It's the time again for Gay Pride day and your's truly will be marcning in the parade for a 5th time.
I'm looking foward to walking down 5th Avenue looking hot (though I wanna lose my damn gut) and sexy and letting people know that I'm cool with being me and I ain't changing my orientation for no body.
How am I contributing to the Gay community?
By showing support to those who are doing positive things in the community like appearing at many Gay concerts and film festivals, assisting rapper Shorty Roc and using my knowledge and love of music to help DJ Baker, host of DADOODIRTY show, where I was dubbed DA-PROFESSOR.
Everybody thinks that contribuiting finacially is a way to support the community.
Money is always helpful and beneficial, but another way is showing love to each other is the best way to help the community grow.
Ra SHAWN-DA-PROFESSOR
Thursday, June 26, 2008
MY CHAT WITH LEGENARY AND CARING DJ AND HIV WORKER
Once you meet BBOP you won’t help to be drawn to his personality, warm heart and humorous and generous spirit. Not only is he a great person, he’s one of many in the Black Gay Community who cares about keeping the community uplifted, educated and informed about programs, and what’s going on in the entertainment field, which he’s a part of with his Pride network, blog and h is online pod cast that plays Disco, R&B, and slow jams.
I had the opportunity to interview this legend at GMHC where he spoke about the meaning of his name, overcoming child abuse, working on his upcoming novel and the importance of gay community showing love and respect towards each other.
Q: Tell the viewers who is BBOP?
A: I’m 42 years old. Don’t look a day over 32. I’m a single Black Man. Independent. I own the Pride network, which is one of the fastest growing groups on the internet on Yahoo. The Pride network is a group of sharing. Whether it’s pornography, nude photos, public events. We also share progressive posting elements, and I’m the progressive poster.
SUPREMEWRITER: You have a unique name. How did you come up with your nickname and what does it stand for?
BBOP: OK. There were two transgender who had a click of transgender, but I didn’t fit in the transgender click transgender community. But they wanted me to be a part of their circle and they came up with the acronym, and what they came up with was BBOP, and when they broke it down, they came up with Beautiful Boys of Pride. Since then, the circle had broken up, and I took the acronym BBOP and I created a network out of it. I’m currently doing a spin-off of Da Doo Dirty Show, where with CJ Baker plays Hip-Hop and R&B. On the BBOP pod cast, I will be featuring House, Disco Classics and R&B.
SUPREMEWRITER: What inspired you to start your own pod cast?
BBOP” It was another way of sharing. That’s what I’m all about. I like to share everything. It’s there’s some information that some one can benefit from; I like to have that information too. Unlike the rest of the Gay community, who tends to be self-centered. If they have something, they don’t wanna share it.
SUPREMEWRITER: You brought up an interesting point about many in our community being self-centered. Especially when it comes to information concerning HIV/AIDS, housing and benefits. From your perspective, why those in the field choose not to share that information to those who can benefit from it?
BBOP: I don’t’ know what drives people to be self-centered. I’m a certified HIV counselor and it’s my job to give them the guidance they need. Especially the newly infected. It’s my job to give them the guidance they need to so they can provide for themselves. It’s about helping my people to become independent. It’s about helping my people they don’t know how to help themselves.
SUPREMEWRITER: What made you become an AIDS Activist and counselor?
BBOP: I’ve been working in the HIV field for 23 years. Not only am I the president of the company, I’m also the client. Ha-Ha. I’ve been HIV positive for 23 years, so it’s a passion of mine because I went through hard times. It was hard for me to get my self established. I had to get my own HRA. My own foods stamps. My own housing. My own HASA. I don’t want anybody to have to go through what I started studying HIV and STI’s to substance abuse. I’m working in case management. It was very important for me to help people acquire these things for themselves.
SUPREMEWRITER: How long you been in the entertainment field
BBOP: I’m not in the entertainment field anymore. Back in the day, I did a lot of performances. I performed as Billy Ocean. There’s a lot of transgender who perform as their idols. I performed as Billy Ocean. I even performed as Donna Summer, I would do these performances in competitions and win first place. It was another way for me to open myself very openly and honestly.
SUPREMEWRITER: You brought up an interesting point about performing as both your favorite female and male music idols. As we both know, there are many Openly Gay R&B and Pop Male singers and Rappers who want to get the exposure, but many Gay Pride organizations and organizers chose to hire and pay drag queens, as opposed to paying them. How do you feel about this subject?
BBOP: I think they need to hire them. Hire within. Support your people. Why are you hiring a transgender to give a performance; giving them that money. Giving them that break when there’s people you claim to care for that’s but you wanna give it to them. Give it to the people. That money wasn’t intended for the professional transgender community. The grant money you receive is intended for the community you serve! If the community is not getting the money it’s intended for then yes, I have a problem with it!
SUPREMEWRITER: With you running the network, hosting your show and doing counseling, how do you manage to balance your time?
BBOP: Oh balance is one of those things I’m trying to achieve. I preach about balance all the time, and I think it can be acquired. However it’s very difficult to acquire balance when you’re taking on too much. I’ve got six thousand members in my network, but the Beautiful Boy of Pride is connected to other networks, when I have sit there and go through emails. Balance is not impossible. It’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. Never take on more than what you can chew.
SUPREMEWRITER: You also write sensual, erotic stories. How did you get into writing those types of stories?
BBOP: Well it’s funny. I read B-Boy Blues by James Earl Hardy, and I was extremely inspired. I only read the one book, but I was inspired because he was writing this and I was thinking it. I have an exotic mind. What I think about it’s usually erotic, sensual and sexual. When I write my stories, my stories and part fact and part fictional. I’m hoping to publish my first book this year. My first title was “Down Low Drug Dealers Desire” about a drug dealer and guy who move into the neighborhood, and they develop a relationship. The local who moved into the area was struggling with drug addiction. That’s the realistic part, because I dealt with drug addiction for many years, so I always had this fantasy of being with this notoriously drug dealer. Not Nicky Barnes. I’m talking about a sexy, thug, scruffy drug dealer, so I moved into the towers. I’m not saying which towers; there was this dealer who lived next door to me. I’m not gonna give away the story. I like for you to get the story since I finished writing.
SUPREMEWRITER: If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you love to play the drug dealer?
