tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26996707808044038922024-03-05T20:56:07.948-06:00vibingthroughwritingWelcome to Shawn DA SUPREMEWRITER'S Blog Page. This is a place viewers can connect though my writings as well as connect with other sites for their listening and viewing pleasure.
IMPORTANT: Some of my postins are tasteful while some are explicit and will be for readers over the age of 18 and over. Reader's discretion is required!DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-31210272311891991122015-01-16T10:18:00.002-06:002015-01-16T10:18:52.820-06:00UPRISING CHICAGO SOUL/INSPIRATIONAL SINGER CHATS <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Chicago is known for House Music, the birth of Soul Train and for producing many talented performers including Rufus & Chaka Khan, The Emotions, Jean Terrell of the Supremes, Jody Watley, Da-Brat and Twista, and Prince Darius is another talented singer who plans on keeping Chicago's musical legacy alive. Born and raised in the windy city, Darius got involved in music at an early age by singing in church and listening to his family's music collection. (His grandmother was part of a singing group who performed on American Bandstand) Darius had even recorded a Gospel album, but has been pursuing a career as an openly LGBT Singer/Songwriter and has been getting a buzz with his album "Unsigned and Unsealed" and his new single "Shower" which is getting play on internet radio. The talented and down to earth performer took time to be interviewed via email about his career</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Hey Prince Darius Happy New Year Thanks for allowing me to interview you How are things going?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Wonderful thanks for asking.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">That's great. I'm surviving taking life a day and step at a time despite the cold weather lol. How did you become involved with singing and songwriting?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Same here, I became involved with singing and songwriting 7 years ago When I had my own record company called loud swagger entertaMent </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">That's amazing. Which singers and groups inspired you and what was about them that captivated you?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Some singers that inspired are Michelle Williams, Keri Hilson, Teena Marie and groups that inspired me are Mary Mary, and The Supremes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Wow excellent choices. Especially Michelle Williams another Chicago born singer and The Supremes. My favorite female singing group. Great taste. You started singing in church am I correct? How did singing in church help your vocals?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Correct I did sing start singing in church that's where I discovered my love of my voice church helped me learn control and power and feeling in music.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Cool They say that church is a way for many aspiring singers to develop their vocal talents. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career as a singer and a songwriter and was it hard for you to do so?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Well I wanted to persue singing and songwriting when I was With My team Of rappers and wrote a song for them and it was not hard.</span></div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Wow that's great you're really was serious about developing and sharpening your skills. You're also pursuing your career as an Openly LGBTQ Male Singer and Songwriter What made you decide to pursue your career as an Out Male performer and have you found it difficult?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Well I have Wanted To Be Open just like my music. I'm not ashamed Of Who Or What I love it has made it hard for me from people who can't relate sexually and people Scared to work or colab with a openly gay artist but I don't push my sexuality on people. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">A great answer It shows in your music and in your personality. You had released an inspirational album titled UnSigned and UnSealed. What inspired you to release an inspirational album and did you have any concerns of negative feedback about being an LGBTQ singer releasing an inspirational album?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Yes I did have concerns about releasing a inspirational album due to being attacked by people big in the church.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">That is understanding due to many being homophobic and ignorant but it seems that God helped you persevere because the songs are so beautiful. What was the inspiration for the songs Love Me, Angel, Jealously and So Good?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">The inspiration behind the songs love me, Was about Me Wanting The Love Of God and me telling him how much I loved him. Angel, was About God Being my Angel and protecting me. Jealousy, was about me being in a part of my life where I was jealous of things. So Good, Is About How Good God is to me. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Great deep answers. Now you just released a hot steamy and romantic song called Shower with XRatted. What was the inspiration for that song, what made you linked up with Xxratted and are their plans to film a video for that single?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">The inspiration Of my Single SHOWER came About When I Hit up Xxrated And said Let's Colab he was open to working with me so one day I'm singing in the Shower and the rest is history. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Yes I am currently looking For video guys To Shoot This Video </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">That would be great. Looking forward to seeing the video when it comes out. I also learned that you did a anti-domestic violence song called Don't Hit Her/Him with Jovanne Pierre. How did this collabo come about and how important is it for both men and women to know that they have no right to be abused?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Well The Jovan Pierre a rapper songwriter from London calbo came About when he advertised a demo And Asked If Any One wanted to use it and I did it hit a personal part of me I'm a Domestic Abuse survivor and I strongly believe No one be abused at all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Wow that's really deep. So glad that you got out of that situation and starting a new chapter in your life. No one has the right to be abused. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">What other plans do you have? Do you plan on recording a new album any time soon?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Yes I do plan recording a album as soon as I get a team behind me and then I can move forward with a album.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Cool. Do you plan on doing going into acting or modeling in the future? If you had the chance to work with anybody recording artists mainstream and LGBTQ who would it be?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">We'll I am getting back into modeling and acting. I'm looking to be on a LGBT Show, and If I Could Work With Anybody mainstream It Would Be Janet Jackson, and in LGBT it Would Be I.K.P, 2UG, Jacques and many more.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Wow Miss Janet. That would be hot. She's working on her comeback album as we speak. You're from Chicago? Tell me from your prespective what is it about guys from Chicago that make people wanna holla at them?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Haha guys from Chicago what make people wanna holla well Word Is There Big In Places but what Makes me want To Get At A Man Is A Intelligent, Confident Man.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Cool and interesting (wink)answer. Chicago has produced many legendary acts including Rufus & Chaka Khan, Jean Terrell of The Supremes, Jody Watley, Twista, Da-Brat, Kanye West, Scandious and Flash Gotti. How does it feel being born and raised in the city that these talented performers were born in and how do you feel you're going to add to their musical legacy?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">First I'm honored to be In the category Of Artist That Have Paid The Way for me and I will Add A Different sound but I'm a fan of them all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Good Answer How do you feel you're making an impact on the music scene and LGBTQ industry and where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">I feel I'm right where I need to be and in 5 or 10 years I see myself Running my own entertainment company.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">That's great. What advice would you give to a performer who wants to pursue a career in the industry. Especially those who are LGBTQ?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Take your time be open minded and never give up and stay focused.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">DA-PROFESSOR: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Great answer. You're a cool and mature brother. I like to thank you for allowing me to interview you for my blog. I really enjoy your single. Continue to Strive for Excellence.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">PRINCE DARIUS: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">Thank you for havering me and for your love and support thank you again.</span></div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-18439490307132100512014-02-25T07:36:00.005-06:002014-02-25T07:36:40.636-06:00A FREE-SPIRITED, TALENTED PERFORMER LETS LOOSE<div class="t_mbgc t_qtc t_urtc" id="MainContent" style="background-color: white; bottom: 0px; color: #444444; left: 0px; line-height: 19.99359893798828px; position: absolute; right: 160px; top: 0px; z-index: 1;">
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Philadelphia is truly the city of brotherly love. During my many visits to the city, I've met several cool, down to earth and talented people, including Da Quan J. Motley, a talented performer and artist, who has been making an impact on the Out music scene with his talent, activism, spirit and his cooking. (The brother can throw down in the kitchen and Da-Professor is determined to taste his cuisine this year.) I first met and spoke to Da Quan after his performance at Philly Black Pride in 2012 and whenever rapper I.K.P. would hang out with us, he would always recommend that we needed to link up to talk about music and life. We finally did connect in the summer of 2013, and found out that we both loved music while I found him to be out going, down to earth, intelligent and really into the arts. I was so impressed that I knew I had to interview him for my blog which was done via email where he spoke about his career, life, the importance of artists supporting each other.</div>
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Da-Professor: This is Da-Professor interviewing singer/songwriter Da Quan Thanks for allowing me to interview you. How are things going with you?<div>
Da Quan: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you, things are well, staying busy, remaining focused.</div>
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Da-Professor: That's great to hear and know. Can you please let the viewers know who DaQuan is?</div>
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DaQuan: DaQuan is a performing artist , at least that's a label I'm comfortable owning. Singer, MC, songwriter, composer, actor, writer, painter, etc... would just be too long would you agree? I enjoy all mediums of art, and try to think of new ways to present them in an entertaining way .</div>
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Da-Professor: Great. So tell me how did you become interested in music?</div>
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DaQuan: I was young, 6 or so. Got involved in a inner city youth music program, that's where I received classical training in an instrument of my choice. I chose the clarinet , because of my Grandmothers love of Benny Goodman. </div>
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Da-Professor: Which performers influenced you and what was about them that made you take notice?</div>
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DaQuan: I am deeply influenced by entertainers, I could name a list that would take up most of the interview to be honest. But people like Cab Calloway , Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, The Rat Pack,Fats Waller, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, All of The Jacksons,Patti LaBelle, Fela Kuti , Celia Cruz . . .just to get started. These are all people that captured their audience in many ways. Yes they all have made a great record... but they were even better when they performed. That "You Had To Be There" experience is priceless.</div>
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Da-Professor: Interesting choices. How long have you performing and do you remember the first time you performed live?</div>
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DaQuan: I've been performing since I was 7 , recitals, school bands, plays mostly . At 9 I had my first public speaking experience in front of 500 people or so, I remembered not being afraid, and enjoying that I was being given full attention. I guess you could say that's when I knew I wanted to perform.</div>
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Da-Professor: You're happen to be an Out performer. What inspired you to be on out performer and have you had any challenges being true to who you are?</div>
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DaQuan: I never aspired to be an "Out performer". I'm open about my sexuality, and I guess that considers me to be "Out" of some metaphorical closet . I chose to be involved with the "Out Music" community because I believe in building, and promoting unity in a community that I believe in. It is my way of not forgetting where I have come from.</div>
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I have had many challenges, but they never have exceeded my successes. I don't conform to trends, and that has put damper on how I am received as an artist , weather it be Out , or Mainstream. But, these things still have not made me question my personal artistic integrity.</div>
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Da-Professor: OK cool. In addition to recording and performing, you're also involved with coordinating show cases and shows for many LGBT singers and rappers to perform. What inspired you to become involved and how important is it for LGBT to have avenues, venues and opportunities to perform and display their talent?</div>
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DaQuan: I was that kid in high school that was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. I can't help but to get involved. If I want to have a safe place where I can display my talents, then I would have to create that space. Luckily I have found many like-minded individuals on the way. It is very important for the community's morale to have venues, and safe spaces for the LGBTQ artist to perform , and showcase their talents.</div>
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Da-Professor: I've listen to your music and it you mixed various genres of music including Soul, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop and Spoken word and Neo-Soul. What influenced you to mix all those genres of music together?</div>
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Da-Professor: Those would all be types of mediums that I consider myself good at . I grew up listening to all those genres. I saw Mya Angelou speak when I was young, and she was very entertaining ,she didn't just read a poem , she acted them out, sang , moved about the stage like a dancer at times. The male figures in my family would listen to a lot of The Last Poets , These were both a major Spoken Word Influence. My mom listened to Parliament, Funkadelics, WAR, E W & Fire , Chic. . .and on and on ... these records helped shaped what I consider my sound . </div>
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Da-Professor: I love your song Molly Ringwald . What was the inspiration for that song?</div>
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DaQuan: Molly Ringwald was the inspiration of course , lol. I love 80's films. She was my first girl crush growing up . As a child I knew I wanted to make a song about her, so when I had the opportunity I did. It seems to be a crowd pleaser as well.</div>
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Da-Professor: You and I.K.P. teamed with Out Rap Legend Tim' M West for your latest single. How did you get together and what was it like working with those two talented artists?</div>
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DaQuan: Tim M hit me up and told me he wanted to do a track with I.K.P. and myself , called The News. I've worked with I.K.P. before, and am very familiar with Tim M West music , so I knew I was in good talented company . I was really excited to finally be able to get to work with Tim . I appreciate the work he has done, and the doors he has opened for other LGBTQ artist. </div>
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Da-Professor: You and I.K.P. also linked up with Baron and remade your version of the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gain" Who came up with the idea to redo that classic, and why do you feel that song is still a classic after many decades?</div>
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DaQuan: WOW ... is the first thing I think of every time I hear or think about that record. It was such a collaborative effort . I.K.P. hit me up with the track with another concept at the time I don't remember to be honest . But months later sends me the track with him and Baron's verse on it. Baron Singing the famous line from Sam Cooke's classic "Chain Gang" and both of them delivering two very solid verses. Needless to say I was intimidated to even get on the track. But, I love Sam Cooke so much, and I couldn't think of a better way then honoring him by singing the verse from the song with my own little twist. </div>
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Da-Professor: Interesting interesting. If you had the opportunity to work with any performer mainstream, and LGBT, who would it be? Name as many as you like.</div>
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DaQuan: Where do I begin , I honestly want to work with anyone that would like to work with me. That's just not a safe answer either. If another artist really is receptive, and gets what I'm doing. . . then I believe we should collaborate. My dream would to do a track with Erykah Badu , I'd think that would change me forever ! I'd love to cut an ep with Bootsy Collins. I've even thought of camping on his lawn with a sign asking him to collaborate with me. I'm crazy enough to do it .Stay tuned .</div>
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Da-Professor: In addition to recording and performing do you plan on doing an modeling and acting in the near future?</div>
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DaQuan: I'm can take a good photo , but I am NO model . . lol. . . I would really be happy if I got involved in acting. I would love to do theater.</div>
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Da-Professor: You live in Philly. The city that gave birth to Philly International Records, Patti LaBelle, Eve, Boyz II Men, Joan Jett, Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Jill Scott and The Roots. How does it feel to be from a city that gave birth to these legends and how do you feel that you're going to add to their musical legacy?</div>
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DaQuan: I feel like it's an artistic privilege to be apart of this city. I'd be honored to continue and reshape the legacy of the "Philadelphia Sound' , what hard working artist wouldn't want to represent for their "Hometown" .</div>
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Da-Professor: From your perspective, what is it about Philly guys that makes people wanna holla at them?</div>
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DaQuan: LOL. . .who knows, maybe be it's the beards.lol. I think there are attractive people in every city. But , I can honestly tell you there is something different about a "Guy From Philly" a certain Je Ne Sais Quoi .</div>
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Da-Professor: When you're not performing, writing and coordinating shows, what do you do in your spare time to relax?</div>
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DaQuan: I like to burn lavender oil, and listen to what ever music or sounds soothes me, preferably nude. That's my happy place. I also enjoy going to the movies, having drinks at my favorite bar and and talking with my favorite bartender (Shout Outs to Philadelphia's Legendary Venture Inn). I really cherish time with my very small group of close friends. and of course . . . cooking ! </div>
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Da-Professor: I heard that you know how to throw down in the kitchen like Miss Patti lol. You must let me sample some of your cooking bro.</div>
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DaQuan: I don't want to brag. . . but I will ! I really enjoy it. . .the best part is watching others eat so you can sample whenever you'd like .</div>
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Da-Professor: We can make it happen. For the past year many entertainers and athletes such as Frank Ocean, Jason Collins and Rayven-Symone have come out the closet. Tell me how do you feel about them deciding to live in their truth and how do you feel it's gonna help many especially Blacks cope with their sexuality.</div>
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DaQuan: Welcome to the club, we've been expecting you . . . lol... but honestly it is good when people decide not to live anyone's truth but their own. It's a good way to give other people some encouragement to come out as well. It is especially important to have good representation of people of color who make this step, we have a lot deep rooted issues when it comes to sexual identity. </div>
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Da-Professor: I also remember when Frank Ocean revealed his bi-sexuality, many were giving him props because of him being an R&B singer and songwriter, while many were saying it's great that he came out, but we have to also support the Out artists who's been making music and representing the community years before many knew of his existence. How important is it for the community to support their own artists?</div>
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DaQuan: Support is very important within the community. Support in general of anything worthwhile is key in general. I show my support to good music, and artist. People that have a talent, skill, and undying spirit to keep creating. I honestly don't care what there sexuality is. I just want to see art happen !</div>
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Da-Professor:True because I'm so over the kids complaining about the Prides hiring the Disco/Dance artists, yet not showing love to the openly </div>
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Da-Quan: I don't even frequent the news , and I was fully informed of the Trayvon Martin case. I was affected deeply, the nation was affected deeply. We all have some things to work on when it comes to race issues in this world. This unfortunately showed us we have much more work to do . Sad. </div>
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Da-Professor: We lost many musical legends. How did the death of Michael Jackson affected you and the world?</div>
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DaQuan: How could I even answer that without carrying on for at least an hour. MJ was special! What more can I say . His early demise only leaves a legacy that will haunt the WORLD for the rest of it's existence !</div>
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Da-Professor: Philly also lost their hometown heroes Lisa Left-Eye Lopes of TLC and Romantic Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass. How do you feel their deaths affected the music industry, and the city of Philadelphia? </div>
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DaQuan: Any lost affects people in many ways, a person passing always reminds me of how precious , and short life can be. I encourages me to keep working, and creating .<br /><br />Da-Professor: What did you think of the TLC movie and if there was a movie to be made about Teddy Pendergrass, who would you like to play the late romantic Teddy Bear?<br />DaQuan: I really enjoyed the TLC movie , I think they really stuck it to Pebbles, and maybe rightfully so . But I will say they picked an amazing cast to portray the group. Speaking of good picks for a cast I couldn't even think of anyone to play Teddy P , maybe some unknown .</div>
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Da-Professor: We also lost Ivory Soul Queen Teena Marie who was and still is loved and embraced by the Black community. How did her unexpected death affected the music industry and her fans and what made her connection with the Black community tight and pure?</div>
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DaQuan: My Mother Barbara , loved, loved ,loved Teena Marie , and has a very link to her and her music. So when I heard about her passing, Portuguese Lover started to play in my head, and I immediately thought of my Momma Barb! She said she was in the car when she heard the news and had to pull the car off the side of the road and have a cry . I felt her pain. As far as her connection to the Black community let's not forget we gave her a hard time before we embraced her fully. The record label even gave her a hard time . . . but a talent such as hers overcame all that! </div>
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Da-Professor:The Fugees sampled her classic Ooh La La La for their hit Fugeela. What do you think of the Fugees sampling her classic number one hit?</div>
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DaQuan: That's Hip Hop at it's finest. It was a great way to keep a legend alive . </div>
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Da-Professor: Many fans were shocked at Disco Empress/Songwriter Donna Summer's death. How did her death affected her fans as well as the LGBT community and how important is it for her legacy to be honored?</div>
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DaQuan: Again another sad lost, it's important as fans to honor the legacy. To keep playing those records , sharing , and talking about their music. It's the only way to pass the "knowledge", if you will .</div>
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Da-Professor: Both TLC and Beyonce Knowles each sampled Donna's classic debut single "Love To Love You Baby" for their hits "I'm Good At Being Bad" and "Naughty Girl" what do you think about those acts sampling her classic song for their hits?</div>
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DaQuan: Just as I feel about The Teena sample, these were both good ways to introduce an entire generation to the classics. I'm sure both of those artist were fans of Donna's classic.</div>
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Da-Professor: How do you feel you're making an impact on the music industry and in the LGBT Community?</div>
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DaQuan: I still have more work to do , but I believe I will make an impact by being an "original" . I respect, and appreciate my craft. My hopes is that others recognize that as well. </div>
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Da-Professor: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?</div>
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DaQuan: Still creating, doing more extensive forms of performance art outside of music. And, I hope married, and working on a beautiful family. </div>
