Ugd mag cover 8

Urban Grandstand t h e

d i g i t a l

m a g a z i n e

Brave Williams Fierce, Free, & Fearless

Neffe & Soullow A Family Hustle

ugdigital.com volume 1 issue 8

Toi & Rouvaun Walker

Showcasing “Black Love” through Bravo’s Newlyweds: First Year

Ro Brooks Showing Why He’s Become Television’s Leading Man

Plus, exclusives with.. + Marsha S. Blake, Teenear, Teedra Moses, Antwuan Jackson, and more..

+Stay Fit with exclusive health tips from Nu Life Fitness

welcome! welcome! welcome! welcome! welcome! welcome!

editor’s notes Greetings everyone! It is with great pleasure we present this issue to you. It has definitely been a long time coming. With us publishing every other month, the time seems so long in between. That being said, we definitely have a jam-packed issue in store for you.

You’ll notice our cover artist, Ro Brooks, for his phenomenal work on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots. It was an absolute honor speaking with Mr. Brooks, and in our cover story, he definitely drops some jewels on us. He gives us the run down on the show, as well as the many things he has going on in his life and career. He’s also doing some amazing things to give back to youth within the urban communities, and we definitely talk about that.

Also making their way to cover mentions are singer and songwriter Brave Williams who also stars on TV One’s R&B Divas: L.A., Toi & Rouvaun Walker of the Bravo reality series Newlyweds: The First Year, Marsha Blake of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, Author Antwuan Jackson, the beautiful Teedra Moses, Teenear, Neffe & Soullow of BET’s Frankie & Neffe, and Nu Life Fitness. These fatures are only the half of it, as you’ll see as you flip the plages. We have so much more going on with this issue in terms of features and exclusives, and we’re so happy to bring it to you.

The one message I want to leave and impress upon our viewers is one of following your dreams. UGD is by far a dream come true not only for myself, but everyone involved. We work so hard to bring our issues to you, and if nothing else, we just want to be able to show those aspiring to do the same thing that it can be done with hard work and dedication. Always follow your dreams, regardless of what anyone tells you. If you can dream it, then it can surely happen.

We hope that you truly enjoy the issue, and we’ll definitely keep the features coming your way!

CLEAN YOUR FITNESS (SOURCE: SHAPEMAGAZINE.COM)

Several times throughout the year, it is good practice to re-evaluate your fitness goals, fine tune eating habits and make some necessary changes to keep yourself motivated along this lifelong journey of fitness.

Now that summer has arrived, it is time to get our ‘fitness’ life on track. As some of our fitness activities and regiments may change to adjust to more outdoor activities, we also have to adjust our thing like our wardrobe, schedules and people and places.

TRAINING FITNESS TIP: BUY NEW RUNNING SHOES

1

If you have been hitting the gym (and the treadmill), all winter, chances are, you are due for a new pair. Most running shoes last somewhere between 300 and 400 miles—but if you use them to walk around or do other parts of your gym routine, that wear and tear counts, too. Go to a running specialty store to be properly fitted, and have them look at your gait/pronation to find the best shoe for you.

TRAINING FITNESS TIP: CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY

2

Still have that tin of popcorn from the holidays or a box of chocolates from Valentine’s Day? Get rid of them. And while you’re at it, throw away other foods low in nutritional value, like chips, pretzels, sugary cereals, white bread and, yes, even those 100 calorie snack packs (a cookies still a cookie, even if you squash it flat and drop five in a bag).

IF AN ACTUAL PARTNER IS NOT WORKING FOR YOU, TRY KEEPING A JOURNAL, WRITING DOWN ALL OF YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, AND REGIMENS. IT WILL PROVE JUST AS EFFECTIVE WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION TO SEE HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME.

TRAINING FITNESS TIP:

SET A SCHEDULE, BUT BE REALISTIC

3

If you have not been working out much this spring & winter, do not write down that you will do outdoor cardio exercises for 30 minutes a day, six days a week. You will only find yourself getting frustrated and will be more likely to give up on your workout program. Post your exercise plan in places you will look frequently, like the calendar app on your smartphone or at your desk at work.

TRAINING FITNESS TIP: CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY

4

You are more likely to stick with your plan if you have a partner in crime. Choose someone who has similar goals and whose schedule fits with your own. Your best bet: Get together at the same time four days a week, whether it is before work or just before dinner. Join your local Group Fitness Facility, YMCA, Recreation Center, or even hit the parks and trails, where it is possible to meet like-minded individuals with similar goals.

Back in the

village DETROIT’S OWN W/ SLUM VILLAGE WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY IT WAS TO RECONNECT WITH SLUM VILLAGE! WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF RUNNING A CAMPAIGN WITH SLUM BACK WITH THE RELEASE OF DETROIT DELI. MORE THAN TEN YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THAT TIME, AND THE COMMONALITY IS A LOT HAS CHANGED ON BOTH ENDS. OBVIOUSLY, WE’RE UGD NOW, AND FOLLOWING A SERIES OF UNFORESEEABLE CHANGES, THEY HAVE RE-SCULPTED THE BRAND THAT THEY WORKED SO DILIGENTLY TO BUILD OVER THE PAST FIFTEEN YEARS! A LOT IS GOING ON FOR T3, YOUNG RJ & ILLA J THESE DAYS. THEY ARE ON THE HEELS OF RELEASING THEIR NEW ALBUM “YES!”, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD IN JUST FEW SHORT DAYS. LED BY THE SINGLES “EXPRESSIVE” AND “RIGHT BACK” WHICH FEATURES DE LA SOUL, THINGS ARE LOOKING PRETTY GOOD FOR THE TRIO. MUCH OF OUR CONVERSATION INVOLVED US JUST CATCHING UP AND REHASHING THE LEGACY THEY’VE BUILT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, BUT THEY DEFINITELY SHED LIGHT ON A FEW THINGS, INCLUDING WHY IT WAS SO IMPORTANT THAT THEY CONTINUE TO KEEP THE LEGACY OF J DILLA ALIVE, THE CHANGES THEY’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY IN THEIR YEARS HERE, AND JUST WHAT THEY LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW AGE. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THEY GIVE US THE FULL RUNDOWN ON WHAT TO EXPECT FROM “YES!

BY JAMES JOHNSON

Urban Grandstand Digital: How much is left from Dilla, in terms of archives?

Slum Village: We got some stuff. We got beats here and there because we have so much history. We have some early slum stuff, quite a few records.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What has kept you guys out here? Obviously people know of you, and they’re still checking for you, but being realistic in it all, it’s been 16 years now. Time has passed, and when that happens, people don’t necessarily check anymore.

Slum Village: That’s true, but I think it’s because we’re consistent. We’ve done an album almost every two years. We’re always working because we do what we love, and love what we do. That’s the main part of it. I think if you do that, it works. I think sometimes people do music for the wrong reasons.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I really appreciate you guys for your time today.

Obviously, we just set everything up yesterday, and the new album is coming. I’m loving the new single, as is most people, but I’m grateful for you.

It’s been probably ten years since I spoke with you guys. We did a pretty big campaign for Detroit Deli, but this is good. There’s been so many changes within the group, most uncontrollable, and J Dilla was such a huge part. He produced the new single, right?

Slum Village: Yes, it was…

Urban Grandstand Digital: There’s a lot to be said about that. Obviously, your loyalty has remained strong, and you clearly have lots of timeless material with him. Why was it so important for Right Back” to be out there?

Urban Grandstand Digital: I actually want to make sure we highlight that comment as well, because that’s something we push and promote, which is people doing what they love to do and following their passion and dreams. When you do that, you can’t go wrong.

“We’re always working because we do what we love, and love what we do.”

Slum Village: This really is like a throwback album. We had beats we were working with in the past, and we felt like it was time now. We wanted to bring it all back full circle, with some Baatin lyrics, and Dilla rhymes and beats, and the new stuff with J, and mix it all together. You know, I think good music is good music.

It still sounds like a great record. Initially, I wrote a verse and sent it to De La, and then Posdnuos sent his verse back. Once I heard the verse, I wanted to tell a more in-depth story, and that’s why we decided to do that record. Beat-wise, it’s a classic Dilla beat that people never heard from the archives. It was a timeless record.

Slum Village: I don’t think you can go wrong. People get lost in the sauce though, and do music for the wrong reasons. This is my passion, so I did it for that reason. It’s hard for a lot of people to find their passion. I was lucky enough to find mine early in my career, and I stuck to it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of the new material, do you sense any difficulty in promoting, and continuing to build the fanbase while holding on to the original fanbase?

Slum Village: I think it’s just beginning to merge back. We had a few situations where we lost members, and things happened.

By continuing to put out music, we gained new fans, and now I feel like some of the old fans are coming back and recognizing the consistency. The foundation hasn’t really changed. I been there since the beginning, and Young RJ has been there since the beginning, but behind the scenes.

It ain’t like there’s people who was never affiliated.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Exactly.

There’s a lot of people too who don’t realize that Young RJ has been there since the beginning.

Slum Village: Right, but it’s a learning process too. Back in the day, people used to read the notes on the album, and I think you have to purchase them now to know who did what. Urban Grandstand Digital: Right, you don’t get the liner notes anymore.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s crazy though, because I was one that faithfully read the liner notes on CDs when I bought them.

Slum Village: Dwele is a very super talented artist, and still our homie, but not on this album. Maybe on a remix though.

That’s definitely our family though.

Slum Village: I think that now, people only know by seeing the consistency.

Sometimes, it takes some longer than others.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What else is happening? Obviously, this album is enough, but anything else?

Urban Grandstand Digital: You’ve mentioned consistency more than once now, and I think that is what has kept you guys there. You’re doing good music for the world, and the new single, again, a lot of people will appreciate the fact that you connected with De La Soul. It’s keeping that era of good music alive and in the forefront. So many people don’t know they’re history. I still play 3 feet High & Rising, so I definitely appreciate hearing you guys with them Slum Village: Right, and I mean, those are guys that we admire musically, and of course they’re good friends. When we get a chance to bring a record together, we do it and it sounds good. We love those guys.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So right back is doing pretty good. What else can we look for?

Slum Village: We got some more singles dropping. Our next single will be with Bilal, on another Dilla track.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Man, I haven’t heard from him in a while either.

Slum Village: Right, that’s our next single. He’s been doing his thing. He did his thing on the Kendrick album, and he just dropped his record. We have a video coming for that single. We’ve got some more records, and we’ll shoot some videos. We’re also going to Europe next month. We’re just working, and keeping it moving.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Did you guys work with Dwele at all?

Slum Village: No we didn’t, we actually worked with BJ the Chicago Kid on this album, but we’ve got so many records with Dwele.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Honestly though, that’s what a lot of people love about your brand though.

Slum Village: RJ may drop a beat album, and then we may do some albums next year. We’re just working. We’re building new groups, Rosewood 2055, a new group we’re working with, and we’re keeping the brand and legacy going.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What are the biggest differences you see in the industry now, vs. ten and fifteen years ago?

Slum Village: It’s harder now. It’s more music and harder to get noticed. There’s so much riff raft before you get to the good stuff. Back in the day, if a guy had made it to the studio, nine times out of ten he had worked on his craft for so long that he was decent. Now, you wake up today and wasn’t to rap, and you’re on YouTube by the night.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You hit the nail right on the head. You have a lot of people who post a YouTube video and it’s viral. There no longer is the factor where you really had to bust your ass to get a deal or get someone to notice. People sign you just like that now, so it becomes more difficult to weed through the garbage.

Slum Village: It’s definitely more difficult, but what I do like about the new age is the business sense. People really handle their business now so if they do pop, they know what to do. That’s a plus for the new generation.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final comments at all?

Slum Village: Just expect a lot of great things from Slum beyond music. We’re always rapping Dilla and Baatin. We want people to know that, and to know that we embrace this Detroit culture that we are a part of. +

“BACK IN THE DAY, IF A GUY HAD MADE IT TO THE STUDIO, NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN HE HAD WORKED ON HIS CRAFT FOR SO LONG THAT HE WAS DECENT. NOW, YOU WAKE UP TODAY AND WASN’T TO RAP, AND YOU’RE ON YOUTUBE BY THE NIGHT.”

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album review the free weezy album

!

Following a few month in obscurity, likely because of pending troubles with Cash Money Records, Lil’ Wayne has resurfaced with his latest mixtape, “Free Weezy Album”. Released via Tidal, the album features 15 new tracks, and is available for streaming via the service.

Starting off with the upbeat “I Feel Good”, which samples James Brown’s classic of the same title, the entire album bangs. I think in so many ways, Wayne had grown a little complacent throughout the years, and much of his material began to sound the same, but he’s definitely gotten off on a good foot with “Free Weezy Album”.

His talent has always been undeniable, and with this album, he shows the world that despite the troubles he may be having on the musical home front, he can still produce a solid product, which is only a testament to the work that also has been done with Young Money.

The album features guest appearances from Jake Troth, Hoodybaby, Cory Gunz, Junior Reed, Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, and a host of others. From tracks like Post Bail Bailin and Glory to White Girl and Pull Up featuring Euro, fans will definitely be pleased with Free Weezy Album.

album review cuffing season

!

R&B is making quite he turn-around and it’s definitely a good thing. Artists are actually taking the time to put together albums that truly feed the souls of music lovers. Sonics the case with Eric Bellinger and his new release, Cuffing Season.

Bellinger is part of that fresh crop of artists taking R&B to the next level. They’re not concerned about the current trends in music and not trying to sound like anything else that’s out. They’re simply following their heart and striving to make good, timeless music. It’s important to know Bellinger’s history when listening to this album.

It gives you that amazing opportunity to feel and witness his growth in song. He’s released a string of successful albums independently, along with writing a number of top selling songs for numerous artists. He’s received several Grammies for his work with Chris Brown.

Cuffing Season boasts a number of jewels throughout. The world is singing the time of his single “Creep”, which reworks the smash hit “Creep” by TLC while featuring T-Boz on vocals.

“Focused on You” channels the Bravehearts’ “Oochie Wally” and featured 2Chainz & Mya while “Text Threads” channels Montell Jordan’s “This is How We Do It”. Other winners on Cuffing Season include “The Summary”, “Overrated” which borrows from the theme of “Living Single”, “iPod on Shuffle” which is reminiscent of Silk’s “Meeting in my Bedroom”, and “Gina”, which playfully borrows its theme from the hit show Martin. I feel like in his own way, he’s paying homage to what we enjoyed in music and entertainment during the nineties. He’s showing how his music and overall style has been influenced by those things. Tank drops in on “Turn Down 4 You” while Boosie adds his flair on “You Can Have the Hoes”.

Overall, Cuffing Season is a great listen, and a break from the norm of music.

album review rose hall

!

I must say that I’m rather impressed with the debut from R&B singer Natasha Mosley. Atlanta has been a breeding ground for some of the best in hip-hop and R&B, and that trend continues with Natasha and her debut. On “Rose Hall”, Natasha offers seventeen of what seem to be her best works in song. I, for one, can be very particular about the number of songs on a debut album, and I have my own thoughts on marketing an album for a newcomer, but this album is definitely well thought out, and well crafted. What strikes me the most about Rose Hall and the content is the fact that Natasha sounds like someone who’s been here for a long time. The love songs here strike me as those from someone who has had a lifetime of heartache, heartbreak, and pain. She pours her all into each track, and it can be heard rather clearly as you listen. R&B has gone through a bit of a lull; ok…a LOT of a lull, over the past few years. There’s so many people out there making music, particularly R&B, and frankly, it all sounds the same. Mosley, on the other hand, is carving her own lane,

and it’s pretty refreshing. The album kicks off with ‘Over”, where she’s asking whether the relationship has any chance of making it, despite the fact she messed up. Right out the gate, she’s showing her vocal prowess and full range. It then leads into ‘I Want You” and “Love Me Later”, followed by the album’s lead single, “Anything”.

Favorites on the album, for me anyway, include the aforementioned, along with “Kiss Goodbye”, Don’t Go”, “Never Be the Same”, and “Team Me”.

Natasha Mosley is definitely one to look out for.

The monotony in music has gotten pretty bad, making “Rose Hall” a breath of fresh air.

album review

!

Havoc & Prodigy are back with a new EP titled “Survival of the Fittest”. So you ask, how does this album measure up? Well, I think there’s a lot to be said about Mobb Deep. Reality is, they are in a rebuilding stage with their career. Yes, they are legends in hip-hop, and that can never be taken away from them, regardless of what drama happens along the way. You can’t hide the fact, though, that things have happened in their history that were a little damaging. At a time when it should be about the music, it becomes about something else that unfortunately overshadows the talent they have.

These brothers are madd talented, and I’m sure it didn’t take me saying that for you to know. They’ve worked with the best of the best, and they’ve released some pure hip-hop classics that will never die. I still play “Shook Ones”, the original ’Survival of the Fittest”, Quiet Storm (with & without Lil’ Kim) and many of their collaborations with artists like Raekwon & Mariah (Rooftop) regularly, so their impression on even myself is evident. This EP, “Survival of the Fittest”, could very well be considered classic.

On this EP, they get back to the true essence of hip-hop; the real reason they are even here. This is what they love to do, and it shows with the way they crafted this EP. It’s one that you can play straight through, non-stop. “Survival of the Fittest” follows their 2014 release, ‘The Infamous Mobb Deep”, which was their first album in nearly a decade.

Honestly, this EP should have come then. In this rebuilding stage, it’s not about an LP full of guest appearances and whatnot. You want to be able to fully re-establish yourself as an artist. You want to get right to the point without all the fluff, and they do that rather well with ‘Survival of the Fittest”.

I honestly can’t name one track as better than the other, because the entire EP bangs! I will say that I’m really feeling “Survival of the Fittest Pt 2, the ESPN Remix), but I reiterate that this entire EP is fire! I’m happy for these brothers, moreso because you hear in the lyrics that they’re having a good time and enjoying their careers. That’s what it’s all about at this stage in the game, and more importantly this stage in life. If you’re not enjoying it and it doesn’t make you happy, then there ain’t no point in doing it! They’re enjoying life, and that will always exude in the product. I recommend this EP to any hip-hop fan out there looking for that real!

album review Jill Scott has returned with her new release, Woman. As her first release under a newly attained deal with Atlantic Records, saying Woman was highly anticipated would be quite the understatement. While fans have gotten somewhat accustomed to the long breaks between albums for Jill, it still can seem a bit unbearable, considering the quality we’ve also grown accustomed to. Truth is, Jill releases damned good music, and it’s only a testament to her lengthy career. This year marks 15 years that we’ve been blessed with her soulfulness, so it’s only right she bless us with something on this anniversary.

So does Woman live up to expectations that have been set? I think that answer is an emphatic yes. Fans have come to love the realness of her music and how genuine she is in her delivery, and Jill stays true to her heart.

Woman jumps off with the Warren Campbell-Produced, spoken word-esque Wild Cookie, and follows right into “Prepared”, which I think is one of the albums hottest tracks. Prepared was produced by longtime Jill Scott collaborator Andre Harris, who actually provides much of the album’s backdrop.

