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On The Cover
Contents
Eric Roberson Photos provided by D. Brown Photography
18
Face of Indie Soul 2nd Music Fan 1st
Khari B
USOUL MAG CREDITS Publisher Johnny R. Johnson johnny@usoulmag.com
Contributing Writers Preach Jacobs Ursula Fitzpatrick LaShay Basnight
Links
Homepage http://usoulmag.com Mobile http:/m.usoulmag.com Twitter http://tweet.usoulmag.com Facebook http://fb.usoulmag.com Youtube http://y.usoulmag.com Podcast http://pod.usoulmag.com Myspace http://my.usoulmag.com
UNDERGROUND GEMS 4 Chinah Blac 6 Fly Gypsy 7 R.E.U.B 10 Khari B ON THE RADAR 12 Green Tea 14 Jonathan Winstead MUSIC ART 8 ill@DELphsouL 9 Ryan Leary 17 Alex Kok ON THE WEB 11 BamaLoveSoul ON ANOTHER NOTE 13 Tia Dantzler
Chinah Blac
Kom
A POETIC WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER I’m a ChicagoGetter, also referred to as a winner, you see my tough skin, well that came from a tough ass winter and I'm so unconcerned with another person's feelings about me, as long as I’m handling my b.i.z, I'm trying to move from poverty to v.i.p, I'm trying to progress my hustle somewhere up and down state street, while haters chase me, I can see em all in my rear view, but in front of me is a real clear view of what I’m trying to do and that's get mine, inspired by chi’s shine, some people call that the skyline downtown and in down times I learned how to keep my head held high and some people felt like I was just destined to make it but I believe I just choose hard work over play, while others stay, I’d rather go for my goals, which just goes to show, that only actions lead to results and only accomplishments deal with doubts and making moves in the C.H.I is what I’m about. ChicagoGetter by Johnny Johnson
http://www.ericrobersonmusic.com
Interview by Preach Jacobs
ChinahBlac giving you an eargasm
rq on the indie soul industry
She's has mastered staying in her lane and remaining unconcerned with the masses. The results, an aggresively soulful sound that's caputed the attention of tastemakers around the globe. Chinah Blac checks in with Usoul Mag.... Blog Style
http://www.chinahblac.com
Pros and Cons of Independence
Moving Forward
CB: Lack of MONEY and EXPOSURE. The great thing though is if you succeed you reap all benefits of the harvest you sow.
http://nialand.com CB: Accepting each moment and enjoying the good and bad that comes with it; knowing in the end that there is a path set up for me and although it may not be the way I desire it to be, it will be what's best for me. Knowing that there is a God that knows what's best for me beyond what my mind can imagine. Knowing that my God will never leave me assed out makes it easier to tough it out. I know that things do not come in our time but His. I know that when my desires come to fruition, they will be even more than I could ever have imagined.
Juggling Passion CB: I honestly don't suggest to juggle it. I recommend that you simply find your passion. If your passion is music then it's my opinion that you do something in that field until you get to where you want to be. Honestly you can't work at a bank and be an artist if being an artist is your full desire. You get closer to your dreams when you find a job that cateres to that where you can make the connection needed to get you closer. Now if singing and playing an instrument is a hobby that's something different. I find that when you find your passion you would move pretty much heaven and hell for it. You will sleep, breathe and live it because there is nothing else you want to do and when you begin to sacrifice for that passion you will find that God will make avenues to take care of your needs til you get where you desire to be, if it's your calling. Confidence in Artistry CB: Just today I woke up for the first time in a long time wondering was I good enough. A true musician finds it difficult to split the emotions of personal life with the confidence of their artistry. I'm going through a situation right now and coming to the realization that a relationship I wanted so badly was not going to happen. I'm in the phase right now where I'm question everything.
