica.
Felicia peered over at her and flashed a half of a
By now, Monica had retrieved her .380 and moved
smile. There was a slight pause before she replied, “Every-
it to the front of her waist. She nodded at Felicia and made
thing’s cool.” Felicia’s reply was short and flat, hard for
her way over to the luxury car. She was relieved to see that
Monica to read.
it was empty. The sudden explosion behind her caused
Monica matched her smile. “Good,” was her re-
Monica to jump as she opened the unlocked passenger
sponse. Felicia gave her a thumbs up and drew her atten-
door. She hopped in the Benz and watched Felicia scurry
tion back to the road. Her reaction only heightened the
over to the car as the car they had just exited went up in a
tension Monica was feeling. Moments later, Felicia navigat-
blaze.
ed her SUV onto a side road. The first thing Monica noticed was the open dirt field. There was nothing or no one else in sight other than a Mercedes Benz. Monica senses were on high alert. She questioned who the car belonged to. Was
Moments later, Felicia was doing 100 mph in the direction in which they had just come from. Felicia was the first to break the silence now that they were miles away from the site.
this a trap? she wondered. She was tempted to reach for
“Are you okay?” she asked.
her weapon tucked in her lower back, but sided against it
“Yeah, I’m fine. Are you?” Monica returned.
out of fear of Felicia getting the drop on her if that were the
“As good as can be,” Felicia lied.
case. Instead, she waited but leaned forward to gain easier
If she only knew, thought Felicia as she pushed
access to the .380 she possessed. Felicia turned, pulled off
her 350 CLS Benz. Her mind shifted to the disturbing mes-
into the open field and killed the engine of the vehicle. She
sage she’d received earlier. She couldn’t help but replay
turned her attention towards Monica again.
them in her head. The words Trust No One had Felicia all
“Well,” she stated. “Well what?” Monica retorted.
the way on point…
14.
http://www.divabooksinconline.com
Drawing from his many experiences working with various youth groups, interaction and frank talks with men and women over the years and close connection with his family, the author shares these experiences to help us grow. Truly showing the test that produces our testimony. The book captures various areas that we call can relate to. From the plight of our young men today, to the woman that has been scarred from past relationships. Poems and scriptures from the Bible permeate throughout the book along with artwork and pictures, giving voice and vision to all to enjoy.
This Tree Can Bear Fruit by Carey W. Digsby is a collection of insightful words of wisdom for men and women that offers practical approaches about life, love and respect. Not your typical self help book but most definitely an enlightening book that can motivate change.
A
“ uthor Digsby does a wonderful job of addressing life issues and offering realistic remedies that might can be assistance to many. Often times it is easier to become that product of society and fall victim to tunnel vision based on surroundings, but with this book, readers can see that ultimately they DO have options and most importantly it is very possible to turn negatives into positives. What was also very enjoyable about this book was the poetry, the words were carefully placed throughout the book and the delivery was right on time. I enjoyed This Tree Can Bear Fruit by Carey W. Digsby and look forward to see what else this author has to offer.� Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Available at Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com
Tis the Season.......
A few gift ideas for the special man or woman in your life!
FOR HIM
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Uh..yes He would definitely love this gift!!!
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Style and Fashion
Let the Music Play..‌. Says Photo and styling by LeMond Modeling
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Tell us DJ Y.O.U., what attracted you to become a DJ? When I was 10 years old, I was watching Time/Life programs on TV selling CD's. I would record them and watch them over-and-over again. I would even download the words to the music they were playing so I could sing along. I was so into music, I wanted to play music for other people. A couple of years later, my brother introduced me to the music of Skrillex, who was a DJ who made music I loved. I thought if he was a DJ that was what I wanted to do. Did With These Hands DJ Academy play a big part in your learning the skills of a DJ? Yes. Claude, the owner of the academy taught me everything I needed to know and answered any questions I had. First, the academy taught me the basics of the DJ equipment (i.e. turntables, mixers, etc). Next, I was taught how to put music together in order to mix them. Claude taught me on the latest software and equipment used by today's DJ's. The academy then enabled me to practice at my own pace, and gave me a chance to perform with other students at events.