Other standouts on “Woman” include ‘Can’t Wait”, “Closure” which features production from David Banner over Curtis Mayfield’s “Get Down” and Graham Central Station’s “The Jam”, “Lighthouse”, “You Don’t Know”, and the album’s lead single “Fool’s Gold”.

Other producer throughout woman include Andrew ‘Pop” Wansel, who has produced in the past for the likes of Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, and so many others, Philadelphia producer Steve Mckie, Adam Blackstone, who his known for his work with the likes of Nicki Minaj, and Adam Levine & The Voice, The Isley Brothers, Angie Stone, and more.

Jill definitely elevates us to the next level with Woman, providing solid production and well-written lyrics throughout. This release is sure to be at the top of the charts.

new sheriff

in town

by James Johnson

It was such an amazing opportunity to be able to sit and chat with Marsha S. Blake about a number of things, one of the biggest obviously being Orange is the new Black. The show has done so well in it’s first two seasons on Netflix, and now with the recent launching of the third season, list if new characters were introduced.

Litchfield doesn’t quite know just what they’re in for with Berdie Rogers. Without question, she has a no nonsense type of demeanor that you expect to see in a prison system, yet, that same personality is causing her to blend a little more than what her fellow corrections officers expect, or want to see for that matter. She definitely gets the immediate gratification she’s in search of, which is the respect of the many prisoners taking part in her drama classes, and she’s seemingly making the difference that she set out for, but along the way, she’s unknowingly planting the seed that land her back on the outside of the prison walls. It all gets pretty deep, as we know OITNB to be.

In our two-part exclusive, Marsha gives us the full rundown on Berdie, and why although she’s working hard to make a difference, she’s still having such difficulty getting that across to her peers. Part one is all about Orange is the New Black! In part two, which will run in our upcoming issue of UGDigital, hitting digital newsstands July 25, 2015, we’ll get to know about the other roles and projects that Marsha is involved in. She has been working at her craft for more than ten years now, and finally, the demand is beginning to catch up with her work. She has her hand in a variety of projects, including Happyish, and Our Nation.

for now, take a look at

part

one

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s such an honor to talk to you today. How are you?

Marsha S. Blake: I’m great Urban Grandstand Digital: This season is really good. I’m actually sitting here watching the show right now. I find myself rewinding back, and playing the episodes over again to really get to the grit of what’s going on. I was always a fan, but there’s just something that your character brings to the show, and I’m just trying to figure it all out.

Marsha S. Blake: Ok, when you figure it out, let me know (laughing)

we went through that, and I’m like there’s lots of cursing in shakespeare, and I’m not telling these kids they can’t curse. If it facilitates the learning, I don’t care if they say fuck. I don’t care if they chew gum. I understand the rules as to why they don’t want gum everywhere, but I’m in there once a week. If they’re listening to me and chewing gum, I just care that they’re listening to me. I can see how I would get frustrated week after week. Imagine year after year of dealing with that and being admonished for trying to get the learning in however it happens. You would eventually not be able to handle it. I think what happens with Birdie, who knows what’s going to happen because she did get fired (laughing). But Healy knows the system. That’s why he survived. He’s up in there, knows the system, and he’s an older guy. He’s like if you want to come in here with your new ideas that’s great, but this is what works.

Marsha S. Blake: Right. What I see is a woman who’s really trying to make a difference in that system, but you have many who don’t see it, or don’t believe that you’re genuine. Why do they feel this way?

Urban Grandstand Digital: I thought it was funny how you were setting up Marsh S. Blake: I liken it to working in the the drama class, and he immediately education system. Sometimes I go in and came in with counts to you having a I’m a teaching artist in the high schools, good turnout. or junior high schools. This is why Birdie relates to a lot of people. I would go into Marsha S. Blake: Like already, before I these schools, working for this company had a chance to start, he didn’t think it called the Shakespeare Society, and the would work. teachers would contact me because they were having difficulties teaching ShakeUrban Grandstand Digital: And Birdie speare to their students. To facilitate the developed friendships almost immedilearning through doing, as opposed to ately with the inmates. just reading. It’s a difficult thing to just read. So we bring in some actors, and Marsha S. Blake: I think that’s what all of a sudden they are interested. It Healy doesn’t like either. I see that in the works miracles. What I notice when I go schools too. You come in, you’re in your to these schools is there’s a malaise, and cute clothes, and the teachers are like I’m not bashing teachers at all because I great, but you know who’s left with them have an incredible amount of respect for when you’re gone? I am. You can be as teachers, like more than any other profes- chill with them and be their best friend sion. After a certain amount of time, the all you want, but at the end of the day bureaucracy of what you’re dealing with I’m left with them. Healy gets a bad rap beats you down, and you become a part because he’s not a sympathetic character. of the system because no one survives. .

I understand why he would be resentful.

I notice the older teachers who had been Immediately, I’m friends with the girls, there for a while, even though they had but I’m a black woman. Of course they’re so much drive at the beginning of their going to relate to me immediately. It’s not careers, they lose it. It’s not their fault. his fault. He tries, and I think he does care You get it. The minute you walk in, the about the women, but like I said, you get security starts yelling at the kids, then go bogged down by the bureaucracy, and down the hall and the principal is yelling, eventually you just feel like you’re trying and everything trickles down. The teachto survive. ers literally are the next in line. The bottom of the totem pole are the kids. Then Urban Grandstand Digital: You feel like it’s the teachers, then the administration, it’s not going anywhere. and then superintendents. Everybody is being yelled at for whatever reason, and Marsha S. Blake: Exactly, and you’ve seen the teachers; on top of being yelled at, or it not go anywhere for years. Birdie is opbeing told no to doing shakespeare, or timistic, but she could be Healy in fifteen bringing actors in, or the kids cursing…. years.

on the set of

orange is the new black

Urban Grandstand Digital: Clearly, there’s a huge benefit to this show being on Netflix because it’s limitless in the idea that you can do more than network television allows, but on the Urban Grandstand Digital: Were you al- flip side, you get the whole season ways a fan to the show before becomat one time, and when you have a lot ing involved? going on, it’s easy to put it off and life can prevent you from coming back. I Marsha S. Blake: I was, but I had not get wrapped up in that because I have watched it, which sounds ridiculous so many things going on. I had to go (laughing). I was though, because I knew backwards and watch the previous epia lot of the women. Danielle (Taystee), sodes again to catch up. literally, I called her. I knew her because I did a play with friends of her, and she had Marsha S. Blake. I think what’s great come to see the play a bunch of times. about it on Netflix is also what’s not great We used to call her our number one fan about it, in an interesting way, especially because she came to see our play every if you have a busy life. it’s all there and week. Then we adopted her and told her you can literally watch for two days and now she was in the “Hurt Village” camp, be all done. But also still, in the middle because she showed up every week. I of filming, I had to go back and watch becalled her to see if she would watch this cause I felt like I needed the back story. audition I had, and that’s who she was to I told myself I would watch one episode me before she was Taystee. So, I was a per night. That’s what I could dedicate fan because I love her and am so proud and still function with my life, go shoot, of her. I know Maria Dizzia, who plays have auditions, and take care of my kids.

Piper’s best friend. She’s one of my best I would inevitably watch three episodes friends through graduate school. I knew and it’s 3 o’clock in the morning. It’s so so many of the women already. Uzo and well written, and it makes you want to I had friends in common. I would hear keep watching. That’s what took me so about the show, but I had two kids, so to long. That actually happened with Jenji’s sit down and watch a show is a big deal other show Weeds. I remember one sumto me. It takes a lot of time that I don’t mer just watching Weeds, and wondering have. where did my summer go.

It would be awesome if you could do that for fifteen years and still have that enthusiasm, but the system makes it impossible.

“I THINK WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT IT ON NETFLIX IS ALSO WHAT’S NOT GREAT ABOUT IT, IN AN INTERESTING WAY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A BUSY LIFE.”

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’ll definitely eat up a lot of time.

Marsha S. Blake: It’s great. It’s wonderful and so well written. There were other things you could be doing, but you have to commit to it. And once you commit, it’s so wonderful.

Urban Grandstand Digital: it’s weird because I had gotten to episode 7, and I almost felt like I had missed something, so I started over about three times and watched again. I’m back to the third episode again. I really love your character though. What else is there to expect with your character?

Marsha S. Blake: I have no info in terms of casting, like literally, they keep it as closed-lipped as they can because they’re scared people will leak it. What I can say, with getting frustrated and the bureaucracy working against the things you’re trying to do, we see some of that happening. Resentment from Healy, and people being confused because it is a prison, and here I am with my drama class, and there’s a few comments like, what does

she think she’s doing…a fucking drama class? So being misunderstood inn a way because I see an end goal, and I think I’m doing some good but not necessarily everyone agrees with it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It depicts real life though, because with a lot that you do, people may not feel like you’re being genuine.

Marsha S. Blake: That’s in any office. You come in with a certain level of enthusiasm, and you leave with a better understanding of how the system works. You go to your new job with a different level of enthusiasm. Each one takes a little bit out of you. It’s the formidable one who can survive when the system is constantly beating you down. It’s a very strong person that can maintain a certain level of engagement.

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@urbangrandstanddigital

MORE THAN EYE CANDY

One of the things we’re most proud of here at Urban Grandstand Digital is the content that we offer here. With each interview we do, we want to not only showcase the talent of that particular individual, but also show their human side.

We want to show that they’re just like us.

That, in itself, is very much part of the reason we chose to feature CydneiChyan here at UGD! Surely, she was a great option in launching our Beauty & Eye Candy section of UGD, but she’s definitely a great representation of what we want to offer in our pages. CydneiChyan is working extremely hard at building her career, with aspirations of being a triple threat in modeling, acting, and singing. Off to a great start already, she recently aligned herself with Amirakal Marketing for the proper boost in publicity.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me about how you got off into this business? I know you were back and forth between Indianapolis and Atlanta.

Cydnei Chyan: My mom had gotten a new job, and she basically asked me if I’d rather stay in Indianapolis and attend the Art Institute, or move back to Atlanta.

She knew of American Idol tryouts that were going on, and thought I should do it. I decided to move, and actually went through the tryouts.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Wow. What was that experience like for you to try out for American Idol?

Cydnei Chyan: It was really nerve-wrecking, to say the least. A lot of people don’t realize it’s a lot of “show” stuff. People need to see the entertainment, so you end up doing a lot of things over again.

I got there at 5am, and didn’t audition until 6pm. It was nerve-wrecking, and ultimately, I didn’t make it, but it was a good experience. it got me out of my shell with singing in front of crowds.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think if you can do something of that stature, and be rejected and deal with that, you can deal with anything in the industry coming your way.

Cydnei Chyan: Exactly. That’s how I feel.

I’ve been rejected a few times. I signed up for The Voice, and they also said no.

Just because they tell you no does not mean you’re not talented. It’s a lot of people, and it’s all strategy. Initially, I was a little discouraged, but I eventually came around.

Cydnei Chyan: True…(laughing) Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk a little about your direction since returning to Atlanta. What types of other things have you been able to get involved with?

Cydnei Chyan: I met a lady who owned a hair company, and began to model for her company. That was the first thing I did in terms of modeling. It made me realize how much I liked being in front of the camera, and I wanted to make it into a career. I began looking for other photographers for freelance work. It was good to continue getting in front of the camera. I go to different networking events as well.

I’ve learned so much in the two years I’ve been here. In terms of music, my cousin has a studio so I do a lot of work there.

I was in some groups, and they all were moreso learning experiences. I performed a few times at Apache cafe, but since then, I’ve just been trying to reflect, meet more people, and get out there as much as I can.

Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of your music, has anything been put together yet?

Cydnei Chyan: I’m putting an EP together now. I’m a perfectionist, and it’s difficult being a perfectionist when you’re on a budget. I have a lot of music recorded, but it’s just that I’m still learning and I want to perfect it. I know i’ll get better as time progresses, but I want it to be the best.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you more driven towards modeling, or music? What will be your defining thing?

Cydnei Chyan: I think it all rolls up into one career. I’m a visual person, and I want to have thousands of photos, and have my face out there. Music is a passion of mine but you can intertwine that with acting and fashion. I want to do all three and I know I can. Long term, I want to be looked at as a singer. That’s a passion of mine, and what I’ve wanted to do my entire life. Modeling has become this thing that I’m really good at. This is something I can do to really brand myself, which is so important. My modeling career is really the stepping stone for it all.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You mentioned brand, which is so important.

Tell me what your brand is? What are you trying to personify?

Cydnei Chyan: I’m really a peaceful and chill person, so my brand comes with peace. I want to be able to inspire like-minded girls like myself. It’s hard to be taken seriously out her, and it’s difficult to make it without being looked at in a certain way. I want to inspire people in a positive way.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What do you aspire to do moving forward to help other models and singers?

the voice of the community

Urban Grandstand Digital: Honestly, you’re doing good if that’s the only rejection you’ve experienced thus far.

Cydnei Chyan: I want to inspire people through my music and performances.

I want it to be an experience for them when listening to my music. I want them to feel a certain way. I want it to be positive and relatable. In terms of modeling, I want to travel and enlighten people with the things I’ve done. I want them to relate to me, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m untouchable. +

urban grandstand digital

THE PRICE

$

We recently caught up with author Antwuan Jackson to talk about his new book, The Price. Currently broken down into two parts, The price follows Dwight, who is questioning his current relationship because of mounting issues related to family, gossip, and much more. Come along as we chat with Antwuan about this story, how it so closely relates to his own life, and how he was able to overcome it all.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How are things going with the book right now?

Antwuan Jackson: It’s going pretty good. I’m getting very good feedback. I appreciate you guys for having me as well.

antwuan jackson Antwuan Jackson: That’s the one thing I tried to do, moreso than anything, was figure out what I needed to do once the project was finished. The press releases, so on, and so forth. A lot of times, we have good product, especially as black people, but don’t know how to promote it. I made sure I researched that all from day one.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What has promo been like for you, given the fact you are self published?

Antwuan Jackson: I did a lot of reading up on it. I mailed my books out to a lot of people. You don’t want to depend on doing everything via email. You want to get that hard copy out.

I did both.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Has it been difficult for you, being you’re doing it on your own?

Antwuan Jackson: In a sense of not having the connects in the beginning, you’re hungry for it to really get out there, especially when you know you have a really good story. The storyline for me, I wrote from personal standpoint.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I definitely want to get more into that personal aspect and how your life plays into the story. One of the key things to note is that it really is a good story. How does it all reflect on your life?

Antwuan Jackson: The reflection of it is what I saw once I was mature enough to understand. When you’re young, you don’t really pay attention to your girl like you should. I couldn’t tell you birthdays, favorite colors, or anything. I didn’t pay attention to that stuff, but one thing I saw they all have in common was the need to vent to family and friends. They don’t realize it makes the relationship that much more difficult. They was to give you input even though they’re not in it. My main pet peeve was whenever something was going on in the relationship, my girlfriend would go back and tell family members, but then want to invite you to family functions and it felt like an all eyes on me situation. It was embarrassing.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s universal for a lot of guys.

Do you think it’s realistic that younger guys are going to be that serious in a relationship anyway? Like this is all kinda normal, unfortunately.

Antwuan Jackson: You’re right, it is normal, which is sad. The girls mature faster than us anyway, and we’re not ready. It’s just kinda how we’re all programmed and built, you know, from a male vs a female. It was weird, that it was back to back girls I was meeting, and thinking the next girl wouldn’t be like that. A year and a half later, they would be doing the same things. As I got older, I realized they were all alike, and I just needed to find one I was willing to put up with.

Urban Grandstand Digital: But obviously, that’s the cycle though. How do you escape that, or get away from that?

Antwuan Jackson: I think it’s just about finding one you love so much that you’re willing to deal with it. Many times, you’re in a relationship and she’s telling all the business, but she’s lacking in other areas. It’s like you got to pick a struggle (laughing). I based the book around a storyline that I felt was really

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think they definitely will enjoy it. it’s something everyone can relate to. When that’s the case, people gravitate to it.

Antwuan Jackson: That’s what i really wanted to do. I didn’t want to write stuff that never happens. What are the chances of you meeting a billionaire who puts you in whips and chains? It’s pretty farfetched. I wanted to write something that actually could happen.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now from what I understand, there’s a part 2 as well?

Antwuan Jackson: Yes sir, and it’s already finished. I’m just grabbing the bulls by the horn with part 1 and promoting it.

Part 2 follows the fiance when she goes out of town. It starts on a Friday, vs part 1 starting on a Monday. Part 1 is the foundation, and part 2 steps it up a notch.

Depending on how everyone gets into part 2, I’ll go ahead and do a trilogy.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So life as a writer. Are you constantly in that mode where you’re always writing?

Antwuan Jackson: It’s funny you ask that, because with parts 1 and 2, I was writing off and on for about two years. I had a conversation with this girl, and she asked the same thing, and then we got into the idea of writers being loners. I can’t lie; when I was writing, I could not have been in a relationship where the woman was living with me. You need to have that time where you’re in the house alone.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny you say that because I’ve always wanted to write a book, but not knowing where to start, not knowing what I want out of it, and not knowing how long it will take. I think from the standpoint of doing the magazine, and it gets difficult at times.

Antwuan Jackson: It really is, and like I was telling one guy, I’d be up from eleven at night until four in the morning. My friends just got married, and they’re out partying. I was in about two weddings at that time, and I was writing off and on. I would have music playing, but I couldn’t have a woman there because your attention would be pulled elsewhere. I can say that for that two years, I was not in any relationship like that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So how does it get easier, now that the first book is out there?

Antwuan Jackson: Having part 2 ready to go makes it a lot easier. Everything I did for part 1 makes it easier for part 2. Now that I’ve done it all, I know what I need to do. If I didn’t have part 2 ready to go, it would throw me behind.

Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of having both done, did you write them all at one time, or had you done one and then when to the other?

Antwuan Jackson: I had already done part 1, and then once I wrote part 2, I connected them together. I don’t know if I could ever do it any other way. Part 2 flowed a lot better because I was already into the story. As far as it being too much, nobody really wants to read them big 300,000 character books anymore.

They just don’t have time. You really have to not have a life to read them books like that. You’ll be reading on and off for about a month. My book is 30,000+ characters. If it’s a good story, you finish that in a 2-3 hour plane ride. Mine is an e-book as well. It’s perfect that way with it being the size that it is.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What’s the advantage for you having it as an e-book?

Antwuan Jackson: One thing is that it helps your google presence. By being available as an ebook, it’s available on Amazon in Mexico, Germany, and all the sites they have in those countries.

Urban Grandstand Digital: In the grand scheme of it all, everybody is using their iPhones, androids, iPads, and tablets. They can download it to their devices.

“You’re right, it is normal, which is sad.

The girls mature faster than us anyway, and we’re not ready. It’s just kinda how we’re all programmed and built, you know, from a male vs a female.”

Antwuan Jackson: Exactly. That’s what a lot of people have done. If you have a smart phone, you get it right then, vs hav- Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you ing to wait until you get to a bookstore. have the right niche, and I believe people will flock to it. I don’t think it’s any Urban Grandstand Digital: What is the question as to whether they want part big picture you see in terms of your 2 or 3 for that matter. Obviously, it books? What do you want to see hapallows you to escape the daily madness pen? you may be living in.