What's In My Ipod CB: Bell Biv DeVoe: Poison/Chaka: Funk This Mos Def's: Black On Both Sides/Bjork: Homogenic Rufus: Rufus Feat Chaka Khan/Cameo: She's Strange A Tribe Called Quest: The Low End Theory Atlantic Starr: The Best of Atlantic Starr Busta: Every Busta Album/Sting: Ten Summoner's Tales Stevie Wonder: At The Close Of A Century Staying Busy CB: I just finished the editing my mix tape "Eargasmic" due out the end of the month. I will begin finishing my new album "The Resurrection of ChinahBlac." I am also the current Vocal Director for Raheem DeVaughn and working on the arrangements for his live tour and his new album "The Love and War MasterPeace" due out Feb 9th. I'm also doing background vocals on the single "BulletProof" feat. Ludacris.
Cindy Loving
Photo: Salena Salfen
Fly Gypsy
http://flygypsy.com
For Fly Gypsy MC, Kom, it all started when he realized he was a lot better than the cats flowing on the radio. Between people constantly telling him that his vibe resembled legendary MC's like Common and Black Thought and a true belief that he had a special talent, Kom decided to take hip-hop seriously. Usoul: Can you talk a bit about how the duo "Fly Gypsy" formed?
Kom: We originally met outside of Barnun which was a 10-year long open mic set in DC. Ciphers would usually jump off after the show and Alexei was right there amidst everyone rhyming, singing, beat boxing, playing the guitar; and I was doing my thing, kicking verses or free-styling and rocking the crowd…on some real Hip-Hop type stuff. It wasn't until 08 during the Obama campaign when Alexei needed an emcee for a track he was producing for his compilation project; he called me into his studio, I did the track, he liked my style of rhyming Interview by Johnny Johnson and I liked the musical feel of his tracks so we continued working on more and more songs and a couple months after that we decided to join forces for real and Fly Gypsy Usoul: How has your being in DC impacted you as an artist? was born. Usoul: What is the key to making music like '2 step' that appeals to the general public and underground hip-hop Aficionados? Kom: Because Fly Gypsy is well rounded like a bubble (LOL); we are both purists at heart and you can hear that in our sound but at the same time we don't want to be limited to the "underground" nor do we want to be watered down like the mainstream. We feel it's possible to have mainstream appeal while maintaining authenticity and "2 Step" and "You" and pretty much any song off the new Project the FG *XL Remixtape (dropping on March 16th) are great examples of that. The goal is for our records be playable next to any radio single anywhere from the club, to the crib, to the car, to the gym, mixtapes, Ipods, boomboxes , 8 -tracks.... anywhere.
On the podcast "2-Step" by Fly Gypsy
Kom: DC is a live music city. Not every city is like that. Brooklyn is not big on bands. The live element here has helped me tremendously because I prefer rocking with a live band. It gives way more energy and color to the music and my flow. I used to have a thing where I would not want to record a song until I performed a few times with a few different bands to get different feels for it. Sometimes alternative cadences emerge depending on the different bass lines or drum patterns a band would give me and I love that live feel. Being the home of go-go music you can't get more "live" than that.
"We are both purists at heart and you can hear that in our sound but at the same time we don't want to be limited to the underground"
REUB real educated urban brother Interview by Johnny Johnson
Known as a nice guy that's never afraid to start a fight, REUB has been blessed with a flow that can range from celebrating Barack Obama to destroying commercial radio. He's aready known as one of DC's dopest resident producers, now he's ready to gain equal notoriety as an MC.
Usoul: Can you talk about how you initially got into producing and rapping? REUB: I started out making beats for cats when I was in college. I was in awe of these cats and didn't think my rhymes were up to par at first. I still felt the need to be up in the mix so ending up being the resident producer for pretty much everyone worth talking about at the time. I still wrote my stuff but didn't actually spit until I was featured on this one track and the feedback about me was better than it was for the cats I made it for. I got a little confidence and never turned back . Now my ego has it's own seat on the tour bus (lol)! Usoul: At what point did you decide to pursue hip-hop professionally? REUB: On a Monday afternoon one of my partners hit me up and said lets move to New York and do this music thing. On Tuesday we went and had drinks to talk about the details. On Wednesday we quit our jobs, hopped in the U-Haul and hit the road! Usoul: In your song Death of Radio, you criticized commercial radio stations heavily. Why do you feel that there is such a lack of diversity in commercial radio? REUB: Radio is a business and business is all about the bottom line. If the masses of people were listening for "other" music: they would play it! They won't take risks that might potentially cost them money. Even if the DJ's at radio stations don't like the music they have to play! That's crazy! It really doesn't matter in this day and age. You can hear so much music online via podcast, itunes, internet radio, satellite radio, etc... it really makes no difference to me what commercial radio does. They are nearly obsolete at this point! Usoul: What makes REUB unique?