BBOP I would love for Nick Cannon to play my drug dealer. (Laughs seductively). I want Nick Cannon to be by my side when I’m working down to red carpet.
SUPREMEWRITER: I hear he has a big dick.
BBOP: That’s what Mickey Day is always talking about. I want Nick Cannon to be by my side when I’m walking down the red carpet. I don’t care whether it’s a red carpet or blue carpet. I want Nick Cannon to be my side. Tell me something about my eyes (both laugh).
SUPREMEWRITER: How do you think you’re making an impact of the Gay Community?
BBOP: Oh my God. Just being me. By just being me. There’s so many people who see the way I am, and see what a free spirit I am, and see I don’t have a care in the world except supporting myself. (And) they be like how do I get to that level? How do I get to that level? Determination. Responsibility. Passion, independence, knowledge, education.
I started studying in the HIV field which is a passion of mine because people need to know where this disease came from; how it originated. How it’s being treated and how the hell we’re gonna knock it out. I think the biggest part is testing people and basically helping them get on their feet. When they get a positive reading, they don’t know what to do next, and if you don’t have a person who cares about them, they become lost. To love you until you love yourself. That was said at Phillip’s memorial. That’s a philosophy they got from me. How I love you until you love yourself. Watch me love myself.
SUPREMEWRITER: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years?
BBOP: A noted author. A much bigger radio personality that I am. In a bigger apartment (laughs). Most likely, having a college degree. When I had to go out on my own, I had to support myself. There was no time for me to finish college. I had to leave the house because my stepfather didn’t like the fact that there was someone in the house who was HIV positive, so he made it extremely difficult for me and I wound up leaving my mother’s house against her will. I just could not live like that. I couldn’t live in an environment were my stepfather had to have his own fork, his own spoon, his own coffee cup, his own glass. He tormented me for my status and he died from it. What was he doing? Inquiring minds want to know. I never had the support that I needed. When my stepfather died, everybody knew he was dying, but nobody told me. I have an issue with my family because they knew. When my mother found out, she committed suicide and he died ten years later.
SUPREWMEWRITER: That’s deep.
BBOP: When I was talking about the lack of support I had in my family, I left out someone. My older brother. I can tell you what it’s like to be molested; abuse tortured over a period of ten years. What hurt me only made me stronger. The things that hurt me only made me stronger. I don’t want don’t want anybody to go through what I went through.
AT HOME WITH POPULAR PARTY THROWER
When I first met Eric J. Parker, I noticed how professional he conducted himself. Very professional and laid back. A week later at Alibi’s I saw him walking around greeting the guests, drinking, and getting his dance on when Original Destiny’s Child member Beyonce’s #68 Pop hit “Get Me Bodied” came on. He had the party turned out. That’s what he’s about. Throwing parties, and making people having fun
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens Parker, who also wrote for Next Magazine, has been becoming a hot socialite by coordinating many parties, with themes that are interesting and innovative. I had the opportunity to speak with him at his home where we spoke about partying, and Brandy.
SUPREMEWRITER: Tell us who is Eric J. Parker?
ERIC: Eric J. Parker is this amazing work of art. He’s the guru of all kinds. He’ the creation of the New York Socialites. Eric J. Parker is the socialite.
SUPREMEWRITER: What made you decide to become a socialite?
ERIC: I guess it come with time as I started going to the parties and meeting other people. Being a socialite was something I was born to do, but I guess over the years I started to become that title by going to the party and meeting the necessary people.
SUPREMEWRITER: What are your duties as a socialite?
ERIC: A socialite is someone who knows how to work the room. Someone who can work with the best to be with the best. Who mingles with the best to be exact. Paris Hilton is the ultimate party socialite. She can go to a gay party. A straight party, A handicap party and make the room hers. A socialite is an entertainer. A personality. Either you got it or you don’t. That's what the New York City Socialites is.
SUPREMEWRITER: What parties have your thrown?
ERIC: We threw DJ Baker’s birthday party. We threw Jamal Tucker’s book release party; we threw our first “I Hate You’ party. We did the weekly S party that went down from January through April. We’re in the process of doing our one year anniversary party. We also did Pair unleashed at Flute Bar, which was a one time event. We did a lot of things within the year. We did Mantra kick off party. Eric J. Parker’s birthday party. We have Andre Elite’s salon grand opening. We did Baron’s pre-CD release party. Andre Elite and Baron are signed under our media company. Expect to see a lot of things.
SUPREMEWRITER: I attended the “I Hate Me” party, and it was fun. What inspired you to create a theme like that?
ERIC: What made me decide to throw the “I Hate You” party, was the mere fact that it was on Valentines Day, and for years, I was single before DJ came. There’s people who generally like Valentines Day. I’m not saying I’m not one of them; I do, but I was like let’s do something different? Why not do a different twist.
That’s what makes us different. That’s was a spear of the moment thing decision, and it wound up being that most amazing event. We even got photos of you partying. It was great.
SUPREMEWRITER: You’re also throwing a Grown and Sexy party this fall. What will that be like?
ERIC: Well the grown and sexy party will have three artists performing and a Hip-Hop fashion show. Right now, we got Baron to perform That’s gonna be a big performance for Baron to perform on one stage. The Grown and Sexy party is going to be for the grown and sexy elite to see what the socialites ware about We’re putting artists on blast showing what they’re capable of doing.
SUPREMEWRITER: Eric. You have a great idea. As you know, most party throwers parties that cater to the House and Hip-Hop music lovers, but we hardly have any promoters who throw parties for Gay men who enjoy dressing sexy and listening to R&B music and performers. What you think about that?
ERIC: I feel good about it. Like you said, there aren’t too many people in the gay community who work outside the box and I’m proud to say my company’s the first to do so and hopefully, all we can do is start a trend.
SIPREMEWRITER: What is the dress code for the party?
ERIC: The dress code for the grown and sexy is dress grown and sexy. Come casual. Come looking like a star. It’s your red carpet to shine. I’m in the process of having something real good. Hopefully things work out but it’s your night to shine; Show your grown and sexy colors.
SUPREMEWRITER: Who would you like to throw a party for?
ERIC: I would like to throw a party for Paris Hilton.
SUPREMEWRITER: I know that you’re a huge fan of Brandy. What do you admire about her?
ERIC: I admire Brandy. Everything. I admire her realness. She’s real and she’s talented. Very talented. She’s a great writer. She brings her realness to her music. That’s what I admire about her.