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Da-Professor: What type of guys do you like and what do they have to bring to the table besides their looks and body?</div>
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DaQuan: I am attracted to a good spirit , male, female, whatever they may identify as. What keeps me is their ability of making me feel safe, appreciated, and how well they reflect the love I give. </div>
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Da-Professor: What advice would you give to a LGBT person who wants to pursue a career as an Out performer?</div>
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DaQuan: Quitting is for the dead. . . so don't give up on your passion !</div>
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Da-Professor: Ok Thanks for allowing me to interviewing you bro. Looking forward to seeing great things from you and looking forward to tasting your cooking. Shall I bring some Tupperware? Lol.</div>
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DaQuan: Thanks for the opportunity , and no Tupperware needed . . . I have plenty I will send you home with , just bring your appetite !</div>
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On Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM, Ra SHAWN CHISOLM <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:bksgldevo@hotmail.com" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">bksgldevo@hotmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br /><blockquote class="ecxgmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; padding-left: 1ex;">
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This is Da-Professor interviewing singer/songwriter Da Quan Thanks for allowing me to interview you. How are things going with you?<div>
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That's great to hear and know. Can you please let the viewers know who Da Quan is?</div>
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Great. So tell me how did you become interested in music?</div>
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Which performers influenced you and what was about them that made you take notice?</div>
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Interesting choices. How long have you performing and do you remember the first time you performed live?</div>
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You're happen to be an Out performer. What inspired you to be on out performer and have you had any challenges being true to who you are?</div>
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OK cool. In addition to recording and performing, you're also involved with coordinating show cases and shows for many GLBT singers and rappers to perform. What inspired you to become involved and how important is it for GLBT to have avenues, venues and opportunities to perform and display their talent?</div>
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I've listen to your music and it you mixed various genres of music including Soul, Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop and Spoken word and Neo-Soul. What influenced you to mix all those genres of music together?</div>
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I love your song Miss Molly. What was the inspiration for that song?</div>
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You and I.K.P. teamed with Out Rap Legend Tim' M West for your latest single. How did you get together and what was it like working with those two talented artists?</div>
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You and I.K.P. also linked up with Baron and remade your version of the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gain" Who came up with the idea to redo that classic, and why do you feel that song is still a classic after many decades?</div>
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Interesting interesting. If you had the opportunity to work with any performer mainstream, and GLBT, who would it be? Name as many as you like.</div>
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In addition to recording and performing do you plan on doing an modeling and acting in the near future?</div>
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You live in Philly. The city that gave birth to Philly International Records, Patti LaBelle, Eve, Boyz II Men, Joan Jett, Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Jill Scott and The Roots. How does it feel to be from a city that gave birth to these legends and how do you feel that you're going to add to their musical legacy?</div>
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From your prespective, what is it about Philly guys that makes people wanna holla at them?</div>
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When you're not performing, writing and coordinating shows, what do you do in your spare time to relax?</div>
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I heard that you know how to throw down in the kitchen like Miss Patti lol. You must let me sample some of your cooking bro.</div>
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We can make it happen.</div>
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For the past year many entertainers and athletes such as Frank Ocean, Jason Collins and Rayven-Symone have come out the closet. Tell me how do you feel about them deciding to live in their truth and how do you feel it's gonna help many especially Blacks cope with their sexuality.</div>
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I also remember when Frank Ocean revealed his bi-sexuality, many were giving him props because of him being an R&B singer and songwriter, while many were saying it's great that he came out, but we have to also support the Out artists who's been making music and representing the community years before many knew of his existance. How important is it for the community to support their own artists?</div>
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True because I'm so over the kids complaining about the Prides hiring the Disco/Dance artists, yet not showing love to the openly </div>
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Many people are upset at the verdict involving the Trayvon Martin trial. How did it affect you personally and how important is it for Blacks to know that no matter where they live, how they dress and their sexual orientation that they can be the target for racial profiling?</div>
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We lost many musical legends. How did the death of Michael Jackson affected you and the world?</div>
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Philly also lost their hometown heroes Lisa Left-Eye Lopes of TLC and Romantic Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass. How do you feel their deaths affected the music industry, and the city of Philadelphia? What did you think of the TLC movie and if there was a movie to be made about Teddy Pendergrass, who would you like to play the late romantic Teddy Bear?</div>
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We also lost Ivory Soul Queen Teena Marie who was and still is loved and embraced by the Black community. How did her unexpected death affected the music industry and her fans and what made her connection with the Black community tight and pure?</div>
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The Fugees sampled her classic Ooh La La La for their hit Fugeela. What do you think of the Fugees sampling her classic number one hit?</div>
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Many fans were shocked at Disco Emperess/Songwriter Donna Summer's death. How did her death affected her fans as well as the GLBT community and how important is it for her legacy to be honored?</div>
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Both TLC and Beyonce Knowles each sampled Donna's classic debut single "Love To Love You Baby" for their hits "I'm Good At Being Bad" and "Naughty Girl" what do you think about those acts sampling her classic song for their hits?</div>
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How do you feel you're making an impact on the music industry and in the GLBT Community?</div>
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Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?</div>
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What type of guys do you like and what do they have to bring to the table besides their looks and body?</div>
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What advice would you give to a GLBT person who wants to pursue a career as an Out performer?</div>
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Ok Thanks for allowing me to interviewing you bro. Looking forward to seeing great things from you and looking forward to tasting your cooking. Shall I bring some tupperware? Lol.</div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-10302494607881589042014-02-14T03:24:00.002-06:002014-02-14T10:21:11.489-06:00DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE BLACK COUPLESFor decades, many publications have photographed and done features on many famous Black Couples who are in the public eye. Actors, Singers, Rappers, Politicians, First Ladies, Athletes, Activists, Authors, Socialites, Kappas. Many viewers and couples aspire to be like them and even dress like them for Halloween and costume parties to show their appreciation of the love they have for each other. Here is Da-Professor's favorite couples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ir2oNjnkexWRNfBFkw3cW7x8jPq4IjgojkMBpFByxqUp4Gnc9rYkRoNF7Z3ZMBmovTQ2KWY0DO77wVEatg-SArRES1sJ1hKnuW_YvL0YktWRWzIts5B4BYAeYj3iLyDaQKpZhy7iV4Im/s1600/JOSEPH+AND+KATHERINE+JACKSON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ir2oNjnkexWRNfBFkw3cW7x8jPq4IjgojkMBpFByxqUp4Gnc9rYkRoNF7Z3ZMBmovTQ2KWY0DO77wVEatg-SArRES1sJ1hKnuW_YvL0YktWRWzIts5B4BYAeYj3iLyDaQKpZhy7iV4Im/s1600/JOSEPH+AND+KATHERINE+JACKSON.jpg" /></a></div>
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1. Joseph & Katherine Jackson-When the former Katherine Scruse was a child, she dreamed of being a Country Singer, traveling the world and marrying a musician. In her memoirs My Family-The Jacksons she wrote' "I thought musicians were very sexy." She didn't become the first Black female Country singer, but she did fulfill her other two dreams of traveling the world and marrying a musician. When she first laid eyes on Joesph Walter Jackson, she found him attracted, but had no idea he sung and played guitar until after they gotten married. Joseph or Joe as he called had briefly lived in California after his parents divorced and remarried. Joe loved the West Coast so much that he decided that he was going to return and live them on a permanent basis. When he return to Indiana, he would tell the other kids that he lived in California which gave him respect and street credit, but it was his shyness, strength and boldness that made Katherine fall in love with him as well as Joe overlooking her limp that she got due to her surviving polio. After months of dating, Joe had his mother Crystal bake her a cake, where he put an engagement ring and they went to the justice of peace, got married and got a house on 2300 Jackson Street (go figure), where they gave birth to nine children, who not only became famous singers, actresses and humanitarians, they also helped Joe and Katherine pursue their dream of moving from Gary which had many gangs, to California where they continue to raise their children to be polite and respectful human beings. Joe would always tell Katherine one day I'm gonna move us to California and he did. Many admire and respect the couple for raising their kids to be respectful adults and while many didn't agree with Joe's methods, many from that era praise him for raising his kids old-school. Joe also gave his kids chores while Katherine provided them with spiritual guidance and love she learned by becoming a Jehovah's witness in Gary. She continues to witness to people to this day. Their marriage has endured many challenges, the death of Katherine's sister, Joe's affair, Randy surviving a deadly car accident, Michael getting burned while filming a Pepsi commercial, and the loss of Joe's parents, their daughter in laws Delores and Enid and the death of their beloved sons Marlon's twin Brandon who died shortly after birth and their son Michael, who died a month after their 60th wedding anniversary. Their love for family has helped this couple stay strong and while they spend time living in different states (Joe lives in Las Vegas, while Katherine divides her time between California and Las Vegas) they manage to spend time together and while Joe has many projects he's working on, he and Katherine manage to spend time together where they reflect on the time they met, struggle to keep their bills paid and their son's first talent show. Joe also cooks meals and bar-b-ques as well as play pranks on Katherine to the point where she tells him "Joe you make me sick when you do that!" they still love each other and their relationship shows that with love for each other and values parents can raise their kids to be respectful while making time for themselves.</div>
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2. President Barack & Michelle Obama-When Barack Obama first laid eyes on Michelle Robinson, he was captivated by her beauty, strength and outgoing personality. So much that he asked her out on several dates, which she declined due to her being his boss at the law firm they worked at, and for his young age. That didn't stop the future first Black President for pursing the future first Black First Lady. Instead of asking her out on a date, he told her that he would like to take her out for ice cream. Michelle removed her chip and went out for her dessert, which led to more dates, marriage, 2 kids and making history by becoming the first Black couple to become The President and First Lady of the United States. What makes this couple love is their outgoing personalities, they public displays of affection which consists of hugs, kisses, daps and Barack rubbing Michelle's ass from time to time. (When he was elected for a 2nd tern, many fans and supporters noticed their glow and even commented how he was going to tear her ass up that night. Many fans and supporters still talk about how they please each other in the bedroom). Their commitments to their daughters also makes them loved and adored as well as them being hip to popular culture and not allowing their professional titles to prevent them from being down to earth to their guests. Their showing people that being royal doesn't mean you have to be stiff sticks in the mud.</div>
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3. Marlon & Carol Jackson. When The Jackson 5ive burst onto the scene in 1969, many males wanted to be like them, while many females wanted to get with them and become a wife of one of the Jackson brothers. Some fans went as far as to discuss their dream weddings, which was something that the executives of their first record label loved, which is why they were strongly against any of the brothers having girlfriends. They were constantly told that your biggest fan base are females, and that girlfriends can hurt record sales and break up groups. The brothers would roll their eyes and secretly take a whatever attitude. Well the girl who captured Marlon Jackson's heart was Carol Ann Parker, who Michael introduced his older brother to and the two hit it off, and began a friendship which later blossomed into a romance that has lasted for 37 years. When their relationship got serious, Motown executives would the couple not to hold hands around fans and not make it obvious. In a documentary on The Jackson family, Marlon revealed that while he did understand the importance of record sales, he also revealed that there was other things to life besides record sales and fans, and in 1975, Marlon and Carol eloped, and kept their marriage a secret for 5 months until his mother's instincts forced her to ask him did he marry Carol. When he told her yes, she told him that she knew. 37 years, 3 kids and 4 grandchildren later, Marlon and Carol are still happily married. Marlon and his sister Rebbie are the only members of The Jackson siblings to not divorce. What makes their love strong? In Katherine's memoirs My Family, Marlon told his mother that he and Carol are friends first. They also are very family orienated-they spend time together as a family by traveling and having family time. When The Jacksons were on tour and had days off, Marlon would fly to California to spend time with Carol, while she would come on the road from time to time. They also co-wrote songs for Barry White and Betty Wright as well as posed for many magazine publications together, while Marlon supported Carol's decision to model while she supported him when he decided to pursue a solo career as well as his decision to work in real estate. They also have a strong spiritual foundation. While Marlon was raised as a Jehovah's witness, he and Carol decided to attend a Catholic church, which later led Marlon to be the President of a Cable company which aired shows with family values. Fans love them for sticking together through thick and thin and for having their own lives away from the spotlight.</div>
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4. Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade. She's one of television's and silver screen's hottest actress, while he is one of the NBA's hottest and skilled players who had helped the Miami Heat win the 2013 championship. Their relationship still has many of their fans talking and eager to see photos of them together. NBA player Dwayne Wade had met actress Gabrielle Union in 2009 and they began an unexpected friendship which later turned into a romance, which gained them many followers and supporters as well as haters who called the star of "Being Mary Jane" a home wrecker, blaming her for breaking up D-Wade's marriage to his childhood sweetheart. D-Wade had filed for divorce in 2007 years before he even met Gabrielle. Many have hated on him for not following the tradition of dating a light-skinned, bi-racial or White female. What makes them love? The affection they have between each other in front of the camera and how Gabrielle has a great relationship with his kids, who he got custody of and his nephew that he's raising. Dwayne, a published author also shows Gabrielle support and makes sure she is loved and catered to. Their relationship also endured pain-Dwayne's ex-wife suing Gabrielle accusing her of mental stress (the suit was dropped) and Dwayne fathering a son with his longtime friend while he and Gabrielle had took a break from their relationship due to their busy careers, but the couple reunited and shortly before Christmas, Dwayne proposed to her. Looks like they're going to be together for a long time and these obstacles proves that love can conquer all with love and basketball.</div>
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5.David & Tre'Darius Anderson. With many cities and states legalizing Same sex marriage, many LGBT and SGL couples didn't waste anytime jumping the broom, including David and Tre'Darius Anderson, who made history by becoming the youngest African-American Gay/SGL couple to tie the knot, giving hope to many young, and old to find their soul-mates and tie the knot as well. The couple who were born and raised in Memphis Tennessee had met in 2010 and became friends before becoming lovers. They love for so strong that they decided to get married, but due to their state not legalizing same sex marriage, the couple flew to Washington DC for an official marriage and later returned to their home-state for a state wedding and reception that was aired on the television show My Teenage Wedding. What makes this couple loved is their love for each other as well as their activism for the LGBT rights and equality. Both of them run their website Guys with pride. The couple have endured many haters including homophobic morons as well as shady hating gays who feel that they're too young to be married. They also gained many supporters who applaud them for getting married and showing people that if they have faith in God and love their partner they can jump the broom. They're historic union is special because many who came before them wasn't able to get married and had to move out of the south to avoid homophobic attacks. Congratulations to you two.</div>
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6. Robert Brown & Nathaniel Gay. When students to to college, they join many students groups including fraternities with hopes of joining them for many fringe benefits. Well Robert Brown wound up getting hitched to Kappa Nathaniel Gay in Kentucky last September. When footage and photos of their wedding surfaced, many believed that it was a fraternity themed wedding due to the colors that the grooms wore at their wedding. Gay denied that his and Brown's wedding was fraternity theme in an interview with Tom Joyner and that the only thing that represented his fraternity was his frat brothers who were in attendance to show the couple support. The two met in their hometown of Kentucky where they both worked at the local Walmart and that's where Robert laid eyes on Nathaniel who was working in the Mc Donalds. A few years later he had his female friend tell him he thought he was cute, but he never knew if his friend gave him the news. A few years later they connected through a mutual friend, and they became friends until Robert took a job in New York and left heartbroken wondering if he would ever see his friend again. A few months later, Nathaniel came to the big apple for a visit and hasn't left. In fact their friendship grew into a friendship and in 2012 they decided to tie the knot so they flew back to their hometown for the ceremony which was featured in Ebony Magazine which made them the first African American Gay/SGL couple to be featured in the legendary magazine. Many Black/SGL couples, especially college students were happy to see a member of a fraternity get married with his frat brothers in attendance along with both members of their families.</div>
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7. Doug & Greg Cooper-Spencer. What's Age Got To Do With It is how many describe the relationship between Doug & Greg Cooper-Spencer. The talented author had met the talented photographer and barber in their hometown of Ohio where Doug who had gotten out of a relationship was hanging in the park, when Greg had approached him. Doug had noticed that he was looking for a mentor, but Greg who had an old soul was looking for mentor and a boyfriend and knew that Doug was the one. But there was a obstacle-Greg was 2 months shy of being 18 and Doug was adamant that he be a mentor and big brother until he turned 18 and once Greg's birthday came they began to build a relationship but Doug urged Greg to date other people before making his final decision. A few years later they became a couple and brought a house together and been together for close to 18 years. What makes their relationship special is the love they have for each other. When I was introduced to them by author Donald Peebles, I noticed how Greg made sure that things went smooth for Doug by making sure he posed for photos with his fans and made sure the photographs came out great. Both have individual careers, but they make sure they spend time together.</div>
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8. Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon. When word got out that R&B/Hip-Hop Singer/Songwriter/Producer Mariah Carey had married Comedian/Actor/Producer/Rapper/Director Nick Cannon, many were shocked to learn that they were dating but they were just as shocked when they learned that they married after dating for over 6 weeks. Of course many were thinking and betting that their marriage wouldn't last. Well 5 years and two kids later they're having the last laugh. When Mariah was interviewed in HX magazine, she told the reporter that she was tramutized by her marriage to Tommy Mottola the former CEO of her former record label which Mimi revealed was good at first but later was the victim of his controlling ways as well as his verbal and emotional abuse. After divorcing him she began to take control of her career by adding Hip-Hop and R&B to her pop flavored songs which showed her growth as a performer and gained her more record sales. Nick Cannon had dated many famous singers including Christina Milan, who he proposed to. They're relationship ended. When it came time for Mariah to film a video for her single "Bye Bye" she recruited Nick to film to direct the video, and they became fast friends and realized that they had many things in common including spirituality, values, views about life, liking to have fun and knowing that there's a time and place for everything. 6 weeks later they got married in the Caribbean and they've been together ever since. What makes their relationship special is their love for each other. They always make time for each other despite living life as a bi-costal couple-Nick hosts a television show in California 3 times a week, while Mariah stays in New York recording in her pent house recording studio. Every year on their anniversary they renew their vows, and they celebrate each other birthdays with themes. They did endure many challenges. Mimi suffered a miscarriage and fell while pregnant with the couple's twins during a performance and while on a Christmas vacation, Nick was diagnosed with kidney failure and lupus nephritis. Despite those obstacles the couple are still happily married and still act like newly weds by sending loving and playful text messages to each other and have hot and passionate love and sex in their penthouse and on their private jet.</div>
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9. Mary J. Blige & Kendu Isaacs. When Mary J. Blige released her single "Be Happy" 19 years ago, it became a hit with many of her fans who were looking for happiness in their personal lives. Mary was also looking to be happy as well. Despite having hit records and making money and winning awards, The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul was battling depression, drug addiction and was in a physical abusive relationship with former label-mate K-CI Hailey of Jodeci who Mary recorded a duet with on her debut album. Mary held her own and fought back. After ending the relationship, she also began to take control of her career and continue to score many more hit albums and singles and was reported to have dated Singer/Songwriter Case and rapper Nas, but she also began to battle alcoholism to ease her pain. Enter songwriter/producer Kendu Isaac who she began to date, and who was serious that she quit drinking. Mary didn't take him seriously, until he told her that if she came home drunk one more time he would end their relationship for good. Sensing he was serious, she came straight home after a performance and began a process of healing and seeing that she had a good man in her corner who cared about her as a person and not a famous singer. Their relationship grew and Mary began to love him, his kids and herself and shortly before Christmas 2003, the couple married in a private ceremony in their New Jersey home surrounded by family and the couple recently celebrated their 10th year anniversary.</div>
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10. DJ Baker & Eric J. Parker. Dubbed as the Black Gay Power couple by many in the LGBT/SGL community, DJ Baker and Eric J. Parker has been going strong as a couple for the past 5 years. The online podcast host/actor and the famous Socialite continues to strive to make their relationship work. After meeting at a show that DJ was co-hosting at the time, the two exchanged numbers and began to talk and got to know each other, but things began to get hot when the socialite was a guest on his famous award winning show and on Valentines Day 2008 they became a couple and made their announcement in a crazy way-they were caught making out in the VIP section at Alibis. What makes their relationship work is their open line of communication, playfulness, spending quality time together and having hot and passionate sex. DJ the self-proclaim famous top has always talked about how they love to please each other on his show, while </div>