"I got a little confidence and never turned back, now my ego has it's own seat on the tour bus"
REUB: I'm a good guy but I'm not scared to start a fight! I would give a homeless guy $20 and take him out to eat; but if he stole the dollars I was gonna tip the waitress, I would beat his ass and take my money back! I am honest and I'm not scared of being me! HONESTLY! I'm the conscious version of Game or Ice Cube! I don't do the soft approach to being a conscious rapper! I go to church but I didn't grow up in it. I'm not Jordan (though people say I look l ike him) - more like Charles Barkley. As a matter of fact I'm D-Wade. I can do the media thing; smiling and public speaking, but when it's time to work, I can get knocked to the ground play after play and still come back scrapping, no problem.
http://reubmuzik.com On the podcast "The Love Joint" by REUB
Artwork by ill@DELphsouL
Artwork by Ryan Leary
KHARI B. Photo courtesy of Fourth Eye Photographics
by Ursula Fitzpatrick
He has graced the stages of several Chicago poetry sets and never disappoints his audience. With his enigmatic style, his poignant lyrics and energy to spare, Khari’s live performance guarantees an ear-gasm each time. He’s performed domestically and internationally. Join us on our road to discovering the birth of “Disco Poetry." The Formative Years Instinctively drawn to Visual Arts, Khari’s creative nature started to mature at an early age. Clad with Legos in hand, young Khari would spend hours alone pushing his imagination to its creative brink. He’d build things, draw and paint until exhaustion. Growing up as the offspring of a maternal teacher and a paternal musician, both sides of his brain were cultivated and stimulated. His mother would challenge him to substitute buying greeting cards with creating his own, so he’d draw “a fly picture” on the cover and write a short poem inside. This is where his poetic gift started to manifest, yet he wasn’t ready to accept it. As a result, he allowed the right side of his brain to dominate as he veered into Drafting during high school and chose Architectural Engineering as his college major. UnderCoverWritingLover Few knew of Khari’s writing skills, though unbeknownst to him, writing was starting to penetrate his soul. In 1992, during a college course exercise titled, ‘The Great Debate’, he and his buddy decided to write their perspective of the debate with
What happens when you cross a selfproclaimed 'House Head’ and a passionate lover of words? You get Chicago bred, Disco Poet Khari B. -the self proclaimed ‘Live Nerd!’ the expectation of a passing grade. The instructor had a different plan. He challenged Khari to be more involved in the exercise. While he attempted to persuade the instructor that his talent was menial, his friend exposed him as a Poet. Now faced with the dilemma of looking soft or failing the course , Khari opted to do a piece titled, “Minding My Business.” In true Khari B style, his performance was visually energetic and well received by the masses. Alas, a Poet is Born. Disco Poetry Khari grew up listening to The Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni and Gil Scott Heron, but had never ventured into a poetry reading. When he decided to perform at “The Spot”, a local Nashville college hub, he did so in a Zorro mask. He still wasn’t completely comfortable with his art and considered himself an introvert; wearing the mask allowed him to create another persona that could let go of all performance limitations. A lover of house music, Khari would often travel back to Chicago from Tennessee for a party thrown by a House Music D.J. During the times when he couldn’t make it home, he’d call his friends for a detailed run down of the party. So, how could he incorporate his love of house music into his new found love of poetry? He’d brainstorm things associated with the two. Disco, being a direct forefather of house music and Poetry, now one his favorite forms of self expression, the Disco Poet only made sense as his stage name! If you’ve never heard this man perform, you are doing yourself a complete disservice. Verbal Pieces such as “The N*gga That Does Nothing” (from his first CD, "WordSound: THIS AIN'T NO PUNK-*SSED POETRY!!!"...) and “F.U. I Love You” are sure to make you look inward at your role in the community and outward at relationships past and present. (Hear them both at www.myspace.com/kharib) You can catch Khari every Wednesday from 7-10pm(cst) on Internet radio station Swank Society (www.swanksociety.com) spinnng tunes by domestic and international underground artists of today and yesteryear. On The Podcast "The N*gga That Does Nothing" by Khari B.
