Xcentrix Magazine II

dat damn fool

D. Ellis ricky smiley morning show:

Beat of 97.9

the

the artists of 13 entertainment

Break ‘em Off Boyz & K-Tun

making an 800lb. gorilla

Steve Austin

the evolution of ghetto rock

Downsiid

Entertainment Issue!

Note from the Founder Xcentrix Magazine has done it again...we are proud to present issue number two...and we can’t be happier! Working on this issue really taught us the true meaning of struggling and hard work. With every issue, our goal is to give you the best in local entertainment. We feel that we have surpassed that in this issue.

Working with D. Ellis was such a pleasure for me.

His energy is remarkable and his respect and positive words were very refreshing. We live in a world of such hurt and pain that we forget how to laugh, so it’s wonderful to have comedians standing strong to take us back to a happier time in life.

I can honestly say working with each and every person in this issue was such a honor. We are looking forward to the next issue where we are featuring some of the hottest models, fashion designers, bartenders, hair salons, barbershops and much more.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success to this issue. I would like to give a special thanks to God for blessing me with such a wonderful mother (Corah Williams). I just want to let her know, I love you and thank you.

-Vanessah McCarroll

“the elite in local entertainment”

Vanessah McCarroll founder / publisher

Jamila Jones

creative and editorial director contributors ryan sanders

ebony moore

kevin pyle

mary jefferson

shawn lane

sun child wind spirit

jarriel jones

mari michelle

susie dillon

jordan ramsey

dennis cail

monte

dj shi

sage

shayla mcclellon

mashell jae

emmy lee

ian hall

keith mcklish

monique koohi

a.d.

just like that fotos

How to Reach Us Our email address is xcentrixmag@aol.com. You can also send letters via snail mail to Xcentrix Magazine, P.O. Box 98, Lewisville, Texas 75067.

cover photo courtesy of just like that fotos

Advertising. For advertising rates and our editorial calendar, visit www.xcentrixmagazine.com or call 972-415-4744 or 972-415-3204.

contents vol. 1, issue 2

16

features

07 The Future Is Happening Now 09 Newbies Handlin’ Up Neverset:

by chick draper

Rappers Break’em Off Boyz & K-Tun: by mary michelle

21 Mastering Trades Jacked 25 Making an 800 lb. Gorilla 30 The Beat of 97.9 D. Ellis:

by ryan sanders Steve Austin:

as always...

Fashion nuBreed Fashion Rebel Spread photography by jarriel jones

Menology

Black Snake Only Moans: Understanding E.D. by monte Lone Rangers: Are Men Lonely? by ryan sanders

Gypsy

Sisters of the Giving Movement: Cheryl Jackson and Lynette Shofner by susie dillon

X-Sessions

by mary michelle

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show:

16 Fort Hood Unleashes Newest Weapon 50 12 Wild Horses: 52 The Ranch (Belton, Texas) 27 21 by dennis cail and jordan ramsey Downsiid:

by chick draper

by dj shi

33

Gleesome Threesomes & Awesome Foursomes by sage Sexual Relationships: Is Bi-sexual the New Gay? by shayla v. mcclellon

Black Pearl Gallery Featuring the Commixx by sun child wind spirit Major League Djs by mashell jae

Studio Sessions

Not My Child: Internet Protection for Your Children

38 48

The Future is Happening Now Neverset Reaches for the Brass Ring by chick draper

One of the things I’ve learned in life is to go for the gusto, live life to the fullest, take every opportunity to breathe deep and drink it in. You might say, “Never settle for less than you deserve.” Well, you would if you were Shawn Hamm, vocalist and prime mover for the Dallas band Neverset.

He says that’s the inspiration for the band’s name. He would probably also say it’s Neverset’s credo. You can see that philosophy in full force on their current CD, “Behind Every Door,” produced

by Eddie Head. They released it themselves and have already sold more than 4,000 copies in and around Texas. They are getting solid airplay on radio throughout the region and are being added to rotations throughout the country.

You can also see the “never settle” in their live show.

The band has been touring almost non-stop for more than a year, and has seen the bulk of these United States opening for the likes of Nickelback, Hinder, Rob Zombie and others while sandwiching headlining gigs in between as they go. They are routinely selling out those headlining gigs throughout Texas. They are preparing to go back out again shortly and will open for Static X, Papa Roach, and Three Days Grace.

Neverset has been together about three and a half years, and has a wide variety of influences. Joseph, the bass player, cites 311 as one of his main influences. Nate, the drummer, digs the ‘80s hair metal. Bryce, guitarist and co-vocalist, likes Tool and the darker stuff. And, angling for the oddest of the bunch, Bric, the other guitarist/co-vocalist, loves Creedence Clearwater Revival, of all things. Shawn says he had been in several bands and did well but always felt frustrated. He decided to take matters into his own hands

and create something he could be happy with. He worked hard putting together all the elements and now feels that he’s been successful. They’ve mixed these elements together and created something dark and hard, but melodic.

Songwriting is a collaborative effort, with everyone sharing duties. They are currently writing, although they have no plans to record in the near future. Sean says the process is never the same and sometimes takes even days to hash it out. Other times, it’s BOOM and it’s done.

One such “5 minute” song on the latest CD is “The Next Hardest Thing.” It was, apparently, inspired by a country western song from yesteryear. There is no mistaking this as a country band, however. It is the mark of great songwriting when a song can translate across genres. You can easily hear “The Next Hardest Thing” with different production being a hit on your local country outlet. And yet, it fits perfectly with the rest of the material on Behind Every Door.

Their almost relentless touring and solid recordings have built a loyal fan base —at least regionally —but now

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

they’re ready for the next step. Iceberg at RenegadeRadio. net says the band has a legitimate shot to be “the next one” from the Dallas area to break out nationwide. I’m inclined to agree. The band has a master plan to make that happen and it’s already well under way. From the beginning they knew they wouldn’t be settling for the usual music business scenario wherein young band works hard, signs a recording contract, shoots their wad on the album, releases the album (with little to no support), tours their brains out (with little support), only to have the album sell nothing. Then they end up stuck in L.A., dumped from the record company and owing them money. There’s a million stories in the Naked City and they all sound pretty much like this one.

They’ve basically shunned label interest of any kind up to this point. Shawn says their plan has been to develop a strong following, create name recognition, and sell solid numbers of their CD on their own. Their intention has been to create a more balanced relationship with any potential record company by bringing a larger, more complete package to the table and avoiding being forced to accept scraps. The strategy seems to be working.

A girl Shawn dated introduced him to Jason Sakowski, who has worked with Theory of a Dead Man, Three Days Grace, Motley Crue, and Hoobastank. Jason is the co-founder of management company Lock Out Entertainment, and his partner is New Jersey Devils defenseman Brad Lukowich.

The band and management company immediately felt that they were on the same page, and the relationship has paid off. In just a year, Neverset has gotten a video on MTV - where they were named the No. 2 up and coming band in the country, and now the band is set to make the rounds of New York record companies that they are interested in partnering with, like Jive Records.

No one can predict the future and Nostradamus doesn’t live here, but it looks like Neverset might have put together all the elements to create the type of future they can be happy with. What is it that goofy Aussie used to say? “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams!” Maybe it’s a pretty good philosophy then, so, “Never settle for less than you deserve!” xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

PAPER OR PLASTIK visual references & inspirations on the web at www.paperorplastik.com

for more info call 323-852-1667 or email info@paperorplastik.com

Newbies Handlin’ Up

K-Tun

13 Entertainment’s Artists Chart Their Own Courses by mary michelle

When Carl Thomas is behind the scenes orchestrating all sorts of major business, the artists of the young 13 Entertainment don’t seem to just sit at home or go get their nails manicured.

They work hard to perfect their crafts, and also help friends and family members who have talent and drive break into and remain in the music industry.

That was the motivation behind Carl’s forming 13 Entertainment, which already has a “list” of artists that includes K-Tun, Omega Supreme, Lil’ Sen and T-Real.

“That’s how it should be—if we know we out

Lil’ Sen & T-Real

there trying to get it and we know a friend or a cousin is trying to get it, if we can help each other out we should,” is the motto artists say Carl applies.

It is for this reason that he helped his nephew Lil’ Sen break into the music industry to “have a chance to try to see if he can establish a name for himself.” According to T-Real, an independent artist who doubles with Lil’ Sen as a member of the duo Break ‘Em Off Boyz, it went something like Lil’ Sen helped T-Real (a popular promoter) connect with Carl to record and release their music. Around the same time or shortly thereafter, K-Tun (an award-winning visual artist) heard from his uncle Kelvin that his cousin Carl was starting a label, K-Tun said. So K-Tun went to Carl with his materials and also bought his other cousin Omega Supreme to the 13 Entertainment family.

Lil’ Sen, who is home schooled, met T-Real while attending Sam Houston High School in Arlington, where T-Real is wrapping up studies.