Antwuan Jackson: The ultimate goal would be for the book to be made into a movie. That would be the ultimate goal.

If I could see something like that, it would be all I needed. I’ll definitely do a trilogy if the fans want it. If not, I’ll move into another genre. All the people who read part 1 definitely want part 2.

Antwuan Jackson: That’s the beauty of books. I know with the cover, people think it’s going to be one thing, but it’s definitely a lot bigger than that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s cool though, because it’s eye-catching. It definitely pulls the audience in.

Antwuan Jackson: That’s what I was aiming for. I wanted something to be catchy.

I thought it was different. That’s another reason I did it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you’re on a good path. What else is happening aside from the book?

Antwuan Jackson: I’m trying to promote it as much as I can. Different magazines and radio stations, I’ve been in a zone promoting it. I order a number of paperbacks to send out.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you doing signings anywhere yet?

Antwuan Jackson: I haven’t started yet, but I have been looking into it. I want to do more interviews first and speak with more people to get my name out more before I do that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I love what you’re doing. We push that entrepreneurial spirit with a lot that we do, so it’s great talking with you about the book.

Antwuan Jackson: I was glad to speak with you all as well. I’ve been on the site quite a bit.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now where can people find you online?

Antwuan Jackson: I’m on Instagram at @ AntwuanJackson, and on Twitter, I’m at @ IAmAntwuan … and I do follow back to the people that check me out and follow. +

urban grandstand digital

television’s

new leading man

ro brooks

Ro Brooks is no stranger to the entertainment world. He’s done so much in terms of performance, and really getting himself out there on all fronts throughout the years. Nearly 25 years to be exact. Brooks was once a power player within the music industry, running his own musical empire and standing strong behind some of the biggest names to drop jewels on music lovers. For him, it was all a stepping stone to realize the big picture, which of course was acting.

Brooks has been a part of some of the biggest movies to hit the box office, beginning in 1993 with Robert Townsend’s Meteor Man, and also some of televisions biggest series’, which is partly why we are here today.

Brooks has been one of the main characters on Tyler Perry’s The Have and The Have Nots. Unearthed near the middle of season 2, his character has grown to amazing heights in terms of popularity and the intricate storyline that Perry has put together. To say he’s become a fan-favorite on the show is quite an understatement. His level of acting, paired with that of every one of his castmates, has taken this series to new and unimaginable heights.

In this feature, we were not only able to catch up with him about his role and where things are headed, but also the other things he has on his plate, which definitely includes a few new movies. We also talk a great deal about the ways he’s working to give back to the urban community and show our youth that they, too, can make it and do whatever they dream. As the article title suggests, he’s showing why he’s television’s new leading man. It’s evident that he’s doing his thing on screen, and that of course is all good, but in this article, you’ll learn that he’s really doing his thing off screen, and he’s doing things that are so much more important in the grans scheme of it all, because he’s instilling hope in those coming behind him. He’s making a way for those who feel like there’s no way. He’s proving that with hard work and dedication, and a firm trust in God, that all things are possible just the way you dream it. Now that’s what being the leading man is all about !

Urban Grandstand Digital: Of all of the things I want us to touch on, I think the biggest is obviously The Haves and The Have Nots. The show has become insanely popular, and you have a pretty big character in the show. What’s to expect with your character this new season?

Ro Brooks: Basically the same thing you expect each time. Tyler continues to bring it and up the ante. He blows your mind with these storylines that continue to twist and turn. It’s never-ending with the ideas he comes up with. The shock factor is crazy. Without giving it away, prepare for what you’ve seen already on steroids. He brings that shock factor to a higher level.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What’s new with you and Hannah this season?

Ro Brooks: Well when we last left off, she was saying to me that she needed some space. She left everything on an edge where she let’s people know she’s interested in my character but needs to get herself together. He’s just waiting for that phone call.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What has been the best thing about you being a part of this show? Like I said, it’s insanely popular, and every time it ends, fans are clamoring for the return.

Ro Brooks: Normally, the way it’s done, it’s 3-4 months before it returns. I think there was one season where it took a little longer for us to return.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that Tyler does so much, and If Loving You Is Wrong is out there too, so it kind of plays off each other.

Ro Brooks: That’s the way television works. It’s usually quarterly. When our show goes off, the other show comes on.

That’s just television. When Scandal goes off, then How to Get Away with Murder comes on. He’s following the protocol for television. This time, it does seem a little earlier, but for me it’s just right. I’m glad people think it’s a little earlier because they are craving for it, and they lose their minds when it’s over. Waiting for it to come back is a headache for fans.

Urban Grandstand Digital: People love the show, but they love your character as well. Obviously, doing this interview gave me the time to research the things you’ve done, and you’ve been a part of some things that I didn’t realize.

Like for instance, the Lil’ mo video you did….

Ro Brooks: Before you get into that, I want to backtrack to answer the question you had asked before, about what I’m most happy about with being on the show…. first and foremost, I’m happy to be working, and then after that, it’s working with Tyler and Oprah Winfrey. That’s the icing on the cake. Who else would you want to work with at the top off their games? She owns the network, and we’re breaking a lot of ground. I’m part of a historical movement. It’s not just a show.

This is their first drama together.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think what makes it so good with Oprah is that although she owns the network; she’s not just doing it for money. She really believes in the show and everyone involved. Regardless of the flack she’s gotten with running the network, she’s worked so hard for it.

Ro Brooks: Like you said, she is a business lady, but it’s easier to sell something you believe in. She and Tyler both, they really love all the shows that are new to Own, and that includes my show, Love Thy Neighbor, and If Loving You is Wrong. For The Haves and The Have Nots to be the actual anchor is something. I think that’s what really saved the network. The numbers were astronomical, and I don’t think it was expected for that kind of audience to automatically fall in love with the show. That’s a blessing in itself.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That goes back to the acting though. Everybody on that show is doing his or her thing. I haven’t seen anyone yet that is half-stepping.

Ro Brooks: The writing plays a big part in the way we perform and display our dialogue. When it’s a natural feeling, you can’t help but perform naturally. To play a character, you have to play outside of yourself, but when it’s natural, it can flow off anybody. The people truly relate to it.

My hat hoes off to Tyler for writing a great script, and giving each and every one of us the ability to show our chops.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Even with the season closer, for all I expected with Veronica, I could have never expected all that truly happened. I think the new season will go down in history.

Ro Brooks: Tyler knows how to leave cliffhangers. When you think it can’t go any higher, he comes back and shows you.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So moving back to your other works, I never knew you did the video with Mo, and the video with Syleena Johnson. How much has music play a part in your life?

Ro Brooks: Music played a great part.

Music was one of my first loves. At a young age, I had a record label, signed some local talent out of Baltimore, and managed some groups. I had a chain of music stores. I was always involved in the musical aspect. In regard to doing videos, as the head of my label, we released our own videos, directed by Chris Robinson.

We did all of this in the early nineties.

With all that happening, it got me into the videos. With me being an actor, it’s hard to get into the business. So I tried to use everything I had to propel me to my next level. I tried to do more videos so people could see my face. I knew it would be nationally covered, so I started doing that with independent films. Music played a huge part in my life and business.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing the things you’ve been involved in, and the direction you continue to go. Did you always intend to get into acting?

Ro Brooks: This has always been something I wanted to do, since being a kid.

God blesses us with a lot of gifts. I used to draw, play sports, dance, and acting for me; I was scared of it for a while. I didn’t understand it as a youth what it took to be a great actor. I loved watching kids perform on television, and wanted

to do it, but I thought you had to be a genius to do that and remember lines in thirty minutes. With a lack of knowledge, I shunned away from it. Because I am who I am, I like a challenge, and after I got to a certain age, I felt like I still have a challenge that I had to defeat. That’s what I did and I’ve been going strong at it since 1993. My first film was Meteor Man. Urban Grandstand Digital: Man, I used to love that movie.

Ro Brooks: Yea that was a classic right there.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You had Marla Gibb, and so many people…

Ro Brooks: Everybody was in that movie. Luther Vandross, Bill Cosby, Naughty

by Nature, Cypress Hill, and they had so many other big actors in that movie.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That has to sit heavy in your mind, for that to be your first project.

Ro Brooks: Yea that was the icebreaker for me. I knew from that day forward that this was what I wanted to do. Once I submitted my Polaroid, and I got that phone call saying I would be a background performer, it was crazy once I got on set. I was like, this is it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now you’ve also done some amazing things, giving back to the community. Talk to me about Men of Color?

Ro Brooks: That company was spear-headed by a friend of mine named John. It’s not really around much anymore. They have a branch called Engage the Vision. That’s what it is now, but Men of Color was called M.O.C.I.T.I. (Men of Color in the Industry). We would meet once a month, and it was maybe 100 of us. Not just black, but different minority races. We all had different talents related to the business, whether it was acting, producing, writing, dancing, entertainment lawyers, and so forth. Everybody had a different talent to contribute, and everybody had great skills. We would meet up and encourage each other. We would have speakers. Oba Babatunde was the ambassador. Every month we had great speakers who would come and drop jewels on us.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s good because it promotes that unity.

Ro Brooks: It does, and you need it. It’s like church, like the bible. You go Monday through Saturday fighting the world, and Sunday you need to get that armory touched up. This is what M.O.C.I.T.I. is for actors. We get all these no’s. No jobs booked, and get the doors slammed on us all through the month. Then we go to M.O.C.I.T.I. and get to be around people just like us to help revive us and give us that energy to make it another month.

Outside of that part of it, we had the mentorship program where we went to Martin Luther King Elementary School, or either the Obama school, and talk to young men and boys, and mentor them on everything from hygiene to things about school, etiquette, and things like how to be respectful and respect women.

Most of them are growing up in a home without a daddy.

Urban Grandstand Digital: This is a perfect way to show them that somebody cares. Tell me your dreams, and then I can tell you how to make that happen. They look at the things you’ve done, your past struggles, and what came from it. It’s awesome. You have so many people obviously who do it, and then many more who don’t. So it says a lot that you take the time and get out there. The flag football games are huge.

Ro Brooks: I do everything I can. If I know it has the potential to help a child, I show up. I know just from showing up how their faces light up. I’ve seen their grades go from failing to passing, and not just barely passing, but to A’s and B’s. Some of them don’t know what they want to be or have career ideas when they first come to us, but when they leave, they know what they want to be. We bring a bunch of magazines sometimes, and have them go through and choose who they idolize.

You’d be amazed at what they want to be. Everybody don’t want to be actors, rappers, dancers, and basketball players.

Some of them want to be doctors, and lawyers, and things you just don’t expect them to say. They start opening up to us.

We just want to provide a helping hand, not only to single moms because some of them do have dads, but at the same time, they sometimes can’t talk to their parents.

They can open up to us and let us know what’s going on, and how we can help.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You make an interesting point too. A lot of dads are there, but it may be a situation where both mom and dad are working.

“If you are a darkskinned African American, and from the inner city, that kid tends to communicate with you better than someone who doesn’t look like him.”

Ug digital

.com

Ro Brooks: Exactly, and the most important part of that is because the school is in an urban community, a majority of the kids are African American. A majority of those with M.O.C.I.T.I. are African American. It gets so much deeper than that too. If you are a dark-skinned African American, and from the inner city, that kid tends to communicate with you better than someone who doesn’t look like him.

I think that means a lot. It’s easier to see.

They’re thinking you’re as dark as I am, and you lived across the street, and you made it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s unfortunate, but a lot of what they see on television is not images that look like them. The more they see people who look like them and are making it, the more they’ll believe they can do it also.

I think it’s huge, and I know many others feel the same way.

Ro Brooks: Thank you. I appreciate it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you working on anything else right now?

I know The Haves and The Have Nots are obviously back.

Ro Brooks: Like you said, The Haves and The Have Nots is back and I had a movie come out, called Mysterious Ways, in May with Wendy Raquel Robinson.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I just saw the trailer for that.

Ro Brooks: I have another film called the Congregation, where I’m opposite Shari Headley. Clean Up Men is another project I have and that’s in pre-production.

I’m just trying to keep it moving. You can get Mysterious Ways anywhere DVDs are sold.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final comments at all that we didn’t get to touch on?

Ro Brooks: I just want kids, especially, to know they can make it. Don’t accept no from anybody. Put God first and push forward. As long as you never give up, you have no choice but to make it. I have a dinner in Atlanta every year called Dinner with Ro Brooks, information is available on my website. Tickets are on sale, and this year it’s September 12. My website is www.robrooks.com, Twitter is @jeromerobrooks, and Instagram is @robrooks_ +

fierce, free & fearless

brave williams

Brave Williams has definitely become “that” girl. Her career is the perfect example of what an happen when you keep your mind fixed on achieving your goals. Being a part of the girl group Rich Girl, Williams was finally living her dream of singing and performing. The group had done countless collaborations within the recording industry, recorded their own EP, and at the height of their time together, they performed as an opening act on the North American leg of Beyonce’s “I Am…. “ tour. They were definitely living the life and enjoying every bit of it, having released both an EP, and a mixtape for download through their official website.

Suddenly, it all came to an abrupt end with the group disbanding.

That, coupled with other life-changing events would potentially end it all for Williams.

Of course, that wouldn’t be the last we would hear, or see, from Brave! Not one to throw in the towel so easily, she took it back to the drawing board, assembling a new team who would help in leading her greatness once again. We first saw her as she stepped into the fold on R&B Divas: LA this past season. That would only lead up to this very moment with he releasing her new project, Fearless. We talk with Brave in this exclusive about her time on R&B Divas: LA, and the new album that we’ve been waiting so long for. She also takes through the the very things that nearly devastated her career, and how she was able to pull it all back together to follow her destiny of becoming the powerful force that she is in entertainment today. In this feature, she’s showing you what it is to be Fierce, Free, & Fearless!

Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. Trust and believe, it’s a big honor for us to have this opportunity in speaking with you. Obviously, we know your history of being in Rich Girl, and we’ve seen you on R&B Divas: LA. I think it turned out really good for you. There’s always ideas of how one should be able to capitalize from a venture such as this, and I never see it happen the way it should.

You’ve represented the difference in that.

Brave Williams: Wow, I appreciate that, it’s so much love.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s no shade whatsoever, and nothing negative to anyone there, but I’ve followed, and I think that for us as black entertainers, we should be able to do certain things and be seen in a certain light. We don’t always do the things that put us in that expected light, but then we complain about how people see us. I think you’ve been able to maneuver it and make it work for your career, and it’s good because now people are beginning to really see your talent. I think people weren’t ready before.

Brave Williams: I sincerely appreciate that, and everything you’re saying I’m almost in complete agreement with in terms of my personal views of reality television. It was a tricky situation because I’m very opinionated about it, and how it makes women look. For me, it was making a conscious decision and saying if you’re doing this, you have to honestly be true to who you are and make sure that’s portrayed on television and offer a different perception that not all women are the obvious stereotype. I wanted to show that you can be collaborative, you can be talented, you can be beautiful, and keep yourself worthy of respect. I think your comment for me is further confirmation, so thank you.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s good to stand your ground, and let people know you’re not a joke, but you also want to be presentable. What made you actually go that direction, coming from the things you had already done.

Brave Williams: After the group [Rich Girl] disbanded, I had to take some time and figure out what I would do creatively and how I wanted to put my music out there.

The money that I was able to make, I invested it back into my label. I assembled a good team: PR, street team, and management. I started the musical process, releasing my first single to radio last year.

DJs were playing it, and that song was called “Oooh (Luv Ya)”. One of the producers from TV One heard the song, and heard about me, and asked if I wanted to be a part of the franchise. I felt like doing it independently would be a great way to further expose my music and let people know who I am, not just as an artist, but as a woman. I was honored because the women on the show, their resumes are extensive. They have albums and awards, and I still consider myself a new artist.

To be on a platform with them, for me, I looked at it as a blessing, and a great way to expose the music.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s great that you recognize the big picture.

I think there was a lot of skepticism with viewers because of the fact that you are a new artist, and when you think of diva, you think of someone who’s been there for a long time. People complain so much and a lot of times it’s really about nothing honestly, but I think the criticism was there though. Obviously, like you said, the ladies there have extensive resumes.

Brave Williams: Absolutely, and that’s why I was so humbled that they thought enough of what I was doing independently to put me on that same platform. For me, I was able to learn a lot and

it validated a lot in the sense of wanting to keep going. You never know how your blessings will be wrapped. I never would have thought I’d be on a reality show. It’s been nothing but positivity on my end.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously, it’s the end of the season now, and I know that obviously the other franchise was cancelled, but LA was still there. Are you planning to come back?

Brave Williams: Honestly, we’re waiting to get word if there will be another season.

I’m not sure yet at this point. It’s likely it could be, but you never know in the TV world how the chips may fall.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So your new album, you’ve worked so hard on your album, so can you talk about your new LP? Brave Williams: Fearless is the name of the album, and I just released it two weeks ago. For me, it’s a huge deal because I’ve never released a body of work.

With Rich Girl, we only put out singles.

When I was signed as a solo artist to Atlantic and Columbia, I never released an album. This is my baby. I’m super excited to let everyone hear me rapping and singing, and the spoken word, hip-hop, and R&B all consolidated into this one

album. For me, it’s a taste. I wanted to give the fans a case of who I am, so they can download it for free on my website.

I’m gearing up to do a re-release, and make it a full album. This was a teaser of who I am.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s a great way of letting people know who you are, and what you have to offer.

Brave Williams: The response has been good, and I appreciate that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Who were you able to work with for the album?

Brave Williams: A lot of love came out of Philly. There’s a single I’m gearing up to release called OMT, which means One More Time. That was produced by Chris & Tee out of Philly, Tytewriter (Krystal Oliver) is an amazing writer who is out of Philly, Ivan Barias (of the famed production duo Carvin & Ivan) is out of Philly, Deezle is from New Orleans, Milk N Sizz out of Atlanta, Candy Shields is out of DC, Britney Barber, Ursula is dope, she was a writer on there. It’s really my family and the people rocking with me. I wanted them all to be a part of the project and they were all great and made it happen.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I love how strong Philly stands strong, and the city sticks together. There’s a certain quality that comes from Philly, and Baltimore as well.

Brave Williams: Absolutely! Philly has that soulful sound, you know, and even with hip-hop, my expectations were superseded by the tracks and production and writing. You got to listen to it. You got to download.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What were the things you felt like you wanted to accomplish with this album?

Brave Williams: Just an honest look at who I am as an artist. I started out doing spoken word when I was younger, not having any idea that I could sing. I was always rapping and doing poetry. So for me, those are my roots. When I developed my voice and saw that I could sing, that’s when I came up with the idea of creating Rich Girl. For me, I wanted Fearless to encompass everything. I love old school hip-hop, the nostalgic drums and how it made me feel. It was about finding the perfect marriage of hip-hop and R&B.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What advice do you give to people coming behind you? We try and promote following your passion, and showing that you can do what you want to do and be successful.