Featured Website
BAMALOVESOUL.COM Usoul: So what prompted the creation of this site? DJ Rahdu: Well, it was the consummate finding the silver lining in the face of bad situations. I was djing/promoting a live show here in Birmingham that featured local and national recording artists which ended after the venue shut down. Later, my radio show was cancelled due to artistic conflicts with my Program Director. Still wanting to share my love of music, I decided to pursue the virtual side of things which allowed me to be in control of when it ended and its artistic direction. Usoul: What makes this site unique? DJ Rahdu: I would say our uniqueness arises from our mission. Most blogs are largely “this is what’s hot” or “buy/ listen to this.” BamaLoveSoul seeks to change the perception of what people in a certain geographic area listen to. I’ve had several encounters while djing where someone was in disbelief that I was from Birmingham, Alabama based on the music I was playing. Usoul: What has been Bamalovesoul’s greatest achievement? DJ Rahdu: It has to be when Jaafar, an artist from Birmingham, told me that after being featured on BamaLoveSoul he began to get attention in the UK and Spain. This was great for BamaLoveSoul because it shows that in addition to accomplishing one of our immediate goals of promoting Alabama and its music we are also global tastemakers.
Usoul: What has been the most difficult aspect of pursuing this project? DJ Rahdu: It would have to be the things “technically” that I didn’t know. I’ve always been a tech guy, which you almost have to be as a DJ. However, the internet side has never been as much as a blip on my radar. Launching a website and having to learn about hosting and bandwidth plus DMCA rules was a little overwhelming, but I’m much more proficient with those things now as a result of this endeavor. Usoul: Where would you like to see your project in the next 5 years? DJ Rahdu: In the next 5 years, I would like to see BamaLoveSoul organizing/promoting shows, that play progressive forms of music in Alabama that are nationally recognized like Rich Medina’s Jump N Funk. It’s about time that we get an event that’s about the dance and letting the DJ be a true selector!
"in addition to acconplishing one of our immediate goals of promoting Alabama and its music we are also global tastemakers"
words by LaShay Basnight
on the radar
Green Tea
There are many talented singers in the Washington DC area. But there is something in Green Tea’s voice that gives you more than just soul singing. Her voice invites you to enjoy a hint of gospel, opera, R&B, jazz, classical, and rock & roll. It makes you feel like kicking back on a cold February day, sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of well‌green tea while listening intently to the many different sounds of her emotions.
Her lyrics are soulfully poetic yet real and melodic; indeed there is no denying that she is the cream of the crop. Miss Green Tea was available to speak to Usoul Mag regarding her recently released mixtape; Beautiful Weirdo, her opinion on the future of soul music and her journey as an independent artist. Usoul: What institute did you receive musical training?
Usoul: What other artists have influenced you?
GT: The musical institute of the church lol:). I've been around music all my life. Between my Grandmother playing all her old gospel favorites, The Blind Boys,Clark Sisters, my Mother, Mahalia Jackson and Patti Labelle; music has been a constant soundtrack throughout my upbringing. My passion and gift to sing is a blessing from God, as I didn't start taking voice lessons until last year.
GT: Cee-Lo Green, Lauryn Hill, Common, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Louis Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Supremes, Dorothy Dandridge there are so many. I learn different things from each artist.
Usoul: Listening to your mixtape; Beautiful Weirdo, I noticed that the tracks were inspired by Outkast. Have you always been influenced by their sound?