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Eric jokes about who really runs the relationships in and out the bedroom. They've had many obstacles but they continue to love each other and DJ is looking forward to buying Eric a ring. </div>
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11. Carmelo & Lalah Vazqez-Anthony. Hip-Hop DJ/Producer is responsible for producing many hit records as well as discovering rapper Fabulous. He's also responsible for introducing his mutual friends DJ/Video Host/Actress Lalah Vazquez to NBA star Carmello Anthony at a party and it was that introduction that made them the industry's hottest and famous couples. After their introduction, Mello was getting started with is career and was busy partying and running the streets, while Lalah stood by him and allowed him to have his fun knowing that he had potential to grow as a person and that he was going to return to her. Mello despite running the streets with his boys still kept in touch with her and after realizing that she was the one decided to have a Jermaine Jackson moment by getting serious with Lalah and in 2004 he proposed to her, making their families and friends happy and eager for them to walk down the aisle. The couple decided to not to rush into marriage due to their busy careers and wanting to take the step when they believed the time was right for the two of them despite becoming parents of a son in 2007. In 2010 the couple finally tied the knot in New York City which was captured on Lalah's VH-1's hit show Lalah's Full Court Wedding and Lalah's Full Court Life. The couple became more popular when Mello signed to play with the New York Knicks making everybody in New York very happy including both of their fans. What makes their relationship work is spending quality time with each other by having date nights as well as time with their son. Another thing that keeps them happy the couple surprising each other and Mello's desire to stay home and smoke cigars which still has Lalah shocked. In an recent interview with Ebony Magazine, she revealed that he has a soul of a 65 year old and is into wine and art and don't be asking what party is popping. The couple also revealed how Lalah loves to keep their sex life active by not having planned and scheduled sex sessions.</div>
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12. Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. Award winning actors Angela Bassett and Courtney B Vance have known each other for many years starting back to when they both were beginning their professional careers in the theater and on silver screen. Many years later they resumed their friendship which blossomed into a loving relationship making them on of Hollywood's most famous, loved, admired and respected couples. What makes their relationship special is their spiritual foundation, love for each other and their ability and willingness to maintain private lives away from the media (both are naturally private individuals). The couple co-authored a best selling book about relationships and are the parents of a set of twins born via a surrogate. The couple is dedicated to maintaining their careers and a happy marriage.</div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-45759362089559288332014-01-16T18:59:00.002-06:002014-01-16T20:49:48.262-06:00AN OPEN DANCE HALL ARTIST SPEAKS For years, many Reggae and Dance Hall artists have recorded songs that promoted homophobia as well as advocated the harm and killing of gays, and while many people have and continue to dance to the music and stay quiet, many activist have taken action such as boycotting concerts that book homophobic artists. Well Dance Hall artist Drew Angel is taking action with his music. Born in Jamaica and currently residing in the United States, the talented activist decided to record songs to uplift the LGBT after growing tired of seeing many dancing to songs that advocate the killing of the LGBT community. I was grateful that the talented brother took time from his schedule to be interviewed via email about his career and mission.<br />
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Da-PROFESSOR: How did you come up with the name Spoutlife?<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">DREW ANGEL:: M</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">y name is Drew Angel; my friends call me drew and I learn that Angel is the translation for Andrew in some other language</span><br />
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Spoutlife is a term we used in the gay community in the Jamaica in the mid to late 90's,i'm not sure the origin of it.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved with music?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: I got involve when i started writing in 2006, felt that was the only way my thoughts would be heard.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Which musicians inspired you and what was about them that grabbed your attention?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Bob Marley who I feel in my spirit is my uncle. Not really not;Micheal Jackson cause he elevate pop music,eve & Lil Kim, The Game & Ja-Rule. They make gangster rap while telling a story.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Very interesting. You happen to be an Gay Dance Hall Recording artist. What made you decide to pursue a career an on Out Dance Hall artist?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: I am a gay man who happen to make dance hall songs,i got tire of see gay people dancing to the homophobic bastards songs!! </div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Many Reggae and Dance Hall artists are known for recording songs that promotes homophobia and harming of many in the LGBT community. Tell me from your prespective, why are many people from the Caribbean homophobic and did you catch any flack when you decided to perform as an Out performer?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: i'm not sure but the laws of the land provides them that opportunity because it doesn't protect the LGBT community which is an slave law from the British rulers beside of their insecurities.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: I had the opportunity to listen to the tracks you sent me and they're very hot and sexy. I love the song "Freak Mind" which is about guys getting it on sexually with street and hood guys who hustles, carry heat, drinks and smokes weed. What was the inspiration for that song?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: most guys I smash with are hood cause I'm aggressive nature too,but i was in deep affection with one in particular.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR:Interesting. Many people (especially many Black females) still have problems accepting the fact that there are many guys who be sporting sagging jeans, hoodies, Uptowns, Shell-Top adidas, Timberlands and Polo boots who are into guys, has many guys and are in committed relationships with guys.</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Well they are in denial because they're lied to by the DL katz; I understand cause its like being in love with one who cant love you a 100%.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: "Rude Boy" is another hot joint that I also love as well. The song reminds me of the Patra/Yo-Yo classic "Romantic Call" and Grace Jones' classic "Pull Up To The Bumper." I also love the line Mi know some hood niggas who will turn you bitch and how you used the term boy pussy, which many Gay Men (Masculine and Femine) use to describe ass while having sex. What was the inspiration for this song and why do many gay men especially Caribbean guys always like to call guys ass pussy?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: inspiration came from a friend of mine who said if i'm so annoy with them dancing to the homophobic artist song why I don't make one,that's how that track came into creation..sorry I call it bussy or bassy;;butt-tt + pussy-pu or batty-tty + pussy-pu..i cant speak for them but ain't got no pussy.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR:Very interesting. My favorite is the song "Spotlight Solider" in which you tell homophobic Dance Hall artists that you're gonna to live your life without caring about their ignorant views and thoughts. What inspired this song and will this song be released as a single?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Tire of living to what the fuck they say. They don't give a shit bout what i think of them so i just return the favor. Simple.also the fact that I'm a solider for the mission i'm taking on.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Dance Hall artist Diana King came out as a Lesbian last year. How did it feel and do you think that her coming out?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: I think is more power to the LGBT community</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: In addition to recording, do you plan on doing any performances this year?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Yes of course,just working on a label deal so will have to do promotions.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: I also learned that you're an Activist. How important is it for you to be an Activist to help LGBT living in countries where homophobia is (unfairly) promoted?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Well I can only think of my home first; get my own house in order but that shit must change. Let God judge the people he create.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: When you're not recording and advocating what do you do to relax?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Relax? I just get started no time for that, but cook,great sex and watch movie.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Many have a thing for Jamaican guys. Tell mi from your perspective, what is it about Jamaican guys that makes people want holla at them?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: I have no idea cause I personally can't take that attitude they have like a chimp in a jungle and like say I'm a boss.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Very interesting. We lost many Icons in the industry including Michael Jackson. How did his unexpected passing affect you and the industry?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: I cried for day and I don't even know him, but wish i got the chance to work with such genius.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: We also lost Hip Hop Icon Heavy D who was also from Jamaica. How did his death affect you and many in the Caribbean community and how important is it for his legacy to be honored?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: .I don't know much of him, but legend should always be honored. </div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: If you have the opportunity to work with any artists Mainstream and LGBT, who would it be? Name as many as you like.</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Beenie Man,Eve,Ja-Rule,Nas, Ru-Paul & who ever would work with me. I'm more of a rap/hip-hop fan also those in the dance hall who want to redeem their career.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: How do you think you're going to make an impact on the music industry as well as the LGBT and Caribbean communities?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Money change things so that can take things a long way,hopefully my own distribution & publishing company to give them the voice.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Leading the LGBT music scene empowering the others. </div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: What advice would you give to a Island boy who wants to live their lives and pursue a career in the industry?</div>
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DREW ANGEL: Move out of the islands that aren't kind to gay people and try to reach out to music industry,they can find my info if they google me. Those the answer to your questions.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Well Da-Professor like to thank you for allowing mi di opportunity to interview you. I respect and admire your strength and heart for doing what you do. Continue to strive for excellence.</div>
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For more information check out www.spoutlifeent.com</div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-78921907610017672242013-12-15T04:15:00.003-06:002013-12-15T04:16:52.713-06:00DA-PROFESSOR'S ONLINE CHAT WITH PITTSBURG SINGER AND ANOTHER FORMER MEMBER OF PRETTY RICKYPittsburg is known for being a hard working steel town as well as for the baseball team The, but it's also know known for producing many talented musicians including Manny Emmanuel Deada, who is helping putting his hometown on the music map. Born and raised in the town, Manny got his start in music by performing in a school musical, which later lead to him honing his singing and songwriting skills by studying many legendary R&B and New Jack Swing icons including Michael Jackson, Keith Sweat, New Edition, Guy, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Jodeci. He later became a member of the R&B group Crave which scored major hits in their hometown, before he was tapped to become by Hip-Hop/R&B group Pretty Ricky to become their third lead singer, where he became a household name and performed on the group's self-titled album and their hits "Tipsy In Dis Club" and "Say A Command" as well as performing on 106 & Park and with H-Town and Snoop Dogg. The talented singer is now hard at work pursuing his solo career with his solo debut which is bound to be a hit. I was grateful for the talented down to earth performer took time to chat with me via email about his start in music, tenure with the musical horny toads, and the importance of the media showing love and respect to "thick gals."<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Da-PROFESSOR: This is Ra Shawn Da-Professor interviewing Singer/Songwriter/Musician and former Pretty Ricky lead singer Manny Emmauel DeAnda. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to interview you. Let the viewers/readers know who is Manny Emmanuel DeAnda.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMANUEL: Thank you bro, My name is Emanuel, former lead singer of legendary local group in Pittsburgh Crave and also platinum selling R&B group Pretty Ricky</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Cool. How are things been going for you bro?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: Things are going well. Working hard on all of my new projects. I just released my first solo mixtape/album called Cuffin Season Volume 1. It's available on iTunes, Amazon, Samsung, Google Play and anywhere else you can buy music online. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Alright. Tell me how did you become involved and interested in singing and playing piano?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: I've been singing since at least the age of 8 and my first performance in front of a crowd was in 3rd grade and I played the part of the cowardly lion in The Wiz. I was scared out of my mind but I did it. Since then I was extremely interested in music. I actually just picked up playing the piano about 5 years ago, so over that time period I've taught myself how to play some things. Now I'm entering the production phase of my career. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Which singers influenced you and what was it about them that grabbed your attention?</span></div>
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EMMAUNEL: I grew up on Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway. Then later on I became inspired by guys like Keith Sweat, Teddy Riley and Guy and Blackstreet. Jodeci, Boys To Men, New Edition, Johnny Gill, Musiq Soulchild, Bobby Brown and R. Kelly. These guys were all unique in their own way and the thing about them is they are all so soulful. I was born and raised in soul music. I love it. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Interesting. You were also a member of the Singing group Crave, how did you become a member of that successful quartet and what hit records did you record?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: Crave was started after we appeared in the movie The Temptations which was filmed in my old neighborhood in Pittsburgh. We just decided to keep it going and found monumental success from our hard work and assistance from MSE Management group headed up by Big D. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: I Learned that you was very popular in your hometown and received many awards and honors for your songs</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: We had 3 #1 singles at radio in our market, which at the time was unheard of especially for local artists. We broke down a lot of barriers and accomplished a lot of things like getting a proclamation of Crave Day and receiving the key to the city. It was very gratifying for us and it helped us achieve more along the away. </span></div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Fans know you as the 3rd and final lead singer of the Hip-Hop/Soul group Pretty Ricky. How did you become the musical horny toad's lead singer?</div>
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EMMANUEL: Lol well they came to town for a show with Trey Songs and heard us bumpin at radio. They brought us down to the venue and had us open up for the show and it was over from there. That show turned into a tour with them on the Late Night Special tour, then a trip to Florida to start recording an album. After I went solo and left Pittsburgh, I joined the group in 2008 and we dropped a self titled album Pretty Ricky in 2009. </div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: When it came to perform with them did you feel any pressure of being their new lead singer?</div>
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EMMANUEL: There is always pressure to be the best you can be in any situation. Even as a solo artist there is an immense amount of pressure. But I always handled myself like a professional and made sure I was well prepared for everything. From shows to interviews to appearances on 106 n Park, etc. </div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: You did your thang vocally and lyrically on their self-titled album. Some of my favorite songs are Say A Command, Tipsy In Dis Club, Menage A Trois, Doggy Style Lap Dance and Black. What were the inspirations for those songs?</div>
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EMMANUEL: Sex, um love making, making babies, lol. Whatever you want to call it, but that's what inspired most of PR's music. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: I love your solo performance on "Downtown" which has a mixture of Classic Soul, Jazz, Gospel and a D'Angelo, Prince Keith Sweat vibe. What prompted you to use those vibes on that song and did you play any instruments on that track besides sing?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: Well that was planned because we wanted to showcase my vocal ability and come from a more soulful angle than just another slow sex record. And all of the production credit has to go to the man we called Doc. My productions are coming very soon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: You also had the opportunity to perform with R&B Legends H-Town, Snoop Dogg and Jodeci. What was it like sharing the stage with those musical iconic legends?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: It was surreal just to be on a record with these legends. Such a blessing. I can say that I have done a song with these greats and I have everlasting memories of doing the H Town grind with H town on stage while performing Knocking The Boots. These are experiences that i will treasure forever. I also have a song with Keke Wyatt and Bone Thugs and Jackie-O as well. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: After the group released the mix-tape, many had believed that the group was going to work on solo projects and reunite for the album Bluestarrs, but we later learned that the group had disbanded. I like to know had the band disbanded for good? What happened between you and the group and who came up with your former stage name Lingere?</span></div>
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EMMANUEL: PR will always be PR. No matter who is singing the songs. But it was time to go in another direction and I am very thankful to Bluestar and Pretty Ricky for the experience, it was a great ride. Actually Baby Blue came up with the L word lol.. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Wow. Now you're recording and performing as a solo artist and using your original name. How does it feel to be performing solo and doing the music you love?</span></div>
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EMMANUEL: It feels amazing because I finally feel like I'm giving my listeners the REAL me. It's a complete blessing to get another shot at this. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> DA-PROFESSOR: Cool I noticed your last name is Latin. What is your heritage and nationality?</span></div>
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EMMAUNEL: DeAnda, I am of Mexican background. My father Lupe DeAnda passed in 2010. RWG pops. My mother is a southern gal with roots in Tennessee and Atlanta Georgia. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Cool on to your solo joints. What was the inspiration for Thick As F**K?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: That was just a quick remix for the ladies. S/o to Wayne and 2 chains. the women are always the motivation.. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: That's wassup bro. There are many brothers who love thick ladies over skinny ones. Something the media doesn't show or acknowledge and if there are movies featuring thick ladies they're always portrayed as ghetto uneducated and undesireable.</span></div>
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EMMANUEL: I think that all media outlets need to give more respect to the "thick ladies" in the world. There is beauty that comes in all shapes and sizes. I love thick gals. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: You recently released the single Batter Up which is dedicated to the Pittsburg Pirates. What inspired you to pay homage to them and do you think they will use it as their theme song in the future?</span></div>
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EMMANUEL: Well I am a huge baseball fan and the Pirates will always be my favorite team so it was a no brainer. And we are hopeful that the record gets used in the future yes. There are possibilities of that happening. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: How is the music scene in Pittsburg?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: The music scene in Pittsburgh is overflowing with talented and inspiring artists. I just hope the industry takes more notice of our talents in the upcoming future. Pittsburgh has influenced a lot of the music community. The west coast wouldn't be the same without the Pittsburgh influence. Now the whole world is getting touched by the Burgh. I'm proud of that. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: If you have the opportunity to work with any artist mainstream who would they be (name as many as you like).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: I'd say R. Kelly first and foremost. Musiq Soulchild, Missy Eliot, Pharrel, Teddy Riley, Tank, Timbaland, Wale, Miguel, Trey, Usher, Keri Hilson, Faith Evans. I mean this is like a Christmas wish list lol. But I could go on forever. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: You recently reconnected with Ambition and the other members of Crave. Are there plans of ya'll reuniting to record and perform and tour in the future?</span></div>
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EMMANUEL: Ambition is on my new album with a song called Lonely Place. It's a great record for the ladies. Crave has some things in the works as well. </div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: We recently losted many legends including Michael Jackson. How did his death affect you as a performer?</div>
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EMMANUEL: I was crushed when we lost Michael. And Whitney as well. With all of the mystery surrounding each of their deaths, it makes you think deeply about life and the music business and how things can get tragically out of hand. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: We also lost Soul legend Teena Marie as well. What did you think of her as a performer and how did her death affect you and the industry as a whole?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMAUNEL: Teena was a soulful legend. Her soul spoke to you on each one of her records. I grew up on her music as well and it hit me hard too. I just wish that we could all live forever in the physical, but legends like herself with live forever through the arts. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Many were and still shocked at the unexpected death of Disco Icon/Songwriter Donna Summer who lost her battle with cancer. How did you think her loss affected the industry?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: I believe plenty of people were affected by her passing. She also was a legend. it's hard to see people leave this planet. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: You was born and raised in Pittsburg, what was it like growing up there and from your presepctive, what is about guys from Pittsburg that makes them interesting and makes ladies want to holla at them?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: Pittsburgh will always be home for me. It's a great city. Even though it's small, this city has so much character and that's what I believe attracts women and people in general to us. We have our own style and we have this fire in us because we are a blue collar city. We work hard for everything out here. S/o to the entire city.. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel you're gonna continue make an impact on the music industry? Do you plan on pursuing any acting modeling or having another business venture in the future?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMAUNEL: Like I said before, it's a blessing to have a second chance in this business and I plan on making the most of it. 2014, lets GO! I plan on using this music that I create to get into everything in the future. Especially tv and movies. That's the other side of the game I want to go into. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: In the next 5-10 years I see myself still working hard with an even more intense focus and grind towards new and bigger goals. </span></div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: When you're not performing and recording what do you on your free time?</div>
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EMMANUEL: In my spare time i'm doing research online studying human life and art and music and politics. I'm also a teacher of music and arts in a few different schools here in Pittsburgh. I feel it's my job to give back to the youth and the community. I want to be one of the leaders to guide the youth in the right direction. Through my program "Say Something" headed up by myself and my music and business partner Akil Esoon, we are saving the youth through the arts. It's a pure blessing. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: What advise would your give to aspiring singers and writers who want to pursue a career in the music industry?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: Take yourself serious, take advantage of every opportunity placed in front of you. Work hard towards your music goals everyday, get the right management in place and just work tirelessly recording music. It's your body of work and the quality of your music that eventually gets you the shot you're looking for. Do business the right way and you will receive success. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">DA-PROFESSOR: I'd like to thank you for taking time to allow me to interview you bro. It's greatly appreciated. Strive for Excellence.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">EMMANUEL: Not a problem, thank you for the opportunity! S/o to my entire team, MSE Management Group, the city of Pittsburgh, WAMO 100 and everybody else involved with the Emanuel project! thank You!! </span></div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-45487703709637114332013-11-24T17:52:00.001-06:002013-11-24T17:52:08.243-06:00MISS JODY RETURNS WITH NIGHTLIFEJODY WATLEY<br />