SURPEMEWRITER: I also heard you’re planning on returning back to acting.
ERIC: Eventually in the future. That’s a though. Everybody who knows me, know I’m an actor, but I think in a couple of years, I’ll get back into acting perhaps after I established this company.
SUPREMEWRITER: Last question. You and DJ Baker have been dating for almost five years. How do you manage to maintain a relationship while pursuing your careers in entertainment?
ERIC: you know it’s all about communication and trust. The key words that DJ says are communication, trust, honesty, respect and chemistry. Like those are the five things we need in a relationship to make it last and I’m grateful to have someone in my life. It’s just being honest with that person.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens Parker, who also wrote for Next Magazine, has been becoming a hot socialite by coordinating many parties, with themes that are interesting and innovative. I had the opportunity to speak with him at his home where we spoke about partying, and Brandy.
SUPREMEWRITER: Tell us who is Eric J. Parker?
ERIC: Eric J. Parker is this amazing work of art. He’s the guru of all kinds. He’ the creation of the New York Socialites. Eric J. Parker is the socialite.
SUPREMEWRITER: What made you decide to become a socialite?
ERIC: I guess it come with time as I started going to the parties and meeting other people. Being a socialite was something I was born to do, but I guess over the years I started to become that title by going to the party and meeting the necessary people.
SUPREMEWRITER: What are your duties as a socialite?
ERIC: A socialite is someone who knows how to work the room. Someone who can work with the best to be with the best. Who mingles with the best to be exact. Paris Hilton is the ultimate party socialite. She can go to a gay party. A straight party, A handicap party and make the room hers. A socialite is an entertainer. A personality. Either you got it or you don’t. That's what the New York City Socialites is.
SUPREMEWRITER: What parties have your thrown?
ERIC: We threw DJ Baker’s birthday party. We threw Jamal Tucker’s book release party; we threw our first “I Hate You’ party. We did the weekly S party that went down from January through April. We’re in the process of doing our one year anniversary party. We also did Pair unleashed at Flute Bar, which was a one time event. We did a lot of things within the year. We did Mantra kick off party. Eric J. Parker’s birthday party. We have Andre Elite’s salon grand opening. We did Baron’s pre-CD release party. Andre Elite and Baron are signed under our media company. Expect to see a lot of things.
SUPREMEWRITER: I attended the “I Hate Me” party, and it was fun. What inspired you to create a theme like that?
ERIC: What made me decide to throw the “I Hate You” party, was the mere fact that it was on Valentines Day, and for years, I was single before DJ came. There’s people who generally like Valentines Day. I’m not saying I’m not one of them; I do, but I was like let’s do something different? Why not do a different twist.
That’s what makes us different. That’s was a spear of the moment thing decision, and it wound up being that most amazing event. We even got photos of you partying. It was great.
SUPREMEWRITER: You’re also throwing a Grown and Sexy party this fall. What will that be like?
ERIC: Well the grown and sexy party will have three artists performing and a Hip-Hop fashion show. Right now, we got Baron to perform That’s gonna be a big performance for Baron to perform on one stage. The Grown and Sexy party is going to be for the grown and sexy elite to see what the socialites ware about We’re putting artists on blast showing what they’re capable of doing.
SUPREMEWRITER: Eric. You have a great idea. As you know, most party throwers parties that cater to the House and Hip-Hop music lovers, but we hardly have any promoters who throw parties for Gay men who enjoy dressing sexy and listening to R&B music and performers. What you think about that?
ERIC: I feel good about it. Like you said, there aren’t too many people in the gay community who work outside the box and I’m proud to say my company’s the first to do so and hopefully, all we can do is start a trend.
SIPREMEWRITER: What is the dress code for the party?
ERIC: The dress code for the grown and sexy is dress grown and sexy. Come casual. Come looking like a star. It’s your red carpet to shine. I’m in the process of having something real good. Hopefully things work out but it’s your night to shine; Show your grown and sexy colors.
SUPREMEWRITER: Who would you like to throw a party for?
ERIC: I would like to throw a party for Paris Hilton.
SUPREMEWRITER: I know that you’re a huge fan of Brandy. What do you admire about her?
ERIC: I admire Brandy. Everything. I admire her realness. She’s real and she’s talented. Very talented. She’s a great writer. She brings her realness to her music. That’s what I admire about her.
SURPEMEWRITER: I also heard you’re planning on returning back to acting.
ERIC: Eventually in the future. That’s a though. Everybody who knows me, know I’m an actor, but I think in a couple of years, I’ll get back into acting perhaps after I established this company.
SUPREMEWRITER: Last question. You and DJ Baker have been dating for almost five years. How do you manage to maintain a relationship while pursuing your careers in entertainment?
ERIC: you know it’s all about communication and trust. The key words that DJ says are communication, trust, honesty, respect and chemistry. Like those are the five things we need in a relationship to make it last and I’m grateful to have someone in my life. It’s just being honest with that person.
MY CHAT AND KIKI WITH COMMUNITY FACILTATOR AND FASHION DESIGNER
When I first met Maurice Runae, I couldn’t help to notice that he had his own unique style of fashion that made him stand out along with his long well groomed twists. After hanging out with him I noticed that he’s also a cool person who’s very active in the community, and he has no problem addressing issues that concerns the community including maintaining physical and mental health, homophobia and knowing how to make sure you spend time with your man. Those are the topics we talked about during our interview that took place at GMHC.
SUPREMEWRITER: Who is Maurice Runae?
MAURICE: I’m currently doing a show called “Vantage Point. I’m also doing my fashion line and online magazine. I’m currently holding two positions at GMHC.
SUPREMEWRITER: What made you decide to get into fashion design?
MAURICE: I’ve always been into fashion. At a young age. I always watched television and I always saw that they were wearing and I was like I can d that better. About a year or two ago, I decided I want to have my own fashion company.
SUPREMEWRITER: What does your fashion line consists of?
MAURICE: It consists of a lot of crystals, beads. I just started venturing out to other pieces of garments. I just started doing jeans and boots, but it originally started out as t-shirts. Customized t-shirts and button ups.
SUPREMEWRITER: What prompted you to start your online magazine?
MAURICE It was a lot of things that were going one around me that no one wanted to talk about. And so I was already known in the community so I just used that opportunity to talk about things that peo0le was scared to talk about.