GT: Ha....yesss....yesss....I have. Some people are just not good people...and try to take advantage... of your gift, your looks etc...they really do. It's sad but I feel like women have double the trouble than men do.
GT: Yes, I'm definitely a lover of OutKast. SInce their arrival on the scene, they have always pushed the envelope. They are the ultimate Beautiful Weirdos because they dare to be themselves in a world that is quick to label you as an outKast if you aren't following the mainstream. I admire that and so I choose OutKast because I seek to do the same thing. I have decided to be who I am, to sing the songs I sing, no matter whats hot in the maintstream, all the while pushing the envelope at the same time. I am a beautiful weirdo.
Usoul: Have you ever encountered any challenges being a female in the music industry?
Usoul: Do you receive a lot of support from the DMV area in regards to family and friends? GT: I do, my friends and family are my street team and the supporters of my dreams and visions. I love my peeps...not to mention my grandmother is my #1 cd saler:)
http://greentea.bandcamp.com
Tia Dantzler celebrity make-up artist
Tia Danztler's work as a celebrity make-up artist can be seen on the covers of vogue, life, essence and glamour magazine. Some of her most popular clients include President Barack Obama, Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson. Admittedly this date with destiny even caught Tia off guard. While attending her brother's wedding, his fiancĂŠe asked Tia to apply her makeup, ironically Tia declined. "I told her that I did not know how to apply makeup, so my mom went on to assure her that she would apply her makeup... so I thought I'd better jump in and save her from my mom; the rest is history." interview by Johnny Johnson Usoul: Can you talk about the art behind being a dynamic make-up artist? Tia: I believe there is definitely an art to applying makeup. I believe you should study bone structures, highlighting and contouring and just learn the basic face. Usoul:What makes your work so unique and sought after? Tia: I believe in the quote, "Your Gift shall make room for you," we all have gifts and talents and it's up to us to discover them. When I discovered mine I hit the ground running. There's so much joy and fulfillment when you are operating in your purpose and destiny. Usoul: How have you grown as a person through your interaction with these extraordinary individuals? Tia: I believe my experiences have confirmed if you believe in yourself, then nothing will be impossible for you. We exceed because we believe. It's also taught me to dream BIGGER! Usoul: Are there any particular experiences or clients that have a special place in your heart?
Tia: One of my dream photo shoots took place last year with noted Fashion Photographer Matthew Rolston and Jennifer Hudson. The location was a studio tucked away in LA, surrounded with tons of clothes, a security guard armed with Cartier jewels and tons of people getting the set prepared. This was a dream for me as Matthew Rolston is one of the best photographers of our time. At the conclusion of the photo shoot, he gave me the best and most heartfelt compliment to date. Usoul: At this point, you are with stars behind the scene, before they are in front of the world.What is the behind the scene experience like? Tia: Calm, nervousness, anxious and every other emotion you can imagine. Your ultimate goal is to make sure your client is satisfied. Usoul:What advice would you give to someone that aspires to excel in this particular business? Tia: I would advise an aspiring makeup artist to study and practice your craft. Do whatever you can to generate a great name for yourself. Be consistent and passionate about what you do.
http://www.tiadantzler.net
On The Radar Jonathan Winstead Don't sleep on this Nashville soul singer and budding producer. When he's not performing joints off his new ep around the ville, he's in the lab cooking something honest and soulful. "My music has total honesty, clarity, a level of musicianship, originality, and it truly comes straight from the heart," says Winstead. "All music is produced, musically composed, and written by me. So it comes from my own experience." The world is thirsting for honest music, real music, and true music; and these are qualities that Jonathan Winstead maintains he's bringing to the table. When asked about the state of the music industry, Winstead provided this analogy: "The Music Industry needs to invest in trees that bear fruit instead factory made products that only last so long. A tree represents classic artists like Al Green who has blessed us for decades. I'm not comparing myself to Al, but I am pointing out the qualities of true artistry that keeps good music relevant no matter the decade."