T-Real said he began attending Sam Houston after transferring from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth. xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

with Break ‘Em Off Boyz throughout Dallas/Fort Worth and in places including San Antonio and Waco because of the family support he has received from his mother, friends and siblings. “Right now, we’re working on our first CD that will be in stores and it should be out this summer, called We Ain’t Trippin. Our first few rap CDs were pass-out CDs to build up street credibility. I’m also working on my solo album Half Past Real that should be out by the end of the year, plus we’re posting stuff like upcoming events on our page at myspace.com/ breakemoffboyz. We been telling everybody we just gonna take over so just know we comin’.”

Like Carl, T-Real and Lil’ Sen, Omega Supreme and K-Tun are excited about the opportunities the new label provides, and they are more than willing to keep working to achieve their own goals as well as supporting each other. After all, Omega Supreme was one of the family members K-Tun was groomed by growing up. Other family members include his mother, Texas Longhorns cornerback and cousin Brandon Foster, his uncles, sister, other cousins including Kevin Bunton, and older adults.

Omega Supreme especially helped K-Tun find his “He was one of the first people I met at Sam Houston and we instantly became real friends and got together and started something,” T-Real said, adding that he and Lil’ Sen quickly learned what each other’s talents, hobbies and dreams were and they wanted to see each other achieve them.

All about family and each person pulling his own when the fleeting time to shine comes, the 13 Entertainment network is one solidified by experienced and hungry people pooling similar interests to keep up the good work and to do even more.

“I know a lot of people and can bring a crowd of my own, plus I love doing my own thing and I love doing the Break ‘Em Off Boyz thing with Lil’ Sen. So joining the 13 family was good for me because basically I just like to entertain people and make sure they have a good time, even if it ain’t hardly nobody there or I gotta come up with something new to do on the spot to grab them,” said 17-yearold T-Real, who mainly has been able to perform xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

10

rap voice, so there was no way K-Tun would join 13 Entertainment and never try to turn Omega Supreme on to the new family label that could become a successful endeavor for those willing to put in the work together.

“I’ve never been afraid to work and I still work— I work in a warehouse by day manufacturing orthopedic braces like for knees and elbows, and I do music at night working on my album Lil Bro’s Application,” said 20-year-old K-Tun, whose music reflects his honest approach to hip-hop, gangsta rap and R&B. “I try to be around people with positive attitudes who are trying to do something with their lives because that’s the kind of person I consider myself to be. Being around older people most of my life, I learned a lot about how to stay out of trouble and keep a positive outlook no matter what. And although I have a lot of street knowledge, because basically we all experience the streets anytime we step outside our parent or parents house, I also know that this street knowledge, the positive knowledge, the formal books knowledge, everything from all my experiences can be bought into the studio so people can be able to take ‘Lil Bro’s Appplication’ and know they can run with that.”

K-Tun, who has plans to start school in August to major in Visual Art, says his musical and academic pursuits are just the beginning. However, being realistic, he realizes that he must properly pace himself and have a stress-relieving outlet for times when focus is clouded because demands are almost overwhelming. To relieve his stress, he expresses himself through paintings and drawings—and has even won first and third place in an art competition that sent him to Washington D.C., where he made a lot of connections and learned more music and art, as well as other aspects of the Arts & Humanities including drama, poetry, literature, and dance. He also has plans to participate in The Artist Review June 22nd at Maxwell’s, an event organized by RegalCity.8m. com and offering him a chance to exhibit and offer for sale some of his past and current works in acrylic, caulk and pastel. His page at myspace. com/23ktu provides additional details regarding K-Tun’s exhibits, shows and music.

11

mycastle.4t.com turnerteam@mycastle.4t.com

Marcel Turner - Realtor

(817) 881-3080

PeopleWarmers for your party Karaoke Bartenders Host/Hostess

(972)880-8316 Want to see your poems, autobiography, stories, or other writings released?

Have photos, paintings or drawings that you want placed into a book?

BePublished!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Finish writing/compiling Select package (bepublished.org) Email shani@bepublished.biz Mail payment with disk/CD Be an author in 10-45 days

bepublished.org bepublished.biz (817) 446-7280 xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

menology

Lone Rangers Men don’t socialize, shop, talk on the phone, or go to the bathroom together the way women do. Do they need friendships less? Or do they suffer from loneliness more? by ryan sanders

photo courtesy of istockphotos.com

Steve Hayes works as a pastor and is all about people— praying with them, eating with them, visiting their families.

In his own family, he and his wife, Kim, have four kids. So he is always around people, yet he is lonely.

“I don’t feel that I have the same ability to confide in my friends that they have in me,” Hayes said. Part of his loneliness may be the result of his job — always the pastor, never the parishioner. But some experts say it may also be because of his gender.

“Because men don’t talk on the phone a lot, go shopping together, go to the bathroom together and all that, they have fewer outlets to seek social support and express problems with other men,” said professor Brian Spitzberg, Ph.D. “Even if they try to do so, that doesn’t mean that other men would be good sources of support.”

Spitzberg is an expert in the area of loneliness. He teaches in the school of communication at San Diego State University, has co-authored six books and 80 scholarly chapters and articles, and specializes in something called “the dark side of communication.” He said that while there isn’t much evidence to support the idea that men are, in the main, more lonely than women, there is considerable evidence that the lack of social support among men leaves them less capable of handling loneliness.

“There is quite a bit of evidence that men are more adversely affected by break-ups, divorces and so-forth. They’re more likely to get depressed,” Spitzberg said.

That idea seems counterintuitive, but Spitzberg explains that, because they don’t photo courtesy of istockphotos.com often have close, emotional attachments with friends, men are much more likely to view their romantic partner as their best friend. While women may deal with a break-up by calling a girlfriend and crying over the loss, men are left to handle the disappointment alone.

To underscore the point, Spitzberg cited a UNICEF study that declared the United States dead last in terms of family stability among 21 wealthy nations. U.S. families saw the most structural change and divorce among the countries studied.

“We are increasingly a fragmented society,” Spitzberg said, adding: “It’s a reasonable speculation that [male loneliness] is a bigger problem in America and in other societies that are high on individualism. The American ideal is to establish our own sense of emotional resilience.

To pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Collective cultures have a built-in support system that we lack.”

A family counselor for 33 years, Dallas psychologist

John Kane Ph.D., agrees.

“We are taught not to show our emotions and let that get in the way. It’s especially true in certain fields—military, doctors—where we don’t show emotions often,” said John.

But what about Hayes and his loneliness? His profession, Christian ministry, certainly doesn’t frown on showing emotion. Kane returns to gender differences.

“Men think with a different side of the brain,” Kane said.

“It’s been proven that men use more logic and reasoning while women think more with the wonderful, emotional side of the brain. Because of that, men don’t even think about loneliness. We don’t even think in terms of emotions at all. We all have about 365 emotions. I talk to couples every day. I ask the average guy to name as many emotions as he can and he does good to get three or four. Women can name 15 just off the top of their heads.”

Hayes contends his experience underscores that point.

“Men develop relationships quickly, and they are usually built around things that are shallow like sports and entertainment,” he said.

“Women need an emotional connection.”

So what is he to do? Is loneliness the curse of every American male?

“Find the kinds of activities that are social in nature and that you naturally enjoy,” Spitzberg advises. “Not that solitary activities aren’t useful.

For instance, exercise is useful against depression. But social activities are more likely to help.”

And technology may hold some promise as well. Spitzberg said that lonely people often retreat to parasocial activities such as watching television to cope, a practice he called “not healthy.” But new media, including online networking sites, offer more opportunity for real, albeit anonymous, interpersonal experience.

“There’s a fair amount of evidence that at least younger people are so acclimated to new media that those forms facilitate relationships—not using them as a substitute for face-to-face relationships, but as a complement to them.

The jury is still out on whether it’s possible that media will help us out of [loneliness],” Spitzberg said.

For Hayes, a personal blog (www.cajunroastbeef. blogspot.com) has reinforced some of his relationships, but the best practices for avoiding loneliness have come from an examination of priorities.

“It’s key to try to simplify life so that relationships are the priority,” he said. “I’m a people person, and I’ve realized that I’ll be lonely as long as I prioritize work or money or anything else that minimizes the role of people in my life.

For me, I think it boils down to proximity and simplicity.”

13

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

by monte

What was I thinking of?

I should have known better.

After years of suffering from hypertension and taking mediation, my girlfriend found herself disappointed yet again. “Black Snake, is not feeling well,” I explained to my queen, but she just wasn’t trying to hear me. The fellatio, toys, tools and oral creations had come to an end and she was ready for the venom that flowed through her blood before to once again place her under my spell.

At 34, I didn’t think Black Snake would be out of business so early, but the truth is the signs were there.

In the past I would be ready, and some would say that if Black Snake really wanted to wander, he would rise to the occasion. Others would probably quote B.B. King and say, “The Thrill Is Gone.”

But, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), trends in office visit rates for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) for men 25 years of age reflected that one-half of the 1.8 million visits by men to the doctor resulted in the mentioning of this problem. Also, an estimated 2.6 million mentions of Viagra took place at physician office visits in 1999. With Viagra being prescribed to so many men and the rate of ED increasing steadily, you’d think more men would ask doctors about ED. Instead, studies show people who don’t even have ED are the ones asking doctors about Viagra (one in three of them are), and no one seems to be talking about ED (other than a few television commercials).