NIGHTLIFE<br />
AVITONE RECORDS<br />
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For the past 25 years, Grammy-Award winning Pop/Dance Singer/Songwriter/Producer Jody Watley has been serving up dishes of great music that had her fans empowered and dancing, and she gives as a great fulfilling dish with her latest single "Night Life" which is blazing up the charts, and getting lots of positive feedback from fans and critics who commended her on releasing a great song in the digital cookie cutter age that music industry is at and for giving it a retro-Disco feel great vibe. Written and produced with Julian & Raphael Aletti and Count Da Money, the single has a great timeless sound that will have everybody dancing and enjoying themselves. The ingredients of this single are the horn section and strings that gives the tune a nice funky soulful Disco vibe. Another set of ingredients are the lyrics and Jody's vocal's performance where she sings passionately about having a great time without any problems as well as showing her classy and sassy side during the bridge of the song.<br />
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I love the nightlife<br />
Spotlight<br />
Don't matter where you're from<br />
A worldwide <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Phenomenon</span><br />
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<br />
Wack it<br />
Just wack it out<br />
Wack it<br />
Just wack it out<br />
Turn<br />
And turn<br />
Wack. Wack.<br />
Now walk it out.<br />
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That's another ingredient the song has-Jody telling her Gay fans to get loose and pose and walk like they're modeling on a runway and in a ball as well as shouting out various cities and countries around the world.<br />
You know when you're fixing up a dish and you have that secret ingredient that gives the dish an extra kick? Well Miss Jody added one-having Gerald Brown Shalamar's original lead singer join her on the track making it the first time they recorded together since 1978, and let me tell you Gerald Brown still sounds excellent after all these many years.<br />
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Miss Jody's new single gets a 25 rating, and it goes to show that Iconic legends are still capable of making that's timeless and makes people want to dance and have fun.<br />
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This review is dedicated to the memories of Don Cornelious and Dick Clark both who provided outlets for music lovers to dance and show off their moves on television.<br />
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<br />DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-46217999507765895242013-10-07T09:38:00.001-05:002013-10-07T09:38:09.775-05:00SEXY CHICAGO OUT RAPPER GETS REAL RAW WITH DA-PROFESSORTowards the end of August, Rapper Flash Gotti had sent me a link to his song that he was releasing, and after finally listening to it a few later, I love response from you." I was shocked and impressed with his bold and outspoken personality, which makes him one of the hottest rappers to burst onto the Out Music scene He became interested in music hearing his cousins play Hip Hop Icon 2Pac's music and it was then that he became interested in rapping after also listening to Biggie Smalls, Aaliyah, Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes and Michael Jackson, he lists as his main inspiration for recording. The Sexy Rapper had just released his highly anticipated mix-tape which has already gotten great praise from fans and fellow Out Rapper I.K.P. who gave positive feedback on the sexy rapper's FaceBook page with comments such as Hot and Realness. Well I had a chance to interview the rapper via email where he spoke about his mix-tape, growing up in Chi-Town, response to shady haters who think that he shouldn't use (too much) profanity in his lyrics and his feelings on being an Out Rapper.<br />
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Da-Professor: This is Ra Shawn a/k/a Da-Professor interviewing Rapper Flash Gotti, who's repping Chicago. Thanks for the interview. How are things going?<br />
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Flash Gotti: What's
up!! and nothing much just trying to get by in this realm we call life
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Da-Professor: So let the viewers know who is Flash Gotti? </div>
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Flash Gotti: I am very bold yet
laid back á honest person and as real as they come , also I'm áa rap/hip
hop artist who was born and raised in Chicago ill. with a story to
tell threw music, I am music and music is me! so if I go today or
tomorrow I'm forever in mp3 form , oh and also I go by the stage name
Flash Gotti lol . </div>
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Da-Professor: Cool. You have an interesting stage name. How did you come up with it and what does it represents?</div>
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Flash Gotti: o wow lol the name flash came from
the word flashback I one day was trying to come up with something cool
and different for a rap name lol i went by flashback at first then i
said no that's not it so i wrote the word flash down and went on a last
name search lol I searched names for weeks !! until I went to bed one
day and the name popped up in a dream, but the name represents me fully
it fits me I just thought it was meant to be. </div>
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Da-Professor: How did you become involved in music and which artists influenced you?</div>
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Flash Gotti: Music has always been around me sense i was a
kid. My cousin's used to blast Notorious B.i.g ,2pac and No Limit/Master P. threw out my grandmothers house , we used to play video
games with music blasting, get drove to school same thing , go to sleep
to it, my cousin's i used to watch rap battle each other. It has
influenced me ALOT because I feel music can be whatever you want it to
be its your story your leaving on earth forever . á2pac Biggie, Lil Kim, Big Pun, Lisa Left-Eye Lopes from TLC , Missy Elliott Aaliyah áand
áMichael Jackson are artists I look up 2 á, mostly like old school
music /artists because I think there timeless and going to be
remembered forever . </div>
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Da-Professor: What was it about those artists that grabbed your attention?</div>
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Flash Gotti: oh its sooooo much there all
legends no matter how u look at it , and they were/are very original
and influenced alot of artists 2 day. they all changed the game in
there own way. Lil Kim is very bold to me from her lyrics áto her
fashion, her voice /raunchy lyrics got my attention because she was
very honest same with biggie and 2pac, Big Pun. I jus love his delivery
and Left-Eye and Missy I loved how fun and funny they came across áand Aaliyah and Michael j. was angels 2 I cant explain it i just have a
soft spot for them álisa Left-Eye lopes as well. </div>
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Da-Professor: You're an Out Rapper. What made you decide to perform as an Out Rapper and have you found any challenges being who you are?</div>
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Flash Gotti: Well I'm a very honest person anyway so if I was told to be a str8
artist I would not be me, I would be i think fake which is NOT cool,
plus i love that im different type of artist i was never one to follow
the crowd i like doing my own thing and being me. And no i have not
went threw a challenged yet because I'm a open book to everyone, and
people respect me for being real with everythang and I love it . </div>
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Da-Professor: You just dropped your mix-tape and it's hot! What prompted you to name it Black Listed and who did you work with? </div>
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Flash Gotti: Oh thank you!! People I worked with for this mixtape
are Swanny River, Skinny Blaze , Booder Quarnelius ákleva b , Elmo, Evon
the music bully, Bruno & Sheena . I gave it the title black listed
outcast ambition because in some ways being gay in this world u have it
the hardest! For just being you on a everyday bases which makes us as
normal human beings blacklisted from the world in general, a outcast
from your own family all because u want to be yourself,and if your
artist u have 2 sometimes act str8 to be famous ! Basically put on a
show like your str8 when behind closed doors your not..which is not
what I am about at all ...no bueno! lol.</div>
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Da-Professor: I love the single "Old School." What inspired you to write that song and to homage to the Hip-Hop pioneers who paved the way for many of today's rappers?</div>
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Flash Gotti: Old school is the first track I recorded for the mixtape. I wanted to pay homage to those who inspired me greatly. It was only right in my eyes. </div>
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Da-Professor: Another joint I like is Cum Talk (You Sexy Til I Nut). What was the inspiration for that song and what made you decide to add an Aaliyah song to it?</div>
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Flash Gott: Thats one of my favs as well, and the song is about
basically your super horny and the person you would not normally have
sex with thats been trying to get with you looks sexy that day and yo
cum is brainwashin / controllin u to go over there and basically do it
with this person and after u nutt your like ...wait wtf was I
thinking?? lol somebody could sexy as hell to u at that moment your cum
is átalking to but as soon as u nutt, there sexy disappears, leaving
u on your way home thinking '' I should of just stayed home and jacked
off '' lol I thought nobody really did it be4 and its relatable á,the Aaliyah song added to it is '' rock the boat'' I just thought her voice
would be perfect . And I was right. </div>
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Da-Professor: Position=Freak is one of my favorite joints. I love when you rap about loving a kat with a big butt and timberland boots as well as how you like to please and be pleased in sexually and in the bedroom. What inspired you to be open lyrically and sexually?</div>
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Flash Gotti: Well just me in general i just like hearing / seeing peoples shocked
reaction to explicit songs like that lol because they tell me its bold
and raunchy ábut they love it at the same time. taking a dare to say
what i want inspires me, áthe feeling of '' yea sure did say it and
what?'' I just love it. </div>
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Da-Professor: My all time favorite joint is Fatally 87. I played that song 8 times already. What inspired you to rap over the G-Dep classic "Special Delivery?"</div>
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Flash Gotti: lmaoo
wow 8 times lol but yeah its a favorite of mines as well. I just
always LOVED that beat its a classic beat. I said this will be perfect
to just flow all the way threw to the end. My mind set for that was it
has to be hot and different from the original song I said I have to go
off on this song go clean on in lol and I think i did . </div>
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Da-Professor: Another favorite is Stop (Think About It) which deals with homophobia and crime. What inspired you to record a song with a positive message?</div>
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Flash Gotti: The killings of young kids, hate all over the world inspired that track, gang crime in our
community's, the news, and many other things in this world. I just
said wow when is this all going to stop it was also showing people /
the listeners im not jus all about being explicit , I care 2. </div>
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Da-Professor: In additinon to rapping and writing, do you plan on doing any acting, modeling and touring in the near future?</div>
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Flash Gotti: I want to do acting /modeling hopefully touring as
well but my radar is on acting and modeling. </div>
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Da-Professor: I have to admit you're a sexy guy (Sexy As Heaven). When people find out you're a Gay Rapper do yo get the why you gotta be gay and a gay rapper question?</div>
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Flash Gotti: Wow thanks (licks lips like precious) I would get a damn u would sound better rapping about chicks or oh my god u like dudes? wow. why? lol.</div>
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Da-Professor: You was born and still reside in Chicago. What was it like growing up there and tell me from your prespective, what is it about Chi-Town guys that makes people wanna holla at them?t</div>
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FlashGotti: It was hard for me in Chicago , I
grew up in da hood , I mean one day u see a gang member da next u hear
they got killed, from missing school cuz there shooting on the block to
every other week randomly having the door kicked down cuz my cousins
was gang members, to hearing ''GET DOWN THEY SHOOTING!'' ..to coming
home from school on the bus n hope u dont get shot or killed i
stayed/grew up in a bad area , a area that if u wore the wrong color u
get jumped or if your fitted cap was turned the wrong way u got beat
up. People love us for our accent to swag to the sex appeal, most Chicago dudes say what they want and say how it it and is str8 thugs
from the area they grew up in. so yea Chicago that place to be if u
wanna hood boy because u learn to have tuff skin here or else. </div>
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Da-Professor: Chicago has also gave birth to many talented musicians including Jody Watley, Minnie Ripperton, Da-Brat, R. Kelly, Chaka Khan, Kanye West, Twista, Marvin Yancy and the late Don Cornileus. How does it feel to be from the city that produced those talented Icons and how do you feel you're gonna add to their musical legacy?<br />
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Flash Gotti: It feels good!! áthe brat was/is friends with one of my
cousins I didn't know who she was younger I came up stairs from my room
and she and my cousin and his friends was smoking and drinking . lol I feel like my music well be my voice forever...for people if somthing
happens to me, i will touch somebody and be remembered weither its jus
in Chicago or to a few friends my legacy will will live on. </div>
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Da-Professor: Earlier you posted how many shady people tried to criticize you for cursing and being raw on your CD. How important do you feel it is for you to be who you are lyrically and vocally?<br />
Flash Gotti: Its very important but not just for me for EVERYBODY
to be themselves i hope to inspire people to be themselves...being
different is being a leader in my eyes . people told me to do this or
they don't like me saying this...but i was told to be myself and say how
i feel my words on the mixtape is my truth and my story not there's ,
why edit yourself for another person your just going to be sayin ''
dang i should of just did it or said it'' so yeah its very important to
be who you are in general.</div>
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Da-Professor: There are many hetero Rappers and Singers who be cursing on their records and interviews too.<br />
Flash Gotti: Yes but if a person who is attracted to the same sex express
sexuality on a song its seen as nasty or gross but str8 artist do it
all the time . </div>
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Da-Professor: For the past year, many Black Famous Athletes, Singers and Actors came out including Jason Collins, Frank Ocean and Rayen-Symone. What do you feel about them coming out and how do you feel it will impact the Black Youth and adults who are into sports deal with their sexuality?<br />
Flash Gotti: Well I feel its good and
all that they came out, but my question is why do a gay actor /singer
ect. have to announce to the world there gay to begin with? its crazy
it should not effect anyone because them being gay or bi does not
effect there work or anything they was gay be4 they announced it and if
they didn't noticed it be4 it shouldn't matter. </div>
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Da-Professor: I've noticed how while there many in the community who supports the Out Rappers and singers, but there are many who complain about the lack of artist who represent the community, yet they don't support them. How do you feel about the kids who contradicts themselves and how important is it for the community to acknowledge and support their own?<br />
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Flash Gotti: You know its funny because , they support artists when they come
out , but a out artist thats already out gets no support i find it very
funny and dumb to be honest. </div>
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Da-Professor: If you had the chance to work with any artists Mainstream and LGBT, who would it be. Name as many as you like.<br />
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Flash Gotti: Hmm all the artist mainstream i want to work with
has passed on sadly like Aaliyah 2pac Biggie and so on ..... but alive
i want to work with Lil Kim, Missy Elliot , Kelis, eve Kendrick Lamar
producer Timbaland ,Pharrell lgbt artist : Foxxjazell Last O and a few
others that i cant think of. </div>
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Da-Professor: Many were upset at the outcome of the Trayvon Martin trail. How did it effect you and how important is it for Blacks to know that despite having a Black President in the White House that they can be subjected to racial profiling despite their sexual orientation and the areas where they live at?</div>
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Flash Gotti: Well sadly it didn't because crimes like that goes on
EVERYWHERE in the world , and its very important because ..nowadays
people are worried about the wrong things basically brainwashed to the
wrong things to worry about there more worried about celebrities then
whats REALLY going on around them , the color of the president skin
means nothing the color of yours does that's the difference. </div>
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Da-Professor: We've lost many famous Icon including Michael Jackson. How did the loss of M.J. affected you and how important is it for fans to honor his musical legacy?<br />
Flash Gotti: omg I cried sooooo much over his death man i felt as well as
others like i lost a family member , his legacy lives on he was a music
icon and the true definition of the word legend he was most def ahead
of his time and everyone elses time after lol. U wont get another M.J.
he was one of a kind. </div>
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Da-Professor: We also lost rapper Heavy D who worked with M.J. on the classic "Jam" How important is it for those who listen to Hip Hop to learn about his contribution to Hip-Hop.<br />
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Flash Gotti: He had a big impact on hip hop!
words cant say what he did for hip hop because he's a icon. If a person
does not know who he is they need to do there research now! </div>
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Da-Professor:We also lost Disco and Gay Icon Donna Summer. How important is it for many to honor her legacy and contributions to music?<br />
Flash Gotti:.Another icon! and original talent people should keep her legacy
alive and they will shes a icon and truly missed for me she was another
talent lost but will forever live on threw her music.</div>
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Da-Professor: TLC and Beyonce each sampled Donna's debut classic Love To Love You Baby for their hits I'm Good At Being Bad and Naughty Girl. What do you think of them sampling her classic for their hits?<br />
Flash Gotti: I think its fine its
keeping her legacy in a way alive. </div>
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Da-Professor: How do you feel you're gonna make an impact on the Out Music Industry and with the LGBT Community?<br />
Flash Gotti: You know idk exactly.... but what i do know is i will make a impact on
somebody's life i promise you that. </div>
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Da-Professor: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?<br />
Flash Gotti: I see
myself known by more people and a person that people will look at and
say wow i wish that was me. </div>
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Da-Professor: What type of guys you like and what do they have to bring to the table beside their looks and sex game?<br />
Flash Gotti:<b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">i like honest confident guys, u have to have ambition a drive to wanna be somthing outta life , basically a leader.</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Da-Professor: </b></span>What advice would you give to a person who wants to pursue a career as an Out artist</div>
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Flash Gotti: Be fearless, be a
leader ,be yourself no matter what! in this industry u have to be the
best at what u do , know your hip hop history an most importantly try
to stand out from everyone if you do that your already different or
weird but remember its better to stand alone then to follow a crowd cuz
guess what u follow the crowd and the person who's different well be
gettin the most attention, áoh and one more thing ....STOP COMING IN
THE GAME DISSING THOSE THAT CAME BEFORE YOU! CAUSE THAT DOES NOT WORK
...AT ALL. diss records go nowhere and nobody wants to get introduced
to u coming after a known artist its a turn off to your new fans and
the person u diss will just ignore it anyway so dont waste your time
cause they are not bothered u trying to get known not them , u burn
bridges you will need later on . trust me .. so yea dats about it oh i
almost forgot whatever u do ...... you better GO HARD OR GO HOME ! </div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-71571683324488668362013-09-24T18:41:00.002-05:002013-09-24T18:41:12.285-05:00OUT HIP-HOP'S MUSICAL KING AND PRESIDENT SPEAKS WITH DA-PROFESSOR<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px;">For years, Hip-Hop artists have been dubbed, Kings, Queens and The greatest. Well Out Rapper I.K.P.s name fits him royally. Also known as The President, the Brooklyn-born-Virginia raised artist is known for his versatile flows, lyrics, mellow yet masculine voice and his positive, laid back yet out going energy and personality which makes him one of Out Music's many loved artists. The President released his first EP which showed his poetic flow, but he showed his fans that he could be versatile and get open with his hit "Super Hoe" with fellow Out Rappers Splash T and Loco Ninja, which was only a sample of what he had for his fans; In January he released his mix-tape which further displayed his talented and his ability to work with other artists. He also did production on Singer Da Quan J Motley's current CD as well. The President spoke to me via email about his career.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: What's up President how are things going?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: Been feeling very inspired lately, more than usual. This year has given me
a lot of experience that I hope to share in my art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Cool Tell the viewers about your name King of
Positivity how did you come up with it and what does it mean?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I.K.P. was something that struck me spontaneously. The Infamous King of Positivity, which is
what it stands for, combines everything I want to represent as an artist. It
came from putting together 3 things; the word ‘infamous’, which is a synonym
for ‘notorious’ as in The Notorious B.I.G., one of my key inspirations in
striving to be larger than life; ‘King’ which was inspired by T.I., another one
of my inspirations and his constant references to the meaning of being a “King”,
something that commands respect through actions, and since I have to be the
King of something, I chose to be the king of Positivity because I feel it’s
necessary for me to represent that as lifestyle and a state of mind that can
bring personal freedom. When I became infected with HIV in late 2006, I needed
to find a way to take back the power that the infection inflicts on millions of
others and myself, converting it into something that could empower others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Interesting. How did you get into music?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I.K.O.: I come from a musical family. My father plays sax. My older cousins loved
hip-hop and their aspirations influenced me to try it.</span><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Music helped me get through my most troubling
days when I felt like I couldn’t connect with anyone else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Which artists influenced you and how?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: In the beginning I was influenced by Biggie and Missy Elliott, even when
it wasn’t exactly cool to like Missy and because people didn’t consider her
hip-hop. But the fact that she was from my area of Virginia made her and
Timbaland real champions to me and they showed how to think outside the box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Cool interesting. You have various types of
flow which has a mixture of spoken word to spitting hard and your music has
different genres from Jazz to Hip-Hop, Dance, Rock and New Wave. How important
is for you to be diverse and versatile vocally musically and lyrically?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I.K.P.: I think it’s very important to bring as many skills to the table so that I
can operate in different worlds. I want to be just as accepted at a dance club
as I would be at a jazzy open mic event and I want people from different walks
of life to find some connection with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: You're also a Gay and Out rapper. Have you had
any challenges being an Out Musician?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I.K.P.: I would say not yet.</span><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I don’t think
I’ve had much trouble because I haven’t yet cracked the level of exposure I’d
like to see. But I anticipate any and all challenges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: I loved your debut singles The Poetry of Color
and Let It Be Known. What were the inspirations for those songs?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I.K.P.: For The Poetry of Color, I’ve always felt like more of poet, if not a
traditional rapper because there’s a level of class attached with a “poet” as
opposed to a rapper. That type of song got me love at open mics and with more
mature crowds for its sound. I think rap is a form of poetry and I love using
words to draw comparisons and paint pictures. Let It B. Known was inspired by
listening to Ice Cube and drawing from his energy and the grooves found on his
records. I caught wind of Katy Perry’s single “I Kissed a Girl” at the time I wrote
the song and was a little mad about the fact that it felt like girl-on-girl
action was way more accepted that guys being romantic, even if guys tend to
objectify women. I was going for the principle though.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Your single Super Hoe is one of my all time
favorites. It reminded me of Kid-N-Play's Last Night, UTFO's Roxanne Roxanne.