Brave Williams: I have so much advice, but the first thing coming to mind is you have to be patient. If you are impatient, I will pray for you. To do music or anything unorthodox, you need patience. Many times, there is no set schedule, and you have no idea where the next check is coming from. You have to take on the persona of a hustler. You have to go out there and make it happen for yourself, but it requires patience. It’s not a sprint, but a marathon. You really have to make sure that you focus on your stamina and endurance. If you want it that bad, it’s very likely that it’s for you to have, but you can’t quit before that moment. A lot of times as artists, we get fed up, start to doubt, second question ourselves, and we give up too soon. I encourage everyone who has it in their heart to do to be patient.

“My most honest response is prayer. I had to pray through those moments where I was in a very low place in my life.”

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what gave you that strength to keep going?

Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of shows, what can we look for?

Brave Williams: My most honest response is prayer. I had to pray through those moments where I was in a very low place in my life. I had to surrender and cry out like I need help. I don’t know how to do this and get back in it. Everything that was accosted to me is literally gone. I had to dig into my faith. That’s the only thing I can attest it to.

Brave Williams: I’m currently on my promo run. I’m just really promoting the new single OMT, and gearing up to shoot the video. I’m looking forward to that. I just did an amazing partnership with a fragrance that I really believe in, and it’s called Embellish. I’m all about women empowerment, and that’s what that fragrance represents. It’s about celebrating yourself and your strength as a woman.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there any regrets at all, or anything you would change?

Brave Williams: I would have to say no.

Even in those moments where I questioned the process, I look back now and know that those things were needed because that was God stretching me and preparing me for what it took as a solo artist to do this and make a living. Even in the most awkward or difficult times, I can’t say I would change anything.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and growth comes from it.

Brave Williams: Absolutely.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s another reason I love what you’re doing. You’re not just sitting and growing complacent.

You’re spreading yourself out there and opening other doors, traveling other avenues, and doing this to extend that longevity.

Brave Williams: I appreciate that. I’m humbled to be given these opportunities.

I’m so appreciative of that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final comments at all?

Brave Williams: I’m very active on social media. Have your readers to hit me on my social media, my Instagram and Twitter at @BMoreBrave. To anyone pursuing something that is not the norm, keep your head down and keep working and don’t quit. As cliche as it sounds, what’s in your heart could very well be your destiny. Just don’t quit before it happens. +

urban grandstand digital

step into the wonder world of

Many will remember Bryce Vine from his time with the Glee Project. While that time was short-lived, he managed to make a solid impact on the world, and the rest has been history since then. He had the opportunity to put together a solid LP titled “Lazy Fair”, which literally has him sitting on top of the world right now. Sit back and relax as we take you into the world of Bryce Vine!

There’s a lot of young people who want to do the things you’re blessed to do, but they don’t really know how to make it happen. Of course, things take time and it doesn’t happen overnight, but you’re able to show them that it can happen.

Urban Grandstand Digital: There’s a lot of young people who want to do the things you’re blessed to do, but they don’t really know how to make it happen. Of course, things take time and it doesn’t happen overnight, but you’re able to show them that it can happen.

Bryce Vine: It definitely can. It’s about timing, working, and figuring out your style.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Take us back to the moment of you doing the Glee Project. Looking back, I think things were actually really good for you.

Bryce Vine: That was a funny thing because when I auditioned, I had never watched Glee before. I was in college in Boston at Berkeley, and everyone was talking about this show. It’s a music school so everyone, or at least a lot of people, will audition for these types of opportunities. A bunch of friends of mine were doing their audition videos, and I had no interest. I even helped a friend by filming his, and I think the night before the cut-off, my mom asked me if I had heard about it. She asked if I was auditioning, and suggested I make a tape. I didn’t plan on doing it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Why did you not want to audition?

Bryce Vine: It wasn’t that I was trying to make a point. I just didn’t have any interest in being on a show that I had not watched. It just wasn’t how I imagined by career taking off.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I can understand that though. I think the same way sometimes. You want to be careful what you get involved in, and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of something you don’t know.

Bryce Vine: Wow, that’s a better answer (laughing). Honestly, I was taking classes, and whenever I wasn’t doing music, I didn’t want to do music. It was part laziness. I just didn’t have an interest. If it was a competition for up and coming

pop and rap artists, giving you the opportunity to tour with Lupe Fiasco, I’d be on it. So I decided, since my mom talked me into, that night my roommate filmed me singing Golddigger by Kanye West. I had to learn the words first, and even had the words on the screen when I recorded the video. Instead of rapping it, I decided to sing the verse to do something a little different. That was it man. I got the message in November that said I was one of the 16,000 selected for the semi-finals. I figured that didn’t mean anything. Then when I was back in L.A., I got pulled into Robert Overture’s office to do a video singing one of my own songs. That’s was it. They called like 200 kids to come and stay at a hotel in L.A., and then they kept basically cutting down people until there was like 24 of us. I went back to Boston, and that was when they skyped us to say we had made it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So to look at that, I look back and say that it led up to you putting together your album. What are your thoughts in terms of how things ultimately turned out?

Bryce Vine: It’s true what they say. Sometimes, you just don’t know when something seems bad but it’s really good.

When I was the first one off the project, I was embarrassed. I liked everyone, but I felt so out of place. I knew that singing Katy Perry and Bruno Mars songs wasn’t for me, but I still was enjoying what I was doing, and the idea of being on the show was fun. It was embarrassing. Then I was really lost. I went back home and felt really lost for a bit. Then I realized, you’re going to be on TV in a few months and you’re only on one episode.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I can see how that could eat at you though…

Bryce Vine: It totally did, but then I had to turn it into an opportunity to work in my favor. I am on at least one episode, and I have to make songs and put them out. So when the show comes out, they’ll be the first thing people find.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Did you have a team behind you, like PR, management?

Bryce Vine: I had nothing. Being the first one off the project, even after it came out, not many people showed interest in managing me. I wasn’t one of the people getting offers. I was just like, this sucks.

But the thing I owe to the Glee Project is it helped me build a fanbase. It really gave me a big boost.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what was the turning point that put you in hustle mode? You were able to put together an awesome album. Hip-hop sucks in the sense that someone can put together a really solid album, but it gets slept on.

Bryce Vine: I don’t think it gets slept on, there’s just nobody pushing it besides you. The fact that it has done as well as it has is awesome. I didn’t expect it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s done pretty well though. Number 22 on hip-hop charts, 3 million plays son Spotify, Sour Patch Kids did well.

That’s all huge in itself. Not to mention who you have opened up for. It’s really huge.

Bryce Vine: Thank you so much. I guess I forget to think about that sometimes (laughing).

Urban Grandstand Digital: Well you don’t want to come off conceited either, but still. It’s a good thing.

Bryce Vine: Yea, I mean, Lazy Fair didn’t happen until two years afterwards. I was writing songs with a friend of mine from Berkeley, because we had been working together for a while. My other friend, Nolan, he’s like a hitmaker now. He made Jealous by Nick Jonas, and Good For You

by Selena Gomez. He’s making hits now.

When we started working together, we clicked into the next phase of my music, and that’s when we started working on Lazy Fair. It took a while. Nothing in my career has moved quickly. Not one thing (laughing).

Urban Grandstand Digital: In a way, that’s good. I don’t know if you agree, but when things don’t move as quickly, you appreciate it a little more because of how hard you worked to get it.

Bryce Vine: Yes, absolutely.

“YEA, IT STILL SUCKS TO SLOW DOWN. IT’S LIKE, WHAT’S NEXT?”

Urban Grandstand Digital: Vs things blowing up immediately. Then when things slow down, it’s hard to handle.

Bryce Vine: Yea, it still sucks to slow down. It’s like, what’s next.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what are you most proud of with Lazy Fair?

Bryce Vine: My favorite song is Guilty Pleasure, which is ironic. I wrote it as an anthem for me and my best friend. Kind of a happy song and a sad song at the same time. I love the melody and the lyrics that we wrote. It’s probably the closest to my heart.

Urban Grandstand Digital: People are still getting a feel for the album, but what are you working on now?

Bryce Vine: I’m working on the next group of songs I would like to put out. I think end of summer is when we’re trying to release like 4 new songs. it’s the next phase man. I’m trying out new things and having fun making the songs. We have one that has more of a punk type of vibe.

That’s my favorite one. There’s a couple different things for people to grasp. I have shows lined up now. I’m playing at a number of colleges.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How is that doing the college circuit? I would think it would be more difficult.

Bryce Vine: I thought it would be too, but they really get it. I haven’t had one bad show. You can tell they’ve been craving the music. I get snapchats everyday of kids playing my music. That’s where my audience really is, and it’s how I’m making a living right now. A lot of that is thanks to my agent, but it’s one step at a time.

I’ll be headlining a show in November, and I’m hoping to sell that out. I got requested to play at this venue I’ve always wanted to play at called Webster Hall in New York. I’m just keeping it moving writing and playing shows. Trying to come up with ideas for new things.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think everything has worked out well for you. The Thug Song, it’s been a few weeks now since that has been out and I laugh every time I hear it. What was the idea behind the video?

Bryce Vine: I wanted to do something visually entertaining. I really love Wes Anderson movies and the way they are shot.

I wanted to come up with something that was a little out there, using all the weird things I could come up with in one sit down, and throw them into one video.

I wrote the entire treatment before we knew what we would do. I knew I wanted hands painting my face all over, and I wanted someone dressed as a devil, and smoking a joint. Just “out there” shit. I’ve never done a hallucinogen, but I wanted people to think maybe I had when I came up with it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m sure they did when they saw it man (laughing) Bryce Vine: That was it. I just wanted to do something that would grab you visually.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s cool.

Urban music in general has gone in a different direction than many expected. Like 15 years ago, there was this unspeakable monotony, where people just didn’t want to venture out in fear of losing their fanbase.

Bryce Vine: Yes, rappers are definitely taking more chances these days. I like what some rappers are doing. Even the ASAP Rocky album. There’s a lot of cool stuff going on, and experimentation. The song LSD is so dope. I’ve never heard a rapper do something like that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s ironic you mention ASAP. I think a lot of people sleep on what he has to offer as well.

Bryce Vine: The bandwagon takes time. I think his next record will do big things.

The more you put out, people have the opportunity to hear different sides of you.

They may not like ten of the songs on the old record, but like three on the next.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what advice do you offer to those coming behind you?

Bryce Vine: You can’t just listen to one thing. You don’t have to listen to everything. Listen to what you like. I grew up on Punk Rock, and that’s a lot of influence. It never hurts to learn an instrument. I’m glad I learned guitar, and took lessons, and understood how drums work, and started a band and performed and sang. It’s so many things to do to add to your resume. It’s never bad to play an instrument.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Where can everyone find you online?

Bryce Vine: Everything is @BryceVine, my website is www.brycevine.com, I’m most active on Instagram and Twitter.

listen now at

www.brycevine.com

just deion

We’re proud to bring you this new feature in our Artist Watch series with Deion Gill. It’s always good to support those who work hard, but Deion’s story is a special one. At just 19, he’s been striving for success in this industry for nearly ten years. He’s the perfect example of someone wanting something, and working hard to make it happen. He’s that perfect example for our kids to see, of someone who the negativity of the world hold him back. He’s doing big things, and he’s got a hit single to prove it. His single “Show Me” is doing amazing things out in the music world, and after talking to Deion, the best is yet to come. The coolest thing about Deion is that through it all, he’s more humble than ever. He’s not affected by the success that he’s had thus far, and at the end of it all, he’s letting the world know that he’s just Deion! Take a moment and check out our exclusive below!

Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me about the things you have going on right now. I think you’ve gotten to a point where people are starting to recognize your talent Deion Gill: It’s really about me maturing into the adult I am, and the type of artist I’ll be the rest of my career. I’m becoming a full grown artist, and I’m ready to share everything I’m doing with the world. I just released my official single a month ago, titled ‘Show Me”, and it’s gotten pretty good recognition. I’ve gained about 16,000 plays so far.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think when you build your career properly, and it’s not fabricated and forced, as well as being respectable, people pay attention to that.

Deion Gill: It’s always been work for me.

I’ve never been the one to really even try to abuse the opportunities or power I’ve had. I didn’t have much, but I’ve always

been appreciative.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s good because obviously, with people looking at what you do, they’re seeing someone who hasn’t become arrogant with it. A lot of people get into this, and it’s almost inevitable that they go down that path of entitlement, and just being all-out arrogant.

Deion Gill: Exactly, and really, that all came from me being exposed to so much at a young age. I came to L.A. at age 15 by myself, and was in full-time career mode. Everyone I was surrounded by was over 21. My youngest friend was 22, and my oldest was like 35.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s a lot to absorb, especially being a minor.

To be somewhere, and not necessarily have your family with you, it’s difficult.

people who want to see you succeed, it makes things a lot more wholesome There’s more values instilled into your life. i keep a close circle of friends and artists that I work with and associate with on a personal level. I call these guys my brothers. My collective from Boston, as well as two of my best friends here in L.A., Major Myjah and Eric Ray, who are insanely talented songwriters and singers, as well as people I’ve known since I was a kid and ended up in the same walk of life as me.

That’s what keeps you grounded. I think it makes sense and you hit the nail on the head.

Deion Gill: It takes a lot of maturity. That was something to use to my advantage in my coming of age. It wasn’t necessarily learning from others’ mistakes, but it was moreso learning from their experiences to be sure I would not make mistakes of my own. i’ve always taken that into consideration and become a spirit of life. I’m just thankful.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what kept you humble?

Deion Gill: A majority has been having good friends around me, and people who keep me that way. I’m from Boston. When I go home, I have friends who treat me like a regular person, like I’m just Deion from high school. They don’t look at my like I’m in the business. It’s a way for me to feel like no time has passed. It puts things in perspective for me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What keeps you at the point, or how do you keep from getting to the level of other artists out there now? Like you have those like the Chris Browns, and so on, who came into this as a teen, and the first thing a lot of young artists speak of is how humble they are, and the things they want to do, but then you fast-forward, and they’re at that point where things are somewhat out of control.

Deion Gill: I can’t personally relate to his story because it’s a completely different walk of life than my own, but for me, it’s about who you surround yourself with.

When you keep your circle tight with

Urban Grandstand Digital: You are who you hang out with. Many people disagree with that, but you ultimately become the same way. I think people can appreciate that you’re ten years into this, and so many people at the same time don’t realize that. How have you been able to maneuver this so well? You’ve recently worked with Lil’ Wayne, and in terms of music, that’s like the top of the chain right now.

Deion Gill: It’s about just following your gut feeling with what feels right, and feels the most right for you, based on not just how you assess things, but what you feel is the most relevant in your life to do something for. I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s about your heart and soul honestly.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I get it though. I think the vagueness comes from you still being grounded, and sometimes, it’s hard to dote on yourself or talk about things you’ve done when you’re so thankful and grounded.

Deion Gill: I appreciate it. I’m thankful everyday for the experiences I’ve had. I haven’t reached that point of celebrity where I’m getting endorsements, but I’ve been on tour, and done things I have literally dreamed of. I have no choice but to be thankful.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what advice do you give to someone who has worked just as hard, or they’re wanting to do this, and it hasn’t happened for them Deion Gill: A couple things. Don’t let anyone tell you no. You can do whatever you want, within the means of being reasonable. You can use social media to your advantage. Put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid of what anyone has to say.

Tweet out as many songs. Give the music to the people. Honestly, that’s what

Apple Music is doing. They’re giving the music straight to the people.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So do you prefer Apple Music, or Tidal?

Deion Gill: The thing is, I haven’t even used Tidal yet. I mean, I have Spotify on my phone, I’m not even going to lie. I can’t even decipher until I try it first.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I like Apple Music a lot. The downside is everything is not there yet, but I think it’s still in the beginning stages though. I spend a ridiculous amount of money on music though. Then I invest in iTunes Match so I can stream to all my devices.

Deion Gill: That’s good. Not a lot of people buy albums anymore though.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Yea, I think that honestly, as someone who loves music so much, you have to be at the place of supporting the music. I bought Jill Scott today, and absolutely love her. I’ve gotten probably ten new albums in the past week. I like to support the artists though. I think you’ll be one of those artists that people truly support because people can relate.

Deion Gill: I appreciate that. I’m really trying to give the music to the people.

That’s my job.

Urban Grandstand Digital: But the good thing is it’s not like a job though because you have fun with it. It’s like our magazine. I could do it for free and be just as happy.

Deion Gill: There’s a difference between a job and a purpose.

Deion Gill: I’m at a stage where I really want to work with the people I’ve always looked up to, like James Fauntleroy, and Pharrell Williams, and people who have influenced me in music so much that I can say they are the reason I started. Frank Ocean is another one, and I had the chance to meet him.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Exactly, and what you do is your purpose.

Urban Grandstand Digital: He’s a cool dude

Deion Gill: It’s a beautiful thing to find that purpose.

Deion Gill: He’s so humble and low key.

No ego at all. He’s a simple soul.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now your single has been out for a month. What are your plans now that steam is building.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Everything you’re doing is so good. We want to make sure we keep up with you moving forward. Are there any final thoughts or comments at all?

Deion Gill: Honestly, the next thing will be to give more content. I have a bunch of videos coming. I have a video for a song called “You Know”. I think people will like it more than the original.

I have a video coming with these two kids from my Boston Collective, they’re called Wood & Grain films. They are so, so talented. It was such a natural thing and the song is so real to me. The video just helps me put my vision for how I felt when I wrote the song onto film. I’m really excited about it. I have a treatment done for the video for ‘Show Me’.

Deion Gill: For social media, everything is @Deiongill, that being Instagram, Snapchat, Periscope, and my tumblr is actually @ImNotDeionGill. As far as final words, I’m grateful for everyone to be supporting me like this, and to see the reaction I’ve been seeing. I just want to say thank you to everyone. +

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there people you still want to work with?

urban grandstand digital

in the spotlight james worthy When it comes to power players in the industry, there’s a lot of people who come to mind. You have your Sean Combs’, your Russell Simmons’, and so on. These are people who have made tremendous impacts in the entertainment world. James Worthy is one who needs to be on that list. He’s another powerful figure in the entertainment business, and he’s making a pretty indelible mark right now with his own brand, Dream Musik.

We first touched bases with Dream Music earlier this year in our exclusive with Sara Stokes, who most will remember from P Diddy’s Making Da Band, as well as the many other ventures she has popping off. He definitely has a lot more brewing for the world to partake in. He’s got a roster that also includes Truth Hurts, Dave Tolliver, Men At Large, and a list of others, as well as a number of other ventures that is sure to make him a permanent fixture in this business.

James speaks candidly with us about Dream Musik and everything he has going on, as well as what we can be looking out for as the weeks roll by.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate your time today Mr Worthy. You have so much going on right now. I want to definitely talk about Dream Musik.

James Worthy: We’re doing a number of things as far as music. I’m producing on a number of albums. We have a few singles releasing very soon. I have producers and songwriters who are signed to me, and are collaborating on different projects.

I model and act as well, so I do a lot of work in other areas of entertainment.

into different things, which is good. You may not hear them musically, but they have their hands in different pots. Now they are coming back to where they started, and they’re revisiting what the fans want. They’re reintroducing themselves as artists. Truth Hurts is always touring.

She’s in Bulgaria now, and Sara Stokes is doing her own hair line.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m glad truth Hurts is back out there. So many people have been wondering where she’s been.