I met DJ Y.O.U (Johs Ufland) spring of 2014 at a pop up boutique show in Noda. He was over in the corner, head bobbing and fixated on the music that was playing. Wait, let me rephrase that, to the music that he was creating! Mixing various genres like a chef in the kitchen creating a fine dish, or a painter blending hues to bring life to a blank canvas…DJ Y.O.U was just doing that! Fast forward 7 months, and now you have a student of With These Hands DJ Academy being sought out by various companies and individuals to play at their events. He’s quiet, but when you look into his eyes while he’s behind the table, you see a mad scientist in the making, creating music for that moment, and planning what to do to keep you moving throughout the event. Make no mistake…this DJ will move Y.O.U!
Would you say that, just like sports, being a DJ takes skill and practice honing your craft? Most definitely. I practice most days 3 hours a day - mixing and scratching - trying to perfect my skills. I still ask questions of other DJ's and still take classes at With These Hands DJ Academy.
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DJ_YOU2 on Instagram; DJ_YOU2 on Twitter; DJ_YOU2 on Mixcloud; DJ Y.O.U. on Soundcloud; and on Facebook at DJ YOU. For bookings, you can contact my manager at 704.223.0037 or ufland2@gmail.com.
Tell us about some of the events
you’ve done. I've played weddings, birthday parties, several corporate events, school dances, been on TV highlighting the DJ academy, and played at Apostrophe Lounge here in Charlotte. The music you play, we’ve heard you go across all genres, what would you say is your favorite? I can play any music the customer wants, but the genre I like the most is Dubstep and Trap music. I'm known for introducing the crowd to this genre whenever I play. I try to find a song or two which fits with the genre I'm playing without being too different. If DJ Y.O.U could play and spin anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Definitely England. This is where Dubstep originated and they seem to be ahead of music coming to the U.S.
Already establishing his position in the industry: Above, with mentor Claude Whitfield Jr. Middle, performing at Northlake Mall. Below: With DJ Buttafingaz.
Share one little known fact about DJ Y.O.U: I volunteer at Joy Church in Matthews, NC where they host "Room at the Inn." We feed and shelter the homeless one night a week during the winter months. Mixtape soon? I am currently working on producing a remix which I will post to Mixcloud and/or Soundcloud. How can your fans get in contact with you? My fans can always reach me at
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The Award Winning With These Handz Sprite DJ Music Academy is a School for Creative Music Education in NODA. 516 E. 15th Street, Suite 12B Charlotte, NC 28206 Office Telephone: (704) 625-0411 E-Mail: info@withthesehandz.com
UT: Thank you for taking the time to sit with us at Urban Tymes, you both are one of my fav husband and wife duos‌ I love seeing the love you share and through your music. Define Ama Evolution for us. AE: AmaEvolution, meaning, evolution to love is a combination of Portuguese and English. AmaEvolution consist of me the vocalist and songwriter, Berkley/ Oakland CA Native, Nadiyah Lewis and my husband guitarist and composer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Native Sergio Lima. AmaEvolution is our unique interpretation of alternative rock music with vocals, guitar, bass, and drums.
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UT: In the beginning there was music and love…. How has your love matured and music matured? AE: When we began creating music together, everything was acoustic, vocals and guitar. Serg started playing around with drum beats and bass lines digitally. He would sit and produce the rhythm section digitally, then ask me to listen to the track to write the lyrics. Somehow every time he would create a song that fit my lyrics, it was like magic! The first songs were slightly neo-soul, and R&B vibe, but my vocals would dominate the sound on the scratch recordings. So he went back to the drawing board and added some electric guitars over the acoustic tracks and made the bass UT: Awesome stuff! So AMA Evolution is the two of you mixed genres of music and expertise together. That is amazing to have a soul collision where two souls collide and thrive and produce masterpieces. I am ALL SMILES right now! Amazing to feel your energy and see the love you all have for another. So how did all of this come about we want know the LOVE STORY! AE: 12 years ago we met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was studying Geography at the University California at Berkeley, participating in a summer abroad program, attending classes during the day, while crashing the stages of local venues in Rio de Janeiro’s famous artist district. About a year later we were married and on a journey to create music. Together we shared the same values, desire to develop as artist musicians, and pursue the possibility of sharing our musical expression with the world. Its been good so far! Of course balancing music and family has its challenges; with the support of our family and close friends we manage the demands of both worlds’ best we can. I am a technical engineer in telecommunications, and Nadiyah is earning her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. We work hard together!
lines real griddy. I remember when we laid my vocals, the sound matched. From there I just tapped into my justified rage and let loose. Our sound organically gravitated to the soulful rock fusion of sound. Continued
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Our personal influences in music come from various genres of music. She (Nadiyah) studied classical violin, and trained vocally in opera and gospel music. Artist and Bands such as, Living Colour, Miles’s Davis’ former wife Betty Davis, Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Skunk Ananse, Jean Carne, Lenny Kravitz, Carlos Santana, O Rappa, BB King, Muddy Waters, John Handy, Tina Turner, to name a few has influenced our sound.