SUPREMEWRITER: I read your magazine, and I remember you writing an article about Reggae artists who record songs that justify the killing of Gay people. How important was it for you to write that article and discuss this topic?
MAURICE: I think as far as Reggae artists, with homophobic songs, we kind of promote them in a way we go and by the music. We up in the club up and dancing to it; we gyrating. They’re saying boom bye-bye batty boy and we gyrating all over the place. You can’t be on both sides of the spectrum. One aspect you’re saying I don’t support it. I personally don’t listen to those songs that promote homosexuality discrimination, but it’s real but I thank as time passed, more people have banned together. They’re stopping their concerts; they’re not buying their songs. Some of them have to move back to Jamaica to make it, so I think eventually they’re gonna get the point that we’re not gonna stand for it and eventually it’ll fade off.
SUPREMEWRITER: I’ve had this discussion with other Gay people, and I was telling how many of the kids are aware of what the artists are saying, yet they be dancing and grinding to the song. From your perspective, why do they do that knowing that the song is talking about hurting and killing them?
MAURICE: ‘Cause I think that people aren’t socially conscious. If you go to the club, they’re not really listening to what the words are saying. It’s the beat. They go to the club, they’re feeling the song. The liquor kicks in, so they’re not really paying attention to the song. I think when people are really pay attention to the song when they’re at home playing it in a closed setting, and you listen to the song, and you’ll be like ‘Oh my God, he just said kill me.’ Then you have some who don’t care. There are some who aren’t connected to social issues.
SUPREMEWRITER: You also work at GMHC. What are your job duties?
MAURICE: I am the co-facilitator for a group called Many Men, Many Voices. We give you skills to better yourself. We don’t tell you what to do, but we give you the skills for life changes. I’m also the recruiter for Choices, that’s also an intervention group, where they give you the skills for disclosure and again, we don’t tell you to disclosure. We give you the skills to disclosure.
SUPREMEWRITER: How long have you been working at GMHC?
MAURICE: Gosh. I’ve been at GMHC since 2004, but prior to that I had another job. I volunteered here, and I left the Board of Ed and came here,
SUPREMEWRITER: You’re also doing a show with Nathan 7 Scott.
MARUICE: That show is a talk show. I don’t want to compare it to “The View” but it gives you that feel. I aired on February 20the. It’s gonna be on the air channel on You Tube. We’re trying to get further than that. You will be impressed.
SUPREMEWRITER: How do you manage your private and social life while working crating fashion and working on your magazine?
MAURICE: Are you asking if I love to date? (Both laugh)
SUPREMEWRITER: No. I’m asking how do you manage to have a social life besides networking?
MAURICE: I always say make time for your man. When he complains about you’re not spending enough time with him, that’s when you’re working too much and you need to take a step back. What I found in past relationships, I’m single now. Single and looking (both laugh). What I found in past relationships in to incorporate him into what you do. Whenever I had a function it wouldn’t hurt to ask if he wanted to go. It would be his choice whether or not he wanted to come.
You should also make me time. I cherish my days off when I’m not just doing anything because I’m busy ass the time. When I have my days off, I like to eat, lay back, watch Confidential, watch a horror movie and if I’m in a relationship, I just like to lay back and chill. That’s what a lot of us don’t do. That will actually cause health problems as well. Your blood pressure will go through the roof. You need to kick back, relax. Go shopping. Just relax.
SUPREMEWRITER: You mentioned a great point about how important it is for people to focus on their health. Why should people especially in the Black Gay community to focus on maintaining their health?
MAURICE: I think you need to stay focus on your health. Stress and fatigue plays a number on your body, and will make your body fall apart, cause it’s telling you to lay down. So when you won’t lie down, your body will make you lay down. I think that Afro-American people, we don’t go to doctors so any little thing you can do to keep your body maintained is successful. What the sense of being successful if you ain’t around to see the benefits of it.
SUPREMEWRITER: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years?
MAURICE: Rich (laughs) Wealthy. Just say OK. Hopefully married. As long as I’m healthy, successful and financially secure.
SUPREMEWRITER: If you a change to design clothes for any famous celebrity, who would it be?
MAURICE: It would be Morris Chestnut. I love that man!! Morris Chestnut and Blair Underwood.
SUPREMEWRITER: They are both sexy and classy!!
MAURICE: Who you telling? There was a stripper who was at Splash, who looked just like him.
SUPREMEWRITER: What is about them they makes you want to dress them up?
MAURICE: Look at there bodies!! You see their bodies?!! They all sexy, choc lately. I absolutely adore them. I’m just a fan of beauty. I se beauty in a lot of things people don’t . Dimjou. I think he’s sexy. Kudos to Kimora Lee. I couldn’t be her friend because I’d be looking at her man all day. I happen to think Seal is sexy.
SUPREMEWRITER: Especially since he cut off his dreads.
MAURICE: Heidi Klum must do because she can’t stop getting pregnant by him. I would love to design for Puffy, because he’s flashy. If it was a girl, I would design for Lil’ Kim. I would design and blinged out bra and panty set with some blinged out boots.
SUPREMEWRITER: How do you think you’re making an impact on the Gay community?
MAURICE: Just being myself. I think I’m at a point in my life where I’m comfortable with who I and what I’ve become and what I’m going to be. Fit on that street, and you can tell people to get off and cross the street when you feel like it. When I walk outside, the world is my stage, and the people are my audience. First of all, I live in Brooklyn and people question how I look, but I always say, if you’re confident, people will pick up on that. Don’t look like a victim. When you walk down the street, walk like you own the street. Walk like you pay rent and walk like you can make them walk across the street.
There was a time when I was very withdrawn. I was shy (and) I didn’t want to talk to people. That’s because I didn’t understand myself, and when you don’t understand yourself, you can’t relate and understand people. At the time I realized I was gay, I had a girlfriend, and I know a lot of them are going to gag when they hear that. I have pictures that show I used to dress like a boy, but it just got the point where I had to be comfortable with myself and with who I am and look in the mirror and say ‘damn I love myself ‘and I’m that point now. I tell young kids today you can be who you are, but be classy about it and respect yourself and people with respect you
SUPREMEWRITER: Who is Maurice Runae?