Are there issues in terms of the artists not Urban Grandstand Digital: How did trusting, or difficulties due to past things Dream Musik actually come about? You’re in their careers? the epitome of time management given the things you’re doing.

James Worthy: I haven’t had that issue.

I’ve gained a lot of respect in this industry James Johnson: It started out as a team to where if I bring on someone of that of people as far as songwriters, produccaliber, I can deliver. That’s a bold thing ers, and artists. I finally made a decision to say sometimes because a lot of peothat I needed my own imprint. I have a ple drop the ball, or don’t know how to few people I started with in the beginning handle an artist like that. I’m a go-getter, who are signed to me now. and more of a rebel in this game. I have no set boundaries or genre goals. We just Urban Grandstand Digital: You’re workcreate something great, and if it comes ing with Sara Stokes I know, but you also out perfect, let’s go with it. have Truth Hurts?

Urban Grandstand Digital: You’ve defiJames Worthy: Yes nitely built a solid reputation in this industry. A lot of people are eager to work with Urban Grandstand Digital: OK. Talk to me you. I see the messages, even on your about your formula, and what you have social media, where people are shouting that allows you to be in a position of reyou out. So how do you choose who you vitalizing their careers? Most of the artists work with? you have are artists who have been away for some time.

James Worthy: I remember back in the day it was more about if we could build James Worthy: Definitely. It’s been my something cool, or make cool records, focus since the beginning of my career. it was always great. Now, we have to be Not just about revitalizing careers, but I on the same page. I’m not a big fan of want to work with artists who are not only doing stuff and then we don’t do anyhousehold names, but they have clasthing with it. Now when I’m working with sic material and they’re known for that anyone, I check out the background, and material. So artists like Sara Stokes and the style, if it works for them, if they need Truth Hurts, they both have done great to revamp, and does it coincide with our things, and people know them for those brands. If it’s right, we make it happen. things. It’s really no formula, it’s just that we’re all fans of music and making some- Urban Grandstand Digital: You seem thing great. I think with me coming in the pretty approachable, and you’re very picture, we understand the goal, and it’s responsive to people. A lot of producers creativity at it’s finest. become somewhat untouchable in that aspect, and I think that’s good about you.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How difficult has it been in terms of helping to hone James Worthy: It’s always great to be in on what they really want to do. As you humble. I like to work with pretty much said, there’s an end goal, but Sara for anyone. It’s not about what you’ve done, instance, had her hand in so many things. but what you can do. I like to see people What is that like in terms of developwin and succeed, and it’s room for everyment? Even with Truth, we haven’t heard body. from her in so long that I would imagine she has other things going on.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What are your plans moving forward?

James Worthy: The great things about these two women is they branched off

James Worthy: It’s really about expanding the brand. This year is a branding year. People know me through name and product, but they don’t know what I look like. That’s more of the brand strategy we’re taking on this year. TV and film work is always good, but we’re growing, expanding, and signing new talent. We’re expanding into business ventures, maybe with a major label, and if not, then with an entertainment company. Gaining new endorsements and sponsorships.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk about some of the other things you have going on.

James Worthy: I’ll be on a reality show, called From the Bottom Up. Sara Stokes will be on there as well.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s what she was talking about when we talked earlier this year.

James Worthy: Yes. Then following up, I’ll be on another show towards the end of the year on Bravo. I have a couple ad campaigns overseas for a couple clothing lines that I’m working on. I’m working on some things for Calvin Klein as well.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You are really keeping things going man.

James Worthy: Oh yea, Urban Grandstand Digital: So the reality show. Can you talk about it at all at this point?

James Worthy: The show has been picked up by BET. The executive producers are Nicci Gilbert and Queen Latifah.

It’s an all female cast. They’re discussing these ladies who have been through so much. They went from the top to the bottom, and now they’re coming back strong. You don’t see that much on mainstream TV these days. It’s been all about the drama.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s good because it ushers in some positivity, but how do you think it’ll be received, given that drama has become the norm.

James Worthy: I’ve noticed with the reality shows lately that it’s so much drama that it overshadows the real message of the show. People are catching on, and they’re get sick of it. It’s only so much drama that you can take with every show.

I think things like Love & Hip Hop will fade away in time. I think people are getting over it, and it’s getting to that point.

It needs to be better script writing, storylines, and better casting. A lot of times, the casts are people who really don’t represent the show that it needs to be. With a show like ours, it shows the authenticity, the realness, and a real storyline. When people see that, it brings more attention to it, and they’ll say that this is what the rest of the shows need to follow.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What’s happening in your acting career?

James Worthy: I’m working on a couple of indie films, and a lot of commercials as well. I’m also doing film scoring.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s huge man, James Worthy: It’s great man. It’s a different level of creativity when you’re crafting a piece for a film. It’s more emotion than anything. It’s very dramatic sometimes, but it’s a great emotional thing.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think back to when RZA got into scoring, and I thought then that it was awesome.

James Worthy: It’s something else. It pulls a lot of creativity out of you. It’s like a climax. Some scenes may be sad, then they climax to somebody fighting. The scoring may go up to a higher level than what it started with. You can’t do that with a song.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what are things looking like in terms of projects being released?

James Worthy: I have three producers and two songwriters signed with me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What words of encouragement would you offer to someone looking to get established with this?

James Johnson: I always say make sure you perfect your craft. I see a lot of people who want to be producers, but they don’t know the necessary steps. They also confuse being a producer with being a beat maker. There’s a huge difference.

Make sure you know the difference. Never sell your integrity. Never step outside the box to what someone else tells you that you need to be. Always follow your mind and heart and do what you want to do because that sets you apart from being a follower or a trendsetter.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final comments at all?

James Worthy: I know Sara Stokes has her new single out with Babs called Sneak Peek. It’s on iTunes, and YouTube. Truth Hurts has a new single coming out called Fight for Love. I have Dave Tolliver releasing a single September 4 called titled Concert. We’re also working on a new Men at Large album. We have some real R&B coming back. +

don’t miss out!

Who is

jilly anais

?

This Houston-bred rising Pop sensation is well on her way to becoming that next household name. Silly Anais has already began making her mark in entertainment, and from the sounds of things, she definitely won’t be going anywhere any time soon. Her infectious single “Afterparty’ has been heating up the charts, and that’s only the beginning. She’s working on an album that’s sure to set the industry on fire. Take a moment and get to know who Jilly Anais Is!

Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you so much for your time today. I think it’s awesome, and what you’re doing is awesome.

Jilly Anais: Thank you for having me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me about how you got your start in this business?

Jilly Anais: Since I was young, I’ve been doing all types of things having to do with entertainment. I did competitive dance and cheer, and I was dancing since I was two. I’ve always been a performer.

I also did pageants as a child. I did my first pageant in 2011, Miss Teen Houston, and I always knew the stage was what I wanted to do. At age 14, I started doing cover videos, remixing the songs to fit me. After a while, I decided to begin doing original music and becoming my own artist Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing how much doing cover songs and videos can really get you out there, and not just for the up and coming artist either.

It’s good for those who are established as well. We connected with Tahj Mowry a few months ago, and he was also performing cover songs, and that worked well for him. What type of response have you gotten?

Jilly Anais: I got very positive responses. I got a lot of things that were uplifting, and it made me want to do my own music.

People loved my voice and sound, and that was encouraging. I felt like now was a great time to get started. After high school, I moved to L.A. on a whim.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what was it like being in Texas and wanting to pursue music and entertainment?

Jilly Anais: Texas inspired me. I love home, but I knew that for my career choice, I couldn’t do too much in Houston and I needed to move. I knew L.A. and Hollywood was the place to make my dreams come true.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So how long now have you been in the L.A. area?

Jilly Anais: It’s been for about nine months now.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How have things gone since moving and making that transition?

Jilly Anais: Absolutely amazing. I didn’t know a single soul moving here. I literally moved on faith, and knew that this was the place for me to be. When I got here, it’s been nothing but a blessing. I made connections by networking on my own.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s really good, and it’s a testament to your hard work, being able to follow your dreams.

We push that a lot with the magazine, and if it’s meant to be, it will definitely happen.

Jilly Anais: Absolutely.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So your single that’s out there, it’s doing very well. Talk about that.

Jilly Anais: My new single is “AfterParty”.

I released it on soundcloud a few months ago, and it did much better than I expected. I got a really good response from fans, and they were requesting it to be on iTunes. I never had music on iTunes, but I was like wow. They started their own hashtag. We ended up getting it on iTunes, and once I tweeted it out, I got so much support. About two weeks ago, I released the video on Vevo. It’s really exciting because it’s also on apps like Spotify and Pandora. It’s been playing on radio, and that’s so cool.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You seem to be doing so well as a new artist.

Jilly Anais: I appreciate that, thank you.

Urban grandstand Digital: Talk to me about the Juice.

Jilly Anais: That was a 5-song EP that I recorded last summer. I put out a single in the summer of 2014, and following that I released a video. I got requests from fans for that as well, so in February, I released the entire EP. It was my first EP. Urban Grandstand Digital: You’re growing at a rate where it’s not too fast, and not too slow. You should be able to sustain a lot easier that way.

Jilly Anais: Right. This is definitely not overnight. I know I’m young, but I’ve been working hard for quite some time now.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s good that people see that. They always have the idea that it’s an overnight success, but they see the work you’re putting in. I like the fact that you have a good knowledge of what’s going on in the background.

Jilly Anais: Another thing with that also is that people think I’m new at it, but then when they research, they see a lot of my work.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What has been the biggest misconception that you’ve fought in your career so far?

Jilly Anais: Definitely no matter what, you have to work for yourself. Nobody will work as hard for you as you will. I’ve learned that moving here. Always knowing that, I feel unstoppable. I know that as long as I have me, I’m good. I won’t let anyone else take control of my career.

Working with different people,m they try to change your style and sound and artistry. I stay true to who I am. I know who I am as an artist and person. I vowed to never let anyone change that. That has been the biggest misconception. People will try to change you.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What timeline are you working with in terms of an album now?

Jilly Anais: Actually, I’m releasing another song in August, and I hope to have a full album by the end of the year.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there people you’ve started working with already for you album?

Jilly Anais: Yes, I’ve worked with several people. I worked with Irv, who is a part of the Aristocrats, and they have worked with several artists, including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and I’ve worked with Vanity who have worked with several people as well. I’ve worked with a number of amazing producers.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It has to be awesome working with the aristocrats.

They’ve done some amazing work Jilly Anais: Yes, it was awesome, and of course, they produced After Party.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Where would you like to see yourself go as an artist?

Jilly Anais: I envision myself touring. I have a lot of people who reach out to me from around the world. it’s so amazing.

People in Nigeria, and places I’ve never heard of. I see myself touring. I’m a performer, and I love performing.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You have the best energy. I can tell from your enthusiasm that this is something you love doing.

Jilly Anais: It definitely is. It’s something I love to do.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Where can we find you online?

Jilly Anais: My website is www.jillyanais. com, and my social media is all @jillyanais Urban Grandstand Digital: Your website is cool. One thing I really love with your site is that you have lyrics there. I think it’s awesome, and it takes me back to the day when we had cassettes, and even cds where the artist included lyrics. Sometimes it’s the simple things.

Jilly Anais: I appreciate that. That was actually a fan request. It was a fan from Brazil who said she wasn’t good at English, and she wanted to know the words.

I love talking to my fans and she asked me to do that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Jilly Anais: Follow me on my social media and stay tuned. I have a number of projects coming up, as well as things beyond music with acting and modeling. I want to expand my horizons. As long as they follow me, they’ll see what’s coming next. +

urban grandstand digital

neffe soullow

&

a family

hustle

We were blessed with an opportunity to catch up with Neffe & Soullow of the hit series “Frankie & Neffe”. After a lengthy hiatus, and just when the world counted them out, they’re back to show the world that despite the trials you may be going through in life and with family, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. That lesson they’re giving us surely doesn’t come without a few bumps in the road. In this two part series, they both break it down for us in their own perspectives. Neffe takes us on a trip of how she survived the effects of rape, divorce, alcoholism, and depression. Soullow then gives us a play-by-play of the things he has going on, the power moves he’s making, and the struggles that go along with making those moves. Through it all, both Neffe & Soullow show the world that no matter what, it’s really all about family, and it is indeed a family hustle.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s a great thing. I’ve followed both of you, and obviously the shows over the years.

For things to come together for you, this is awesome. Where did the idea come for you to come back and do this show after being away for a while?

Neffe: That’s for my husband to tell you.

He was the guy to step up and say that we needed to see therapy with Frankie and her children. That brought BET to the table along with Keyshia Cole, and ultimately the Frankie & Neffe Show.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Was there any hesitation in you doing this again?

Neffe: None at all. As entertainers and public figures, you don’t want to stay in the same lane. I’ve always wanted to branch out, outside of being in my sister’s shadow, who is amazing and beautiful, talented, and I’m so grateful to carry her platform. As a woman though, I needed to branch out on my own. I thank God for that, my husband’s support, and my kid’s support. I also thank God for Frankie, Elite, and Keyshia being supportive, as well as BET. I’m very grateful.

Urban Grandstand Digital: In what ways do you feel like reality television has helped with growth in your family? I see a lot of differences since the beginning, in terms of responsibility, and how you live your life, and the way you deal with things. We see it from the outside, but how do you feel like it’s helped you?

Neffe: It has helped me in many ways. I had to take a five year break of course, to get my thoughts together so that I could recapture where my life was growing. I prayed about it, and went into a depressive state. I had become a drinker. I was angry and bitter, distant from my family, and we went through a trial and error period, which most definitely educated me on where my life is today. Living my life in front of the world was a lot. I take it as a blessing and a curse. The blessing is from God, and the curse is that when you live your life in front of the world, you can’t escape it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s a lot living your life in front of the world. Do you feel like this will affect the kids at all?

Neffe: Yes, and that was my thing about changing my outlook. I do have four daughters and an amazing son. They watch the show, look at me, and look at my husband, and they look at us like a family. I wanted to be better. I didn’t

want to be the problem. I wanted to be the solution. Having children definitely changed my outlook on reality television.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think a lot of people can commend you because they see the growth. You put your life out there along with the things that have hurt you up until now, and it can be difficult getting through that. A lot of times in reality television, you only see the negative, but you’ve been able to show how things can turn positive.

Neffe: …and I’m grateful for it. Had it not been for God, we would not have made it through. People ask me why I chose to put everything out there. I said that somebody needs to hear it. I too have been a victim of a violent crime. I was raped at nine years old. I battled alcoholism. I went through a bitter divorce. I was angry, depressed, emotionally, mentally, and physically. As a woman and as a mother, it can take a toll on your life.

I felt like, I can share this with the world and show that yes I did go through it, but I’m standing today to say that I made it through, and so can you. I needed to put that out there, and God needed to use my voice. I’m OK with that. I’m OK with my struggles. I’m OK with my faults. I’m OK with who I am, where I was, where I’ve been and who I am today. I want people to feel the same way and believe in themselves. Pray until something happens. Change is right around the corner.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Like you said, the beauty is that there are people who experience the same thing, and everything you talk about on Frankie & Neffe is something that people go through.

You have people who still deal with those harsh realities. For them to see how you deal with it, and that you have survived and come out on top, that is one of the best things people get from it.

Neffe: I will keep going too. Life is limitless. Put God first, You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep pushing yourself. I thank God for the opportunity. and I thank you guys for being a huge support, even after me being away for so long. It’s amazing how I can get out here in these streets and people still show love, and watch the show every week. It’s crazy bananas to see the support. I love my supporters and fans. You guys are the reason we continue to do this.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate the fact that you’re out there. It’s almost a catch 22, because regardless of the things you see, there’s often an ulterior

motive or a hidden agenda. Your motive is to push the positivity. The reality in that reality is that you have a lot of people who follow because they’re nosey, but once they see what you have to offer, they get more than they ever could imagine.

Neffe: You’re absolutely right. It is a catch 22, because people ask if it’s scripted, and do we plan it out. Absolutely not.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Well people like to see the drama though. You’ll always have those that want that drama, but they’re getting so much more, which is good.

Neffe: Well don’t get it twisted, the drama is there, especially when you got Frankie at the table (laughing). As far as her involvement, you just have to sit back and keep your eyes open. Mom is exactly who she is going to be and she brings it.

What you see is what you get.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s a testament though to meeting people where they are in life. We often have expectations of people, but you have to meet them where they are sometimes.

Neffe: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Mom is mom. She is almost 60 years old. She’s living her life. Let her live, and let God handle the rest. I’m not writing her off. I love my mother. I support her, and I love her. I thank God that she can be exactly who she is. I have to sit back and let him work. I love him first, and he gave me the ability to love her the same. No matter what she does, I honor, respect, and love her just the same, good, bad, or indifferent.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Can you talk about the book that you worked so hard to put together?

Neffe: Yes, a lot of people ask me about My Happiness, My Sanity, and where they can get it from. It was just me looking in the mirror, basically saying what do you want to do, how do you get there, who do you want to love, how do you love, and do you want to remain in the things you’re in. I went to Soullow and said I want to write a book. He asked what about, and I said I wanted to share my life with the world. He came up with the title because he said I was trying so hard to be happy, but can’t remain sane. I was really surprised at the reviews when I put it out there. I received 4.5 stars out of 5. I’m striving to reach best seller. Aside from that, I’m looking forward to go into

Urban Grandstand Digital: Looking at all you’ve done and been through to get to this point, what do you define as your happiness and your sanity?

Soullow: It goes without saying. She’s a brilliant woman with a lot of talent. That’s who she is. She’s the most honest person I know, and she’s a special individual.

Neffe: Being able to wake up and say thank you Lord. Looking at my children’s eyes in the morning when they get ready for school, and being able to fix them breakfast. Looking at my pets, waking up and rolling over to see the man I love on my side. He don’t stay out all night. He’s a family man, and a God-fearing man.

He don’t cheat. He loves his wife and his family. Being able to live with basic things in life that people take for granted every day. That is my happiness, which in turn keeps me sane. Being able to say Thank you Jesus for the favor in my life, and seeing the sun rise and set. It’s a lot of people out here who didn’t make it. A lot of people in my circle have gone on to see the Lord, but here I am, married with 5 children. It’s a beautiful thing. I thank God for it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How much of your music career will we continue to see in the show?

Urban Grandstand Digital: You and Soullow have built a really strong relationship. The level of support we see between you two is awesome. The way you support him on his music career is great.

A lot of people don’t have that in their relationships.

Neffe: I swear, I am his number one fan. I think I go more crazy over his music than he does himself. This has been for years.

I said man, if you don’t give me just one album. You are doper than some of the people who have made millions of dollars. What are you doing?

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s the thing with music though. Some of the hottest talent will struggle the most. He’s blessed to have you, and the people who are now recognizing his talent, but a lot of talented artists don’t see the light of day.

Neffe: If you have not heard that dope track “Last Night”, you are missing out.

And I’m not saying it because I’m his wife. I am a fan! People are sleeping on him. I’m not though (laughing).

At this point, Soullow joins in to continue on with our interview…..

Urban Grandstand Digital: Thanks so much for going in with us man. I was just telling Neffe that I love the fact that you two really support each other, and I think the support from you is really awesome for her.