I know that when I went to the doctor, I found it very difficult to explain my dysfunction. However, I was able to explain to him how Black Snake was failing me and my girlfriend, and was causing problems by making her think I didn’t want her because I must want somebody else. I knew that I needed to find some way to make him know the full extent of my problem, not just for me and Black Snake, but also for Lydia. I love her ya’ll. I remember how happy we made each other before Black Snake got tired.

We tried cock rings, blow-up pumps, gels, lotions — you name it. We even went to a couple’s therapist for one of those hippie retreats for a few hundred bucks. All of that stuff was for naught. You know that already, but I’m leading to something.

Brothers out there whose snakes are on their last mile need to know that there is hope at the end of the trail. Sisters with brothers who have this problem, please be patient and xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

menology

Black Snake Only Moans

understanding — help him work through it if he is the one you say you love, don’t stay around and beat him up with accusations.

Lydia and I found that medication prescribed by my doctor was successful in rejuvenating Black Snake. He came back doing more than moaning. He came back with a bigger bite and with more venom than we thought he had to begin with. We’re getting married soon and will probably have something in the oven in the next couple of years.

I believe that just like Black Snake came around for me, there’s hope for every man with a similar problem.

Man up. Advise your doctor of your symptoms and tell him everything surrounding the situation. Regain your thrown in the bed! Retain your power to please her everytime — make her moan!

14

photo courtesy of istockphotos.com

fashion nubreed

Fashion Rebel photography by jarriel jones styled by a.d.

Admist the trends of clingy silk fabics, and the body-hugging light and airy hues of the spring, lies fashion’s worst enemy—and best friend.

Welcome your wardrobe this season to something that’s sure to fire up your summer—grungy chic, mixed with a little punk glam. It will heat things up! xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

16

fashion nubreed

17

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

fashion nubreed xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

18

fashion nubreed

19

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Mastering Trades Jacked Comic D. Ellis Sees No Limits To Expression by ryan sanders photos by troy

Comic “D.” Ellis is the eldest of 11 children and knows about crossing the line. His career proves this, as he has crossed several industries. In 1996, Ellis crossed state lines to move from Texarkana to Dallas to be closer to a lively and promising entertainment scene. In 2001, he crossed over from making his friends laugh to making a living with his wit. Soon thereafter, he crossed the line from nameless comedy

21

hack to up-and-coming talent with one fateful, three-minute set at the Addison Improv. And this year, the lines seem to be converging to push his career to the next level.

“My mom and dad had a real big sense of humor. There was a lot of laughter in my family, and I was always the class clown,” Ellis recalled.

“I’ve been doing comedy for close to 10 years now, but I’ve been acting a fool

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

basically all my life. I think it’s a gift from God to be able to make somebody laugh.”

In fact, Ellis said he has known that entertainment was his calling since age 12.

“With me, laughter is universal,” he said. “I feel like I can make anybody laugh. And once I got you laughing, then I got you.”

But if comedy is his gift, the gift hasn’t come without hard work. Ellis recalled his first appearance at the Addison Improv in 2000. He was given the mic as a favor from a friend. It was his big chance. He had three minutes to shine. Three minutes to launch an entertainment career. And he tanked.

“I did ok. It wasn’t terrible,” he remembered with a smile. “But it wasn’t anything to be proud of. You know, it’s one thing to be funny in front of your friends, but to get up on a stage and be funny, that’s a whole other

thing. There ain’t no assistant joke-tellers.

That three minutes was long as hell.”

After that performance, Ellis realized he could take one of two roads —rise to the challenge or be defeated by it. Ellis chose the former. He landed a regular gig at a smaller, lesserknown club and honed his skills. A year later, he found himself back in Addison with three more minutes to prove himself. It was a second chance and, had he crashed again, Ellis admits, he’s not sure he would have kept trying. But his second threeminute opportunity was enough to redeem his first. The standing ovation confirmed it.

“That really started a whole snowball effect,” Ellis said.

He had crossed a line. From there, he attained more appearances at better clubs. In 2001, he appeared at the Majestic Theater in Dallas with Cedric the Entertainer. In December, he hosted the highly-rated K104 morning radio show in Dallas. Now, Ellis can be seen every Tuesday night at the Rose Marine Theater in Fort Worth, and every Thursday night at Club Rumors in Fort Worth. He is booked to perform in HBO’s Def Comedy Jam this fall. His co-produced television show, “Real Livin’,” is seeking sponsors and a broadcast agreement. And, as if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he will soon release his first film and music album.

“Yeah, I’m busy,” Ellis said.

“But when you’re passionate about something, you just keep doing it. I

23

love it.”

There is an off-stage side to Ellis as well. He is equally as passionate about his family. He’s engaged and, following his parents’ example, has taken to childrearing. He has three girls and two boys, the youngest is a four-month-old who makes it even harder to find time for rest in his busy schedule.

But whether he rests or not, he does find time to work. Ellis said good comics are hard-working comics. He patterns his work ethic, some of his material, and his outlook on life after two of the greatest.

“The Goat, Richard Pryor, the greatest of all time,” Ellis said. “He was a comedic genius across the board.

You can watch him over and over. The second is Bernie Mac. He is one of the most grounded people on the face of the Earth, very humble. I got to meet him and we had a lot in common.

When I do a 45-minute or hour set, I always close with his impersonation.”

Though both his heroes are capable of—even known for—working blue, Ellis said he can take it or leave it when it comes to crossing the vulgarity line.

“It depends on the atmosphere I’m in. I can do from the church to the club,” he said. “Can I do a clean show?

Of course. Funny is funny.”

With his involvement in film, music, comedy and television, Ellis is hard to keep up with. He also stays busy launching the “Funny Wear by D.Ellis” clothing line. Nonetheless, he seems content to enjoy the work and the ride. He is also a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

“Everybody has their time. This game is about patience,” he said of the entertainment industry.

In the meantime, he continues to improve. In March he went to Los Angeles to take classes to perfect his skills even more.

“When you love something, you got to put your all into it.” xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

keeping up with d. ellis

Online www.myspace.com/ellis_entertainment www.dellisentertainment.com (coming soon) Comedy Twisted Taco, Altanta, GA—June 10-15 Who Got Jokes? with Bill Bellamy—This Fall BET Awards —June 26, 2007 Music Birth, debut solo rap album — April/May 2007 Film Small Timers, indie film from Kandy Kane Entertainment in which D. Ellis plays a private detective - Fall 2007 release Changing the Game—Fall 2007 BOOKING AND INFORMATION Kim Tumey (214)783-9453 or (469)765-6574

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

24

Making an 800lb.

Gorilla Steve Austin—Open for everything including Keyshia Cole by mary michelle

25

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

From “Soul Man Radio” in Louisiana to people’s radios in numerous states, for years, his daughter has been and still remains his major inspiration to achieve.

He is armed with a physics degree from Southern University and works full-time as a network engineer. Brazilian jiujitsu is his favorite “hobby” and music—all of the good kind, especially hip-hop and R&B—is his ruling passion.

These are just some of the reasons why steveaustinonline. com, myspace.com/steveaustin, and ymcrecords.com/ steveaustin are far from getting cyber cobwebs, as they have documented the fact that Steve Austin has already established quite the following from so many circles that he is already making plenty of noise with people and plans in place. But “R&B and Hip-Hop artist” Steve Austin is not rejecting any play, don’t be mistaken. Steadfast, he can be found on a rainy night confident, thankful and surprisingly humble just as his left foot steps onto the new, higher level of his charging music career.

His album, 800 lb. Gorilla, is far from a one-dimensional approach to Hip-Hop and R&B. Officially released April 24th, the jungle offering features a wealth of collaborative tracks including the single already garnering praise — “Bussa Move” with Steve Austin and Tum Tum. And although this is the first album Steve has released on a national scale, the 407th edition of Billboard listed him among on the “Hot 100 Single Sales,” “The R&B/Hip-Hop and Sales,” and “R&B Songs” charts, he learned in March. It was toward the end of the month that he learned he would open for Keyshia Cole at the Kodak Center in L.A., on May 11th .The news came xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

a day before he was heading to California for the first of two international jiu-jitsu competitions being held there—the Pan American Games the weekend of March 30th. and the first Mundials in the U.S., coming up in August. So, as you probably already see, just as Steve has a lot happening in his life, he has a lot happening on that big monkey.

“My message on the 800 lb. Gorilla is not a single message but...a recording of various messages. Just as I am multi-faceted, my music is multi-faceted because my music reflects what I see and what I live and think, and it doesn’t even stop there,” Steve said. “I don’t have to be able to fit into this one particular box so people can feel comfortable with me. I don’t have a particular agenda either. If I’m feeling a fun vibe, I write a fun song, but dammit some days I’m negative like a motherfucker, and I write a song from that perspective too because all experiences are their own messages.”