MAURICE: I’m currently doing a show called “Vantage Point. I’m also doing my fashion line and online magazine. I’m currently holding two positions at GMHC.
SUPREMEWRITER: What made you decide to get into fashion design?
MAURICE: I’ve always been into fashion. At a young age. I always watched television and I always saw that they were wearing and I was like I can d that better. About a year or two ago, I decided I want to have my own fashion company.
SUPREMEWRITER: What does your fashion line consists of?
MAURICE: It consists of a lot of crystals, beads. I just started venturing out to other pieces of garments. I just started doing jeans and boots, but it originally started out as t-shirts. Customized t-shirts and button ups.
SUPREMEWRITER: What prompted you to start your online magazine?
MAURICE It was a lot of things that were going one around me that no one wanted to talk about. And so I was already known in the community so I just used that opportunity to talk about things that peo0le was scared to talk about.
SUPREMEWRITER: I read your magazine, and I remember you writing an article about Reggae artists who record songs that justify the killing of Gay people. How important was it for you to write that article and discuss this topic?
MAURICE: I think as far as Reggae artists, with homophobic songs, we kind of promote them in a way we go and by the music. We up in the club up and dancing to it; we gyrating. They’re saying boom bye-bye batty boy and we gyrating all over the place. You can’t be on both sides of the spectrum. One aspect you’re saying I don’t support it. I personally don’t listen to those songs that promote homosexuality discrimination, but it’s real but I thank as time passed, more people have banned together. They’re stopping their concerts; they’re not buying their songs. Some of them have to move back to Jamaica to make it, so I think eventually they’re gonna get the point that we’re not gonna stand for it and eventually it’ll fade off.
SUPREMEWRITER: I’ve had this discussion with other Gay people, and I was telling how many of the kids are aware of what the artists are saying, yet they be dancing and grinding to the song. From your perspective, why do they do that knowing that the song is talking about hurting and killing them?
MAURICE: ‘Cause I think that people aren’t socially conscious. If you go to the club, they’re not really listening to what the words are saying. It’s the beat. They go to the club, they’re feeling the song. The liquor kicks in, so they’re not really paying attention to the song. I think when people are really pay attention to the song when they’re at home playing it in a closed setting, and you listen to the song, and you’ll be like ‘Oh my God, he just said kill me.’ Then you have some who don’t care. There are some who aren’t connected to social issues.
SUPREMEWRITER: You also work at GMHC. What are your job duties?
MAURICE: I am the co-facilitator for a group called Many Men, Many Voices. We give you skills to better yourself. We don’t tell you what to do, but we give you the skills for life changes. I’m also the recruiter for Choices, that’s also an intervention group, where they give you the skills for disclosure and again, we don’t tell you to disclosure. We give you the skills to disclosure.
SUPREMEWRITER: How long have you been working at GMHC?
MAURICE: Gosh. I’ve been at GMHC since 2004, but prior to that I had another job. I volunteered here, and I left the Board of Ed and came here,
SUPREMEWRITER: You’re also doing a show with Nathan 7 Scott.
MARUICE: That show is a talk show. I don’t want to compare it to “The View” but it gives you that feel. I aired on February 20the. It’s gonna be on the air channel on You Tube. We’re trying to get further than that. You will be impressed.
SUPREMEWRITER: How do you manage your private and social life while working crating fashion and working on your magazine?
MAURICE: Are you asking if I love to date? (Both laugh)
SUPREMEWRITER: No. I’m asking how do you manage to have a social life besides networking?
MAURICE: I always say make time for your man. When he complains about you’re not spending enough time with him, that’s when you’re working too much and you need to take a step back. What I found in past relationships, I’m single now. Single and looking (both laugh). What I found in past relationships in to incorporate him into what you do. Whenever I had a function it wouldn’t hurt to ask if he wanted to go. It would be his choice whether or not he wanted to come.
You should also make me time. I cherish my days off when I’m not just doing anything because I’m busy ass the time. When I have my days off, I like to eat, lay back, watch Confidential, watch a horror movie and if I’m in a relationship, I just like to lay back and chill. That’s what a lot of us don’t do. That will actually cause health problems as well. Your blood pressure will go through the roof. You need to kick back, relax. Go shopping. Just relax.
SUPREMEWRITER: You mentioned a great point about how important it is for people to focus on their health. Why should people especially in the Black Gay community to focus on maintaining their health?
MAURICE: I think you need to stay focus on your health. Stress and fatigue plays a number on your body, and will make your body fall apart, cause it’s telling you to lay down. So when you won’t lie down, your body will make you lay down. I think that Afro-American people, we don’t go to doctors so any little thing you can do to keep your body maintained is successful. What the sense of being successful if you ain’t around to see the benefits of it.
SUPREMEWRITER: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years?
MAURICE: Rich (laughs) Wealthy. Just say OK. Hopefully married. As long as I’m healthy, successful and financially secure.
SUPREMEWRITER: If you a change to design clothes for any famous celebrity, who would it be?
MAURICE: It would be Morris Chestnut. I love that man!! Morris Chestnut and Blair Underwood.
SUPREMEWRITER: They are both sexy and classy!!
MAURICE: Who you telling? There was a stripper who was at Splash, who looked just like him.
SUPREMEWRITER: What is about them they makes you want to dress them up?
MAURICE: Look at there bodies!! You see their bodies?!! They all sexy, choc lately. I absolutely adore them. I’m just a fan of beauty. I se beauty in a lot of things people don’t . Dimjou. I think he’s sexy. Kudos to Kimora Lee. I couldn’t be her friend because I’d be looking at her man all day. I happen to think Seal is sexy.
SUPREMEWRITER: Especially since he cut off his dreads.
MAURICE: Heidi Klum must do because she can’t stop getting pregnant by him. I would love to design for Puffy, because he’s flashy. If it was a girl, I would design for Lil’ Kim. I would design and blinged out bra and panty set with some blinged out boots.
SUPREMEWRITER: How do you think you’re making an impact on the Gay community?
MAURICE: Just being myself. I think I’m at a point in my life where I’m comfortable with who I and what I’ve become and what I’m going to be. Fit on that street, and you can tell people to get off and cross the street when you feel like it. When I walk outside, the world is my stage, and the people are my audience. First of all, I live in Brooklyn and people question how I look, but I always say, if you’re confident, people will pick up on that. Don’t look like a victim. When you walk down the street, walk like you own the street. Walk like you pay rent and walk like you can make them walk across the street.