UT: This is amazing…. I love hearing that we can work together. (Maybe there’s hope for me tooooo!!) Lol. UT: So how do we follow or Find AmaEvolution? AE : We’ve completed 8 tracks of Love on ITunes, Amazon, sound cloud, Reverbnation, and CD Baby. Every track tells a story of Love, SelfReflection, Social and Personal Transformation, music created to feed your mind and touch your soul. AE: A lot of love, hard work and dedication by all who have supported us along the way is how we got here!!! Nowhere to go but UP! Special thank you’s to: Musahi Lethredge who plays a mean Bass, John Adams and Steven Rhetta on drums, Recorded at Moon Dog Studios, Sound Engineers, Stephen Beachman, Caley Stroyer, our son Marcus Grimes, and Manuel Salas. Our Mother Tarika Lewis played electric violin with Tacuma King and Marquinho Brasil on percussions. We were very blessed to have worked with such amazing artist. Visit: Amaevoluton.com itunes.com/amaevolution Reverbnation.com/amaevolution amaevolution1 twitter.com Facebook.com/amaevolution IG: amaevolution1
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E D E A R O F L N W DO
http://www.magcloud.com/browse/magazine/68221
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arly in the mornings while on the way to work, I’d listen to my favorite cd on repeat. Lord knows if someone changed my song, there would be “Advanced Modern Warfare/ “World War III” action with me slicing fingers off and popping jaws before I could reverse my car out of the driveway. “Bobby V’s “Turn the Page” was my anthem. Even as I type this, I’m listening to his falsettos on Spotify, “And it started to feel like my heart jumped out my chest. Felt like I lost my breath, this is not how it’s supposed to be baybeeeeeeee. The story has just begun; we’ve only just begun, and trust, me this is such a beautiful one.” I’m back-up singing, while using my provisional microphone. “Dude, how can you not be all in from that spill?!” I don’t wanna turn the page just because he said so (Kidding). To be blunt about the matter, “Bobby V’s innuendos will never become outdated.”
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’ve combed the internet and read the articles from many websites, hoping and praying that I don’t duplicate what’s already written about the crooner. And I have realized that it’s next to impossible because Bobby V is unrivaled. He’s an “eternal artist,” a veritable singer, songwriter, and composer that plays the piano. This guy doesn’t need studio equipment or auto-tuning to fabricate his vocal sounds. Bobby is concentrated on the art of song. He is ardent about music, period. I read one of his interviews with “Rolling Out” online, and he pretty much acknowledged openly that music isn’t the same anymore. Although we all know that music isn’t even on the Richter scale of what it used to be, and nowhere near the soulful “closed -your -eyes and feel- my pain, type of melodies You can barely understand what most of these artist are saying. “Rappers are singing. So, if rap is more important than R&B, and rappers are singing, then it kind of leaves us out the door—those that do real R&B music.” says Bobby. Bobby V became well defined in the early 90’s while blazing stages and media circuits with the 90’s singing quartet, Mista. Some years later, Bobby enrolled in Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Mass Communications. Following that progress, Bobby auditioned for the American Idol and didn’t do as well he hoped. Low and behold, that was sweet divinity! Perhaps that wasn’t the avenue that Bobby was supposed to be taking because not long after, he signed to Ludacris, DPT/ Island Def Jam Record label as their first R&B artist. His hit singles “Slow Down,” Tell Me” (Featuring Lil Wayne), and “Pimpin All over the World”, bombarded the Billboard charts with retribution. In 2005 Bobby debuted his album “Special Occasion, and in 2009 his solo project under a new record label entitled, “Rebirth” toddled on the music charts. “Fly on the Wall,” cascaded in during 2011. Bobby released “Dusk Till Dawn” in 2012, and released the “Peach Moon” EP December 2013. The artist has several mix tapes, “The Rebirth;” “Minutes;” “Vitamin V, and “V Day.” In 2009, V was nominated for the Urban Music Awards as Best Male Artist, and Best R&B ACT, winning both categories. Vibe Awards nominated the artist in 2005 for “Realest Video: “Pimpin All Over the World, and in 2005 he won Song Of The Year for the BMI awards, “Slow Down.” In 2006, the NAACP nominated V. as Outstanding New Artist. Soul Train Award nominated V. In 2006 as Best R&B/Soul Single, Male: “Slow