This unapologetic and loving truth saturates the former trombone player’s performances throughout the D/FW metroplex, other Texas cities, and venues in various other cities across America. And because music is one of many endeavors commanding this Prince Hall Mason’s time, the former jazz band member quickly acknowledges that nothing he has accomplished to make life better for he and his daughter could have happened without the support of the small group of people who stuck by him when he was sacrificing fun to make it to the next level, and the work of those who make up the teams that ensure what he wants to do and is able to do are actually what is done. For it is their support and assistance that fed his faith and helped him tap deeper into his destiny.

26

gypsy

Sisters of the Giving Movement

Sisters teach consumers to save money and give back to the needy by susie dillon

There are not many programs to teach people how to save money and give back to the community—so blood sisters Cheryl Jackson and Lynette Shofner founded $isters of $avings to do just that.

Jackson, Shofner’s older and taller sister, has a bio that would make anyone realize she is somewhat like the “Energizer Bunny,” she just keeps going and going. She has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, Deal or No Deal, Wheel of Fortune, Scrabble, and Good Day Live-LA. She has also been the media spokesperson for the Middlekauff Ford dealership and has promoted concerts for various gospel artists like Kirk Franklin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Anthony Evans Jr., and Smokie Norful. Jackson is the CEO of CAJ Professional Service and Perfect Praise Productions, and is also the publicist for MON the Gazette, a minority newspaper of Collin County and surrounding areas.

Jackson is a business woman who is always thinking of innovative ways to educate the consumer and save money.

Jackson has a keen sense of identifying and capitalizing on market trends and she urged Shofner to partner with her to launch $isters of $avings ($o$).

Jackson is married and the proud mother of two sons. She and her husband are both ministers at DayStar Deliverance Ministry in Richardson. Her mother, Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing, is the church’s pastor. DayStar is also home to The Touch Ministry, which is a non-profit organization formed in honor of their grandmother, Helen Allen.

“We come from a family of givers, and at one point my sister Lynette brought food to another one of our non-profits, a food pantry (The Touch Ministry), when I knew she was struggling financially,” Jackson said, adding this is why she created the savings club. Jackson said she was amazed Shofner was able to give at all, and Shofner asked Jackson to explain how she was able to have a full pantry and give to the Touch Ministry.

Lynette, the younger sister, had ambitions to climb the corporate ladder to success. She had two children and had problems with both pregnancies.

She then became pregnant a third time and was told she had to go on bed rest early in the pregnancy. She had a long time to think and realized that she wanted to stay home with her children. Lynette struggled, in silence, with having to change her lifestyle so drastically. She was used to being the one to

27

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

give, not being the one who needed help. In her quest to find a way to give like she did when she was working, she went surfing on the internet to find ways to save money.

“We realized her process of using coupons and strategies could be used by anyone to not only save money but to also be able to give back to the community,” Jackson said. $isters of $avings was created in September of 2006.

Their website (www.sistersofsavings.com) is already getting 300,000 hits a day. The sisters have appeared on Good Morning Texas, KRLD, Channel 4 News, Channel 8 News,

xcentrix xcentrix magazine magazine •• volume volume 11 •• issue issue 22 2007 2007

and DFW Community spotlight, and their picture is now on all the grocery carts in a Kroger store in Allen. $isters of $avings’ mission is to educate families on how to save hundreds of dollars a month simply by using coupons, and how to use that savings to give back to the community.

They want to improve lives and increase the money left over in households. The organization holds seminars for beginners and another one for extended education the first Saturday of every month. The seminars teach the organization’s policies, the processes’ benefits, and how to implement strategies to save up to 90% photo courtesy of istockphotos.com on grocery bills. Their methods allow people to have pantries overflowing, at which time they suggest giving the surplus back to the community through a charity.

The beginner seminars are the first Saturday of the month from 1011:30 a.m., and are $25 if pre-paid and $30 at the door. The $isters of $avings donate $5 from each registration to benefit The Touch Ministry. The continuing education classes are the same first Saturday of the month from 12-2 p.m. The price is $20 if pre-paid and $25 at the door. Classes are held at the DayStar Deliverance Ministries at 635 W. Campbell Road, Suite 201, in Richardson.

There are several products offered by $isters of $avings to assist people in coupon shopping. Jackson stated they are in the process of creating a high definition DVD which should be available April 2007 for $129.95. A $isters of $avings binder to organize coupons is already available for $65.00.

A “shopping buddy” can be purchased for $10.00 a month which will get you an email every Thursday night telling you the trends of local grocery stores so you can rest assured you are getting the best deal in town. There are also tee shirts, hats, and a tote. $isters of $avings have several affiliates and partners: The Touch Ministry, Dees Gourmet Kitchen, MonThe-Gazette, WFAA, Just In Time, Ajax Professional, and The Giving Movement. Readers, who are interested in attending a seminar, please check out $isters of $avings’ website www. sistersofsavings.com.

28

Gleesome Threesomes & Awesome Foursomes

By Sage By Sage

Join Adventure Scuba for a long weekend of scuba diving and a lifetime of fun in the sun memories on the beautiful island of Cozumel Mexico.

Sign up today and learn to scuba dive with Adventure Scuba for FREE, receive a 30 day pass to Bally Total Fitness, and a FREE week of tanning at any of the DFW Palm Beach Tan locations. That’s a combined value of over $425 in additional benefits, so hurry, space is limited.

Find out how you can begin your lifestyle experience by logging on to:

WWW• MAKEFUNINTHESUN • COM

The Beat of 97.9 Rickey Smiley Morning Team heats up air and streets by dennis cail and jordan ramsey photography by boyattia

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Called the #1 Team, they have a number one theme— family and community. Dallas’s hottest morning team, anchored by the rising star of Comedian Rickey Smiley, wraps up another show already prepared to hit the street and make a difference. Focused on inspiring and assisting where able, Rickey, Sister Sondra, Headkrack, Rock T, Gary with the T, Veda Loca, and Kamo give listeners more than insight into their off-air worlds when they come face-to-face at community functions.

“I’m from Birmingham. My family and I have been diehard Cowboy fans all my life,” Rickey said. “Steve Harvey called me up and said ‘I am leaving 97.9 The Beat and here’s an opportunity for you to step in.’ He put in a good word for me, I came down to interview, stayed on the air with Steve for two weeks during a two-week transition, and the rest is history. ” Family and community is center in the lives of all the crew.

For example, Rickey’s last living grandparent is his 81-yearold grandfather. Because the Friendship West member wants to be close to him, it’s nothing to see Rickey’s grandfather in from Birmingham and sitting at the station with Rickey — who is also into politics, philanthropy and activism.

“This country is so far behind and so racist that Obama’s race is an issue, which goes back to my point that this is a racist and sexist country,” he said. “We will spend trillions of dollars on an unjust war with no plan and cancel proven social programs that benefit African-Americans. This is just another major event that has afflicted Black America along with drugs, alcohol, AIDS, Black people that are proud to be dumb, and music that glorifies violence and the mistreatment of our Black women. I believe and what we try to do here, on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, is show love for our own.”

30

Rickey said the Tuesday night set at Maxwell’s on Beltline in Addison is another way they reach out, allowing local artists the opportunity to perform live in a popular venue.

He said they try to get as many artists as possible on the show’s roster. The future pilot’s ultimate goal for the team though is to expand their reach into other markets through syndication.

Bringing the mandatory energy to the Morning Show is Bronx native Headkrack, who came to Dallas a few years ago behind legal trouble but now runs his own record label and multi-media company. His album, The Big Playback, is in the works, and he’s performing shows and breaking into television as well.

Rocky Turner aka Rock-T, a source of authenticity and positivity, radiates the natural compassion for people, especially kids. As the father of two daughters delivers sports news and takes part with marketing and promotions, this down-to-earth brother always finds the time to teach kids in the community to reach for the stars, despite his also running his own marketing consulting firm. So involved, he established the Rock-T Foundation and Track Team, through which he mentors around 50,000 kids in the Dallas schools.

“We love working with kids and influencing their lives,” the Detroit native said. “Dallas is home. That’s a good feeling just to be able to make a difference in people lives and excite people just by being me.”

With plans to create an entertainment empire, Rock-T presently hosts “Dance Club 21,” which airs every Sunday night at 10 on TXA 21. Also, “Track Team Dance Squad” is featured on the show, and the “Track Team Group” had a song featured in the movie Stomp The Yard.

Another key member of the team, Sister Sondra is the

sassy co-host who is a pleasure to be around. She really does remind you of your “sister” or the girl next door... except you never see her because she’s always working at the station or in the community, or is working on one of her many projects.

“I have always wanted to entertain and inform...just being able to entertain and do what I have wanted to do since the 6th grade is a blessing,” she says. “I’m also working on a film project and have an organization called “Little Sisters” —a mentor program that builds on the self-esteem and education in young women. I try to instill positive images and self-worth. There are also a lot of negative images on video. However, there are some positive songs that a lot of people don’t get a chance to hear, but they have positive messages...like my husband Common.”