There was a time when I was very withdrawn. I was shy (and) I didn’t want to talk to people. That’s because I didn’t understand myself, and when you don’t understand yourself, you can’t relate and understand people. At the time I realized I was gay, I had a girlfriend, and I know a lot of them are going to gag when they hear that. I have pictures that show I used to dress like a boy, but it just got the point where I had to be comfortable with myself and with who I am and look in the mirror and say ‘damn I love myself ‘and I’m that point now. I tell young kids today you can be who you are, but be classy about it and respect yourself and people with respect you
Thursday, June 12, 2008
MY FAVORITE TOP 25 HIP-HOP ALBUMS
Wassup readers.
Those who listen to DA DOO DIRTY SHOW knows me as the music specialist who loves the sound of Motown.
That's very true. I do love the sounds of Motown and classic soul, but I do love some Hip Hop music (DA Professor loves Hip-Hop?) Yes, I love some Hip-Hop artists (I remember my mother buying The Sugar Hill Gang's 1979 classic "Rapper's Delight" which became a classic, and though I love listening to the sounds of The Supremes, The Temptations, The 4 Tops, I like to listen to some Hip Hop from time to time. Especially if it's good and here is my list of my favorite Hip-Hop albums
1. Nas-Illmatic (1994 Columbia Records)
2. Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli-Train of Thought (2000 Rawkus Records)
3. Dizzie Rascal-Boy In Da Corner (2003 XL Recordins) and Akala-It's Not A Rumour
4. Salt-N-Pepa-Brand New (1997 Red Ant Records)
5. Queen Latifah-Black Reign (1993 Motown Records)
6. Lil'Kim-The Naked Truth (2005 Queen Bee Records)& Shorty Roc-Jackin' Beats The Mixtape (2004 Independely Released)
7. A Tribe Called Quest-Low End Theory (1991 Jive Records)
8. Nikki D-Daddy's Little Girl (1991 Def Jam Records)
9. Slick Rick-The Adventures of Slick Rick (1989 Def Jam Records)
10. Big Daddy Kane-It's A Big Daddy Thing (1989 Cold Chillin'Records)
11. MC Hammer-Please Hammer Don't Hurt'Em (1990 Capitol Records)
12. Heavy D & The Boyz-Blue Funk & Nothing But Love (Uptown Records)
13. BWP-The Bytches (1991 No Face Records)
14. D-Nice-Call Me D-Nice (1990 Jive Records)
15. Ice Cube-Death Certificate (1991 Priority Records)
16. LL Cool J-Bigger And Defer (1987 Def Jam Records) and Run DMC-Raisin' Hell (1986 Profile Records)
17. EPMD-Unfinished Business (1989 Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records) and Business As Usual (1990 Def Jam Records)
18. Journalist-Scribes of Life (2002 Motown Records)
19. Tim Dogg-Penincillin On Wax (1991 Ruff House Records)
20. The Notorius Big-Ready To Die & Craig Mack-Project: Funk DA World (Both released on Bad Boy Records 1994)
21. Nelly-Nellyville (2002 Universal Records)
22. Special Ed-Youngest In Charge (1989 Profile Records)
23. MC Trouble-Gotta Get A Grip (1990 Motown Records)
24. Nas-It Was Written (1996 Columbia Records)
25. The Fugees-The Score (1995 Ruffhouse Records)
Those who listen to DA DOO DIRTY SHOW knows me as the music specialist who loves the sound of Motown.
That's very true. I do love the sounds of Motown and classic soul, but I do love some Hip Hop music (DA Professor loves Hip-Hop?) Yes, I love some Hip-Hop artists (I remember my mother buying The Sugar Hill Gang's 1979 classic "Rapper's Delight" which became a classic, and though I love listening to the sounds of The Supremes, The Temptations, The 4 Tops, I like to listen to some Hip Hop from time to time. Especially if it's good and here is my list of my favorite Hip-Hop albums
1. Nas-Illmatic (1994 Columbia Records)
2. Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli-Train of Thought (2000 Rawkus Records)
3. Dizzie Rascal-Boy In Da Corner (2003 XL Recordins) and Akala-It's Not A Rumour
4. Salt-N-Pepa-Brand New (1997 Red Ant Records)
5. Queen Latifah-Black Reign (1993 Motown Records)
6. Lil'Kim-The Naked Truth (2005 Queen Bee Records)& Shorty Roc-Jackin' Beats The Mixtape (2004 Independely Released)
7. A Tribe Called Quest-Low End Theory (1991 Jive Records)
8. Nikki D-Daddy's Little Girl (1991 Def Jam Records)
9. Slick Rick-The Adventures of Slick Rick (1989 Def Jam Records)
10. Big Daddy Kane-It's A Big Daddy Thing (1989 Cold Chillin'Records)
11. MC Hammer-Please Hammer Don't Hurt'Em (1990 Capitol Records)
12. Heavy D & The Boyz-Blue Funk & Nothing But Love (Uptown Records)
13. BWP-The Bytches (1991 No Face Records)
14. D-Nice-Call Me D-Nice (1990 Jive Records)
15. Ice Cube-Death Certificate (1991 Priority Records)
16. LL Cool J-Bigger And Defer (1987 Def Jam Records) and Run DMC-Raisin' Hell (1986 Profile Records)
17. EPMD-Unfinished Business (1989 Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records) and Business As Usual (1990 Def Jam Records)
18. Journalist-Scribes of Life (2002 Motown Records)
19. Tim Dogg-Penincillin On Wax (1991 Ruff House Records)
20. The Notorius Big-Ready To Die & Craig Mack-Project: Funk DA World (Both released on Bad Boy Records 1994)
21. Nelly-Nellyville (2002 Universal Records)
22. Special Ed-Youngest In Charge (1989 Profile Records)
23. MC Trouble-Gotta Get A Grip (1990 Motown Records)
24. Nas-It Was Written (1996 Columbia Records)
25. The Fugees-The Score (1995 Ruffhouse Records)
BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS: GAINING CONFIDENCE
Last Monday as I was visiting my doctor, I began to experience chest pains. The pains were so severe that I had to be rushed to the ER, where I was treated, and released, and I was greatful to God that it wasn't serious. I was told to get lots of rest, which I did, while I missed my meeting at SOS, an Anti-Violence group I volunteer at. When I called to inform them about my absence, the head of the group asked if I needed anything?