Down, and Best R&B/ Soul or Rap New Artist. His accolades echo with forcefulness. Bobby’s solo project, “Peach Moon” heralded last year. Bobby relaxed his tenor to release a softer side of his music. “Well, the previous album was a collection of my moods, moments, and thoughts at the time which was “Peach Moon.” It was live instrumentals over good music. It was kind of like DeAngelo, a very soulful and retro- feel kind of music. That’s how I was feeling at the time and now I’m coming back to how music is now and doing the new Bobby V. while just adding the new age and flavor to it . Greatly influenced by Jazz and Blues, Peach Moon differs tremendously from all of Bobby’s previous work from the last 2 decades. His new mixes are on the “Sentimental Mood” type of vibe. The arrangements are upbeat and daring. It has the “Great Gastby” pizazz laced with “Bobby V.” V released a series of web videos that aired before the Peach Moon EP. Bobby is not goaded by media speculations. He climbed out on a limb from his traditional R&B coziness and delivered to the multitude… an imaginative and spectacular project. You’ve been gracing our eardrums with melodic tunes since the 90’s. How creative do you need to be to keep coming out, strong and hard each year, just to remain relevant? You gotta keep your ear to the streets. You gotta go out and really be around young people as well just kind of keep your ear to what’s going on because music is always changing. So to stay ahead of the curve, you just gotta really keep yourself out there and be at the right places to really hear what’s going on so that you can continue to stay relevant. How is the ATL sound presence on the music scene? I think that Atlanta has always been dominant for the last 10- 15 years in the music business. Atlanta music is the kind of “hit- record” music around the whole world. It’s always forever changing. There are always new artist coming from Atlanta. There are some people that have been around for a long time. They are just bubbling out and getting that shot at it. Most people that have come out of Atlanta, have really been on the scene and going through the chittlin circuit in Atlanta. They end up making a hit record. That’s just that Atlanta sound. We have ran the radio for the last 15-years or longer.
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Is the web series on Peach Moon one of the greater moments that you can remember as an artist? Naah, I enjoy and can remember every project that I have done. I just definitely remember doing that one because I recorded at my house. That was the first project that I recorded at my house. With your new projects, do you have any favorite songs or collaborations with other artist? As of yet, all of them are really my favorites. Just trying to put the missing pieces to the project and just kind of give closure to it. I have a lot of plans for it. Who would you like to work with aside from the other artist that you’ve done join projects with? I wanna collab with everyone. I don’t have anyone in particular; I just want to do music. I got something for everybody. You mentioned that you were doing films. Are you acting? What other stuff do you have going on? Yeah, I’m acting. I’m just doing a lot of acting, reading different scripts, and I’m reading for the parts. I’m signed with a talent agency and they’re always sending me scripts that they want me to read. Eventually something is gonna happen with the acting. I’m gonna take a lot of classes and branch off into something that I’ve done as a kid that I’m kind of touching back on now. You already have your set songs and titles, how often do you get in the studio I listened to your singles on “Peach Moon,” to chop it up and change it just when you and I was particularly smitten by “Love think you got it? After I make a song, I really Abuse.” It’s not your typical Bobby V. music. don’t go back and change it too much. I think What was your reason behind making that when you make a song; it’s a vibe at the time song? That’s one of my favorite songs. I think that you get. A lot of times when you go back in that song just went with the series of songs that and recreate that same vibe, it kinda messes up went with that project and it was one of my favor- that song a little bit. That’s what I’ve gotten in the ites that I recorded. That whole album was the past. I really don’t go back and create a record or jazzy feely type album. It’s more soulful. I really touch it unless it’s something that I add to, or listened to “Brown Sugar” a lot when I made that need to touch up a couple of things on. album because I kind of wanted to mimic that DeAngelo album—Brown Sugar. Let’s just say for instance that you are going to win a billion tax free dollars but the only What made you arrange a video diary for way that you could win was to tell someone “Peach Moon?” I just wanted people to get a something that’s pertinent and personal behind the scenes look at me recording “Peach about you. What would you say? Moon so they could feel like they were with me throughout the process.