What made you decide to go with those vibes, what prompted you to work with
Splash T and Loco Ninja on that song and will you film a video for that song?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I.K.P.: I’m a fan of Boogie Down Productions and I thought that record would be
fun to do and it would be the type of record to make me more memorable in
people’s minds. I knew Loco would fit because he brings a certain edge that I
liked a lot. Splash T was one of the first performers in the Out Hip-Hop world
that I saw perform and her stage presence had me hooked since then.</span><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">When I made the Super Hoe record it was only
right to bring her in. Anything’s possible as far as a video is concerned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Another thing I loved about the song is how
you discuss insecure women who be so quick to jump on Gay and Bi-Sexual men who
they think are trying to flirt with their men when in reality it be their man
who be the ones flirting. What inspired you to address that in your song?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">I.K.P.: I witness a lot of drama with people in relationships. House parties,
personal experiences pushed me to vent on that subject matter. I’m all for
defending the person you are in a relationship with but insecurities just don’t
look cute. This something that I see a lot in the gay community as well as
straight community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: You also recorded your version of
Boogie Down Productions' classic My Philosphoy What prompted you to give that
classic a new twist and why is that song a Hip Hop classic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: Being a fan of B.D.P., My Philosophy was always a record I wanted to
cover. It’s a timeless record that is a
prime example of raw rap music at its finest. The album it came from By All
Means Necessary was the fire that lit the inspiration to record and produce my
first album. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Another favorite is Bully. Many people
especially in the LGBT community are constantly bullied, but when they fight
back, they get repriminded by cops for defending themselves. What prompted you
to record the song and how important is it for the LGBT community to not
tolerate disrespect by ignorant ass homophobes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: If it’s something I want people to remember me for, its for telling them
to fight for what’s right whether it be for yourself or others. Be the one that sparks the conversation and
starts a movement. We need the attention on that. It’s the same as when Blacks
had to defend themselves from racist whites in the days of segregation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: You know I loved your joint Torch Light Up
(Live)! I loved the live feeling on that song. What made you give that song a
live feel and do you plan on releasing that song as a single?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I wanted to have a song that I could do on stage with a live band. I had a
great time producing that. It allowed me
to flex my production muscles to pull it all together because I had never put a
record like that together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: You recently finished shooting a video with
Out Rapper Kaoz for your single Check Mate. What was it like working with him
and how was it working in Minneapolis the city that put Prince, The Time Jimmy
Jam & Terry Lewis on the map and did you see Jam & Lewis while you was
there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I think I did see Jam & Lewis at Mall of America! Then again it was so
many people there…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I had the best time working with Kaoz and having him in the video was a
dream. I respect him a lot for what he does in his city and his community. He’s
a ball of energy, all we did was crack jokes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: You're family is from Honduras. I like to
know what is your ethnicity? Black or Latin or both?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: We are Caribbean Latin. We got the best of both worlds. There’s no half
anything because we essentially Caribbean Black people due to our ancestry and
culture and Latin by nationality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: From your perspective what is about Black
Caribbean men that makes people wanna holla at them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: There’s a lot to like about Caribbean Blacks!! I would venture to say some are physically
fit from spending a lot of time outside and lifting things like canoes and
playing sports. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Besides rapping and writing do you have any
other projects you're working on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I be in the lab producing for other folks mannnn….. I love music. I’m in
bed it all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: If you have the opportunity to work with any
artists mainstream, independent and LGBT who would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I would love to work with Kanye West, Timbaland, Eminem and Kendrick
Lamar. How sick would a record like that be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Many were affected and upset at the Trayvon
Martin verdict with George Zimmerman getting off. How did you feel about the
verdict and how important is it for many Black and Latinos Gays to realize that
they can be victims of racial profiling despite their sexual orientation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I felt like the verdict was a failure of the justice system to the family
and it reinvigorated conversation about race in America like nothing else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">The whole thing with Stop and Frisk is that it’s effective to an extent.
If it helps keep the guns of the street and the drugs out of the neighborhoods
then that’s where it should end. If it
comes down to sexual orientation, then its time to re-evaluate the true
intentions of the policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Sadly we lost many talented legends during
the past couple of years including Michael Jackson. How did his unexpected
death affect you and the industry?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: We won’t ever have an icon quite like M.J. in our midst because he was a
once in a lifetime deal. There’s no amount of words that can truly explain the
impact he had on so many generations of people all around the world. It’s a
crime shame that we don’t get to see him progress pop culture further and
embrace the new generations of pop artists but he will absolutely not be
forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: We also lost Hip-Hop Legends Heavy D and Miss
Melodie. How did their deaths affect you and the Hip Hop industry and how important
is it for the new generation to learn how the impact they left on Hip Hop
and how important is it for them to be honored?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: They were Hip-Hop pioneers that paved the way for a lot of what we see
today. It’s always important to embrace what the past was and the contributions
Heavy D and others have made while still looking forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: We also lost Whitney Houston as well. How did
her death affect the industry and how important is it for fans to honor her
legacy and not blame her ex-husband New Edition co-founder Bobby Brown for her
issues and drug use?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: Whitney Houston had a voice unlike any other that has influenced so many
that came after. I think it affected the
industry greatly. Her death left a void that can’t be filled. People have to
realize that there’s more layers to our pop stars and role models than what we
see on TV and read in the news. You never know what’s going on in the minds and
hearts of our celebrities and so it’s not anyone’s place to judge them for
things we can’t see or things they can’t defend themselves from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: The world was hurt and shocked by passing of
Disco Icon/Songwriter Donna Summer. How do you think that her death has many
fans still in shock and hurt?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: She’s a terrible loss in the music world. I think fans and admirers will
be hurt from her leaving us so soon for a long time.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Both TLC and Beyonce Knowles each sampled her
classic Love To Love You Baby for their hits I'm Good At Being Bad and Naughty
Girl. What did you think of them sampling her classic for their hits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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have to say those records by TLC and Beyonce are among my top favorites by
them, if not more because the Queen of Disco’s spirit lives in those records.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Donna had also worked with Hip Hop producer
JR Rotem on her last album Crayons. What did you think of her recruiting him to
work with her and what did you their work on the album track The Queen Is Back?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I thought that was a great move on her part to explore new sounds and that
record was dope. Well produced by JR.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: Last summer R&B Singer/Songwriter Frank
Ocean revealed that he was bi-sexual and his first love was a man. What did you
think of him coming out and do you feel that many in the community will start
to show support for the Openly and Out Singers and Rappers who's been
representing the community for years?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I thought it was very respectable and admirable that he chose to be honest
with his fans about himself. It will be a slow process before more R&B and Hip-Hop
stars come out about their sexuality but from what I can see, the opportunities
are opening up everyday with more celebrities in the Black community like
Raven-Symone and Jason Collins opening up and sparking the debates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: What do you want fans to get from your music
and videos?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I want people to be entertained first, then I want other artists to be
motivated to seek out the other talented individuals in film to put out higher
quality material.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: How do you think you're making an impact on
the music industry and the Out Music and LGBT Community?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: I just want to be remembered as someone who was daring and challenging
people’s minds and ideas about who we are an what we can be. I don’t believe I
fit the common stereotypes of what a rapper LGBT or otherwise are, so I’d like
to show that just like my influences have showed me, it’s OK to look different
and think different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Da-Professor: What advise would you give to a brother who
wants to pursue a career as an Out artists?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">I.K.P.: Don’t be scared to fight
for the right to be accepted as you are and question everything.</span>DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-10050659091657978752013-09-14T18:38:00.004-05:002013-09-14T18:38:39.189-05:00JERSEY AUTHOR CHATSWhen I purchased Novelist Armani Williams' debut novel "Scandilious" he gave me a warning; the book was going to be hot with lots of hot scenes, and he was right. Not only was the book hot, it was great (the book was so hot that I had to rush out the train station and into my apartment to cool off). Born and residing in New Jersey, Williams' original goal was to pursue a career as a singer or actor, and it was while he was taking a youth community drama course where the instructor asked the students to write stories, and after his story got positive feedback from the instructor, he continued to hone his skills, which is paying off in a big way. His debut novel has gotten great reviews and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming novel "Harlem Boyz" which will further display his pen game. Armani spoke to me via e-mail about his writing, acting and avoiding stereotypical characters in his writings.<br />
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<span class="hidden_elem"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#" rel="dialog" role="button"><span class="fcg"></span></a></span><span class="timestamp"></span><span class=""></span><span class="">Da-Professor:
Hey bro how are things going? </span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Things are good. Thanks for reaching out to me.</span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: No problem. So you're about to drop your second novel "Harlem Boyz" this fall. Are you excited?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Yes I am very excited to release my second novel. A lot has happened
between releasing "Scandalicious" and releasing "Harlem Boyz" so the
fact that I can release another book makes me very happy. I'm more than
excited. I'm over the moon! </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: What can readers expect from "Harlem Boyz?"</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Folks can expect an honest story about the lives of four black male
best friends who happen to be gay. It gives you a real glimpse at the
lives of these men as they experience life along with their careers,
family lives, love lives, and the bond they have as friends. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Interesting. How did you get involved in writing? </span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Writing found me when I was ten. I was in a drama class down at
Newark Community school of the Arts and the teacher was a college
professor. A man by the name of Professor Stewart. He told us we were
going to write plays. I was terrified. I didn't know anything about
writing. But when I went home, an idea hit me about a woman who was on
drugs who found out she was pregnant and wanted to deliver a healthy
baby so she went to rehab. I always seemed to write about things that
were much older than me. My mother still has the original draft I wrote
in her photo album. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Which authors inspire you?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I have been inspired by a lot of authors but I have to say every
time I read a book by my favorite author Carl Weber, I get super
inspired to write. I love his work. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: I have to admit you was right when you told me them book was hot. I read it on the train on my way home and I'm glad I got home in one safe piece (if you get my drift lol) What was the inspiration for the story?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Wow! Eight times? That's awesome. Thank you for that. I'm glad you
enjoyed it that much. The inspiration came from my listening to a lot
of NYC hip-hop radio jocks and the crazy calls they received from
listeners. And a lot of things people suspected was happening in the
entertainment industry. It was birthed out of a lot of "What if"
situations and my imagination just ran wild with it.</span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: I love how you had all the characters being college educated, college graduates and professional. What inspired you to have the characters educated and not all ghetto? </span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I can't say it was a conscious decision to make them that way. It's
just kind of how the story unfolded. I think my being in college at the
time had a lot to do with it.</span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: One of the things I also loved was how you had Teddy's wife Tameka not being the typical basket-ball wife and having a college degree and career as working in real-estate. What prompted you to write her not being the average stay at home wife and having something to offer besides her looks and pussy?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani. I wanted to show that she really did hold him down off the court.
Even though she was a stay at home wife, she wasn't stupid. She had a
degree of her own, helped manage his finances, was his real estate
partner, and kept a lot of things together for him. I think it was
important that she be more than his beautiful wife, I wanted her to
have some sense. In other words I didn't want her to be a bird.</span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: It was a great move. Athetles nowadays want a woman who's gonna bring more to the table more than their looks and pussy. Another aspect is Teddy's secret relationship with rapper L.Z. an Hispanic rapper. What prompted you to write Black and Hispanic story line?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: LZ was Black and Hispanic. At the time I wrote the book, there was a
Hispanic man I had a crush on. I worked for an after school program at
the time and I forget the little boy's name but I certainly remember
his father's face. One of my co-workers and I used to drool every time
he came to pick up his son. (Laughing) When I created LZ, I saw that
man's face. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Your book had 2 twists that made the story hot and added mystery to the story. Teddy's wife Tameka having an affair with L.Z.'s girlfriend and Tamika catching Teddy making love to her brother Andre who comes on to him.What prompted you to write Tamika having a chick on the side, and will you write a future story line with Andre in it?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: It added a little more spice to the story for Tamika to be having an
affair of her own. And it really made it sizzle that she was to having an
affair with another woman. And Andre definitely could show up in one of
my future books starring in his own story. You never know. Stay tuned.</span></div>
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Da-Professor: One of the main aspects I loved about the book is how you had Teddy's parents, sister and her Jamacian fiancee support Teddy showing that there are many fathers who do support their gay sons. How important was it for you to show that not all fathers are homophobic?</div>
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<span class="">Armani: I wanted to show that there are fathers out there who accept their gay
sons. It can be real. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Many readers have given you positive feedback on your book. </span></div>
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<span class="">How does it feel to have support from both the GLBT and the Hetero communities?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: It really means a lot to me that people from all different walks of
life enjoy my work. That's so cool. Being human is really what unites
us all. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Cool. If you're book was to be made into movie, who would you like to play the</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: The only person I have mapped out in my mind is Jennia
Fredrique as Tamika. Everyone else I would leave up to whoever handles
the casting to find. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: In addition to writing, you're also involved in acting as well. Do you have any upcoming projects?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: It's funny you ask that. In the last 12 months
I've been cast in three different projects that I either walked away
from or was released from. I also had some auditions where I would make
it to the final round of auditions and I would be cut at the last
minute. I didn't even think about it until time had passed that all of
those things distracted me from my writing. I honestly couldn't do both
things at once. My future as an actor at this point is still undecided
but I am having fun writing and releasing books. So that is where my
focus is. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Do you have any plans to write movies or television sitcoms in the future?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I am definitely tempted to write movies and series but not at this
very moment. After "Harlem Boyz" drops in fall 2013, I have its sequel
and another book I am working on called "Jerzee Loverz" to finish. So
in the words of Kelly Price, I'm booked. LOL! </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Many were shocked and pissed that Zimmerman got off for killing Trayvon Martin. How did it make you feel to know that he got off and how important is it for Black and Latin Gay males to know that they can be the victims of racial profiling despite their skin color and orientation?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: The Trayvon Martin verdict broke my heart. My heart ached for him
and his family. For the first two days after the verdict, I remember
being furious. Incensed even. And I felt so powerless. You would have
thought he was my little brother. I really hope this is a wake up call
to the world that racism is still very alive. I think this goes beyond
being gay. It has to do with the unfair targeting of black men and boys
worldwide. We all have to watch our backs. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: You're from New Jersey? What is about guys from New Jersey that makes people wanna holla at them?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Our swag is addictive.
What can I say? LOL! </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: You're from the state that produced many talented acts like Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, Faith Evans, Queen Latifah, Naughty By Nature, Derek Luke and Frank Sinatra. How does it feel to come from the state that produced these talented acts and how do you feel you're gonna add on to their legacy?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: Don't forget Tisha Campbell and Lauryn Hill are from here too. It
feels great honestly man. I feel like I come from very good stock.