A self-described magazine junky and garage sale aficionado, Sister Sondra also has a flare for interior decorating and even refinishes furniture. Another co-host, Veda Loca is just has positive, energetic and involved. A hair stylist for 12 years who broke into radio after being booed for forgetting her jokes during a stand-up comedy routine in D.C., Veda started at The Beat after she “literally sat in the lobby of the radio station the entire day with a sign that said ‘will work for food’ to land the interview.”

Today, the mother of a one-year-old son runs a nonprofit organization called “Loca’s Little Ladies.” Once a month, she takes six girls to get their hair groomed and talk about issues they face—such as HIV awareness. She also aspires to have her own show on VH1 and continue her community service.

It seems this must have been a requirement to become a member of Rickey’s team. Even his personal assistant and entertainment reporter, Gary with a T, has more than 15

31

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

years of celebrity gossip as his forte. The Port Arthur native is working on his Business Management degree while also delivering lectures at different schools and for community groups. Hoping to get involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and be the “Oprah of TV and Radio,” Gary also has plans to release his how television show, and is in a Russ Parr movie coming out in May called Last Stand with Anthony Anderson and Guy Torry.

And, Kamo, who does the Gospel segment of the show, brings more than a double shot of spiritual espresso when he mixes face-to-face with the community—giving every individual the chance to walk away with several nuggets of spiritual diamonds. Motivated to help others because of the adversity he experienced the bulk of his life, the Potter’s House member and Dallas native delivers the “scripture from the street” to his listeners with love on-air, at churches, and on the streets throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

“Knowledge is power, so I spend a lot of my time

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

reading,” said the semi-pro player for the Dallas Express. “I am involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. I also volunteer and work with the homeless.”

Kamo also plans to finish his devotional book and put out a book called Facing Your Fears to help others deal with and essentially face their fears. Quick to acknowledge that his faith and love for God got him through his most difficult and frightening moments, he said he would ultimately like to see more Gospel rappers enter the music business and more Christian marriages saved from divorce. To achieve this, he ensures certain basic things are understood from the door—like the fact that he believes Jesus is still alive so there are no bones ever to be found, and that the greatest thing he can give a person is the opportunity to accept Christ despite his personal sins and temptations or theirs.

“The Bible says ‘seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all things will be added unto you’,” Kamo said. “Go to church, but don’t let church be your all. God is your all.”

32

X-Sessions

photo courtesy of istockphotos.com

Married people. Single people.

Males. Females. Felons. Attorneys.

Preachers. Artists. Business Executives.

Millionaires. Undercover lovers ain’t the only ones in closets. There are a lot of

other freaks git’n down on the playa tip, and they wanna keep that a secret. But releasing the truth can set a lot of people with unfulfilled fantasies free!

As a single woman with desires yet to be fulfilled (but not the me-and-three-men one because I already did that and enjoyed every sucking I received), I say to anyone wanting a group sex experience that arranging a private gathering of your two favorite bump-n-runs might prove a lot less restricted and a far more fulfilling than sex among strangers.

by sage

But, just in case I was totally off track, when I was hanging out with a group of friends I popped the questions: “What y’all think about orgies and threesomes? Who did it? And, what did you think about it afterwards?”

When all the gasps, chatter and invitations ceased, the real words began to flow. According to them, Dallas is supposedly the number one metro area for swinging married couples, and more married couples attend and frequent swingers clubs and functions than single couples. The majority of these popular, erotic gatherings seem catered to heterosexuals. All this may be due to the fact that many of these affairs only allow a limited number of single men, yet place little to no limit on the number of single women that can attend.

But some of my friends were like, who needs a formal gathering if they really want to be about the freaky nature roaring within? Confessions spewed—ranging from doing

33

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

a pro ball player and his girlfriend, to a male associate and two male strangers, to so many at the party he lost count.

Good thing these events are usually BYOB/C/W (bring your own beverages, condoms and wipes).

Then came complaints about the married people at swingers parties not doing all they or you want because a spouse gets jealous and literally brings things down. Yeah, my folks mentioned pros about doing spouses too, such as: excitement, pleasure, learning, confidence, and more pleasure. But they also touched on cons about the actual encounter(s) including: awkwardness, lack of usual control, and the immediate and visible change within the existing couples.

By the end of it, it seemed like the only people who risked the least were the single people—since the married people risked divorce plus the disease everyone else risked.

And considering the fact that many of these events don’t allow many single men entry, that leaves married men or other women as the single woman’s only option at a swingers party. To all this, I belt a big, “Boooooooo!” A selfish lover who thoroughly enjoyed being the sole focus of three men at once, I now only slut with one man (and alone when I’m pleasing myself)!

And regarding my experience, here it goes: It was a twostory home owned by a married couple. Dubbed the House of Aphrodite, it was upstairs for one hour where four couples had intimate exchanges before each other—and sometimes with each other.

Now, while I did not have sex with anyone other than the one with whom I came, I did allow two of the other men (one married, one engaged) in the room to suck my girls while being serviced below by my friend. Shooooot! Overall though, I think I enjoyed the taboo of the experience more than I did the performance of the men—except the one on my left titty! I had to tell his fiancé, “Girl, I know you love it when he sucks yo titties. This boy got skills!” She laughed.

She was one of the cool people, but keep in mind, she was engaged and not yet married. The two married women were cool too. One didn’t talk much and the other was so outgoing I even had to tell her not to touch my breasts. She was like, “Okay. Sorry about that.” She and my friend then started having sex.

Being there with the men and having fun at the same time was cool as hell, although the penetration really would have been better had it been with someone I was sexually attracted to and who was the right size, and not just a friend with whom I felt it would be safe to share the encounter.

Thankfully, the sensations of the experience were everything I hoped they would be, and I haven’t seen a need to go to a swinger’s party again. But if I do get the craving, you already know how it’ll go down — me calling up two of my favorite bumps-n-runs who still qualify to be victimized to create a new memory with those two in the privacy, protection and pleasure of my own home. xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

34

X-Sessions

Sexual Relationships: Is Bi-sexual the New Gay? by shayla v. mcclellon

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

I know that our society is changing and that we may not like it. Talking about it was once taboo and considered inappropriate for open discussion, but not in today’s society.

Today, we are getting closer to accepting the wide range of sexual preferences. Many of you have heard late night sex talk hosts such as Sue Johanson on the Oxygen channel. She looks more likely to be your next door neighbor or your sweet grandmother, but surprisingly, has an extensive audience following her with sexually explicit questions. She lays it on the line with graphic details and sometimes sex props to support her theories.

We also have become closer to understanding and accepting the gay society with TV personalities, Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell who have been openly expressive about being homosexual. Though not completely comfortable, we have let our guards down.

Bi-sexuality on the other hand is rarely discussed openly and may now be the new “gay,” so-to-speak.

If you have ventured over to having a same sex relationship, and then decided you still love being with the opposite sex, does that make you bi-sexual? No, not if it was a one-nightstand that was merely the result of an alcoholic nightmare, one you might want to put in a journal and lock it up, placing it way in the back of your dresser drawer. But wonder if you decided that you don’t want to commit to either sex? Excuse the phase, “you want to have your cake and eat it too,” but to me it fits as cheesy as it sounds.

My opinion only, is that you may be a little on the

36

X-Sessions

greedy side. What makes it so hard to just pick either a same sex partner or the opposite? It seems to me that some people are just being spoiled brats when it comes to sex. Being highly sexual doesn’t mean you need to take part in every sexual escapade that comes your way.

So, why don’t people quit straddling the fence, (no pun intended) and then stay on one side?

Back to my original question, Is being bi-sexual the new gay?

I ask because I don’t know, and it’s what I was taught to do — ask if you don’t know something. Of course, we can even go further and ask about the term that is thrown loosely around today, being on the “down low,” which is given to a straight man that is sneaking around and seeking relationships with gay men, unsuspecting to anyone else.

So, what I want to know is if the same term applies to women that are doing the same in seeking gay women?

Maybe we should come up with a term for the female version. And then there is still the sexual preference of couples swinging and of course the silly choice of just being celibate, (just being sarcastic)!

Let’s step back a minute and review. We all know for sure that we have choices, whether it being straight, gay, celibate or bi-sexual. But shouldn’t the biggest choice be a cure for the No. 1 sexual disease out there before we are forced by our government to become a sexless society?

Until next time, live … X-Sessionally!

37

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Family Clown Finds Commixx by sun child wind spirit

W

ith seven years experience as a professional comedian, 33-year-old Adrian Gulley (aka Success) still sometimes find it hard to believe that holding down a job but placing most his emphasis on developing himself as a stand-up standout is really paying off for he and his two children. He said the standing performances he has ongoing and upcoming is exactly the type of thing the kid in him would be wanting to do right now.

“I was like the family clown back in the day so...my style is...wild and crazy comedy. Real wild and crazy, and it has to be to qualify for the ‘Fed Up Comedy Troop’,” Success confesses, elaborating that the six-member Dallas troop started December 2006 and is one of the only black sketch comedy troops in America. “I’ve been entertaining since the age of three, playing drums in church and...I always looked up to people like Martin Lawrence who have a style of entertainment that I liked and I started to develop my own material and my own style over the years. Today I have shows where I do a role every Wednesday night at seven at Club Nai (the old Filling Station on Greenville Avenue in Dallas). It’s free and like an open-mic and sketch comedy show.”