Soullow: When we came back this year, we ended up by the grace of God being able for Neffe and Frankie to be there. Things didn’t necessarily work out as planned. Frankie got fired the third day of production. She made a couple episodes, but it ended up with me and Neffe and her sister having to take on the show. This was an opportunity for me to display what I do. It looks like I’m all over the place on the show, but I’m not. I do everything I say I do. It’s not made up. I shoot videos, and I produce music. I’m not limited to just one thing.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I didn’t really get the idea that you were all over the place though. I can see that you’re really doing some big things. Again though, I really like the support that you two offer each other with it all. You had good material, and there’s people you’re really killing in music.

Soullow: I mean, just to stay focused on TV for minute, being a producer, and the press release goes out national that says I’m all over the place, it puts that in the fans’ minds already. I’m not complaining though. I get it. I’m a producer. At the same time, knowing those are things I did through the show, I just want to give the most respect, on my craft and what I do, and how I do. When I see BET producers, I respect them. They’re doing their thing, and I’m doing my thing to. You may have the network behind you, but I have the streets behind me. I have fans behind me. I have a following. Shout out to BET definitely, and Stephen Hill, and everybody for giving us the opportunity. I don’t agree with a lot of things. The promotion on the show has been awful, and I’m not doing that to shoot down the network, because I love them. I’m just saying, you got a Nelly, who is not doing good in his numbers, but you’re steadily pushing him. No disrespect to Nelly either. You push him like it’s a hot commodity. We’re not made up. We’re not trying to make nothing up. They shot us in 22 days.

That’s unheard of. We shoot the show in 22 days, everyday. 16 hour days. I know it’s summertime, but give us the same respect. My wife and her family started this reality thing, and they had tremendous numbers. They say it’s different times, but

times don’t change. They stayed relevant for 5 years with no promotion. All the networks are competing with each other. Like, I heard you say that people love drama. Nothing about us is made up. You just caught us at a time in our lives where we were hurting and going through things. Dealing with a woman scorned is a tough thing for a man, because anything that happens to Neffe, it came back to me. A lot of men have hurt her. It was tough for me. I got exhausted, and the kids began to see it. Ten years later, we’re still here. Good or bad, we’re still here. We still have a family. That’s the difference with us. We’re not doing publicity stunts and acting tough.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that’s the beauty in what you have to offer with doing the show. You’re looking to get somewhere out of it, so it’s about family, and foundation. I can hear that there are things you want to push, and stuff you don’t want to push. That, obviously, doesn’t always coincide with the network and the ones pushing the show.

You won’t necessarily get the support you want because you don’t push what they want. When you only push a certain thing, that doesn’t always get supported.

I think that’s why people love what you have to offer.

Soullow: I get it, but at the same time, when you have something that’s organic, all natural, why would the network try to manufacture something that is already there. You don’t have to manufacture a TV show if you put the right production dollars in the right places, and the right people. I watched BET from the Bob Johnson days to the Debra Lee days.

Debra took a chance on this whole thing, and that brought the network back. BET, to me, is in a transition to where they may have fired half of the staff, and we got caught in the politics. Maybe that’s it. I’m not making excuses for BET. What I do know is we have a quality show, because it’s a real show. It’s not made up. We’re not fighting in the streets. It’s none of that. That’s not reality TV. Reality TV is me getting up, kissing my wife, having breakfast with my wife, going out in the streets and doing what I have to do, she doing what she has to do. The kids go through problems and I go through problems, that’s what makes it organic. To see a lot of this stuff, I’d rather watch the food network honestly (laughing).

Urban Grandstand Digital: What you guys have to offer is something that a lot of people have been looking for.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What you guys have to offer is something that a lot of people have been looking for.

Soullow: And you know what? Just so you know what I have going on, I’m a person of music. I never wanted to be an artist.

I have a gift of writing and delivering rhythms. A lot of great artists have the same gift. My death wish was never to be as big as Michael Jackson and Jay-Z. I just have some of the gifts. Neffe looks at it like I’m just as big as them, if not better. You have to understand my craft.

I feed them creativity. That’s why I do so good at putting a good story together, as you’ll see on the next episode, called The Mitchells. They’re a family out of Kansas City. Shout out to them. You hear my music, and you hear casualty, but maybe it’s an hour or two later. everything in music changes because of social media, and what’s hot. You can be anything on the internet, but in person you’re nothing. A lot of people have absolutely no talent.

No gifts. It’s like, Worldstarhiphop putting stuff out there and calling it Hip-Hop. Come on now. Just change the name to Shade 32 or something. That’s all we doing is promoting things that’s shady.

That’s what gravitates to the people, and the kids. They’re in single parent homes right now. Ain’t no dad, or ain’t no mom.

Just a woman that think she want a whole bunch of money, and a man that don’t care about the kid. The kids look at what they can. Parents not home and ain’t paying attention. They want to go on to see something to make them laugh, cry, and dream. If it works, and you getting money over there at Love and H…yea, I said Love & Hip-Hop (laughing). Shout out to Mona. If it works, get your money, I’m not no hater. At least make it real.

Make it something I can believe when I see you in person. If you catch me being quiet, that’s me. I’m not going to go all out and try to get attention. I don’t feel like that’s man or woman at all. Everybody is not going to be a star. That’s why a lot of these relationships don’t work.

They’re all made up for TV. Neffe wanted to get married on TV. I was like no. Everybody else is doing that. We’ll do something very intimate, and invite people that we know and trust. We don’t need the whole world watching for a spectacle, for ratings, and to make myself relevant. I cherish what marriage is. My parents have been married for more than 40 years. It’s not a game. For these people to play it, it’s irritating.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s definitely a different world in television, but we appreciate that you guys do what’s true

“A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND. STARTING A BUSINESS FROM THE GROUND UP IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO DO. I GOT A CALL FROM SOMEONE ABOUT A WEEK AGO FROM A LADY WHO NEEDED SOME INFORMATION FROM ME. SHE SAID SHE STARTED A LABEL, SO I ASKED HOW SHE PAID FOR IT. SHE SAID THE PAPERWORK WASN’T QUITE DONE YET. THAT’S NOT A LABEL. I SAID YOU DON’T HAVE A LABEL. YOU’RE JUST SAYING SOMETHING. JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A HOT RAPPER AND A CLIQUE, DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE A RECORD LABEL. YOU HAVE A STREET GANG. RECORD LABELS ARE STRUCTURED. IF IT COMES OUT STRUCTURED IN THE BEGINNING, YOU WIN IN THE END.”

to your heart. There really are people that want to see that. You’ve worked really hard to get to this point of producing, and you built your company from the ground up. Neffe is doing her lipstick line, and you guys are really doing it.

Soullow: With 5 kids, and a million other things we’re doing. Taking the kids to the doctor. Taking care of ourselves. All that extra stuff people are doing, it means nothing. It’s the simple things in life. Having a family is priceless. I don’t care if it’s a single home. But everybody is out there fighting. That’s what they’re programming us with. I just hope that with these interviews, people really hear what we’re trying to do. Put God first, then your family. Stop being thirsty for a few dollars that you can’t even manage. Most of us can’t even manage it. Educate yourself.

Tom Joyner say it all the time. Education is very important, and that’s what we lack.

That’s why we act the way we do. That’s why we’re killing each other. I have no gripes against nobody. You can say whatever you want to say, as long as you don’t get in my face. I’m cool. That’s the kind of respect we lack for each other. It’s a platform out there for our voices to be heard and we’re going to keep doing what we do. This is not an easy process. Starting a lipstick line, and a production company with no budget, is not an easy process.

My company has been out here for three years, and I’m just now starting to make a profit.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s where education comes in. I’m glad you quote Tom Joyner, because education really is everything. That’s the thing people don’t know about being an entrepreneur.

Starting something with no budget, most people would go under. The power is in the fact that you are able to sustain, and you’re still out there living and breathing to tell. You two are doing really big things. Even the catering company. That’s huge.

Soullow: I appreciate that. A lot of people don’t understand. Starting a business from the ground up is one of the hardest things to do. I got a call from someone about a week ago from a lady who needed some information from me. She said she started a label, so I asked how she paid for it. She said the paperwork wasn’t quite done yet. That’s not a label. I said you don’t have a label. You’re just saying something. Just because you have a hot rapper and a clique, doesn’t mean you have a record label. You have a street gang. Record labels are structured. If it comes out structured in the beginning,

you win in the end.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You’re definitely setting the tone and laying the proper foundation. In years to come, people will be on that right page. That has to do with what you two are doing right now. Keep doing what you’re doing, as you say. You’re not the norm right now, but the more you stick with it, it will become the norm and you’ll have far more supporters.

Soullow: I receive that. I got through that everyday. I go work out, and go to work.

I still work a regular job, while being on TV. They won’t show that though. Follow me in my everyday life, and you’ll see the things I’m doing.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I definitely will make sure we keep up with you two. This was definitely amazing, and what you have is something that will help people get to that next level, and mature. I truly appreciate you two.

Soullow: I appreciate you man. Shout out to your entire company. We feel blessed to be a part of this.

Catch both Neffe & Soullow on the hit reality series, “Frankie & Neffe”, each and every Wednesday evening. Check your local listings for times and schedule.

Also, keep up with them online at www. bet.com/shows/frankie-and-neffe.html, and at the following links: http://www.LaCoraMonet.com https://twitter.com/IAmNeffeteria https://instagram.com/TheRealNeffeteria https://twitter.com/SoullowDolo https://instagram.com/TheRealSoullow +

be sure to follow us on twitter @grandstandurban

noel

gourdin exclusive We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Independent Soul Artist Noel Gourdin, and what a great conversation we had. As an avid music follower, I’ve paid attention to a lot, not just with Noel, but music and artists in general. He’s released arguably some of the best albums music has seen in years, yet, we don’t necessarily hear very much about that. In my mind, that puts him in a very “elite” class with a list of other artists, and we talk a little about that. He’s done some powerful things in music with his releases, and this interview gives us the opportunity to spotlight that like never before. He has a great story in the fact that his road has been bumpy along the way, but he has managed to see his way through it while doing something that he absolutely loves. We talk a lot about following your passions, and in talking to Gourdin, it’s clear that he’s indeed following his passion. He’s living proof that you can follow your dreams and come out on top just by believing in yourself. Gourdin talks to us about everything from his start in music nearly 15 years ago, to the things he currently has going on, including his latest release “City Heart, Southern Soul”, touring, the new project he has in the works, and his new radio show.

Urban Grandstand Digital: First and foremost, I offer a heartfelt thanks to you.

There’s a lot that you have to offer, obviously in music with what we hear, and there’s a lot I want to cover. I think you’re one of the types of artists we truly love to promote. I’m grateful to you.

Noel Gourdin: Thanks a lot. I really appreciate your words. That’s a lot of encouragement and praise. I appreciate that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously, being part of the industry, I know you take witness to the many things we see, some good, and some bad. You release great music, music that’s heartfelt, and we can see that you’re following your passions.

That doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, and we’ll talk a little about that.

But ultimately, it’s been a decade, and you’ve been working hard. The fact that you’re still pushing, despite the setbacks, it’s a real testament to your hard work.

Noel Gourdin: That’s the mission, you know, to try and have that longevity. It’s unfortunate that we don’t get that light of day that we should. I think that artists with the likes of me, with the same similar principles, moving forward and making music, all we can do is make the best music we can, and pray that things turn around.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think they are turning around. The more that people like yourself continue to put it out, and stand by it, I think more people will follow.

Noel Gourdin: Let’s hope (laughing). Let’s hope that, because we’ve been treading water for as long as we can (laughing).

Urban Grandstand Digital: Definitely. I see a lot of it with what you’re trying to do with your music, and we’re along the same lines. Obviously, you’re trying to change the way music is received, and I’m along those same lines in journalism and the things we promote with UGD. I opted to launch my own because I don’t care for a lot of what is put out by media.

I think media gets a bad name, and surely because of what has been done over the years, but on the same token, I felt like why not do my own. I like the fact that you’re independent, and doing what you really want to do.

Noel Gourdin: I commend you for doing that. It’s almost the same as an artist and going independent. Standing firm on what you put out, and what you want your name on. That’s a beautiful thing

when you step out on a ledge and live on faith, move forward, and believe in what you do. You hope that it’s really time for people to grasp it and support it. That’s a beautiful thing. That’s what we do as indie artists and hope that they are ready for it. There’s a lot of music out there that you can’t believe gets the love that it does. That’s what it is.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I know man.

Some of the things I see, it’s like really?

Noel Gourdin: Yea, but look at the award shows. It’s all over the place.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I know man. I know. But like I said, it’s great talking to you. Looking at the road you’ve traveled, you’ve worked hard at doing what you love. You never want to feel trapped in doing what you don’t want to do just for money. But when it doesn’t work out as planned, however, it can be devastating to a lot of people, especially in an industry where you’re seemingly backed by a label who may not get the picture, and don’t know the way they want to go, or it can be a variety of reasons. There’s a lot of disappointment with that. Things may not sale how they want. You may push 250,000 copies, and for them, it may not be enough, but reality says that is a lot of people. It can push an artist to not wanting to do it anymore. How have you been able to push through that sort of thing?

Noel Gourdin: It definitely can be devastating. You think in your eyes that it’s a clear victory, but in other eyes, at the bottom line, it’s not. It can be crushing. It can crush a person, and as artists, we’re already sensitive anyway (laughing). I think it’s instrumental to be able to pick yourself up. You have to be able to take criticism and grow a thick skin. When I started this, I really started doing my music hard in 2000 or so. I wasn’t doing it full time, but when I really started to make trips to New York from Boston, and sleeping in cars to try and get opportunities to speak with people walking in and out of buildings, it was a hustle. That was around 2003 and 2004. That’s when I jumped into it full time, and got a deal with Sony in 2005. When things don’t seem to pan out, it’s always important to pick yourself up. That’s to the young artists out there listening. It’s always important to pick yourself up. You get all these no’s, and things don’t pan out the way you envision, but it’s that one yes, or that one piece of good news.

For me, it was Steve Harvey, putting in calls to labels. He wanted to play the record, and things changed. I remember where I was and everything. I was back in Boston Massachusetts, and I had just had a long night. I was in the bed when I got the call about that. You just have to remain optimistic, keep a clear head, and stay focused on what you want and what your vision is for yourself. You have to form a thick skin. Emotions get thrown around, and it can be a harsh industry.

You have to be ready for anything. One day you can be riding high, and the next day, you know.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Looking back, what would you say, for those up-andcoming artists listening now, was the hardest part of getting your deal?

Noel Gourdin: I would say self-doubt.

You start to question yourself and your abilities, and whether you are worthy to be in this industry. You start to doubt yourself, but you have to think back and know in your head that you’ve already had your validation moments, and it’s time to move forward with the confidence you had when you were traveling to have that meeting. It’s about staying true to yourself. Don’t let that doubt creep in, because that is just the devil trying to steer you clear of what is written for you.

You have to be there to be in the game of winning. That was happening to me.

I had all these moments of validation. I was out with Dr. Dre in L.A. in his studio for about a month and almost got to a point of a deal, and with Kay Gee in New Jersey. Before I was signed, I was on the soundtrack and at the beginning of the movie “The Cookout”. There’s moments where doubt crept into my mind. I said now, I deserve this. I’ve worked so hard and devoted myself, and sacrificed. I didn’t want to let them down. So I always kept it in my head.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s great advice. It’s also good to point out people and recognize those who also sacrifice to help you along the way. People like Steve, and the way he pushed “The River”, how did that come about?

Was it expected?

Noel Gourdin: It came out of nowhere. I did not expect it. It was crazy, getting to know him afterwards, he said he was in his car and the song was playing. He said he had always heard it, but never knew who it was. He said he got a chance to hear it from the beginning, and he found out who I was. That was the day that he had played it maybe 5 or 6 times.

I think my phone was dead, and I had gotten like 30 messages from my then-manager. Each message got louder, and more profane (laughing). I didn’t expect it at all. That’s what I mean though, with keeping your eyes on the prize. Stay focused and grow that thick skin, enough to keep you in the game. To have your life changed like that by Steve Harvey on his syndicated show, I was blessed. I’m fortunate that I was still in the game, and had enough to keep me alive for that long, fighting the good fight.

Urban Grandstand Digital: There has to be something satisfying in knowing that when people speak your name, they know the music is good, and it’s quality.

I think of so many people, a long list of artists who have been working hard, and they may not seem as popular, but when you hear their name, people just know!

Like Bilal, Rahsaan Patterson, and you’re in that bunch.

Noel Gourdin: I appreciate you saying that. Yes, there is a prestigious group of people making music, and I mean the under-appreciated artists, like Rahsaan, Dwele, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine, and all of these people. They are leading artists in the industry, putting out some of the best music, and they’re not getting the light of day. That’s the mission for me.

Quality control. I’ve always been listening to albums, and you have to skip around.

Where’s the quality control? You actually sat at a round-table and said this whole album is right. I take pride in that, and the people I trust who i can work with and ask how they feel about it. I want the entire album to scream quality. I believe in that, and try to make every record on my projects part of a continuous thread.

I want to be sure it’s quality. I try not to use profanity. I want everyone from age 2 through 92 to be able to listen. That’s beautiful the way you put it. When people hear the names of the people you spoke of, they know it’s quality.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You mentioned Calvin Richardson. I spoke to him about the same things, and a collaboration he did with Angie Stone and Raphael Saadiq almost 15 years ago, and the fact that I can still listen to it like it came out today. It’s unfortunate that a lot of that is overlooked.

Noel Gordon: Absolutely. Like I said, these artists are making that timeless music, and I call if retro-relevant. It’s got that throwback feel, but it’s still relevant and it stays fresh. That’s where you cross lines with age. That’s why it’s called timeless.

People will enjoy it thirty years from now.

Can you say that about today’s music?

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny that I was just talking to someone a couple days ago, and saying that today’s generation, they won’t have what we have in terms of music of the past. They just have the “Nay-Nay” (laughing). We had the Temptations, and the O’Jays, and people who were out when we were younger.

Noel Gourdin: That’s another thing. We have those infomercials at 2 and 3 in the morning. You actually stay up when you can’t sleep and watch about these albums and compilations. Think 20 and 30 years down the line with today’s popular music. I know I won’t be watching (laughing). It doesn’t have that staying power, or that ability to captivate the way music did before. That’s what today’s artists are trying to do. We’re following suit in a sense, but staying true to what made you feel so good about listening to the O’Jays, to Marvin Gaye, to Sam Cooke, to the Temptations, to Blue Magic. That feel that you had, that’s what we do, but still keep it relevant. You get the best of both worlds. you get the classics, and the oldies but goodies, and you get today’s music. I appreciate that you put me in that distinguished group. I feel like we’re bringing you the best of both worlds.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You’ve been blessed to collaborate with some amazing people. There’s a song with you and Avery Sunshine, and oh my god, it’s amazing. I would love to hear you with people like Algebra Blessett, people like Jill Scott! Are there people you want to work with still?

Noel Gourdin: Well this next project, I do have something like that in the pipeline. It’s interesting that you said Algebra, because we were on the road, and spoke about doing something. I also wrote something with Calvin Richardson and Conya Doss, and Eric Roberson, David Hollister… I have something in the pipeline. Just make sure you keep your ear to the ground. That’s where I’m at right now.