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Oh man! I’d say that I’m a man that wears a lot of hats. I do a lot of different things. I play sports. I’m an actor. I’m working on some movies and scripts right now. I’m getting auditions. I play pretty much every sport and I love to work out. I’m very athletic and I’m a college graduate. Many people only know the songs that I make and they never get a chance to know me. I would tell people to dwell on Bobby V. Follow my on Instagram @Real Bobby V, and Facebook Bobby V music. They can follow me on all those Social Medias and see what I got going on every day.
I saw your photo shoot that you just recently did in Atlanta and it seemed like a lot of fun. How important is it for you to loosen up when you’re doing stuff like that because you’re on-the-go all the time. You can’t be so uptight all the time. Life is too short. You know, I’m doing something I love to do. Whenever I’, doing something music or music related, I’m having a good time. This is what I asked God to give me in my life and he blessed me with it. So, I appreciate every chance and every moment that I get to do something with music or music related. Even from Bobby V’s last statement, he has shown humility and gratitude that is unyielding. He’s a trailblazer plowing through the deep (Life).
Are you where you want to be with regards to your accolades? Definitely not! I wanna reach out. I have so many goals that I want to accomplish. I feel like I haven’t done anything. I still have a long ways to go. I’m willing to put in the work. Follow @BobbyV, and FaceBook BobbyV. I’m a hard worker and I love music. I love acting and I love being social. How important is it to maintain a degree to stay current with the business side of things because a lot of artist may think that once they’ve made it, they don’t need a degree once they get the deal. Honestly, there are a lot of successful people that don’t have a degree. It’s all in what you think is important in your life. You know my parents felt it was important that I go to college, so that’s what I did. A lot of people are successful without that. I just think that whatever you have a passion for, you could be 16 and do it. You can be 13 and do it. A degree is an accolade that you say you have. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be successful with it. But, I do have one. I do commend everyone that goes to college and get a degree. It’s definitely an accolade that everyone should receive their props for. I caught one of your performances at the Amos South End—Charlotte, NC. Your act is definitely intriguing. How important is for you to change up your performances state to state and keep it intriguing? It depends on the crowd a lot of times. How long you have to do your set. There’s a lot of determining factors when you’re trying to figure your show out. It changes from state to state, but it always has the same skeleton button. It changes. When can we look to see that next album drop? I really don’t have a set date yet. I’m just trying to figure it out.
Peach Moon Web Series YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNgtlt6NfqU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yaptd9to9g http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmMwM3S4R as http://youtu.be/rNZhsxAkTJc “Love Abuse” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vx1FPU8BIk
FOOD from MARS At a restaurant/lounge in downtown QC, I was afforded the chance to meet this gentleman of culinary talents. Shamarr Wall, a student of the craft. Prior to the meeting, I did my homework on this brother and of course with me being a foodie/former chef/4th generation gastronomy afficinado… I was impressed by the creations seen on his FB page. There was not a limited scope in the dishes he created, as a matter of fact, I saw that Mr. Wall took dishes and added his own touch to them. Roasted Chicken and Potatoes that was slow cooked in a pot, dressed with a French flair. Orange Chicken with fresh orange slices and herbs…and the Ultimate Cheeseburger Hero. Creative..yes…Food From Mars….here he is!!!
myself doing so often even if it was just to have a few friends over for good food & good laughs. After living in Charlotte for 8 years I moved to Atlanta, GA where I discovered how much passion I have for cooking food and not just eating it. Lol. After a brief 6 months of trying to decide which direction my life was going I decided to attend Le Cordon Bleu to gain & further my education & gain knowledge in the art of cooking. After the loss of my mom to Multiple Sclerosis I began to look at life differently. You must love what you do or don't do it at all. Without the passion it will feel just like work, so passion is important.