Whitney, Dionne, Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, and Faith Evans are
all actually from the same hometown as me. East Orange, NJ is where its
at! </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Many were shocked at Whitney's passing? How did her death affect you personally? </span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I was devastated by Whitney's passing. Being that she is from my
hometown and I have been a fan since I was a small child, she felt like
a family member as crazy as it sounds. It's funny though, my dad's side
of the family went to New Hope Baptist Church in Newark with Cissy and
Dionne before Whitney was born. My father sang in the youth choir
together when they were kids. My grandmother directed the youth choir
too. So my aunts actually when Cissy came to the church and became the
minister of music. But yes, Whitney was my girl and I still play her
music. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Many fans are finally stopping blaming her ex-husband New Edition co-founder Bobby Brown for her drug usage. What did you think of their relationship and their duet "Something In Common?"</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I think what Whitney and Bobby had was real love. It was
sadly tainted by their drug use but I truly believe they loved each
other. And "Something in common" is one of my favorites. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: We also lost singers Teena Marie and Donna Summer as well. How do you think their loss affected their fans and how do you think they made a great impact on music?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I had great respect and admiration for Teena Marie and Donna
Summer. Both ladies had amazing voices and were trailblazers. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: During the past year, many Black singers, athletes and actresses including Frank Ocean, Akill Patterson, Jason Collins and Rayvone-Symone came out publicly. How do you feel seeing more Blacks in R&B and Hip-Hop and Sports coming out and how do you feel it will make an impact on Black youth and adults who are struggling with their sexuality?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: I think it will start the conversation and make people more
cmwillo think it is.</span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: How do you feel you're making an impact on the book and acting industry and with the GLBT community?</span></div>
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<span class="">Armani: By just being who I am. I only know how to be me. </span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?</span></div>
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<span class="">Da-Professor: I also see that you're very business-minded. How important is it for people entering the industry to be business-minded?</span></div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-1868764544936249122013-07-30T17:19:00.004-05:002013-07-30T17:19:43.699-05:00DA-PROFESSOR'S INTERESTING Q & A WITH RAPPER QUELast Christmas Eve, rapper Que send me a copy of his mix-tape, and when I got the opportunity to listen to it, I was impressed with his raspy voice, mellow, yet raspy flow and his lyrics, which ranges from love, to overcoming obstacles to reaching goals. Born in Tennessee and raised in Florida, the rapper got his start like most southerners singing in church, but he later began to rap and battle his siblings, who were so impressed that they encouraged him to hone his rapping skills, which he's done. The Out rapper, who will graduating from college this week is also dropping his mix-tape which is bound to be a hit. I had the opportunity of speaking to the talented and down to earth rapper via telephone and I.M. (due to technical difficulties) and I found out that we had many things in common, and I found him to be very intelligent, mature, mellow, fun and inspiring. Here is how the interview went.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Hey bro thanks for allowing me to interview you how are things going?<br />
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QUE: Things are well as of now just doing some promo work for my 3rd mix-tape and working on getting in to more fields of the entertainment industry.</span><div class="_37">
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DA-PROFESSOR: That's great. How did you become involved in music?</div>
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QUE: Well, when I was younger I was always involved in music and entertainment .. I was singing in the church as a child and doing musicals and all of that good stuff and as I got older I use to have rap battles with my sister and brother and then one day I decided I wanted to take this rap thing to awholenother level.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Interesting you went from singing in church to busting out raps. Which artists inspired you and how did they do so?</div>
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QUE: Lol yeah singing and praising the lord to rapping about this that and the other ... I would say I have a lot of different inspirations when it comes to rap, Eminem, Busta Rhymes , and B.o.B. to name a few Eminem really influenced me to actually get deep, deep, deep into music .. but the main thing to excel me in to rap was Soulja Boi... and not in a good way I might add lol.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Lol. Interesting choices I may add. I noticed that you're also a gay rapper. What made you decide to rap as an Out Rapper?<div class="_1yr">
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QUE: Yeeeeeesssss..... I am in love with lyricism .... and I don't really consider myself an OUT Rapper or a Gay rapper. I am just a rapper that just so happens to be gay ... Example .. I decided .. well not necessarily decided .. but in my life, I CHOOSE not to hide who I am and that goes with music ,acting, modeling , singing , or any other endeavor I choose to take on I will never deny being gay .. but I also do not make it the basis of my Art I take my music and I let it speak for me so its like if I decide to talk about some Gay sh*t in my music well I guess that's what that song will be about .. not saying I am going make a song about sleeping with music because my music is not meant to lie for me or cover up my life .... but I am also not going to use my music to examine my life either my music is to tell a story for my fans to interpret if that makes any sense.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Interesting theory. I've listen to both of your mix-tapes and I noticed that you did your version of Brandy's I Wanna Be Down. What inspired you to do a cover of her debut single?<br />
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QUE: Well, I am a huge Brandy fan. I grew up listening to her. I watched her since she was on Thea and I have multiple copies of all her Albums. I listen to her unreleased tracks and her features. She is an Amazing artist along with being an amazing person and I look up to her. I covered multiple songs of hers as a Tribute to her and as a way to expand the type of music I do to show I am not just one type of artist.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: That's great. How do you fell about her comeback and recent album and what is your favorite Brandy album? What did you think of the song she did with Michael Jackson It's Not Worth It?<br />
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QUE: Her Comeback is going great. Chardonnay is a character that really captures the essence of her acting abilities ... .Her album is constantly on replay no matter what I do. I have to listen to it and I'm always singing along to scared of beautiful and with out you and so sick lol... I would have to say though my all time favorite Album by her is Never say never ... so many hits and legendary singles come from that Album .... ooooooo.. Michael Jackson and Brandy ... the harmonies and melodies and rifts and runs and all of it just sends chills down my spine.. the lyrics amazing "U came into my life and it's so funny
how u made everything right" I mean something a guy like me can relate to another prime example why I am so in love with Brandy and her music.... Michael too he has been a big inspiration to my life not only my music.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You also did your version of The Fugee's Ready Or Not What inspired you to do your version of this classic?<br />
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QUE: Ready or Not?? Lol. Well I needed something with a message and not only did the instrumental spoke to me and brought so many ideas and inspirations to me .... I had a certain message I wanted to get through to my fans and I felt that I was successful in doing so.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Cool. I love your version of Alicia Key's unbreakable What inspired you to do that cover and how do you think she connects with her fans?<br />
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<span class="null">QUE: Lol. Well my boyfriend inspired that song ... I feel so much love for him that I had to convey it through my music .... it is also is a great example of me speaking of my life without making it "Gay" for lack of a better term. Alicia Keys connects with her fans in a deeper way ... with her lyrics ... and when she gets on stage and aura comes over her and she just oozes charisma.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You also did a video with Vonte Red Ranger. I loved how the video was tasteful and intimate. What was it like working with him?<br />
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QUE: Well working with him is like working with family ... Fun and creative .. we always get along great and make amazing music.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: That's great. It's great to see people in the LGBT community getting along and maintaining friendships and working together. How important is it for many Blacks in the LGBT community to support and respect each other?<br />
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QUE: I think it is super important ... don't let my friendships fool you tho. There are many people who are against me and what I stand for .... but at the end of the day I will always support unity and equality because if we do not stand together how else will we rise?? </span></div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Great point. It seems like many in the community always complain about the lack of Gay and Lesbian artists, actors and performers, yet many who complain don't show support. How do you feel about their contradicting themselves?</div>
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QUE: I think that it is very foolish .. I mean we are out here busting our ass's and working hard and then not only do these people not support but they are tearing us down instead of building us up and helping us succeed .. making it harder for us to make it in this industry.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: True. When Frank Ocean revealed he was bi-sexual many were praising him, but when many said that they were glad Frank came out, but we need to support the artists who been representing for the community many shady ones said that we needed to not be shady while the intelligent gays said that the Out artist needed to be supported as well.</div>
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QUE: I support him to the fullest. He has a very unique style and thinks out side of the box he actually wrote one of my favorite songs Scared Of Beautiful - Brandy .... of course many people say he came out as a publicity stunt .. I don't believe it. I believe it was more of him being upfront and true to himself ... because him coming out could have went either way. Really really bad or really really good... so publicity stunt ? I think not.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Now that's interesting. He also wrote for Noel Gourdin as well. Besides performing do you have any other things you like to do in entertainment?</div>
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QUE: I would love to act ... maybe have a talk show .. but I would love to be a judge on some type of Talent show like America's got talent .. but make it more centered towards the Rap community.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: That's great. If you have the opportunity to work with -mainstream, independent and LGBT who would it be?</div>
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QUE: Brandy of course. But I would love to work with Lola Monroe, Nicki Minaj and B.o.B. .... Shorty Roc, Foxxjazzel, Swanny River, and Milan .... and I would love, love, love the chance to work with Frank ocean and Bruno Mars. </div>
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QUE: Yeah they are my main choices.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Sadly we lost many popular legend such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Don Cornelius of Soul Train and Dick Clark from America Bandstand. How did the death of these pioneers effected the industry and the fans?</div>
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QUE: The death of all these people affected me in more ways than one .. they all paved the way for me as an artist to do the things that I aspire to do in my life .. . but it really irritates me that everyone would slander people such as Michael and Whitney while they were alive, but when they died everyone wants to break down and act like they rode with them since day one?? I can not stand flip floppers if you weren't for them when they were alive why grieve them when they die???</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Great point People were putting MJ down saying he didn't like being Black and being weird, but when he died they began to cry and when Whitney died many still got on her for marrying Bobby, but many came to Bobby's defense.</div>
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How did Donna Summer's death affected you and what did you think of TLC and Beyonce sampling Donna's "Love To Love You Baby" for their singles "I'm Good At Being Bad" and "Naughty Girl?"</div>
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QUE: I feel like it was sweet and respectful... Donna Summer had a lot of influence for the type of music they do and it is only right to pay homage to those who come before you.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Great. It's great to see young adults paying homage to Donna.You're from Florida. What is about Guys from Florida that makes people want to holla at them?</div>
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QUE: Lol. I'm from Tennessee.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: OK lol what is about a guy from Tennessee that makes people wanna holla at them?</div>
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QUE: Country Boy SWAG~!!! Lol.</div>
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QUE: Lol.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: How did you feel about the verdict involving Trayvon Martin and do you feel about Black Gays realizing that life isn't about always partying and throwing shade and they can become target of profiling?</div>
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QUE: I honestly feel that the verdict was Bullsh*t for lack of a better word ... and it was an eye opener for everyone ..everyone realizes that they too can become profiled.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: Great quote. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. How does it feel to be graduating college? </div>
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QUE: It feels surreal.. because I honestly never even thought I would go to college lol ....but now that I am graduating, I can honestly say staying in school pays off.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel you're feel you're making an impact on the music industry and the LGBT community?</div>
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QUE: I can't really say... but I hope I am making a positive impact on the LGBT community ... showing people never to let adversary stop them ... I have been up against so much hatred and adversary since I have been in the industry and I never given up and I encourage everyone else never to give up.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: That's great. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?</div>
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QUE: I see my self being a icon and a role model .. I see my self hosting rap battles or judging Talent shows ... making albums and mentoring upcoming artist giving everyone a leg up. I also see my Label Vicious Quality (VQ) being bigger than ever.</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: How do you manage to have a relationship while pursuing your career?</div>
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QUE: Well just like any relationship it is hard ..but it helps that my boyfriend is in the industry too so we can work together and our interests don't really clash that much .. but at the end of the day you have to work at it and make a point in showing that you love and care for your partner .</div>
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DA-PROFESSOR: What advice would you give to a person who wants to enter the music industry?</div>
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<span class="null">QUE: If you are getting in this industry its not enough to just want it ... you have to crave it and desire it more than anything else in this game if not this game will eat you up and spit you out ... if you are doing music just to be famous then you will never make it .. do music because you want to support your family .. or simply because it is something that you love to do</span></div>
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<span class="null">DA-PROFESSOR: Great advice bro. It seems like you have a great head on your shoulder and a great future ahead of you. Thanks again for the interview and continued success</span></div>
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<span class="null">QUE: always .....oh and one more thing for the interview I live by the motto I have tatted on my arm ..."Almost Doesn't Count- Brandy"</span></div>
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<span class="null">DA-PROFESSOR: Wow you really admire love and respect her.</span></div>
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<span class="null">QUE: To the fullest.</span></div>
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-56499283045309909152013-07-16T03:58:00.001-05:002013-07-16T03:58:18.734-05:00MUSIC LEGEND PLANS ON BOYCOTTING FLORIDA IN PROTEST OF TRAYVON MARTIN'S UNFAIR JUSTICE AND VERDICTMotown Legend Stevie Wonder is known for his classic hits, but he's also known for his activism and fights for justice and equality, and he, like many are upset over the injustice that Trayvon Martin received two days ago. Martin was racially profiled, stalked, attacked and killed by George Zimmerman, a guy who is of White and Hispanic heritage, who was part of the neighborhood watch in the area where he lived at, who saw Martin 17 walking and assumed he was a trouble maker called 911 and referred to him as a coon and a punk, and despite being told by the dispatcher to stay in the car and wait for the police to arrive decided to take matters in his own hands and follow him which resulted in a physical altercation and Trayvon who told his girlfriend over the phone that he was being followed wound up being shot and killed. Zimmerman claimed it was self-defense and used the Stand Your Ground law as an excuse for his actions. Zimmerman was found not-guilty and while there were many people including boguie Blacks who support him, there are many more people who feel that Trayvon didn't get the justice he deserved, including Wonder, who decided made an announcement during a concert; that until the Stand Your Ground Law is abolished, he will not perform in the state of Florida.<br />
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<span style="border: 0px; color: maroon; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“For those who may have lost in the battle for justice, wherever that fits in any part of the world… we can’t bring them back… What we can do is we can let our voices be heard. And we can vote in our various countries throughout the world for change and equality for everybody. That’s what I know we can do.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: maroon; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“And I know I’m not everybody. I’m just one person. I’m a human being. And for the gift that God has given me, and from whatever I mean, I decided today that until the Stand Your Ground law is abolished in Florida, I will never perform there again. As a matter of fact, wherever I find that law exists, I will not perform in that state or in that part of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: maroon; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Because when I do know is that people know that my heart is of love for everyone. When I say everyone, I mean everyone. As I said earlier, you can’t just talk about it. You have to be about it. We can make change by coming together for the spirit of unity. Not in destruction, but in perpetuation of life itself.” Stevie Wonder at his concert in Qubec.</span></div>
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The Award winning Legend has took part in many political protests for many decades. His 1974 top charting classic "You Haven't Done Nothing" was directed at the President Nixon scandal and his 1980 radio hit "Happy Birthday" was dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, and was a theme he used to help have the slain Civil Rights Leader have his birthday made into an national holiday. He also was very active in helping get apartheid abolished in South Africa and when he won his Oscar for his classic "I Just Called To Say I Love You" he dedicated his win to South African Activist Nelson Mandela who was in prison for fighting for equality. The South African government was pissed, and had planned to boycott Wonder's music because of his protest and support of Mandela. Wonder wasn't pressed or phrased at all. "If my being banned means people will be free, ban me mega-times" Wonder told United Press International. Stevie also lend support for his friend and former label-mate Michael Jackson when he was falsely charged of child molestation, especially after Rapper Enemem released a song and video "Just Lose It" which made mockery of MJ's trial, facial features and the burns he suffered while shooting a Pepsi commercial with his 5 brothers. Stevie called the video as 'kicking a man while he's down and bullshit.' BET stopped airing the video, and while the Slim Shady rapper continued to sell albums and win awards, his sales hasn't been as strong due to their song and protests. Stevie also went after Lil' Wayne for dissing the legacy of slain teenager Emmit Till in a remix on Rapper Future's single "Karate Chop" which featured Weezy's line 'Beat the pussy like Emmit Till.' Many Blacks were upset at the verse considering the fact that Till was killed for allegedly whistling at a White woman in the south which was segregated at the time.<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">"You can't equate that to Emmett Till," Wonder said. "You just cannot do that. ... I think you got to have someone around you that – even if they are the same age or older – is wiser to say, `Yo, that's not happening. Don't do that.' <b>Future's label removed that part of the verse from the song and issued an apology while Lil' Wayne's endorsement with Mountain Dew ended because of the lyrics. Stevie Wonder has always put his talent to good use and always stood up for equality, and with Stevie boycotting Florida and other states that has the Stand Your Ground laws, he will continue to show others how to protest by taking the Higher Ground, while fans in those states will have to rely on listening to his music, missing out to see a talented guy who is for equality. This will let people know that certain things will no longer be tolerated.</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>This post is dedicated to the memory of Trayvon Martin and to others victims and survivors of Racism, Sexism, Classism and homophobia.</b></span><br />
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-69658486631738488462013-05-21T07:25:00.000-05:002013-05-21T08:17:03.262-05:00CLASSIC FLASHBACK: DONNA SUMMER'S WORKING WOMEN'S NATIONAL ANTHEM<b>DONNA SUM</b><b>MER</b><br />
<b>SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY</b><br />
<b>1983 MERCURY/POLYGRAM RECORDS</b><br />
<b># 1 R&B/# 3 Pop</b><br />
<b>SINGLE ORIGINALLY RELEASED MAY 20, 1983</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Disco/Rock/Soul Legend and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Donna Summer had recorded many classic songs, that made people dance, feel good, empowered and liberated, and her 1983 classic "She Works Hard For The Money" is one of her most famous songs that became a classic and became the national women's working anthem. The song also shed her previous sex-kitten image that her former record label boss had created for her and showed her as a powerful working and talented lady. This classic co-written by Summer and producer Michael Omartian was inspired while Donna was in the ladies room where she saw Onetta, a bathroom attendant sitting in a chair taking a nap with the tele</b><b>vision on. Summer took one look at her and said God she works hard for the money. Then she got so excited that she asked her manager to give her a pen and some paper so she ran into the women's stall, wrote the lyrics on toilet paper, contacted her producer at the time, and recorded the song the next day, and the rest is hestory. The classic has a great combination of Soul, Dance, Rock and Gospel courtesy of the horn section, keyboards, synsesizers guitar an</b>d<b> saxophone solos and vocals by Summer and the background vocalists who sings the chorus with lots of soul and passion, but it's the lyrics that makes the song inspirational and powerful.</b><br />
<br />
<b>She works hard for the money</b><br />
<b>So hard for it honey</b><br />
<b>She works hard for the money</b><br />
<b>So you better treat her right.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><b>Donna created a great empowering classic that many women still love and enjoy to this day. This song reminds people that women are human beings and they are capable of doing the same type of work as men, and they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Whether she's a maid, a janitor, a cook, a teacher, a college professor, a repair lady, an executive, a landlord or a CEO, she works hard for the money and is entitled to respect.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><b>FACTS AND INFO ABOUT THE SONG</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><b>Donna had went to a Grammy's after-party thrown by Latin singer Julio Iglesias, and had to use the ladies room. While she walking to the stall, she saw a tired bathroom attendant sitting in a chair taking a nap and Donna said "God she works hard for the money" A few seconds later, she got excited and ran Susan Munao, her manager at the time to tell her about her song idea and to get her some paper so she can write the concept and lyrics. Donna later returned to the ladies room, locked herself in the bathroom stall and wrote the lyrics to the song. She later called Michael Omartian, he producer at the time to inform him about the idea, and like Donna, he was excited as well. He was so excited, he went to the studio and wrote the track the next day.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><b>The single was released on Mercury Records, the label that had purchased Casablanca Records, Donna's previous label. Donna had sued Casablanca's head Neil Bogart and his wife for fraud, under-influence, and was released. She had signed to Geffen Records, where she had recorded two albums. Shorty after Donna released her second album for Geffen, Neil had lost his battle with cancer, and Donna had learned that she had owed Polygram one album, so in change for an settlement, she decided to fulfill her contractual obligation. Especially since the staff at Geffen wasn't thrilled with her working with Omartian but they allowed her to fulfill her obligation especially since many didn't like the material recorded for the album. The song and</b> <b>album became a huge hit which had both labels in shock and having their heads spinning.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><b>Onetta who was the inspiration for the song had a great paying job working at Cedars-Siani hospital in Los Angeles, but she was a single mother with a son in college, so she had taken the job to help pay his tuition. She was so grateful that she allowed herself to be photographed on the back of the album cover, and she became a celebrity herself. Fans would ask her for autographs, photographs, and tell her that she was an inspiration to them.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><b>The song became the national working women's anthem. Talk-Show host/Actor Aresenio Hall told NBC that many Black women in Ohio used that song as their anthem.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span><b style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;">This review is dedicated to all the working women around, to the family of Onetta, the inspiration for the song, and to the memory and legacy of Donna Summer, who worked hard for her money and success.</b><br />