Founder and president of The Commixx, an organization of about 12 members including Marvin Michaels—who serves as vice president, and Lady Mozan, who works to promote the hottest comedy in Dallas/Fort Worth. Among their most popular events is their standing 7 p.m., third Sundays shows at Club Hyena in Arlington. Commixx works to provide forums for comedians in Dallas to come together and build a more powerful presence in the industry worldwide.

“That’s one of the things I wanted to do for and with the comedians in Dallas, because it’s much harder in Dallas to do things yourself,” Success said.

“But if you’re building an organization, it’s more powerful.”

So when you’re wondering where to find the laughs, go to commixx.com or myspace.com/Adrian to find out about upcoming events that may fit your schedule. Otherwise, know that when Success is not taking care of Adriel and Lauryn, he can be caught live at events you already know take place on the Wednesdays and Sundays that apply.

39

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Expression & Rediscovery by sun child wind spirit

Z

anthia Davis, also known as Lady Mozan, believes everybody should get on stage at least once. And although when she first took to the stage she pursued singing, her natural ability to make people laugh has proven to be yet another gift this poet and visual artist possesses.

A member of the D/FW comedian support group Commixx, Lady Mozan said her first set lasted more than an hour. And though the $600 she made wasn’t followed up with paying gigs until a year later, the experience kept her motivated and the time between allowed her to perfect her skills by being mentored by other comedians and performing every chance she got strictly for the laughs her jokes received.

“For me the love of the art came first, even though the first time it was the enticement of money,” Lady Mozan said. “After that, I really fell in love with the stage and being on stage making other people feel good. I haven’t sang professionally in seven years, but I get excited before every show not just because I love what I do, but also because I share different aspects of what I’m going through with people and it’s a thrill to know I can give them a little spark when they’re having a bad day. I feel like if I concentrate on the talent, God will concentrate on the money.”

Post participating in Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes,” Lady Mozan made the finals for The Last Comic Standing. After leaving L.A., she hopes to head to Atlanta for the next round then come back to Dallas. In the meantime, “Mozan’s Time of the Month,” held at the Arlington Entertainment Complex, and her other D/FW appearances will keep the comedian pulling spectators ready for a sure side busting all summer long. She can also be heard cracking up K104 listeners during the weekdays.

To learn more about Lady Mozan, and keep track of her performances, be sure to check out her profile at myspace.com/mozan.

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

40

Architect of Laughter by sun child wind spirit

W

hen 2000 rolled in, it ushered in the year of the comedian for Marvin Michaels other local comedians, he said. After doing stand-up for three years as a hobby, a series of lay-offs led him to pursue comedy as a full-time gig. Today he is a charter member of the new Dallas comedian group known as Commixx, where he supports other comedians while continuing to solidify his own career.

“I had a couple of opportunities that I created by being in the right spot at the right time, like the guest show at the Addison Improve,” he confessed.

“I wasn’t even on the program, Honest Jay was the headliner. But I went up right before him and he was kind of standing out in the wings and liked it, and said that for the season he was hosting in 2003 that I could do some writing for Comic View.”

The degreed architect was a project manager in telecommunications and was working on obtaining his AIA certification when he was last laid off. Understanding the value of study and hard work, he quickly committed to improving his comedy routine and has amassed a number of achievements. Chief among them is a talent search he conducted for NBC Universal in 2006, and his becoming one of the top two finalists during a competition at the Melrose Improv/Hollywood Improv where about 600 comics took part. His running and current events include weekly performances during “Wednesday Night Live” at Club Nai. “With the comedy, jokes and writing, I do it because I can and it’s what I enjoy not because I have to,” Marvin adds. “The rush you get when you’re on stage, you get addicted to it and you want to have a good set and go back and do better. That’s why I encourage aspiring comedians not to let their not being funny at first stop them. Develop your own voice, diversify your crowd, and don’t just play to the crowd of your background if you want to be able to make it in the mainstream.”

To learn more and obtain additional event information, visit Marvin’s page at myspace.com/mmichaels or his website at www.marvinmichaels.com.

41

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Puller of All Stop Signs by mashell jae photo by troy

A

lot of people already have an idea that when it comes to obtaining “best in quality and personality” DJs and MCs in Dallas/Fort Worth, CEO Dray Williams of Major League DJs is the go-to man for a number of businesses and individuals hosting events—as well as seasoned DJs and MCs seeking representation.

Some say he is the “Strong Arm” who implemented the first contract for DJs in Dallas. Others see him as a familiar promoter. Another group just know him as Dray at (214) 909-9357 who handles talent like Mr. H’pnotiq, DJ Chubb, DJ Ski and DJ Klassik.

Still, many know that the 25-year-old network engineer has never been a DJ, and yet the hustle Dray gave while promoting entertainment with the Def Jam Records street team and for DJ Steve Nice seems more alive and magnified as he now targets his energy on his own company. But don’t think you won’t stand corrected if you think he’s doing this through his power alone.

“My momma and my sisters help me out a lot, in so many ways,” he said before explaining the importance of the family structure to his productivity, adding that it was because a cousin and friend asked him to help them land parties that he started a business in 2006 and began managing DJs —starting with DJ Klassik.

“It’s a lot of DJs that don’t get their name put out there, but DJs really control the club and that’s something I want everyone to see. The DJs and MCs work very hard, and I think it’s their time to be recognized by the masses on a positive level.”

To achieve this, Dray ensures that any artist with Major League DJs have met at least met his minimum requirements: versatility, draw, professionalism, and the desire to please patrons. Each equally important, he said the artist’s image, ability to play a variety of music, and willingness to let loose with just one person around is the beginning of the type of shows that create the memories that guarantees a draw.

“We want you to go hard all the time,” the basketball player said. “If you wanna use my name, you gotta pay that fee. I don’t wanna say I have a lot of DJs. Quality is what I want, and every one of our DJs are the hottest out there.

We already have followers, but we’re not where every promoter call us first yet.

I want us to be the most requested DJs and MCs here. I want us to pick and choose our parties, and everytime you see a flyer with our logo on it, you know that the party is gonna be hot and you will have a good time. After getting Dallas on lock, the sky is the limit. The Lord has blessed me to get a nice job and have fun doing my DJ stuff, so really the sky’s already the limit is how I feel.”

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

42

Blending Studious Spotlight Cuts by mashell jae photo by keith mcklish

A

24-year-old percussionist from Townview Magnet Center whose entire family seems filled with artists, DJ Ski has been a DJ since 2001—when his friend and high school band mate, DJ Chubb, helped him start going beyond playing music to putting on a show that brings music to the party’s forefront.

This year he joined the Major League DJs in hopes of helping other DJS as he continues putting his own stamp on partying and clubbing.

“I actually think people pay a lot of attention to the DJ and it goes with the age group, but they can tell me cause I blend and I cut, and I’ve been known to actually stop the music and break the focus of the party from the music and bring it back to the DJ, then give it back to them like that just to make sure they know whose music they are listening to,” said Ski, who started World’s Greatest Entertainment and signed his brother Nova and Nova’s friend Problem. “College parties, 18 and up, might not even see the DJ the whole night, they are just into the music. Those who are older pay attention to the DJ and will go to a certain spot just because a certain DJ is at that spot. I always ask people after a party or if I see them out what they would like to see different, or what brings them to a party.”

Ski’s mother Ruby introduced music to all her children when they were young. She also supported their pursuits and helped Ski get his equipment and start his studio. After attending Prairie View and Cedar Valley, in 2004, Ski started traveling with DJ Steve Nice as his opening DJ for everything he did. All this happened because DJ Teaspoon from New York was on the club scene, picked Ski up, and introduced him to Steve. All these acts exemplify the type of assistance Ski says he aims to give to someone else someday since so many people have helped him get to where he is today.

“People helped me, and I give props to everyone who helped me, and once I get to a position where I can help somebody else, then I will reach both my hands out to them,” DJ Ski says.

For more information, feel free to visit Ski’s site at djskionline.com and his page at myspace.com/djski81. To book him for an event, call (214) 909-9357.

43

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Selling & Making Music by mashell jae photo by troy

H

e knows the syncopation that synchronizes body movement on cue, and believes in giving to the people all the time. A drummer at heart who dusts off his trombone every now and then, DJ Chubb is a partygoer who loves to keep the party going— especially when he’s at the tables and on the mic.

Soon to graduate Cedar Valley Community College where he is wrapping up studies in audio engineering, Chubb is so in love with music that he owns and operates One Stop Music and More located inside Masters Bazaar in Pleasant Grove. There and at shows across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Chubb offers all kinds of music to enthusiasts as his parents, sister and fellow Major League DJs continue to have his back.

“I love my mom and my dad, and my sister is my number one fan,” said Chubb, who joined Major League DJs after DK Ski told him how good CEO Dray Williams was at booking parties. “The best thing about Major League DJs is that we’re all able to come together and we are all different types of DJs with different styles. But when we bring it all together it gives a lot of versatility to where we can shine as a unit.”