"A bottle of water" I said.
That evening, she and two other members of the group brought me two bottles of water and told me to call if I needed anything.
I was really touched by their love and concern, which showed me that there are people in the Gay community who care about each other and I was thankful for their love and concern.
After they left, I began to have Reflections about a church (which is a fuckin'cult) that I was a part of for 6 years, where I experienced drama, mental, spiritual and on three occasions physical altercations with three leaders.
Their views were that they were the only true church and that in order to make it to Heaven, you had to get Baptized and join their church.
After joining, I was required to be at various events, give up being Gay, and date the sisters in the congregation, which I did.
Each members were assigned a Disciple partner (mentor) who was supposed to help you grow spiritually, and while some did, others were a bunch of egotistic controlling jackasses.
Out of the 9 I had, I had excellelnt relationships with 4, who were mature, loving, caring and respectful, while the others were caught up into legalism, impressing the leaders and not having compassion and commonsense.
I was told by some leaders to change my voice to sound masculine (like Ja-Rule and DMX) because if I didn't I would make my wife struggle spiritual and uncomfortable and that was the reason why guys were trying to holla at me.
I was told that I had to date the sisters every week because if I didn't they would leave and get with a man in the world who was quote on quote treat them bad.
My second mentor forced me to go to service though I was suffering from an ear infection. (He said I couldn't miss chruch unless I was in the hospital with tubes inside me). He also got me at me cuz I didn't call him despite him knowing I was suffering from 2 ear infections and was on heavy medication.
He got mad at me cuz I didn't call to see if a friend was coming to church though I told him that I lost a family friend and I was busy helping my friend prepare for her late Grandmother's funeral. (That nigga had the nerve to tell me "I shouldn't use helping my friend with funeral plans as an excuse for not seeing if my friend was coming out! the nigga also had his number to).
He also grabbed me one day at school during an arguement that he started.
Another leader had grabbed me and dragged me down the street because I was late for an meeting.
Some members would get mad if I didn't date on a regular basis.
After feeling depressed, and getting tired of being forced to be someone I wasn't, I had to follow the advice of Mary, Cindy, Scherrie and Susaye, and "Let My Heart Do The Walking." In other words, I left, and started to focus on my education, my health and growing into a Gay/SGL man who received 2 scholarships, and respect as a writer.
It also showed me that Gay/SGL people are not sinners, and demon-possessed people.
Gay people are just as spiritual (some are even more), and it shows that those who curse you will be cursed and those who blessed you will be blessed.
Though I'm not a perfect person, I'm still growing as a person, and I'm glad to be a Black Gay man who's overcome spiritual abuse.
As Tina Turner says
When The Heartache Is Over, I know I won't be missing you
Thanks to the staff of SOS for the love and support.
"A bottle of water" I said.
That evening, she and two other members of the group brought me two bottles of water and told me to call if I needed anything.
I was really touched by their love and concern, which showed me that there are people in the Gay community who care about each other and I was thankful for their love and concern.
After they left, I began to have Reflections about a church (which is a fuckin'cult) that I was a part of for 6 years, where I experienced drama, mental, spiritual and on three occasions physical altercations with three leaders.
Their views were that they were the only true church and that in order to make it to Heaven, you had to get Baptized and join their church.
After joining, I was required to be at various events, give up being Gay, and date the sisters in the congregation, which I did.
Each members were assigned a Disciple partner (mentor) who was supposed to help you grow spiritually, and while some did, others were a bunch of egotistic controlling jackasses.
Out of the 9 I had, I had excellelnt relationships with 4, who were mature, loving, caring and respectful, while the others were caught up into legalism, impressing the leaders and not having compassion and commonsense.
I was told by some leaders to change my voice to sound masculine (like Ja-Rule and DMX) because if I didn't I would make my wife struggle spiritual and uncomfortable and that was the reason why guys were trying to holla at me.
I was told that I had to date the sisters every week because if I didn't they would leave and get with a man in the world who was quote on quote treat them bad.
My second mentor forced me to go to service though I was suffering from an ear infection. (He said I couldn't miss chruch unless I was in the hospital with tubes inside me). He also got me at me cuz I didn't call him despite him knowing I was suffering from 2 ear infections and was on heavy medication.
He got mad at me cuz I didn't call to see if a friend was coming to church though I told him that I lost a family friend and I was busy helping my friend prepare for her late Grandmother's funeral. (That nigga had the nerve to tell me "I shouldn't use helping my friend with funeral plans as an excuse for not seeing if my friend was coming out! the nigga also had his number to).
He also grabbed me one day at school during an arguement that he started.
Another leader had grabbed me and dragged me down the street because I was late for an meeting.
Some members would get mad if I didn't date on a regular basis.
After feeling depressed, and getting tired of being forced to be someone I wasn't, I had to follow the advice of Mary, Cindy, Scherrie and Susaye, and "Let My Heart Do The Walking." In other words, I left, and started to focus on my education, my health and growing into a Gay/SGL man who received 2 scholarships, and respect as a writer.
It also showed me that Gay/SGL people are not sinners, and demon-possessed people.
Gay people are just as spiritual (some are even more), and it shows that those who curse you will be cursed and those who blessed you will be blessed.
Though I'm not a perfect person, I'm still growing as a person, and I'm glad to be a Black Gay man who's overcome spiritual abuse.
As Tina Turner says
When The Heartache Is Over, I know I won't be missing you
Thanks to the staff of SOS for the love and support.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
ONLINE CHAT WITH TALENTED AND ASPIRING WRITER
Since the creation of MYSPACE, many musicians, dancers, and directors have been using the popular site as a way to market their music, videos and promote their parties, and aspiring author Nelsom Mallory is using the site to showcase his novel "Faggots Are Funny" which has been gaining rave reviews and intersts from publishers.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Mallory, a graduate of N.Y.U. began writing while he was in high school, where his humanities teacher who was impressed with his work encouraged him to pursue his writing, which is something he's been doing passionately. The talented and down to earth writer took time to interview me via email to speak about his start in writing, the inspiration for his story, and what he plans to do in the future.
SUPREMEWRITER: Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to interview you. Can you give the viewers some information about yourself please?