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DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-89037506805481198112013-03-15T10:33:00.002-05:002013-03-15T10:33:28.384-05:00AN INTERVIEW WITH MOTOWN FAN AND PODCASTERSocial media has helped many with common and similar interests make connections, and one of the people I've been blessed to have been connected with is Antonio Dandrige, who like me, have a deep appreciation for the legacy and music of Motown. Born and still residing in Detroit, Dandrige became interested in the label's music and legacy after watching the label's classic "Motown 25" special and like many, he became inspired to not only do research, he also began to hone his singing skills, which paid off in a huge way. He's song with various groups as well as sang background for many talented performers including Musiq Soulchild, and while he loves singing, he loves the sounds of Motown, and seeing that many radio stations hasn't been playing their music, he decided to form his own podcast Hitsville Radio, a monthly podcast which he co-hosts and plays the music from the famous label, which has gotten a positive response from many including talk show host Ellen Degenerese. Dandridge spoke to me via telephone about his career, the importance of many remembering Motown and his love for singing.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: Thanks for allowing me to interview you. How are things going?<br />
ANTONIO: Everything is going great. Launching the radio show. Working hard.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: What inspired you to start your radio show?<br />
ANTONIO: Well, I've always been a lover of Motown and being a part of different Motown fan clubs, I seen that there wasn't a lot being done to pay tribute to Motown and I've seen that Internet radio is the biggest craze wave that's going on now, and I've seen that there wasn't a show solely dedicated to Motown entirely and in my opinion, there's no reason for that.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: You was born and raised in Detroit. What was like growing up in Detroit where Motown was founded?<br />
ANTONIO: Growing up in Detroit was wonderful. Detroit is known for Motown and Gospel music; it's really a big thing in Detroit. It was great! A-lot of camaraderie. Of course it has it's ups and downs, but it's been kind to me.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: Who are your favorite Motown Artists?<br />
ANTONIO: I love all the Motown artists. My favorites; Diana Ross, Martha Reeves, Shanice, Johnny Gill, Boyz II Men.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: What do you admire about those artists?<br />
ANTONIO: Diana Ross; I admire her stage show. I especially admire how she commands her show. I've never been to a concert where the person next to you is a complete stranger and you come away shaking their hands and hugging one another. Martha Reeves. She epitomizes the soul of Motown; just songs like "Dancing In The Streets," "Heatwave," "Nowhere To Run." Those songs will make you automatically think of Motown and the Motown sound. Boyz II Men, Shanice. Eraku Badu represents songs with substance.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: You also talked about traveling. What cites and countries have you visited?<br />
ANTONIO: I've been around the world. My favorite place was Africa. I loved going to Pairs France. Portugal. Turkey. There hasn't been a place on the map I haven't been to. As a kid I wanted to sing around the world.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: That's amazing that you had the chance to travel. Motown is known for having fans around the world. From your opinion, why does Motown have an international following?<br />
ANTONIO: Well you know Berry Gordy coined Motown the sound of Young America in 1965 and at that time it represented youthfulness in America and it was joyous. Of course, in other countries they have their own artist, but when you have people like The Funk Brothers who are Jazz musicians and played on 98 percent of those records. It's just a sound that resonated around the world and I think that America was the first that had a diverse kind of music. When Smokey Robinson sang 'When I became of age, my mother called and told me to shop around,' It touched the world.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: That's an interesting point. Motown was known for their lyrics about love, romance and fun.<br />
ANTONIO: They also changed with the times. Motown was very aware of what was going on. Every Friday, they would have Quality Control meetings, where they would vote for what songs would be released. What song wouldn't. A song like "Jimmy Mack" a song by Martha & The Vandellas. They held on to that song. You could hear the footsteps that sounded like marching. It wasn't about war. Motown is ever changing.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: What did you think of Marvin Gaye's classic album "What's Going On?' How did it take Marvin and Motown into another era?<br />
ANTONIO: I think the "What's Going On" album was so important at that time. It was important for Motown. America. The world was not as naive as in 1970 as it was in 1965, and I do believe the introduction told people that Motown was now Adult Comp temporary. It helped Motown. It helped the generation. It helped him and artists like Sly Stone & The Family Stone. The teenagers wanted something different. Tammi Terrell had passed and it was a spiritual thing.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: What did you think of Marvin's album "Let's Get It On?"<br />
ANTONIO: "Let's Get It On" and (the) "I Want You" albums. I think that he really epitomized the 1970's Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll. He coined the term "Quiet Storm" and it's because his music is so sexual and so sensual. At the time you had artists like Al Green; they were great male singers, but when you go from a political sense of "What's Going On" to the prow less of "Let's Get It On," both are monumental.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: Earlier you mentioned Tammi Terrell. Unsung did a documentary on her How did you feel that Tammi finally got a documentary done on her?<br />
ANTONIO: I think Tammi's story was clearly long overdue as well as The Marvelettes. I love shows like Unsung, who give insights to the artist because at the time, Motown has so many artists. You had The Supremes, The Temptations, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and The Four Tops, but they have artists that people didn't know about. You had actress Barbara Mc Neir, Little Richard, Sammy Davis, Jr. There was a-lot of people that kinda curated under the radar with Motown. Tammi Terrell was one of those artists. That God she was able to hook up with Marvin Gaye and record such classics, but her story was so profound. A-lot of people didn't know she was dealing with James Brown and David Ruffin and a-lot of rumors were dispelled because of the TV One show "Unsung." There (are) a-lot of fans of that show and a-lot of people are interested in her catalog.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: Great theory. What do you think about the new Motown artists?<br />
ANTONIO: You know I love what Motown is doing right now. The only official artist out on Motown is Ne-Yo and a guy named Chemistry. I love the fact that Ne-Yo has a top 10 single on the Pop charts, because since Berry Gordy left, Motown has had struggled with representing on the Pop charts, and in the industry. I love how Ne-Yo have a single on the Pop charts. To see that it goes to show that people are into quality music. I'm very excited to see the different changes that Motown is doing. I love how they taken the old Motown logo back.When Jheryl Busby left and George Jackson breathed new life into the company, I think with Kedar Massenburg, is my favorite (Motown) President. He ushered in the Neo-Soul era with Erakau Badu, India Arie, Chico DeBarge, Brian Mc Knight and hr really, really understood what Motown needed at the time. Even Sylvia Rhone is very important to Motown by bringing Motown back to the masses (by) giving Kelly Rowland her first mainstream hit.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Sadly we lost many Motown artists including Michael Jackson, Frank Wilson, Gladys Horton, Teena Marie and The some of the Funk Brothers. How do you feel the loss of these artists have impacted the industry and the fans?<br />
ANTONIO: I think it's a mixed emotion. Teena Marie. Gladys Horton. Rick James. A-lot of The Funk Brothers. I think those guys were gone too soon. I also think that they were unsung. I think what they did in their quote-on-quote hey day was so impressive that it did leave its mark. When they talk about the Funk Brothers, they talk about James Jamerson. I think that (sometimes) America can pigeonhole artists. I think the media in America focuses on one thing and one person that everyone and everything is forgotten. I think it's actually a mixed emotions and mixed reactions that it had on America.<br />
<br />
DA-PROFESSOR: Speaking of The Marvelettes, they're documentary got over one million views. Many are aware that there are fake Marvelettes performing. How does it make you feel to know that there are fake Marvelettes performing, and how does it take away from the Real Surviving members and the fans?<br />
ANTONIO: Sometimes it takes the fans and people responsible to put in a little more leg work in making sure things are secure. Making sure the legacy holds its value because people are always looking for the dollar. People are looking for how much money I can make. I'm sure that people were surprised to see that the Marvelettes' name was even available for purchase. Sometimes it's up to the fans and people in charge to make sure their legacies is alive. I hate the fake Marvelettes and I think it's an insult for any other Motown act to be on the same bill with them!!<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Me too!! (Both laughs). You also mentioned that you also sing and performed with many different artists. Who have you worked with and do you plan on recording any music anytime soon?<br />
ANTONIO: I've worked with Musiq Soulchild. Celine Dion. I've worked with Kenny Loggins. Wow. A-lot of people. I've worked with celebrities and non-celebrities. I'm also part of a music entertainment group, which is a Vegas styled show. The thing is that Motown is what inspired me to sing so I've always wanted to touch people. In 1983, when I saw Motown 25, I remembered being a young kid looking at that show and was like I want to do what they did. I want to make people feel the way they made me feel. Motown has rich, rich history. It can never be replaced. I love to sing. I would love to go back on the road one day. I love living out of a suit case. That kind of stuff is exciting to me. Being in a new place every night or every other night and asking the stage hand what city are we in? (Both laugh). I would love to record a Motown cover album but Motown's catalog is so huge, I think I would have to take 6 months to record.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: That would be great and interesting. With the exception of Craig David, there have been many White artists who have recorded Motown Cover albums and do well, yet many artists of color would record and sample of Motown classic. How important is it for Blacks to know the legacy of Motown?<br />
ANTONIO: I think it's extremely important. Sometimes it's an embarrassment when you have other races know your history better than you do. Sometimes it is embarrassing. So many other genres and races are inspired by African Americans. You can't fault those guys for emulating good music. We had Caucasian Funk Brothers. I also feel that the African American community need to support their own. It's not as exciting as someone as exciting as Chris Brown does Motown. It doesn't have the same affect. Will Downing; he has covered a-lot of Motown music, but it's almost unknown. I think it's very important.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Antonio you made another great point. Craig David recorded a Motown Cover album 2 years ago and I managed to get a copy, and I was impressed with how he kept with the originality while adding his own flavor to the classics.<br />
ANTONIO: That's important. Sometimes you can listen to a Motown song. Sometimes you don't want to tamper with it. Sometimes it's great to make it your own. Just try not to get too far from the music. Keep the authenticity of the music and the lyrics and (what) the artist and the producer were trying to convey when they recorded the song. Like a person singing "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong. You can make it into a ballad. You can make it uptempo. But it's the delivery of the song. I believe it when you sing 'The best thing is life are free/But you can give them to the birds and the bees/I want the money. That's a song with attitude.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Motown is finally doing a musical. How do you feel that Motown is finally having a musical?<br />
ANTONIO: I think it would be done right. It's a great idea because there are so many Motown books and Motown stories, and they're told by a third person. The Motown story being presented on Broadway can be told in first person. There are so many misconstrue stories of Motown, that Mr. Gordy can tell his story.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Another interesting point. For years there's been talk of a movie about Marvin Gaye including one that which F. Gary Gray who directed Set It Off who was supposed to direct, but the movie that's being filmed is only focusing on Marvin's exile from America and not his childhood years and years at Motown as well as also having him being an alcoholic, and while Marvin was known for using drugs, he hardly drank.<br />
ANTONIO: Well I'm gonna have to wait til the movie comes out because It's hard for me to be believe that they're gonna make such an Icon like Marvin an alcoholic, unless somebody knows something we don't. I've never heard about alcohol being with Marvin Gaye.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Jan (Marvin's second ex-wife) was on Facebook expressing her feelings about the film.<br />
ANTONIO: I do know that the family has been contacted many times to do a Marvin biopic, but they turned it down. I think it's extremely important that his story is told. I think sometimes, personal feelings can stop a project, but if there's something can be learn from the story, and Marvin Gaye's story is such a profound story. He's so well loved and so well known. All the fans know about his life and his struggles. Letting that story be told can help the newer generation; they are so many people who love Marvin Gaye. There are so many people that love Donny Hathaway, and their stories haven't been told. I think it's important. It wasn't by chance that he (Marvin) met Harvey Fuqua and came to Motown and created "What's Going On" and "Let's Get It On" and had drug problems and had performed on Motown 25. There are no other Marvin Gayes around. There are no other David Ruffins around. There are no other Florence Ballards around. I think those stories should be told.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: What would you like fans to get from your radio show?<br />
ANTONIO: I want them to be educated. I want them to be introduced to a-lot of songs they may not have known. 'I didn't know Rick James was on Motown.' 'I didn't know Boyz II Men was on Motown.' 'I didn't know that India Arie was on Motown.' Motown was still cranking out hits. I will be playing Boyz II Men, Shanice, M.C. Brains. Those songs I will be playing. I want to keep the Motown legacy alive. People are still using Motown for their commercials and for samples on certain songs. It saddens me when a Motown sample is used and and you hear people say that's Jennifer Lopez. Not knowing that was a Motown sample and I'm going to play the original for people to understand. No this is not Mr Cheeks. This is Eddie Kendricks' "Keep On Trucking." (both laugh as I attempted to sing the bride of Keep On Trucking)<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: I forgot to ask you about M.C.Trouble. What was it about M.C. Trouble that you admire?<br />
ANTONIO: At the time there was Roxanne Shante, Queen Latifah, M.C. Lyte. I really got into Motown when I read that Berry Gordy was selling Motown; it amazed me that Motown was going in the rap field. They did well with Wrecks-N-Effect, but with M.C. Trouble, she was a triple threat. She rap. she could sing, She could act. She was an activist. She could have been with Boogie Down Productions and KRS-One. She could talk about love, but she could also give songs about knowledge. She was also a great dancer. That's what I loved about her! I loved her "Gotta Get A Grip" album. It was such a lost when I found out she had passed. I loved M.C. Trouble.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Sadly she hasn't gotten her recognition. I recall reading that she had finished her second album before she died, and there was talk about her album being released with proceeds going towards a scholarship in her name. How important is it for her second album to be released to the public?<br />
ANTONIO: I think it should be released, but now if they do release it, it should be repackaged in some way. At the time MCA purchased Motown and they weren't giving Motown promotional dollars that they needed. They gave Boyz II Men because Boyz II Men sold 10 million dollars and won Grammy Awards. When it came to other artists they were promoting their artists before they were promoting Motown artists. I was very overjoyed when Motown got from MCA to Polygram.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?<br />
ANTONIO: I want to be the next Harry Weigner. I want to be one of the people in charge of catalog, so I can continue to repackage (and) re-release those Motown songs. There are so many Motown live albums that has not been released. I would love to package and release them. Teena Marie played almost every instruments. Why isn't a live album from Teena Marie released? Those are the things I want to do.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: THANK YOU!!!!! I reviewed the re-release of Rick James' "Street Songs" in college and I wrote that it would have been better had the live version of their duet "Fire And Desire" had been included.<br />
ANTONIO: YES!!!! In my opinion, the Motown catalog brings in millions of dollars. There are so many times you can repackage "My Girl" and there are so many Temptation songs. For songs like The Miracles'"Love Machine" to be such a world wide hit song. It ushered the Disco sound. Most of today's American's don't know that. They know "The Tracks of My Tears" before they know "Love Machine." Motown has so much rich history and in the next 5 to 10 years, I want to help keep that legacy alive. Me being from Detroit. Detroit was known as the Capitol mecca. 10-15 years it was the murder capital of the world. I want to remind people of what Detroit was and is. We're still cranking out hits. We got Emeneim. We got Kid Rock. That's still Motown.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: How do you think you're gonna make an impact on both the music and broadcasting industries?<br />
ANTONIO: I really don't know how. I know there's not a radio station that's solely dedicated to Motown and Motown music. It's a platform. I don't have any prior radio experience except doing radio spots in high school. It's a passion of mine. I've heard people say is there a radio station that plays just Motown and I want to give them that. I know enough of the music. The A-sides and the B-sides that I can put together something for the team of Motown lovers. I love to surround myself by passionate people. I'm very passionate about Motown. Whatever your passionate about, do it. The idea came to me in November 2011. Persevere. Take care of your business and it will happen.DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-8828446365571011582013-01-23T16:29:00.001-06:002013-01-23T16:29:06.366-06:00ADULT ENTERTAINER/ENGINEER LET'S IT HANG<br />
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Aaliyah had scored a huge hit with "Age Is Just A Number" and the song's title fits the description and character of Adult Entertainer and Music Engineer/Producer/Songwriter Hoodie La Vaye to the tee. As I was leaving a prior event, he had called me about twenty minuets before our scheduled telephone interview to confirm, and I found that very impressive and professional of the young guy, who also has a playful side as well. Born in Hawaii and raised in Virginia, La Vaye has been getting a buzz for his videos on X-Tube which has reached the one million viewer mark, while many recording artists have contacted him about purchasing his beats, which was also featured in an adult film that he starred in. I had a great time speaking to La Vaye who spoke to via telephone from his Virginia home.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Thanks for allowing me to interview you. How are things going for you?<br />
HOODIE: Everything is going great as far as career wise.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Te ll the viewers what do you do?<br />
HOODIE: I'm a artist. Music engineer and also an adult entertainer. Right now I'm trying to get my music out there as for as artist wise and adult entertainment wise. As for as porn acting career, it's going wel. I'm starting to get more jobs (now) as far as that.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved in music?<br />
HOODIE: I've always loved music. Listening to it. Not just liking it, but listening to the beats and everything as far as that. When I was 16, I wrote my first song. From them I kept on writing. Writing. Writing. In high school; 9th grade, I wrote my first song. I kept writing. Writing. Writing. I wrote songs. Not rap. I always wanted to sing, but I know I can't so, I kind of made do with rapping (laughs).<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Which musicians inspire you?<br />
HOODIE: Aaliyah. Justin Timberlake. Missy Elliot. Timberland. Aaliyah for one because her lyrics and the heart she put in her music is amaizing. I like Justin Timberlake. Missy Elliot. Timberland.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: What type of music you write and produce?<br />
HOODIE: A combination of everything. Some I like to mix it. Not just one genre. Hip-Hop and R&B, R&B and Pop. Pop and Hip-Hop. Sometimes I like to mix more than two genres in there. Multiple genres.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: How have fans been responding to your music?<br />
HOODIE: Alot of people like it. I know alot of people be thrown of because I have it on there (his profile) that I'm an adult entertainer and also it's because I don't want it to be a black flash on them later and be like you can't tell me this and you can't tell me that and that's why I let people know I'm an adult entertainer and I'm a musician and an engineer. Alot of people like it. It's all good. I have two people who want to buy by beats.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: One song I like is "T.K.O." What was the inspriation for that song?<br />
HOODIE: Ah man (laughs). That's when I was kind of in my Soulja Boy phrase in 2010. I want to put out a double album so I kept writing and writing. I wasn't out in the community as far as being gay then. That's what the lyrics is about; girls and stuff like that, but that's changed now. I was getting in tune with my freaky side.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: I also love "Come Close." What inspired that song?<br />
HOODIE: "Come Close" was actually about a guy, but I used girl references in their to cover myself up. I relly wanted to be true to them.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: I also love "When It Rain."<br />
HOODIE: It was one of Aaliyah's songs I was listening to and I decided I needed to do an R&B track, So I finally did that beat and that track took me eight hours to complete. It wasn't all that as far as the singing part. I actually tried even though I know I can't sing, but it was during the time when rappers were trying to sing,<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You're an also an adult entertainer. What prompted you to get into that field?<br />
HOODIE: My first video on X-Tube, nobody ever looked at it before, but I put it on X-Tube to get back at my ex. I made that video to give to him and he down played it, so I was like 'I'm gonna show him, so I put it on X-Tube and the next thing I knew, alot of people liked it. I kinda got caught up in the hype and alot of people liked it.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: I'm looking at your page and one of the clips I like is you wearing the Santa hat. What prompted you to do a scene with that hat?<br />
HOODIE: I wanted to show my fans I don't mind being different and being diversed and trying different things. That was something to give back to my fans.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR:Another scene I'm watching is with you wearing the black biker jacket and the hoodie. By the way, how did you come up with the name Hoodie La Vaye?<br />
HOODIE: Hoodie La Vaye is (acutally) two different names. Hoodie is the more laid back side of me. More like my thrashier side and La Vaye is my classier side of me. Trashy Classy. It's two first names as one name (laughs).<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: How you get signed with Rock-a-feller?<br />
HOODIE: He (Rock) saw me on X-Tube and than we kinda vibed and stuff. We started having conversation and I didn't know what he did cause I never checked his profile, but after a while, I said 'let me check his profile' and I was like 'oh man, he's into porn.' It was real shocking and surprising to me. It took me a while to say 'I'll try this and let me see if it works.'<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: What was it like filming your first scene?<br />
HOODIE: My first sex scene has never been releases because I'm not even gonna lie; we had no chemistry, so it was thrown in the gutter, but the second scene with Devonte Decour was the hottest scene I've ever done.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You're a musician and an adult entertainer. What prompted you to inform the public that you're invovled with both the music and adult industries?<br />
HOODIE: I mean, I'm not a selfish dude. I looked out for everybody's well being. Even if I don't know you, I know the backflash of working with somebody who's part of the adult entertainment. I do know the effect it could have on them, so I let them know this is what I do, and whether or not it has a backflash. At the same time I'm really a good guy to work with. I'm all about my business.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You made a great point about being business-minded, Some people think that 'because I have a nice body, tight ass and big dick that I don't have to be business-minded. How important is it to be business-minded?<br />