Once I started classes at LCB I began to work for Peter Thomas of RHOA @ BarOne in Atlanta under the direction of Chef Natasha Wong. I also became the Executive Chef for Cobb County Detention Center for a Tell us how you started down this brief period until it was time to compath toward culinary excellence! Growing up between Atlantic City, NJ plete my internship for graduation. & Marion, SC I use to help my mom & Once I completed my internship I eventually moved back to Charlotte & dad cook which sparked my interest in cooking at a very you age. My first continued to work for Peter @ SportsOne under the direction of Sous Chef true industry experience was when I Ronnie Mills. I then became the was in the Army as a Food Service Executive Chef for the Thyme 2 Eat Specialist. After that I moved to Charlotte where I became an Under- Food Truck and when that was sold I began to work for the Master Bacon writer for Wells Fargo Home MortFood Truck both out of Concord. gage for 5 years. During this time I would still love to cook and I found
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Written by C Digsby Photos by UT Media
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Food & Wine Tyme
cooking various types of cuisines however Italian cuisine is one of my favorites. One dish I really enjoy is Manicotti stuffed with spinach, cheese, & chicken with tomato sauce. Being a personal chef, what would you say is you most important skill to have? I would say there are at least 3 most important skills you should have which is patience, passion, & time management.
Being a graduate from Le Cordon Bleu holds a high regard to your craft don’t you think? Yes, being a LCB graduate does seem to hold a high regard to my craft. LCB is the top International Culinary Institution to attend. Originating in Paris, LCB has very high standards and use excellent cooking techniques with great instructors that take time to make sure you gain the skills you need to be successful.
In five years…Food from Mars will be… A successful entrepreneur, establishment, & brand with great food and products, striving to make a difference in the community! How can our readers get in contact with Chef Shamarr Wall (Mars) I can be reached at: Phone: 404-932-5028 Email: diningwithmars@gmail.com IG: foodfrommars FB: facebook.com/foodfrommars Twitter: @foodfrommars And please visit my website: www.foodfrommars.com to see my culinary creations each week!
What most importantly did you take away from this institution? Most importantly I've learned to watch what I eat. Try to stay away from "fast food" as much as possible. What looks good to you is not always good for you. Eat things in moderation and if it has a label then you should read it to be aware of what you are putting in your body. Many people don't realize that the food we eat today is the cause of many cancers and other diseases. Organic is the best way to go!
What would you say is your favorite cuisine to develop or create? I enjoy
Tis the holiday season, and Chef Wall is already booking events!
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Buttercream Icing Ingredients: 1lb bag of powdered sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/8 to 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp vanilla 2 sticks butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices 1/2 cup shortening
Directions: Using the whisk attachment on you electric mixer, mix the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and milj at low speed until smooth. Add butter, one slice at a time, until incorporated. Add shortening and whip at highest speed 10-12 minutes, until volume increases by at least 50%.
Cake Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil or spread (I use Country Crock) 2 eggs 1cup buttermilk 2 tsp vanilla extract 1-2 oz red food coloring 1 tsp white distilled vinegar 1/2 cup of prepared plain hot coffee (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil.
4. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring until combined. 5. Stir in the coffee and white vinegar. 6. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients a little at a time, mixing after each addition, just until combined. 7. Generously grease and flour or spray two round, 9 inch cake pans with shortening or "Baker's Joy" spray. 8. Pour the batter evenly into each pan. 9. Bake in the middle rack for 30-40 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake as cake will continue to cook as it cools. 10. Let cool on a cooling rack until the pans are warm to the touch. 11. Slide a knife or offset spatula around the inside of the pans to loosen the cake from the pan. 12. Remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool. 13. Frost the cake when it as cooled completely. *note For cupcakes bake 18-20 minutes
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Holiday Food Preparation Be Careful! The Centers for Disease Control estimates 76 million cases of food borne disease occur each year in the United States. Most cases are mild and cause symptoms only for a day or two. Others, however, are more serious and the CDC reports there are 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths related to these illnesses each year. By following four basic food safety practices everyone can reduce the risk of food borne illness. •Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination. Store raw meat and poultry so that juices don't drip onto other foods. Wash hands, cutting board and utensils after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry and before they touch another food. •Cook foods to a proper temperature. For turkey, use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat is cooked all the way through. Heating to the correct temperature will make sure any harmful bacteria are killed. •Cleanliness is key! Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water before and after preparing food. Avoid preparing food for others if you are sick. •Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator. For a quick thaw, submerge in cold water in an airtight package or thaw in the microwave if you are cooking it immediately. Store prepared foods and leftovers at the correct temperatures. Remember, bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature so refrigerate leftovers promptly. Most people would agree that the holidays are a special time for special activities, many of them food related. Who would want to spoil the season by giving someone a food borne illness? Though it certainly has been done in the past, it's one holiday tradition not worth keeping. (Courtesy of Mecklenburg County Health Department)
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