I’ve had a lot of opportunity, but hadn’t moved forward because I want people to get to know me. For that reason, there haven’t been a lot of guests. Aside from Avery Sunshine, I did a record with Latrese Bush, who is a wonderful independent soul artist. On my second album, I had Courtney Harrell. So with my next album, I’m looking to rub elbows with these artists that I happen to be friends with and have in my phone (laughing).

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s awesome. I’m excited, as I’m sure so many others are too. I question whether I’m getting old, or is it just that my taste of music has changed. What you’re giving us is something I look forward to in what I purchase. I’m just getting back to that point where I buy music again. Nobody was really worth me spending the $20.

That’s a lot of money for some people, especially if it isn’t quality.

Noel Gourdin: Well, I appreciate that. I always try to put a great deal of effort into messages and stories. It’s funny that Tonya Simpson called me a southern fried soul singer. She loves the stories that I tell.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s true life though. I look at the videos and what you’re saying, and it’s the same thing everyone out here is going through. It’s true to life.

Noel Gourdin: That’s what’s real important to me as well. That speaks to the quality, and those human qualities and instances that everyone goes through.

That’s what I try to do with every project, is speak to hearts and souls. Whether it’s in a certain way, that’s the thing is coming up with new ways. Coming up with slick ways and fun ways that make you shut your eyes a little and smile. That’s what I do when I listen to old music that makes me feel good. I grew up on the oldies that my pop loved so much. That’s what I try to do when I make music. I try to make music that has a great message, something with substance, but still make you move and think about that first love, or first breakup. Something to put you in a different space.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Do you feel like you were able to accomplish your goals with your latest album?

Noel Gourdin: City Heart, Southern Soul, was me paying homage to all the inspirations I’ve had since a little boy, growing to love soul music and what it did for me.

I feel like I met all the criteria in making that, and having it represent me as an artist and as a man. There’s a lot of records on there that I adore. “Photography”.

“Adore”. They are records that people enjoy. I worked on them with a few people. We all envisioned the same thing, and I feel good about it. A lot of people feel it’s my best work. It was with a tightknit group. A lot of people that should have more notoriety.

They’ve worked with a lot of big names in the industry, but have not gotten their names to the top of the list. It was great to work on that project and I love the way it came out. “Heaven Knows”, “Spotlight Loving”, “Foxy”, “Patience”. I was able to pay homage to the music of the past, but keep it retro-relevant.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you’ve been able to change lives with it. Sure, people rate each album amongst each other, but I don’t look at sales. I look at what people gain from it. Are they able to learn and grow from the album? Can they apply it to their lives? It’s not about the sales. That comes and goes. The idea of anyone being an artist is to be able to change lives. That’s why some of my questions, I use as a way to get out to people that you are human too, or you might have slept in your car, or this happened, or that happened! People coming behind you need to see that because they are dealing with a lot of the same things. It only helps to know that someone else experienced it. Sometimes, it’s the very thing that gives somebody the spirit to keep pushing. Also, I mention Steve Harvey a lot, but it’s monumental to have someone on his level and it’s not forced. You didn’t call him and say “hey, can you push my music”. He did it on the strength of you being a good artist.

I had a similar story, and like you said, you hear a lot of no’s, or people flat out ignore you, and it can be discouraging. I wanted to work in radio, and was literally being ignored, but my person to help me was Russ Parr. He doesn’t know me from a hole in the wall, but one email to him, and he spoke to the right person to get me in. That’s why say it’s good to look back and thank those who help.

Noel Gourdin: Absolutely. If you’re not there, you can be in the game, if you’re not in the game, you can’t win.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Exactly. Now what other things are on the horizon, aside from shows?

Noel Gordon: I have a number of shows coming up. Chicago, Los Angeles.

Everyone can stay up on dates through my website. www.noelgourdin.com I’m working on a new project. I’m still on the road to promote City Heart, Southern Soul. A few more singles will be released.

People are sending scripts for plays and shows. I’m busy with that as well. I also have a radio show, The Soul and B Revival.

Urban grandstand Digital Are there any final comments at all?

Noel Gourdin: I just want to say I appreciate my supporters and fans alike who have been there. It all means a tremendous amount to me. I put my love, heart, and soul into everything I do. Hit me on all of my social media accounts, @noelgourdin, and on Facebook it’s facebook. com/therealnoelgourdin Check out my radio show on Facebook at www.facebook.com/soulnbrevival and on twitter its @soulnbrevival +

buisness spotlight: Sharice Johnson We literally stumbled upon some of the best artwork that we’ve seen in a long time, and we felt we needed to spotlight it with this issue! Meet Sharice Johnson, someone I’d like to think of as the ‘Artist for the Stars”. Sharice has been working to get her graphic design business off there ground, and she’s been doing a fantastic job at it thus far. The very thing that has drawn an enormous amount of attention to her is her cartoon artwork. She literally takes a picture, and in a short period of time, she’s put together a piece of artwork that many are ready to drop big bucks on. Take a few moments to get to know Sharice Johnson in our feature below, and by all means, check out her website to see the amazing artwork herself. All appropriate links to her sites, as well as social media, are linked at the close of the feature!

Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you so much for granting us this amazing opportunity. I feel like I just stumbled upon your work. What caught my attention was the photo you did of Mimi Faust’s daughter.

You were able to do something amazing, and your artistic capability really shines through. Talk to me about how you got started.

Sharice Johnson: I’ve had a lot of ventures creatively. I started out with Cosmetology but it wasn’t fulfilling to me.

I would think of ways I could do something creative and fulfilling. I’ve always done graphic design as a child, just not as extensively as now. I started out taking a few classes at a community college, and then went to the International Academy of Design and Technology. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design back in 2012. From there, I started out looking for a job with a company doing design, but could not get my foot in the door without experience. I would try to teach myself different things and stay up to date on things like Creative Adobe Suite. As time went on, I had more children, and I felt it would be easier to go into business of myself.

I used social media as my platform to get my work out there and gain clientele. Basically, it has grown from there. I use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to expand my brand. That’s how I’ve gained my clientele and paying my bills.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you’re doing it perfectly. It makes perfect sense to use these avenues. That’s perfect using social media because you never know who will see it. I love the fact that you started doing one thing, realized it wasn’t fulfilling, and you went to something else.

It takes a lot of guts to step out there on faith and do something you want. I think

it’s much easier for you to get out there and do things for yourself.

Sharice Johnson: Right.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now I saw a comment you posted on your Instagram, and it said “People will laugh at your dreams and hate you when you make them come true”. Have you experienced that?

Sharice Johnson: I have. I’ve always had people who doubt me, but it was just motivation for me. I know what I’m capable of, so I’ll do it on my own. The 9 to 5, the one thing I did not like was that they can get rid of you at any time. As a mother, I can’t handle that. I wanted something I could be in control of, and there was no limit to income earned.

their business. As time goes on, if they did need a designer, they may take me up on that and visit my site.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think one of the other photos I enjoyed was Janelle Monae. I thought you did an awesome job with it. How do you decide who you want to do a rendition of?

Sharice Johnson: I follow a lot of artists who have a large following, and they also do artwork of celebrities. I have a personal page on Facebook, and I pay attention to the people that trend, and the ones who have popular music and use social media. That determines a lot of times who I do renditions of. I try to touch bases on different artists and models, reality stars, and anyone who has a large following and can bring business.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So in terms of the art that you have put together, have you just done this to get yourself out there, or have you gotten to a point where the celebrities are your clientele?

Urban Grandstand Digital: For someone wanting to get your artwork, how can they do that?

Urban Grandstand Digital: What kind of feedback have you gained?

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what about someone from far away wanting cartoon work? Do they send pictures?

Sharice Johnson: Underneath my artwork, and on my file section in Instagram and Sharice Johnson: I haven’t had any celeb- Facebook, I have my email address and rity clients as of yet, however, they have my website. They can go onto the webthe largest following. That was another site and gain more knowledge of who I way of gaining followers and validation. am. I also do business cards, branding, Some of them give a like or comment, and anything graphically. The cartoon and that of course brings attention. I want artwork grabs business though. They can their validation because that will bring view my portfolio, and my services. They business and grow my following. I started can complete the form on my contact out doing the artwork of celebrities. page and I will reply from there.

Sharice Johnson: Sometimes they repost it, and other times they give a smile, or some type of emoji to acknowledge they’ve seen it. That’s good enough for me, but a step further would be gaining

Sharice Johnson: Yes. When they contact me, I give them the price, and if they choose to proceed, they just send me a photo, and my turn-around time is about

two days. If they prefer the art file, they can take that and have it printed, or I can print as well and ship it out.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I love it, and I love to see people succeeding with their passion. In terms of social media, can you plug it all in addition to your website?

Definitely. It’s facebook.com/designedbysharice, Twitter is @Sharice_Omari, and Instagram is @ShariceOmari. My website is www.dujourfilms.com/designsbysharice Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there any final comments at all?

Sharice Johnson: I basically enjoy what I do, and like to inspire others. Being recognized for my passion and inspiring others to follow theirs is the icing on the cake for me. +

Teedra Moses

cognac & conversation

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Teedra Moses, and the conversation was nothing less than amazing. Many will remember Teedra from her days with TVT, and many have also followed the last decade, during which she has released a number of independent mixtapes. She’s finally blessing us with her new studio release, Cognac & Conversation. We chat with Ms. Moses about her new album and it’s direction. We also get into everything that has been going on over the past decade, and why it took so long for us to get this official follow-up to her 2004 debut, and why it has been so important for her to connect with you: the audience!

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s awesome to sit down and catch up with you. I’ve followed you for so long, and love what you’re doing. People love what you’re doing in this industry. It’s been a long time in terms of major releases. You’ve had a number of mixtape releases, but why is this new album considered your follow-up to the 2004 release?

Teedra Moses: …and I’m all for it. I just don’t want to go through the hoops. Artists are cool because we speak the same language. It’s the A&R and the management that messes it all up. They want to get into this process, and I don’t have time for that. It’s not to sound arrogant, but life is short. I don’t want to deal with all that.

Teedra Moses: It’s my first mixed and mastered project since that time, so it’s the official sophomore project.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I’ve never been an artist, but witnessing what you go through, I get it. Listening to what you’ve been saying, and your desire to deal with the people, the key is making sure you have good management so you don’t get jerked in the process.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously you’ve worked with so many people, but what took so long to get to this point?

Teedra Moses: Well TVT went bankrupt and it doesn’t exist anymore. I wasn’t in a rush to find a new label. My experience wasn’t horribly bad, but it didn’t pan out the way I wanted. I don’t know how to deal with labels. My management does more of that. People think I’m stand-offish because I don’t handle the business side. I’m definitely an intelligent person and I know what’s going on, but I prefer to stick more to the music. After that, I focused on the people. It was easier for me to go straight to the people. After my label fell apart, social networking became more prevalent. I was able to tap into going straight to the people. That’s what I did. It didn’t sell mass numbers, but it was the perfect thing for me. The internet and downloads became prevalent and helped me to build a fanbase. For a while I wrote for people, but it wasn’t really my passion to give everybody else songs. I wanted the opportunity for people to hear my music the way I intended, whether it was on every radio station or in somebody’s home and they pass it on.

I just wanted to connect to the people.

That’s what I’ve been doing.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s ironic that you say it wasn’t your thing to give away your songs because you’ve provided some really good songs to others.

Teedra Moses: That’s a major part to me.

Any success you see from me is a partnership. I have lots of people who help, including band members, but the main partnership is my sister and I. I get the opportunity to be an artist because I have someone that I can trust with my life. It’s just as important to her as it is to me. I’m the spokesperson, but it’s our thing. I can trust that she’s going to do what’s best for me because it’s our thing. We both do this equally. I think that’s something I truly understand. You can have a big manager who doesn’t give two craps about you. They can have all the connects and don’t even connect you with any of them.

When you have people who believe in you, it works.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You hit the nail right on the head, and it’s a testament to why you have been around so long.

Teedra Moses: Everybody gave up on me (laughing). They’re like “girl you’ve been doing this too long”, but we have the vision though. We share the vision.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s so much better with you being independent.

I think you being with Shanachie is a good marriage. What took you there?

Teedra Moses: I think it’s a good marriage

too, because it’s still indie. The difference between…and my sister tells me Tamar says this, and I love Tamar, if you don’t love Tamar you’re a hater (laughing), but the difference between a major and indie is the coin.

You have a little more support. If my sister and I can push along these ten years and keep growing our brand, then to amalgamate with someone else, another smaller label who won’t come and take this and that, it works out well. I was going to put out California Vibes last year. I’ve just been sitting around waiting to see what things were going to happen with things that were on the table. People have been asking me about putting out music. It’s never that I don’t have it. I write songs and write music that is timeless and I don’t have to rush it. Whenever I put it out it’s always OK. I was going to put it out last year and she suggested we get some help. She has to maneuver the money because my coins are really small.

So, she was like you can’t keep doing things at the same level like you don’t have the money. I get it because she’s the business person. I just want to make the music available. She decided to offer it to the label we’re with now, and they didn’t want an EP. They wanted a full album, so we ended up releasing the EP, and now we’re doing a full album for them.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It was really good though. 5 songs was perfect.

Teedra Moses: Thank you. I don’t intend to do ratchet (laughing). I don’t have any intentions to be like Oh this is just an EP. Anything I do, I try to do it as good as possible to rock myself. When I can rock myself, I’m happy because I’m really hard on myself. . I don’t look at myself as though this is all I can do. I have to do as good as the person with a million dollar budget because I have God, which means I have a million dollars. I have all the promo I need. When you stand with God, you have to stand in abundance.

I’ve never been one to compete with anyone except myself. I never felt like I was competing with anyone else, but I always looked at budget. Last year, i just got to this place where I realized I have talent. I have my sister who has been down forever, and a team of producers and musicians. I have so much that I was overlooking. That’s how California Vibes came about. We did not pay for one mix or song. It was family and friends saying we love you, keep doing what you’re doing. I’m grateful for this new mind state, and I feel like I can’t lose.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I really like Get it Right. I’ve listened so many times, and for a while, I thought i heard something else, almost as though there was a sample.

Teedra Moses: Praise God because there’s no sample on there. Them samples be wearing me out. It’s no sample in that. People sample my vocals, and I don’t make it a big deal because it’s all love. Shout out to Nate Locksmith. He did not sample anything on there. That’s just raw talent.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I love that song. Talk to me about the song?

Teedra Moses: Get it Right is conducive to how I feel about us as a people. I don’t know what happened, and I’m not talking about black people. I’m talking about people in general. I don’t know what

happened or what’s going on. I’m a grown woman so I’ve been around a while. When I was young, people just loved a little differently, romantically.

They loved different. They had their trials and tribulations but they took a shot.

They tried. I don’t see a lot of that going on. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one doing it, but I don’t see my friends doing it. it has nothing to do with the soul, the soul is sustainable. Soul to soul relationships will never die. When you connect to someone, that does not die. It could be two or three years later.

That person may not see you until you’re laying in your casket, but they never lose that feeling. They feel the same way.

That’s what I’m speaking about. I’d rather be your queen than your bad bitch. All this stuff people make a big deal about means nothing. All these things, trinkets, and all his flossing, it means nothing.

That’s what people put their value in, but it can be taken away. What do you have that’s sustainable. Even though I am speaking from a place of romantic love, and at the time, I was looking around because I wrote the song four years ago, I was thinking that this is wild, and I’m not with it. I believe in a man being a leader.

That’s probably why I’m single because I need a very strong man to follow. I don’t mean with our heads down and with no voice. He’s the protector. you’re behind him as support. That record means so much to me because it’s where I am in life.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That record will take this album very far. What else is there to expect?

Teedra Moses: All I ever Wanted is on the album, and it speaks to there being real people out here who are concerned with the real things in life. I have a record with Anthony Hamilton called That One. It’s the same theme. It’s all about love. We have sweet sexy songs. With Rick Ross, I have the title track, which is about vibing out with somebody around the world.

Let’s go around the world, get this money, and have fun. it’s feel good music, and the album goes into a zone. I have Rick Ross, Anthony Hamilton, and 3D Na’Tee on the album. 3D Na’tee is from New Orleans. She spits on this track called “Only U”, and she does a great job.

Speaking from the mind of a real woman.

The whole project is sensual, but it comes from the mind of a real woman.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now you’re from New orleans, right?

Teedra Moses: Yes… Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s wonderful that you’re bringing someone from your hometown into the fold.

Teedra Moses: Yes, and she’s dope. I’m going to start working with more New Orleans artists. I’m staying a few weeks beyond Essence Fest. I want to work more with artists there. I have a national

platform so I want to spread the word.

We have lots of talent there.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I’ve only been there once, but I was able to see so much, and yes, there’s so much talent there.

Teedra Moses: …and it’s unfiltered. There ain’t nothing Hollywood about New Orleans. You’re getting it raw and real.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Have you started looking at touring and doing shows?

Teedra Moses: Definitely. We’re looking at Cognac sponsorship for the fall.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What else is going on in light of this project?

Teedra Moses: That’s the culture of it. Every weekend, there was crawfish boiled, my auntie was selling plates, and we always were together. All this stuff I want to create comes from a nostalgia I have when society was not so individualistic.

The word God has been giving me is that we have to join together to create beautiful things. i have to put in my heart to show the culture of black people where we come together to love each other.

We’re losing that unity, and I take as many opportunities with my art to show how we can get back to that.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I know people will love to see that, and with your new album, people are really craving this new material. Are there any final comments at all?

Teedra Moses: I always day I am grateful.

Teedra Moses: I work on the music more I’m thankful to the people who have been than anything. I’ve already started the rocking with me for the past ten and next album. It’s time for me to hit you eleven years. You could have given up on with more commercial albums. My objec- me, but you didn’t. I’m appreciative and tive is to never make you wait this long grateful. If you have dreams and goals, for an album. I’ve given away music, done stick to that and do it. What you need mixtape, and paid my dues. I’m also more than anything is God. When you working on a project with my alter ego. walk with God, you can’t lose.

Her name is Shanita Sheik. She is more of + an alternative R&B girl. Her subject matter may sound a little trappy at times. My audience may not take to that. They may think I’m going in a new direction. I won’t stifle myself, but I won’t lose my audience either. I just have things inside that don’t stick to what Teedra Moses does. I’m not speaking that way for that reason, I’m just speaking that way because Im talking about alter egos. it will be a 5-song EP. When I go into New orleans, I’ll be shooting in July, then go back in September or October, and then again in February. The object is to shoot a documentary called I Miss My Momma. What I want to show is the celebratory party culture of the black people of New Orleans and how they get over and mourn pain. Somebody dies, and we party. People take their last money and don’t pay the bills to buy fish to boil. They have block parties annually. We have second lines weekly. You can find out on the radio station where it’s going to be. We have a culture of partying. We have lots of pain. New Orleans is a city like the Caribbean. It’s very poor. I call it I Miss My momma because overtime I go home, I feel so close to her. I feel that is the only home I have where I remember my home and my mom before everything turned to the way it is today.