Chubb, who readily admits he likes to play the music he likes to hear, is never so involved with his taste to where he makes the party all about him. He said he enjoys seeing people out dancing instead of sitting around listening to someone play songs from the radio. Because of this, a Chubb show may not be packed with the latest, hottest singles, but it will be a constant procession of jams getting played.

“Everybody always remember the first DJ who played a certain song,” Chubb said. “But you don’t have the be first person to play it if it’s somebody’s jam. It will still leave a mark and they will remember who was DJ-ing and played that song.”

Always trying to be involved, Chubb took five minutes of borrowed equipment and used it to jumpstart new endeavors and kicked off his DJ career years back.

He still applies that same persistence, patience, and delivery to everything he does. A list of his scheduled shows can be viewed from his page at myspace. com/dj_chubb. To book him for your event, call (214) 909-9357.

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

44

Mega Man Moving Momentously by mashell jae photo by keith mcklish

A

jack of all trades who serves so well as party host and hype man that he’s called “The People’s Host,” Mr. H’pnotiq is the MC of an infinite age who is determined to succeed in every vane not only for himself and his son, Danté, but also for those who DJ and MC and are still trying to put themselves on the map.

“I represent other magazines and clothing lines, and I’m doing all types of events on the side, plus five signature events a year as promoter,” said H’pnotiq, who moved to Dallas from Queens in 2003 to be close to his son. “My main focus though is making sure my son keeps up the good grades...and I perfect Mr. H’pnotiq the talent. I am a brand builder and I try to make everything as gold or as platinum as I possibly can.”

When H’pnotiq first moved to Dallas, a protégé of his was throwing events and H’pnotiq began booking celebrity-type events. His work in the streets promoting and giving outstanding performances at events led him to cross paths with the Major League DJs. With added relief and support provided by the group and its CEO Dray Williams, H’pnotiq is able to spend more time honing his skills and style and creating quality memories with Danté, like playing basketball and attending his baseball and football games. H’pnotiq also applies this same level of personal attention to the partygoers and clients he serve.

“The thing of it with me is that I am the people’s host, and I do this for the people and enjoy what I do,” he said. “I entertain people. I am the person on the mic bringing excitement, making announcements, shouting out drink specials, or acknowledging the sponsors for the evening and hyping the crowd to pretty much make sure folks are having a good time. It’s truly a performance where people feel the ambiance of the venue and the swagger of Mr. H’pnotiq and the Major League DJs.” You can check out Mr. H’pnotiq hosting urban, mainstream, political, and charitable events throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Day in and day out, this crossover entertainment artist always brings it, the word goes. Find out when and where you can catch him next by visiting myspace.com/kanientgroup. To book him for an event, call (214) 909-9357.

45

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Giving the Expected & Unexpected by mashell jae photo by troy

B

y the time DJ Klassik graduated Prairie View’s MIS program in 2006, he was more popular for his skills as a DJ than as a basketball player, which was his passion at Skyline High School. But it was listening attentively to DJs on the club scene that made him want to take a crack at spinning, and that propelled him into a dual career of IT during the day and at night turning tables at venues including Chub Ché, Maxwell’s, and the Empire Room.

“I thank God for everything because DJ-ing is my passion,” said Klassik, a member of Greater St. James Baptist Church in Oak Cliff. “It’s good when you finally find your passion in life. Everytime I DJ and do bigger and better, I feel like I’m being blessed even more.”

Klassik—who looks up to DJs including DJ Tiger, DJ Mr. Rogers and DJ Steve Nice— recently returned to Dallas from Missouri in March after living in Kansas City for a couple of years. Since he’s been home, he became the first artist for the Major League DJs and is getting to know new promoters while performing two gigs every weekend tailored to crowds ranging from college students to bourgeoisie throughout DFW. “I’m trying to get my name back out there,” he said. “Trying to make sure a lot of people get to hear me and hear what I gotta say when I DJ. I’m real energetic and I try to keep my crowd on the dance floor, making sure they get their full satisfaction before they leave. I make sure I’m putting my 100% best effort. That includes giving it all to everybody like playing the hottest joints on the radio, back in the day, reggae, whatever the people love. When the Major League DJs walk through the club, a lot of people are starting to recognize and it’s a good feeling when you have a movement that people know about.”

Therefore, to those getting ready to DJ for the first time, Klassik offers this classy and classic advice: (1) develop their own style; (2) pay attention to each crowd’s likes; (3) get good equipment; and (4) rehearse repeatedly prior to getting before the crowd. For more info on DJ Klassik, go to myspace.com/dj_klassik or dj_klassik@ hotmail.com. To book him for your event, call (214) 909-9357.

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

46

studio sessions Teens are at a higher risk of intimate partner abuse than adults.

As of January 23, 2007, there were four lawsuits in the U.S. alleging that [MySpace] site users were guilty of sexual assault.

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Not My Child

Technology provides an avenue for an increase in abuse among teenagers by susie dillon

Parents consider cell phones as security for their children. Teenagers consider cell phones to be essential to their very existence, key to everything from networking to gaming. Yet, obsession and

abuse abound with many young people with cell phones.

Teenage Research Unlimited conducted a survey and found 20–30 percent of teens reported harassment, insults, being checked-up on, and in some cases receiving unwanted requests for sex via cell phones and text messaging. The same study, sponsored by Liz Claiborne Inc., reported 30 percent of teens had been text messaged 10–30 times an hour by someone wanting to know where they are, what they’re doing, or who they’re with.

Twenty-five percent reported being called names, harassed, or put down by their partner through cell phones and text messaging. Twentytwo percent stated they had been asked for sex. An alarming 10 percent stated they had been threatened physically either by e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging or in chat rooms.

Teen dating violence includes all races, genders, and socioeconomic situations. The American Bar Association, in support of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week (February 5–9, 2007), posted “Teen Dating Violence Facts” at www.abanet.org/unmet/teendating/facts.pdf. The report states that boys and girls abuse differently. The girls generally yell, pinch, slap, scratch, kick, or threaten to hurt themselves. The boys injure more severely and frequently. Some teens are abused occasionally, others are sometimes abused daily.

The site went on to reveal that teens are at a higher risk of intimate partner abuse than adults. The most vulnerable age group for intimate partner violence is females ages 16–24, at almost triple the national average. About one in five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. A 2001, U.S. Department of Justice Study stated 94 percent of those between the ages of 16–19 were victimized by a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend. Additionally, 58 percent of rape victims report being raped between the ages of 12–24. Sadly, 81 percent of parents surveyed either believe teen dating violence is NOT an issue or they do not know if it is. A majority of parents, 54 percent, admit never speaking to their child about dating violence.

The National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week was introduced as a resolution by United States Senators Mike Crapo, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe Lieberman, Robert Menendez, Patty Murray and Lisa

48

Murkowski before it was passed by Unanimous Consent in December 2006.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar resolution and a toolkit was developed by the American Bar Association and the U.S. Department of Justice to provide to high schools and community organizations printed materials and a DVD called “Dating and Violence Should Never Be A Couple.” The American Bar Association’s website www.abanet.org/unmet/toolkitmaterials.html provides more information on the toolkits and a list of high schools and community organizations who ordered the toolkits in 2006. R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton and The Family Place in Addison are the only D/FW organizations to order the toolkits to date. The toolkits provide facts, warning signs, prevention recommendations, a teacher’s guide, and attention educator’s cards.

Another area for technological concerns of teenage violence is MySpace. com. About 70 million youths use MySpace and it gets more than 26 million unique hits per day. The abuse from MySpace impacts the entire family. One recent abuse was a scam using Spyware. The kids are asked to click on a website www.myfriendspy.com and then they are prompted to install Zango. Once it is installed, the family computer is suddenly taken over by multiple pop-ups and advertising slowing your computer to almost a halt. Keep in mind there are also sexual assault cases and other legal suits being brought upon by families against MySpace. As of January 23, 2007, there were four lawsuits in America alleging that site users were guilty of sexual assault. The allegations state that MySpace, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, is not doing enough to protect MySpace customers. All four lawsuits involve teenaged girls from New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and two sisters from South Carolina. All are under the age of consent for their respective states. Meaningful security measures were not ...teens had been text messaged 10, 20, or 30 times an hour wanting to know where they are, what they’re doing, or who they’re with.

Preventing Online Youth Trouble • Monitor their action • Surf with your kids • Encourage them to never use real names, date of births, phone number or addresses • Tell them not to click on strange links or accept friends they do not know • Make sure you have the latest anti-virus and anti-spam software installed on your computer

implemented in a timely manner to prevent these abuses from happening, the suits claim. The suits also allege negligence, recklessness, fraud and negligent misrepresentation. Millions of dollars are being sought.

MySpace, in response to these allegations, has developed software called • Use a firewall Zephyr - due to be available this summer. This software will restrict users based on their age. Fourteen-year-olds will not be able to have an account. Anyone • Run the “Windows update” often under 16 can only display their profiles to listed friends. There is an honesty factor involved too. There is no way to know if a user is telling the truth about their age. So the best defense, still falls to the parents. Zephyr is supposed to all photos courtesy of istockphotos.com provide a tracking mechanism parents can use to monitor their teens activities.