Tanya Khleo Morris modeling doublestitch apparel
Eric Roberson/Music Fan First Photo by D. Brown Photography
Eric Roberson Illustration by Alex Kok
ERIC ROBERSON Words J. Johnson/Photos D. Brown
Eric Roberson a.k.a Erro is widely considered to be a pioneer within the indie soul industry. Recognition earned by his longevity in the biz (16 yrs); his influence as a music trendsetter; respect amongst his peers; and his dedicated fan base of global proportions are just a few reasons why Erro's growing legacy and impact are difficult to dispute. These are also the reasons why Usoul Mag is officially on board to support and declare that Mr. Eric Roberson is undoubtedly....
"The Face Of Indie Soul Music"
Usoul: In 1994 you released a single through Warner Brothers but your album was never released. Can you talk a little bit about the Warner Brothers situation? Erro: In 1994 I got a deal with Warner Brothers and it's interesting because I was just a college student, trying to get a deal and become some big artist. The president of the label of the time, Benny Medina, pretty much left Warner Brothers to pursue Fresh Prince of Bel Air. It was rumored that he was going to be leaving music to pursue television and sure enough he did. So that ended my situation at Warner Brothers. I immediately went over to Island Def Jam, but as soon as I got to Island Def Jam, a brotha named Hiriam Hicks took over as President and when he did that, he wiped out the entire roster. He fired everybody, the A&Rs, the guys that signed me... everybody. So that was a big learning lesson for me. That was the first step for me getting where I am now, because I learned how much it dealt with business. I learned that it wasn't about the music all the time. Usoul: In addition to being a renown performer, you have established quite a career as a song writer. Do you generally write songs from scratch for specific artists or do you submit songs from your existing catalog?
and I think there's other people that could easily deserve it as well. And truth be told, I studied alot of people when getting into the game. I wasn't the first to release an Independent album in a soul genre and I definitely won't be the last. But I really believe I was committed in saying, "I wonder what happens if I stay on this path" or "what happens if I don't sell these songs" or "what happens if I don't sign with a major." So I was focused on staying on the path that I was on and seeing where it would lead me. And that's where we've been but at the same time I have been very willing to help younger independent soul artists because (real talk) that how I got here. I got here because alot of people helped me to become the artist that I am today. Usoul: What are your thoughts on the state of the music industry in general? Erro: I truely believe that music and art should be balanced. In the movie industry there is a balance. In the painting, dancing and clothing industry there is a balance. For some reason when we get to music, it's not balanced.There are alot of holes, there are alot of demographics that are not being fed and it's sad. So I'm just trying to be apart of the team that is trying to fill in the blanks. Usoul: How has the economy and technology impacted music from your viewpoint?
Erro: Although I have a catalog of work it may not always match the person I am meeting with. It's great when you can sit down and spend sometime with the artist and pick their brain a little. There was a time when I worked with Vivan Green, who is a very good friend of mine, on her first album. We would just talk in general and she would have her boy problems that she would come in talking about. So when you hear "Emotional Rollercoaster" or "What is love" those songs were created out of our conversations but you don't always have the luxury of doing that.
Erro: With the economy things are changing and that's just apart of business. Technology has made some things alot easier. Big studios like the hit factory are probably taking a hit because through technology we can record songs on Airplanes now, the options are limitless ! But at the same time we have a whole new culture of music buyers that didn't come from the place that I came from. New buyers don't go to the record store every tuesday to see what new music is coming out and sit for hours reading album credits. I think we still need to educate new buyers on how to be in love with all the aspects of creating music.
Usoul: You have been mentioned in numerous articles as "The Face of Independent Soul Music." Where do you think this label comes from?
"In the movie industry there is a balance. In the painting, dancing and clothing industry there is a balance. For some reason when we get to music, it's not balanced."
Erro: First of all, I am very appreciative of something like that. I take it very seriously that someone would put that kind of responsibility on me (lol) which is fine with me. I love this industry and I am very commited to this industry. I want to do what I can for it. I don't know exactly what I did to receive this type of label