Urban Grandstand Digital: That will be so good to see. That’s how you come together.

urban grandstand digital

get your copy now

artist watch New artist Teenear is well on her way to being a force in the entertainment world.

As one of the newest signees to Miami-based Slip-N-Slide, she’s tearing the charts up with her Sage the Gemini-assisted gin, “Friday Night”, We caught up with Teenear as she’s out promoting that new single, and continuing to work on her debut album.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you for your time today.

Teenear: Thank you for wanting to talk to me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Urban Grandstand Digital: How does it feel to be out there doing press and doing what you love?

Teenear: It’s amazing. To be able to do all I’ve done, performing and everything, it’s been an exciting experience.

Urban Grandstand Digital: You have to be having a lot of fun out there.

Teenear: I am having so much fun.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I can imagine working so hard, and obviously this was not an overnight success, but to see it all come together, it’s a testament to your team and your hard work.

Teenear: I’m so happy with the way God has blessed me so far. I’m eager to see what the future looks like.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Your song with Sage the Gemini, Friday Night, talk to me about the message behind it.

Teenear: That song, it wasn’t supposed to happen. We were in the studio recording another song, and afterwards, we were contemplating on whether we liked what we had just recorded, and Anthony had already sent me some beats. I really enjoyed them, and he suggested I write to it right then. We just came up with this idea, and it turned into this song. I don’t have a story that really made it come

Teenear

about, but it’s a song that a lot of girls can truly relate to. I know there are girls who have been through that situation. I’m so happy that I was able to write this song.

Teenear: Thank you so much. I don’t want to be stuck in a box. I want everyone to be able to listen to me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How easy, or difficult, is it to write to something on the spot like that?

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there people you still want to work with for the album?

Teenear: Honestly, in that moment I was literally scared. I usually write by myself and there’s no pressure. It wasn’t so bad, though. We have this relationship and I feel like he’s my older brother now. It was a great experience.

Teenear: Right now, since we just started, when it comes to writing I love the connection in writing with Anthony. I recently worked with Jim Jonsin, and it’s crazy. I was in awe seeing him start off with his creativity. I plan to work with others as well, but right now, I’ve just been working primarily with Anthony.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So talk to me about what’s next to come? Are you still working on the album?

Teenear: We are still working on it. I have my second single, but it’s not coming out yet. I love that song also, but we’re not sure about the album yet. Right now, we’re just trying to find good songs that I can relate to that show who I am.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I had a chance to browse through your sites, and I get the sense that you listen to multiple genres. I noticed you had done covers of songs by Ed Sheeran, and One in a Million. Who else are you listening to?

Teenear: I listen to every kind of music there is. It’s weird became my mom will listen to some of my music and ask what the heck it is. I love music in general. I love Lana Del Ray to death, but I also love Beyonce. I just love music. When I hear an artist that I like, I stick to it.

There’s no need to stay in a box or just do R&B. As an artist, I can take my career anyway I want. I want to be very broad.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Urban Grandstand Digital: I love artists like yourself that listen to a variety of music and blend different genres together. There’s so many artists who have ventured out and one this and broken barriers, and then it shows your versatility. I think you’re doing

Urban Grandstand Digital: What else can we look out for with your and your music?

Is your album coming this year?

Teenear: I don’t think it will be this year.

It sucks that putting out albums isn’t as effective as it used to be. I’m trying to have Friday Night be the main thing and let everyone hook onto that as much as they can. Then I’ll put out my next single and we’ll see how it does. The album will come once I feel like I should put it out. I want to work my hardest and have people really want to go and get the album.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I hope people are taking notes from you, because that’s the mentality that artists should really have. You have so many people who throw so much material out there that it doesn’t get recognized the way you want. When you work hard enough and you have the right people behind you, it works really well. It becomes possible to get to the level that Beyonce is at.

Teenear: I know, getting there is my goal.

She has built a brand that is unbelievable.

She can push a button and say her album is out, and it reaches millions. She is my biggest inspiration because she has built this amazing thing for her self. No one can take it away from her.

Urban Grandstand Digital: She’s a good

example for self confidence, self esteem, and so on.

Teenear: Exactly. She’s not raunchy, and she’s very classy. The last album was whatever, but she’s able to do that now.

It wasn’t crazy to the point you couldn’t watch her.

Urban Grandstand Digital: The people who complained about it were the first ones to buy it (laughing).

Teenear: She’s married and has a kid. You can’t take it away from her.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that in terms of persevering and following your dreams, and doing the things you want to do regardless of what someone tells you, you just have to keep doing it.

Teenear: Exactly.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what else is there that we should know about you right now?

Teenear: I’ve just been performing. I have two other singles that aren’t out yet.

When people see me, they’ll see more of what is to come. I have a few

performances coming up. Everyday something new comes up. That’s where my focus is now.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What do you see long-term for your career? Do you feel like you want to go into the business side more?

Teenear: I want to make sure that wherever it takes me, I just want to stay true to myself. I plan to make sure I do that, regardless of where God leads me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate you so much. You’re very down to earth, and I can tell that you enjoy what you do.

That’s when you excel the most. I think you’re doing awesome, and I want to see more. Are there any final thoughts at all?

Teenear: I am a God-fearing woman, and when you see me, the things I’m doing are a reflection of God. I put God first in everything that I do. +

keep an eye out for her

Toi & Rouvaun Walker

Baring

it

all We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Toi Troutman-Walker of the Bravo Reality series, Newlyweds: The First Year. the show chronicles the first year of marriage, which anyone who is married can attest to being treacherous at times.

It can be a lot when you’re merging your lives, moving in with someone for the first time, and learning live together as one. For Toi, given the story of their union, is was a no-brainer in doing the series. As an entertainment publicist, and as the daughter of the late Roger Troutman, she was used to the hard work and the rigors of entertainment. The story is a little different for Rouvaun, however, someone who had no previous ties to entertainment, and work in the financial world. As you’ll find out in our feature, he was dead set against it. So how did it all come together? Toi opens up about her experiences with the series, and exactly how it all played out for her and her husband. She also talks openly about her father, his influence, and the legacy that he has left behind. With this show, they are baring it all when it comes to their lives and their union.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I must start by saying it is an amazing honor to be able to speak with you regarding the show. Thank you so much for allowing me into your life.

Toi Troutman-Walker: Thank you for having me.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Most definitely. I want to begin by saying I believe it’s awesome you decided to spotlight the first year of your marriage. There’s so much negativity in reality television and we’re not always shown in the best light. I think that what you have is showcasing black love at it’s finest, and what it takes to get through that first year. I can personally attest to the first year being rough, or at least it was a little rough for me (laughing). Why did you opt to go this route?

Toi Troutman-Walker: It wasn’t an immediate decision or situation. I had to persuade my husband. He wasn’t on board at all.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think I would get that sense because you have that entertainment background, but he has been a business man.

Toi Troutman-Walker: I thought it would be nice to show the women who have reach their 40th birthday without finding Mr Right that it doesn’t mean they won’t.

Who would think that your second time could be your fairytale marriage. I was hellbent on showing the story because I thought it was so fascinating. Also, the part about us meeting in 1996 on AOL, back in the day when all you had was dial-up. Then to basically be apart all that time, and reunited with social media. I thought the story was relatable, and I wanted to tell it. I had to persuade him to agree with me and he finally did.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Well a lot of times, we have no choice (laughing) Toi Troutman-Walker: Basically (laughing) Urban Grandstand Digital: The other powerful piece is that social media brought you together, AOL first, then Facebook this time. You have a lot of people into internet dating, but there’s a lot of negativity even in that because of certain things that come along with it. Your story shows that it works.

Toi Troutman-Walker: It can work. I feel like if you bring an open mind to the table, and I’m not saying run and date

everyone you meet online - absolutely not - because there’s a lot of crazy people online. But, if you come into the situation with an open mind, and honestly, and not show a baby picture when you really don’t look like that anymore, or a size 2 and now you’re a 22 (laughing). Put that 22 out there and say this is who I fabulously am. If you love it, this is what you get. You’ll be surprised to find that people are refreshingly pleased by honesty.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now regardless of being an adult, you always have family who get in your business and have opinions. So what were the thoughts of family in regards to online dating?

Toi Troutman-Walker: Back then, we had one date, so it was cool. I’m dating myself, but not everyone had a computer.

Only the cool people had computers.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I certainly wasn’t the cool one. I did not have a computer in 1996. I was in the computer lab at the University of Akron (laughing).

Toi Troutman-Walker: That’s right! So it was only certain people who had computers. If you had one, and was chatting in Black Voices and went out, that was cool. Nobody was really saying anything except you met a person, that’s awesome. As the years went on, we didn’t speak at all. This is a sidebar: the reason I love and trust him so much, or at least one of the reasons, is at the time, he was married to someone else. I never once heard from this man. There was no poke!

There was no instant message!. That’s what was awesome about it. So once we did reconnect on Facebook, I haven’t had anything negative, at least not to my face. Once people see us together, they’re just so amazed and they feel our genuine love.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s awesome, and I think back to that time. Black Planet was the thing at the time (laughing) Toi Troutman-Walker: Yes (laughing) Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s so cool though. Were there limits that you had in filming? Or certain things you did not want to reveal?

Toi Troutman-Walker: They had a sleep cam, and my husband snores. He did not want the world to hear him snore. I do not know what that was about.

He cooperated with everything else, but he did not want to deal with that sleep cam. The night we had that sleep cam, I don’t think either one of us slept (laughing).

Other than than that, we were just so proud of who we were that we thought we would be boring. People like drama and filth and foolishness. Let’s be real. All these shows we talk about are so negative and people love them. They’re so popular.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny you say that because I realize that, but I think things are turning around. I believe there are people that really want to see positive faces. You have T.I. and Tiny, and you have Nellyville. These shows are doing well.

Toi Troutman-Walker: I do think they are choking us with the negativity. Ratings don’t lie. When you’re in front of that camera, there’s a tiny piece of you that doesn’t want to be boring. If being respectful, upstanding black people is boring, then we just will be boring. We get both. Some say that we’re boring, and some love us. You can’t please everybody.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I love the fact that if people say you’re boring, it is what it is because I like the positivity. I joke because at the end of the day, I love the Housewives of Atlanta (laughing), but I do want to see more positivity. Your husband is doing amazing things on the mortgaging side, and that is awesome for our kids to see that.

Toi Troutman-Walker: There’s not a lot of us in that industry. That’s another reason he didn’t want to be on television. He’s got employees. He didn’t want anybody to know how he kisses his wife (laughing).

Urban Grandstand Digital: I believe the two of you have an immense amount of power in your portrayal. Does it bother you being the only black couple on the show?

Toi Troutman-Walker: Honestly, what’s cool about the show is we’re all so different. None of the couples met each other, by the way. It films for a year, and we never meet. The purpose of that is to show that no matter what walk of life you come from, what race, or sexual orientation, if you’re in your first year of marriage you will experience these things. Let’s look at four couples and find out how they are all in the same place without ever knowing

“HONESTLY, WHAT’S COOL ABOUT THE SHOW IS WE’RE ALL SO DIFFERENT. NONE OF THE COUPLES MET EACH OTHER, BY THE WAY. IT FILMS FOR A YEAR, AND WE NEVER MEET. THE PURPOSE OF THAT IS TO SHOW THAT NO MATTER WHAT WALK OF LIFE YOU COME FROM, WHAT RACE, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION, IF YOU’RE IN YOUR FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THESE THINGS. LET’S LOOK AT FOUR COUPLES AND FIND OUT HOW THEY ARE ALL IN THE SAME PLACE WITHOUT EVER KNOWING EACH OTHER. SO I DIDN’T THINK ABOUT BEING THE ONLY BLACK COUPLE.” I just said I’m going to be positive and be myself. I’m going to be the best me that I can be, regardless of being black. I wasn’t holding the whole black race on my shoulders, but I also don’t want to embarrass my momma. My mom is watching, and her friends are watching. When she goes to church, I don’t want her friends talking behind her back.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I have to say I can relate because when we post things for the magazine on social media, I have to consider the fact that my mother is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Toi Troutman-Walker: They’re going to show whatever you write. So you have to be careful.

Urban Grandstand Digital: The platform you have is amazing because you also spotlight your fight with lupus.

Was it difficult to put that in the spotlight?

Toi Troutman-Walker: It was a no-brainer for me. I’ve been an advocate of lupus awareness for quite a while. I did a YouTube video one day when I was sick in bed, and for some reason, it got 40,000 hits. That’s when I realized there were people who wanted a voice. It’s one of those invisible diseases, and people say

she’s so glamorous and tall, and you don’t look sick. All disabilities are not visible. It affects so many black women.

That’s another part of it. There was no question for me. It is intrinsically a part of my story. I can’t be genuine without it being out there.

As far as if it helps, I got responses from many lupus patients. people have written me for guidance and inspiration, I participated in lupus walk in L.A., and I’m active in some of the lupus charities and groups. There are a few more people now who are aware that we need to start directing some dollars to finding a cure. No matter how many people get diagnosed, the treatments haven’t changed in 70 years.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s great to see another face attached to it, especially on the celebrity side. You have people who have looked at individuals like Toni Braxton who speak about it a lot, and now to have you makes it even better.

Toi Troutman-Walker: You just do. You decide which is not going to happen and let it go (laughing). And you have to be OK with your decision. You have to say “I can’t do it all, and I’m not going to pretend to”. What happens is you start half-doing everything, and the quality level goes down. Even having lupus, that has to be my philosophy. When I run out of spoons, that’s it. They say we wake up with ten spoons, and we use them throughout the day for various things.

Something as simple as taking a shower may take three spoons on any given day.

If I’m out of spoons, I’m out of spoons. It is what it is.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What is the one thing you want everyone to gain from the show?

Toi Troutman-Walker: If I had to say one thing, I hope they’re entertained. I think from a PR standpoint, I hope they want to find some hair (laughing). I hope they love my hair in every single scene and run to my website and buy hair. Run to my store, which actually has happened. And on a serious note, I hope they see there are black people who respect and love each other, and are OK with that being our definition.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How important has it been for you to keep the legacy that your father and uncle built alive?

Toi Troutman-Walker: I couldn’t bring the publicity business to Northern California because there’s no celebrities here. The hair business was born out of necessity.

I went to find hair and wasn’t happy with the quality I experienced in L.A.. My husband suggested I bring it to the Bay area, and that’s how that was born. When I was filming the show, it was a juggle, being a new wife, new step mother, dealing with my hair business, and being a television personality.

Toi Troutman-Walker: I can’t even say that I put myself in that space. I’m not even worthy of that space. I know nothing but hard work and tenacity. Behind all of that was me hanging dry wall, helping build houses, singing background vocals, doing arrangements, cleaning the bathroom, and helping in the studio. That’s all I know. I don’t even look at it like maintaining a legacy. It’s already in me. That’s what I’m made of. I don’t know what a sick day is. I remember i told my dad I was sick and I didn’t go to school. So the next day was Saturday, and I felt better.

I said I was going out with my friends to the mall, and he said no no no! You’re too sick to go to school, so you’re took sick to do anything. So you, young lady, are sick until you’re ready to go to school.

After that, if I said I was sick, I was hospital-bound (laughing). He wasn’t about that. Everybody’s back and knee is hurting, but you better get your job done.

I don’t know anything but that. So the legacy is built in.

Urban Grandstand Digital: So how do you balance it?

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing to think of the ground they laid. Two

Toi Troutman-Walker: We have to do it.

I hope they start to direct some of those research dollars to things that will help this disease.

Urban Grandstand Digital: How do you two balance everything? You have your hair business, and was a publicist.

weeks ago, I saw a video of your dad on Video Soul with Donnie Simpson, talking about the vocoder, and it was amazing to see his humor and the fun he was having.

Toi Troutman-Walker: It was second nature.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Do you every have difficulty in hearing the music?

Toi Troutman-Walker: You know, it’s like yesterday to me still. I can’t turn on the radio without hearing Zapp & Roger. I hear a record everyday. It used to be hard for me, but now it’s awesome. Now I listen to the artistry and I’m amazed and entertained, even beyond people who weren’t there. I used to feel like “Oh God”, but I’m good with it now. I feel like when the songs come on, they’re supposed to because it’s their way of saying I’m still with you.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing they inspire so many age ranges.

Toi Troutman-Walker: There’s little kids who love Zapp & Roger. A lady interviewed me yesterday and said her son is two and is in love with it.

Urban Grandstand Digital: My son is one of them. And he’s into older music in general, so last week, he was playing and singing Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Toi Troutman-Walker: Is he playing instruments at all?

Urban Grandstand Digital: Not yet. I’m considering getting him into it.

Toi Troutman-Walker: Yes, you need to let him explore that. If they love it that early, there’s a reason.

Urban Grandstand Digital: But they’ve inspired so many. I remember being 10, and running to the store to get their music. It’s great music.

Toi Troutman-Walker: It is, and it was so ground-breaking at the time. Everyone does their imitation, and their T-Pain and use vocoders now, but at the time, it was ground-breaking stuff, and that’s what made it so incredible.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now are there any final comments at all?

Toi Troutman-Walker: I’ve done a few interviews, and everyone asks me that, so I’ll say what I always say. Just be yourself.

If you’re a belcher, you need to belch.

He needs to know that. Don’t turn into a belcher after 6 months. Don’t decide not to wear your spanx anymore (laughing). If you have cellulite, you need to show that after two weeks. You have no idea how many people send their representatives for the first 90 days and then don’t like each other, and wonder why the relationships don’t work. Go in there and be yourself. If it’s not the right person, then it’s just not the right person. +

urban grandstand digital

album review I can’t help but grow excited for the future of R&B and urban music with each listen of Victoria Monet’s Nightmare & Lullabies Act 2. Released just a few weeks ago, she’s making a considerable amount of noise in the industry with this release, and rightfully so. Boundaries are definitely being pushed and stretched, and what she has to offer is rather far from the norm. To say it’s alternative R&B would be quite a disservice, yet, she’s definitely on her own page. On this second release in her Nightmare & Lullabies series, standouts include 90’s Babies, Cupid, See the Light, and the T.I. - assisted Mad Generation.

I like to think of this as her coming of age, and this series isn’t her first foray in music. She has collaborated with numerous acts, and at one point was signed to Rodney Jerkins and Motown as a member of the group Purple Reign. With Nightmare & Lullabies, she’s grown into an entirely different person, and that growth is definitely reflected. The world is in store for great things from Victoria Monet.

album review With such a beautiful voice, good, relevant lyrics, and hot production, Janine and the Mixtape is definitely that next big thing to hit the music scene.

She gave us Dark Mind in 2013, and that was then re-issued last year. Now, she’s surfaced again, this time with XXEP, a 6-song EP offering what I consider to be some of her best music to date.

The mood is still dark with this album, and the tracks are mostly filled with pain and heartache.

I’ve said before that she reminded me a little of Aaliyah, and I hear it more in her style and delivery with XXEP, but it’s honestly a good thing. It definitely isn’t at a level where you feel she’s trying to emulate. It’s evident that there’s a lot of influence in general, and it comes out in the music. Nevertheless, Janine and the Mixtape is an artist all her own, and is destined for great things.

urban grandstand digital

See you next issue!

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