49

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Fort Hood Unleashes Newest Weapon by chick draper

What happens when a bunch of ex-soldiers and service brats end up in a base town melting pot with seven string guitars and big ass drums in tow, and a burning urge to tell the world just who the hell they are? Well,

you’d probably end up with a lotta crunch, a little roar, and the BIG BACK BONE of Kill-Town’s own Downsiid— who are currently tearin’ it up to promote their self-released CD “The Evolution of Ghetto Rock.”

You might think that soldierin’ doesn’t lend itself to rockin’, but you’d be wrong, homes. Dead wrong. The band members come from various branches of the service, having served in a multitude of theaters, and they are bringin’ home one goal...rockin’ it around the world. These boys have been blasting through Georgia and Alabama, to Florida and up through the Midwest, and back home again to Killeen dropping the science of Ghetto Evolution as they go, settin’ ‘em up and knocking ‘em down, just like they taught ‘em in basic training.

They just barely escaped Iowa’s last major blizzard and immediately began to play SXSW and open some dates for Drowning Pool. And they’ve recently gone Hollywood, doing a song for the soundtrack of a film called xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

“Pineapple.” It’s a long way from where they started in 2000. Their ultimate goal is to achieve Diddy and HOV status by growing their own label, developing new talent, and branching into other areas of entertainment. They’ve already formed a partnership with their management company and are currently seeking national distribution— thus a “Ghetto Rock” dynasty born! From a single unit an empire will grow, taking over one city at a time.

Drummer B Rich, who’s the only original member, says the struggle has been worth it.

“We’re in the middle of an internet conference right now with our management, West coast reps, Midwest reps, everybody, you know...it wasn’t like this a few years ago.

We’ve come a long way. It seems to be coming together now,” he said, adding that the band used to be more hard core and that wasn’t his original vision. “We’ve always been influenced by Hip-Hop.” So when they ran into DJ Akira MC and began to see what he could do, they just “rolled with him.” It was a natural! There’s so much of this hard rock meets hiphop crunchola floating around these days it begins to seem so much like dark and dingy wallpaper. And most of the practitioners have about as much motivation for innovation as a bunch of white skater boys at the mall. So you might see the standard guitar, bass, drums, and DJ/MC and think,

50

“Yeah, that’s pretty Linkin Park, later days, B’ski.”

But these joes have somethin’ more to offer. Between Alex “Da Boi” Fuentes’ Wes Borland meets Tom Morello techno funk and Jason “String” Atwood’s soul to scream, you get a new flavor. Cypress Hill meets Living Colour in Kill-Town, y’all! B Rich and BC Steele hold down the bottom like an M1 Abrams and DJ Akira MC rips the mix.

Everyone participates in the writing, with the lyrical chores mostly going to String, but it’s mainly a democracy. After all, this is an ethnically diverse group that’s been spreadin’ Uncle Sam’s message all around the world.

It’s important to the band to continue to support their bro’s in arms and they answer the call whenever they can. They played the “Rockin’ Before Rollin’ 1st Cavalry Division’s Ultimate Rock Fest” in 2003 as a send-off to the Division’s deployment to Iraq. They’ve continued playing “Single Soldiers Day” festivities for the last four years at Ft. Hood, and are happy for every invite to play welcome home parties for returning troops.

Sampling the current release, “Texas Get Up” is a fervent call to represent and put the Lone Star state in the spotlight. Heads will be bobbin’, Son. It’s hard and greasy and you can’t resist! Go ahead, wave the flag! The evolution continues with “More Pain”—a sludgy, inky almost ballad with a more soulful lead vocal than any 10 current metal bands. The juggernaut barrells with “Blue,” a cinematic epic that could crack your jaw it’s so hard. Through it all,

String brings it like a muscular, tattooed John Legend. He cooks it slow and dips it in the soul sauce, just like we do down home. It’s the secret weapon in the Downsiid arsenal, what sets them apart from all the rock by numbers cats.

You can pick up “The Evolution of Ghetto Rock” from www.downsiid.com, www.myspace.com/downsiid, or at www.fye.com. Of course, you probably want to check ‘em out when they roll into your town, and you could grab it at the merch table as well as take that opportunity when they invade your hood. They’re about to blow up all over the place and you want to be able to say, “Yeah, we go all the way back!” They’re fixin’ to make “Three Dollar Bill, Y’all” look like K-Fed’s joint! Ain’t no place like Texas!

Wild Horses: The Ranch (Belton, Texas) by dj shi photography by emmy lee

Hanging at The Ranch in Belton, Bass Player Steve Kellough revealed he was injured in a steel accident and lost a leg. But with 18 broken bones in his right foot and an amputation of his left leg from the knee down, he wasn’t going to let that stop his music. I admired that.

Plus, his artificial limb cover was cool. It was a bunch of American flags and eagles on a cloth that was fused to the artificial leg.

“Funny thing is,” he said, “that was the closest I was going to get to having a tattoo.”

Seeing the drive and determination his love of music causes is incredible. Wild Horses has seen the big time twice with two record deals and they have experienced the Nashville city life. They also had their game upped with a top 40 song “I Will Survive,” and a video on CMT and GAC. Wild Horses is also coming with awesome new material with nine songs done over three months of recording.

Steve’s heart is inside the music, and seeing him perform can serve as motivation for, and a wake up call to, people with disabilities. There is a place in this world for us. He is living proof that it can be done. Injured in line of duty serving our country, I can say the disabilities don’t let us lie down and give up. We always fight to give more and reach our goals and dreams.

The front man, Michael Mahler, has an incredible voice of talent that will make Texas see that it is ready for a rebel with an interesting music style that’s wild, high-energy country. But that’s not the only thing Wild Horses offers. They also kick with a variety of southern rock — a Texas tradition by far. The crowd I witnessed kept dancing even during the secondary sound check set.

And, not just because Vocalist Angela Rae was hot.

She put a vocal trend on the show with some action that got the troops that were there from Fort Hood into her sound. The troops appeal was interesting for the cat calls. She was awesome, with a stage presence that brought you into what she was singing.

Ralph “Thundersticks” McCauley was drumming the heck out the kit behind the plexiglass. He gives xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

52

out powerful grooves on the drums as far as the hard hitting action. The crowd gets nuts about it.

Keyboardist Lon “Fat boy” Holland brought the fill to the mix to make the music feel higher energy. Just when I thought he was stuck to the stage, he pulled out this harmonica and went all over the bar playing.

He and Michael referred to Billy Holt during the concert, paying homage to the great who was present and celebrating his birthday.

“He is 210 dog years old,” Michael joked about Billy, who stepped up from the audience and played the keyboard while Michael sang “The Fireman” and a ballad that packed the dance floor.

The man on the steel guitar, Chris “The Mule” Siegmon, put just the right touch in the mix. It gave Wild Horses the edge to make their sound complete. The steel isn’t really an instrument that normally gets a bunch of glory. Being stuck in a chair on stage, when the other band members that are on wireless are jumping and playing on tables, chairs, and whatever they can get on to show their talent. The twist to being on the steel is it is probably one of the most important sounds in country music. Therefore, you sacrifice a few things.

Wild Horses played “Copperhead Road,” a cover tune that had this girl in four-inch heels as thin as a 10-penny nail dancing the line dance like a wild child. It was the most incredible sight. I would of broke my legs with that energy. They played an interesting set.

They even kicked it old school with some “Brick House.” I felt the need to check out the dance floor.

It was packed with brick houses 20 deep. It would be great to see this band at festivals and outdoor events.

The energy was worth even an hour drive to see them.

Overall, I recommend this entertainment to any club or establishment. If you have a variety crowd, they can handle the mix for sure. The value of their show is high-energy country music that brings you into doing whatever crazy release you can handle. They play cover tunes also. Wild Horses reads your crowd and plays what they love to hear — just some wild, good time party music.

A Wild Horse performance makes you just get up off your butt and dance, or at least move in your seat. They even got people who couldn’t put one foot in front of the other up and out on the floor bouncing and singing along like it was Mardis Gras. This is the level of talent you would usually see in the casinos, festivals, and major concert line-ups. For more information about Wild Horses, visit www. wildhorsesband.com.

53

xcentrix magazine • volume 1 • issue 2 2007

Women’s Clothing featuring: Akademiks • Rocawear Applebottoms • Miskeen Ladies • LRG Ladies Lady Enyce • Baby Phat Azzure insprired • Perazzi Jeans • Pepe Jeans Plus Sizes Available Children’s Clothing featuring: Akademiks • Enyce Baby Phat • Ecko Red Ecko Boys • Phat Farm Sean John & More

Men’s Clothing featuring: Akademiks • LRG • Enyce Miskeen • Meezan Rocawear • Azzure Indigo Red • Live Mechanics Royal Filth • Luxe-T • Cerbae Mauri & Belvedere Shoes Big & Tall Sizes Available

1450 W Pleasant Run Rd, Ste 112 Lancaster, TX 75146 972-227-7676