NELSON: Well, I'm innately creative and have been all my life. I intend to use my creativity to inspire others.
SUPREMEWRITER: How did you get into writing?
NELSON: I started writing creatively when I was in high school and my humanities teacher wrote on my alternate ending for the play The Crucible that "this should be published."
SUPREMEWRITER: Your stories and series "Faggots Are Funny" are getting lots of positive response from viewers on myspace. What was the inspiration for the story? NELSON: I've always wanted to tackle the issue of the hyper-masculinity and self hatred among some closeted gay men. This story gave me an opportunity to address the many historical variables that keep countless men from embracing their sexuality. I really tried to implicitly incorporate the amalgam of social conditioning that dictates the behaviors of not just closeted black gay men, but black men in general.
SUPREMEWRITER:I've notice that the story deals with a coming of age situation where a college student is having problems coping with his sexuality. What was the inspiration for that?
NELSON: I'm not that far removed from college life, and so young black gay males in college has been a consistent theme in my writing.
SUPREMEWRITER: Another thing I like about the story is how Malik's lover is secure with himself and is able to speak up for himself and check Malik's ass when he gets out of line. How important was it to have the secure Gay man strong-minded?
NELSON: It was a concerted effort that was meant as a direct contrast to Malik and really illustrated the spectrum of self-acceptance among black gay men.
SUPREMEWRITER: I also applaud you for having the characters in college and pursuing education and goals. How important is for stories to show Black and Latino Gay males pursuing education and careers as to partying all the time, and not being serious about life?
NELSON: I personally prefer to write these characters as in college or having gone to college because I do believe that it positively resonates with readers. It's a popular theme of mine, but I've also written stories where the characters are not formally educated and I will continue to do so.
SUPREMEWRITER: The chapters are the rave on myspace. How does it feel to have a following without having your work published yet?
NELSON: It's thrilling. My readers inspire me because they challenge the notion that most of the country is anti-reading.
SUPREMEWRITER: Now that the book is completed have you been meeting with any publishing companies to have it published?
NELSON: Yes. It's an ongoing process and I'm currently making a lot of progress.
SUPREMEWRITER: What will make your novel different from the other Black Gay novels that are on the market?
NELSON: I hope that readers of all backgrounds are able to identify with the book's protagonist, because like so many he is both full of angst and optimism.
SUPREMEWRITER: If you don't find a publisher, will you consider publishing the book yourself?
NELSON: Self-publishing is certainly an option.
SUPREMEWRITER: Which writers do you admire and respect and why?
NELSON: Many, but my favorite book and by default my favorite author is Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
SUPREMEWRITER: Do you have any other books in the works?
NELSON: I am currently coming up with ideas for a second novel.
SUPREMEWRITER: If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters and who would you like to appear on the soundtrack?
NELSON: I can't think of any particular actors, but I would love for Stevie Wonder to contribute any of his amazing work.
SUPREMEWRITER: You're a graduate of NYU. What was it like being a Black Gay male attending a prestigious school and how did it shape you as a person?
NELSON: It was invaluable. It was the ideal school for me. The right college experience prepares you intellectually, but it's also made up of fun times and amazing memories.
SUPREMEWRITER: In addition to writing do you have any other talents?
NELSON:I would love to produce a film in the near future.
SUPREMEWRITER: What do you like to do when you're not being creative?
NELSON: Friends, Friends, Friends!
SUPREMEWRITER: What advice would you give to an aspiring author who wants to publish a book and how do you want your book to make an impact on Gay literature?
NELSON: To my fellow aspiring writers, make sure the work is well written and engaging. As far as impact, I'm not as concerned with quantity as I am the quality of impact my work might have. I know different people will take something different from my work. I just want it to be positive.
To see Nelson's work, you can log on to
www.myspace.com/storiesbynelson
www.storiesbynelson.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
SEXY MUSICAL HORNY TOADS FIND NEW MEMBER AND CONTINUES TO CRANK OUT GOOD MUSIC
When singer/songwriter Pleasure P announced he was leaving singing/rap group Pretty Ricky, many fans were shocked at the news of his departure and wondered why?
According to a lawsuit by the former vocalist (real name Marcus Ramone Cooper), who's Gospel tenor voice graced the hits "Your Body," "Grind On Me" and "On The Hotline" he hadn't received any royalites for his work on the group's platnium albums "Bluestars" and "Late Night Special" that the latter debuted at number one. The suit alleges that the group's manager Joseph Smith took on many roles that he felt were in conflict of interest including acting as the group's personal manager, road manager, booking agent and music publisher. In addition to taking on the role of surrogate father, he also stated that Smith, the biological father to group members Baby Blue, Spectacular and Slick "Em attacked a friend of his as a form of intimadation, when he began to distance himself from the rest of the group. Though the suit is still pending, and Pleasure is working on a solo album, he doesn't hold any bad feelings towards the rest of the group.
"It was my daddy I fell out with" he told Jet Magazine. "But I'll always love my brothers."
Filling the shoes of a departed group member is no easy task, but the other members of Pretty Ricky found and recruited 4Play, a singer from Pittsburg Pennsylvania, who was introduced to the public on "21 Days of 4Play," a special that shows him hanging out with the group in the studio which can be seen on their website www.prettyricky.com.
I’ve been working towards this moment my whole life,” 4Play said in a press statment. “To see the success finally happen, to actually be making music and to be a part of the Pretty Ricky family, is like watching my dreams come true. I feel truly blessed.”
When I heard that they finally found a new member and a new single, I had to see if he has the looks and voice to help take the sexy music horny toads to another level, and I have to say that he has a tight body, and smooth tenor voice, there are some simialrites to Pleasure, and in order for me to make a fair and accurate conclusion, I need to hear more of his singing (not just riffs) on the group's upcoming album "80's Babies" (scheduled to be released on August 26) and I have to see him perform the group's classic songs live. I would also like to learn more about his upbringing and background. In the video, he didn't talk about his musical influences, what inspired him to pursue a career in music, and how he even got into the group who's known for singing and rapping about sex. He does however talked about what he plans on bringing to the group as for as personality and sex appeal. 4Play has a tough task of filling Pleasure's Shoes because the fans are going to be listening to hear how good he sound live, and if he can help the group grow while making a name for himself.
To see the special and hear the single check out
www.prettyricky.com
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