HOODIE: It's very important. Not just this industry, but any industry. It can really be demanding. You can have that banging body, (but) you need to know how to promote yourself. Be your own manager. Know how to take care of yourself.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You're originally from Hawaii. Am I correct?<br />
HOODIE: Yes.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: What was it like living in Hawaii?<br />
HOODIE: I don't remember. I moved to Virginia when I was 3. It's really cool down here. I'm not goinna lie, it really calmed down alot. It's a great place to chill out.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Besides porn and music, what other projects you're working on?<br />
HOODIE: Actually, I'm working on my first script, and I'm also trying to get into regualar acting. As far as writing my first script, it's almost done, so it's pretty cool. I also have a documentary coming out this year. I'm also trying out for America's Top model. That's another thing (laughs).<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: That's great. What type of stories you're writing?<br />
HOODIE: The story I'm writing now is "Code Red." It's basically the DL life. It's lots of romance in it. Lots of drama and action. I can't wait to see what else I can do.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: You have alot going for yourself, Porn, music, writing scripts and goign on auditions. You're keeping yourself busy and grounded.<br />
HOODIE: You've got to promote yourself like nobody is promoting you. That's the only way to stay relevent. <br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Many people love to have sex and make love while listening to music. From your prespective, why do people like to play music while they're making love?<br />
HOODIE: Music really taps into your emotions and your moods. Certain songs make you mad. Certain songs make you said and happy. Horny (laughs). Like music sets the tone for everything. Even in the bedroom. Music is very important in your life and it could help you adapt to whatever song you're listening to.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Do you plan on having your music in the porn flicks you're be starring in in the future?<br />
HOODIE: Actually one is. A song is in the Rockefeller film. Not necessary in my, but one of his other scenes.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: If you had the change to work with anybody-Mainstream, LGBT or independent, who would it be? You can name more than one.<br />
HOODIE: As far as LGBT, the only one I know of right now is Bry'nt. As far as other artists, it would be Miss and Timberland. Of course Rhianna. I like that she's growing as an artist.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: We've lost several major legends. Hosw did you think that Whitney's death affected people and the music industry?<br />
HOODIE: I think it plays a big part to the people who looked up to her and her curent and past projects that she had. She touched alot of people. It's sad that she had to leave early. I don't think she will be forgotten.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: How did you think that Donna Summer's death affected fans as well?<br />
HOODIEl Wow. I agree with you. It was unexpected and I think people feel the same way as Whitney's (death). Those are the people you look up to. Hopefully it won't know you down. It will make you stronger.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Beyonce sampled Donna's classic "Love To Love You Baby" for her hit "Naughty Girl." What do you think of the song?<br />
HOODIE: I don't really listen to Beyonce. I'm being real honest. I don't listen to her like that. She's a great entertainer, but she doesn't do it for me.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: How you think you're making an impact on the adult entertainment and music industry and the LGBT community?<br />
HOODIE: As far as the music industry, I'm really trying to send a message to people; you shouldn't let something that somebody doesn't like affect what have passion for. My passion is music and performing. I've been doing that most of my life. Negative things are gonna be said regardless of what you say or what you do. As far as adult entertainment, I wanna say I'm making an impact on anything like that. If anything express yourself in anyway you want to. have self-confidence and that's about it.<br />
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DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?<br />
HOODIE: If anything else doesn't work out, I see myself being a producer and making beats. Both vocal or up there mashing those records (laughs). I'm really inspring myself to push myself to the limit.<br />
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DA-PROFESSORl: What advice do you have for anybody who wants to pursue a career in the adult and/or music industry?<br />
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HOODIE: As far as adult entertainment, make sure that's something you really want to do. Just be careful and make sure it's something you want to do.DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-27162111925807771282013-01-02T04:37:00.005-06:002013-01-02T04:37:52.380-06:00DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2012Many artists and labels released albums in 2012. Legends and new comers had fans flocking the record stores. Here's who made the list<div>
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1. MICHAEL JACKSON-BAD 25 DELUXE EDITION</div>
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2. NAS-LIFE IS GOOD</div>
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3. SWV-I MISSED US</div>
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4.DONNA SUMMER-CRAYONS</div>
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5.BRANDY-TWO ELEVEN</div>
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6.NATHANIEL P-BORN</div>
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7.DAMIEN CRAWFORD-THE REIGN</div>
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8.BOBBY BROWN-MASTERPIECE</div>
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9.LIONEL RICHIE-TUSKEGEE</div>
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10. SHALIEK RIVERS-VINTAGE 11</div>
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11.AUSTIN BROWN-HIGHWAY 85 (THE MIX-TAPE VOLUME 1)</div>
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12. AMBITION THE KID-SPACESHIP</div>
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13. SCANDIOUS-ADEBOWALE</div>
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14. MIGUEL-KALEIDSCOPE DREAM</div>
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15. ANYE ELITE-THE MAKEOVER</div>
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16. MONTEZ LOVE-NO H8</div>
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17.G'NO-CUFF'N'SEASON</div>
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18. GORDON ANDRES-MY TIME</div>
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19. FA MONE-ROAD 2 RICHES</div>
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20. FREAKY BOYZ-UNLEASHED</div>
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21. DEON YOUNG-FOREVER YOUNG</div>
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22. LABRYNITH-ELECTRONIC EARTY</div>
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23. ORKIL-SONGS TRAVEL</div>
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24. SHON MULAH-REVENGE OF THE VIRGO</div>
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25. SEAN FLIGHT-TAKE FLIGHT</div>
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26. JEREMIH-LATE NIGHTS WITH JEREMIH</div>
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27. QUE THE RAPPER-THE UNCENSORED MIX-TAPE</div>
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28. LE1F-DARK YORK</div>
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29. SAMMIE-INSOMMIA</div>
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30. SPLASH T-THE FIRST LADY</div>
DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-47713802060068396792012-12-30T19:39:00.000-06:002013-01-05T08:58:57.170-06:00DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE VIDEOS OF 2012Back in the late 1970's and early 1980's many recording artists began to shoot videos as part of a promotional tool. Now almost 30 years later, almost every recording artist has to shoot music videos in order to gain sales, and many artist work just a hard to make sure their video is just as tight as their recordings. Here is my list of my favorite videos of 2012 <br />
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1. ANTHONY ANTOINE-SECRET LOVERS <br />
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2. KAY'VION SIRE FEATURING SHOONEY AND B-STAR JONKEY <br />
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3. NATHANIEL P.-PUT YO ASS TO SLEEP <br />
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4. KAOZ FEATURING QUENTIN ADAMS-HIGH AZ EVER <br />
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5. SWV-CO-SIGN <br />
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6. SCHERRIE PAYNE-LET YOURSELF GO <br />
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7. NATHANIEL P-NIGHT & DAY <br />
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8. SHALIEK RIVERS-CAN WE GO BACK? <br />
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9. NEHEMIAH AKBAR-MAKE MY MOVE <br />
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10. NHOJJ FEATURING BARON, BUTTAFLYSOUL, Sam MARTINBOROUGH AND SEAN 360x
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11. LOMBARDO-DO YOU WANNA <br />
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12. ANYE ELITE-F.G.M. <br />
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13. MAC MONEY-ONLY ONE BOSSDA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-33132356877357222712012-12-30T15:22:00.000-06:002013-01-05T08:46:13.155-06:00DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE MUSICAL COLLABS OF 2012Many artists joined forces to make some great tunes where each was able to bring their individual styles, flows and flavors together. <br />
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1. I.K.P. WITH SPLASH T AND LOCO NINJA-SUPER HOE <br />
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2. BOBBY BROWN WITH RALPH TRESVANT-DOESN'T ANYBODY KNOW <br />
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3. NAS WITH MIGUEL AND SWIZZ BEATS-SUMMER SMASH .<br />
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4. DONNA SUMMER AND BARBARA STREISAND-NO MORE TEARS (ENOUGH IS ENOUGH)
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5. (TIE) DONNA SUMMER AND MUSICAL YOUTH-UNCONDITIONAL LOVE/ OMEGA RED AND DONNA SUMMER-ANGEL <br />
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6.BRANDY AND CHRIS BROWN-PUT IT DOWN <br />
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7.GEPETTO JACKSON AND B.HOWARD-TAKE YOUR RING OFF <br />
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8.WHITNEY HOUSTON AND MONIE LOVE-MY NAME IS NOT SUSAN (REMIX) <br />
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9. BOBBY BROWN AND WHITNEY HOUSTON-SOMETHING IN COMMON <br />
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10. SHON MULAH WITH ANYE ELITE AND NEAL JAY-TOUCH IT (REMIX) <br />
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11. LIONEL RICHIE WITH JIMMY BUFFETT AND CORAL REEFER BAND-ALL NIGHT LONG
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12. AMBITION WITH FRYZ AND TARRA LAYNE)-TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF <br />
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13 NAS WITH MARY J. BLIGE-REACH OUT <br />
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14.MONTEZ LOVE WITH PRINCE SANI-FACEDOWN <br />
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15. SOUL STAGE WITH MONICA AMOIRE AND CHA$E DOLLARZ-SO GROWN UP <br />
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16. SWV WITH BRIANNA PERRY-DO YA <br />
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17. LABRINITH WITH KANO, BUSTA RHYMES, TINNIE TEMPAH & WRETCH 32 <br />
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18.QUE THE RAPPER WITH LIL' RODY AND JAY B-TAKE IT TO THE HEAD <br />
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19.QUE THE RAPPER WITH RAHBEE-HATIN' HATIN' <br />
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20.SEAN FLIGHT WITH REAL RIGHT REL-SEX OR LOVEDA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-53858473587562182762012-12-30T13:58:00.000-06:002013-01-05T08:59:22.229-06:00DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE POP/R&B/HIP-HOP SINGLES OF 2012Many singers and rappers released hot singles that had listeners dancing, romancing, reminescing, paying homage and taking stands in their professional and personal lives. This was a hard list for me to write but here are my favorite singles of 2012 <br />
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1. NEHIMIAH AKBAR-FIRST CLASS BOY <br />
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2. JA'PAN NATION-MAKE<br />
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3. DONNA SUMMER-THE QUEEN IS BACK <br />
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4. SWV-CO-SIGN <br />
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5. BRANDY-WISH YOUR LOVE AWAY <br />
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6. KAOZ-I'M STILL STANDING <br />
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7. SHORTY ROC-TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF <br />
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8. SHALIEK RIVERS-CAN WE GO BACK <br />
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9. DAMIEN CRAWFORD-ROCKSTAR LIFE <br />
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10. AUSTIN BROWN-MENAGE-A-TRIOS <br />
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11. NAS-BYE BYE <br />
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12. NOEL GOURDIN-FOXXY <br />
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13. SCHERRIE PAYNE-LET YOURSELF GO <br />
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14. MELBA MOORE-HEAVEN <br />
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15. ANYE ELITE-F.G.M.(FAGGOT GETTING MONEY) <br />
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16. MONTEZ LOVE-JERSEY BOY <br />
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17. LIONEL RICHIE AND BLAKE SHELTON-YOU ARE <br />
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18. GORDON ANDES-BODY OF A GODDESS <br />
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19. J'MAINE JONES-COME WITH ME <br />
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20. KING SCANDOCIOUS-TALK WITH A SEVEN YEAR OLD <br />
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21. LEAH LABELLE-SEXISY <br />
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22. BOBBY BROWN-DON'T LET ME DIE <br />
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23. WHITNEY HOUSTON-I HAVE NOTHING <br />
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24. LIONEL RICHIE AND SHANIA TWAIN-ENDLESS LOVE <br />
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25. BARON-KING PLEASURE <br />
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26. MIGUEL-PUSSY IS MINEDA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-1490791216491129992012-12-30T13:19:00.000-06:002013-01-05T08:23:29.149-06:002012'S BIGGEST COMEBACKS2012 was the year where many recording artists made huge returns to recording and the stage after several long hiatuses. Reforming, vacation, the loss of loved ones and regrouping after tragedies makes have helped the artists who are featured on this list better and stronger than they were before and the fans were happy to welcome their returns. <br />
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1.THE JACKSONS-After the legendary group embarked on their historic Victory tour in 1984, the brothers began to work on solo projects off camera and behind the scenes, and while fans enjoyed Michael and Jermaine's solo projects, they were waiting for the group to reunite. They did for Michael's 30th anniversary concert special which was one of the highlights. There were plans of the brothers recording another album together, but those plans were railroad by Michael's arrest and trial on false accusations, which he was cleared of. While Michael planned to do his comeback solo tour, his older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon starred in their own reality show and planned on touring, and even doing a few dates with him, but plans for the latter was scrapped by Michael's unexpected death. While many of their torch carriers began to pay tribute to Michael, the fans and their mother had asked and requested for the brothers to go on tour to honor the family's legacy, and they did making everybody happy and silencing the non-believers who thought that they wouldn't be good without their brother who was their co-lead singer. (Youngest brother Randy who replaced Jermaine in 1975, and remained with the group until they disbanded in 1990 opted not to tour, though he joined his brothers onstage in Arizona). The Jackson's Unity tour became a hit selling out several venues including the famous Apollo Theater, where the performed and won during amateur night before getting signed to Motown. The tour reviews were so positive that Brooklyn borough president Marty Marrowitz was able to get The Motown legends to perform at his annual summer concert festival at Coney Island, where many came out to see them perform and they didn't disappoint either! They were singing and dancing in their seats and areas, and everybody left with smiles on their faces. The Jacksons will be touring over seas next year and are working on a new album, which will be a hit. <br />
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2. Nas-After the birth of his son and divorce from wife Rock/Soul Singer/Songwriter Kelis, Nas decided to do what he does best; channel his feelings into music and the result was "Life Is Good" his third album to top the Pop charts and get great reviews from both the critics and fans who were eager for the Illmatic rapper to return, and he came back hard. With hot party jams, social conscious songs and songs about heartbreak, many are saying that it's his best work to date, and calling it the Hip-Hop version of Marvin Gaye's underrated classic "Here My Dear" which was the muse of "Life Is Good." Many were shocked at how he went in on his ex, who wasn't upset at him for being creative, unlike Gaye's first wife Anna Gordy, who was upset and had reportedly was considering to hit Gaye with an invasion of privacy suit. Nas cooked up another classic album and it would be foolish for the award shows not to give him any nominations. <br />
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3. SWV-When R&B/New Jack Swing trio SWV announced their break-up in 2007, many fans were shocked, and hurt by the news, while many were happy that they decided to end on excellent terms. Lead Vocals Coko Gamble had wanted to focus on her Gospel Music career full-time, but had a chance of heart when Singer/Songwriter/Pianist Alicia Keys asked the trio along with EnVogue and he surviving members of TLC to join her onstage at the 2008 BET Awards to perform a medley of their hits. Once Coko, Taj and LeLee hit the stage, the audience went bananas, and it was then that they decided to reunite and four years later they released their album "We Missed Us" their first album since 1997's "Releasing Some Tension" which has been getting great reviews from the critics and the L.G.B.T. community who was doing their own promotion of the album, which not only showed their growth, it also features all there ladies singing lead. While many groups disbanded or loss members, Coko. Taj and LeLee are showing the industry that ladies in their late 30's and early 40's can still record hit albums, shoot videos and look sexy. Now it would be great if The Supremes can follow their advice and reunite. <br />
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4. Brandy-When the talented Singer/Actress/Producer dropped her classic album "Full Moon" ten years ago, many fans were excited to see the direction she was going in musically and creatively, and while the album did reach multi-platinum status, the album could have been bigger, but becoming a mom, a public break-up, changing producers and a tragic car accident put a temporary halt in her plans, which could have crushed the singer who was forced to have the perfect Black Female image. However Brandy rebounded by changing managers, and (finally) adapting a mature and classy, yet sexy image, Brandy dropped her album "Two Eleven" which hit # 1 on the Soul album charts, and has been getting great and positive feedback for those who love and appreciate great music. Fans praised the former star of "Moesha" for singing in different keys and tones, especially her lower register, while showing her sassy and sexy side without being slutty. Brandy has finally grew into the Lady we wanted to see and this is the route that former Destiny's Child member and spokesperson Kelly Rowland needs to take. <br />
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5. Singer Shaliek Rivers-Ten years ago, I happened to be attending a tribute concert for the late Kenny Greene of Intro, and one of the artist who AIDS activist Maria A Davis recruited to take part in the tribute was Soul Singer/songwriter Shaliek Rivers, a then 20 year-old from The Bronx, who captivated the audience with his soulful renditions of one of Intro's classics, and Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You." I was so blown away by that performance that I had to interview him for my school's publication, and during the interview, I found him to be a very cool, mature and down to earth brother, who wasn't acting like his feecees didn't have a foul odor. He had signed to Universal Records, but sadly didn't release an album due to staff changes at the label as well as politics, and after being at Universal for several years, he decided to release his music independently, and it's paid off. Not only has Rivers reconnected with his fans who have been eagerly waiting for him to drop some music, he has also gained a new legion of fans, who appreciate him performing with a live band and for being true to himself. <br />
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6.Lionel Richie-For years, many Singers have returned to their roots by recording music they grew up singing and listening to, and while many Soul and Pop artist record Gospel and Jazz albums, Motown Legend Lionel Richie returned to his Country roots recording a Country album titled "Tuskegee" which became hit first # 1 Pop album since 1986's award winning "Dancing On The Ceiling." Richie who won fame as the lead singer and songwriter for the Funk band The Commodores had grew up listening to Country, Classical and Gospel music, and instead of recording a Country album of original material, he decided to re-record his classic hits with Country artists including Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Kenny Rogers, Tim McGraw and Shania Twain, who was hesitant to record with Richie due to having surgery on her vocal chords. Richie who had the same surgery twenty years ago, was persistent and encouraging to the Country singer, who was afraid that she wouldn't do a great job singing on the classic duet "Endless Love" the album's lead single. Lionel's persistence and support paid off because both did a great job and it help Twain reconnect with her fans, while giving Lionel a hit album and a new legion of fans. A great way to celebrate his 30th year anniversary as a solo artist. Yee Haw!! Now if he can finally reunite with The Commodores, something that he's been talking about for year. It would be great. <br />
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7.Bobby Brown-Singer/Songwriter/New Edition Co-founder year had gotten off to a tragic start. Shortly after losing his father, he lost his ex-wife Singer/Actress/Producer Whitney Houston, who died the night before the Grammy Awards, and while many had blamed the Grammy Award singer for getting his ex hooked and addicted to drugs, many fans and singers including Jennifer Holiday fought back and revealed that Houston was doing drugs years before she met Brown, and that they needed to stop putting the blame on him. Brown had rebounded by marrying his manager, and released "Masterpiece" his first solo album over 15 years and been performing solo dates as well as dates with his group mates New Edition, who is embarking on their 30th anniversary tour and was FINALLY honored with a long overdue Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soul Train Music Awards this past fall. Bobby showed the industry that you can keep a talented Bad Boy down, and that he's still going to be having fans sing "My Prerogative" for another 25 years. <br />
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8. Mary Wilson-The Original Supreme is still keeping the spirit and the legacy of The Supremes alive with several different projects. She's planning on having a set of Supremes gowns on display at the African American Museum in Philadelphia as well as celebrating the release of "Life's Been Good To Me" her first U.S. single since 1995's "U" which is getting spins on internet radio. She also worked with writer/author Mark Bego on a magazine honoring The Supremes' 50th anniversary which includes photographs and two of her secret recipes which will be featured in her future cookbook. <br />
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9. Scherrie Payne-The Payne killer and former Supremes' lead singer has been on the roll herself. In addition to performing with Lynda Laurence and Joyce-Vincent, she released a Dance version of The Supremes' Disco classic hit "Let Yourself Go" which is having Supreme fans bringing out their inner Diva on the Dance floors and among their peers. Scherrie did a great job re-cutting this classic and is showing fans that you don't have to be young to loosen up.
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10.Chi-Ali-The former Bronx teen rapper was released from prison after serving 14 years for manslaughter, and as soon as he was released, he quickly returned to recording and performing, and starting a new chapter in his life. The youngest member of the Hip-Hop crew The Native Tongues had shot and killed his daughter's uncle, and after being on the run for several months, he was captured and copped a plea, and while he was serving his sentence, he went to college, earned an Associates Degree, and continued to write songs, while working on his muscular physique. Since he's been released, he's released singles with Rappers Fat Joe and Mysonne, as well as performed with Rapper Skyzoo, who has listed Ali as one of his favorite rappers and main inspirations to pursue a career in rap. Many are glad that Chi Ali is back, and he's letting those know that many can get a second chance in life and start their lives over. Especially those who take and accept responsibility for their actionsDA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-87080413721954724182012-12-30T07:42:00.000-06:002013-01-05T09:04:33.711-06:00WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2013Hey there. Many talented and creative people have been making their mark with their talent and have been getting lots of feedback (mainly positive) about their work, which goes to show that there are many who do appreciate creative diversity and innovation, and here is my list of who you should be looking out for and checking out in 2013<br />
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1. ANTONIO DANDRIDGE: HOST AND CREATOR OF HITSVILLE RADIO. As many of you know Da-Professor is a huge fan of the music and legacy of Motown Records, and when Singer Antonio Dandridge decided to form a radio station dedicated to Motown, many were happy and excited. Born and raised in Detroit, Dandridge, who also sang background for Musiq Soulchild and others, grew up loving the sound of Motown, and has a strong love and Appreciation for the music and it's impact as well as the legacy, and since the debut of his show, it has gotten over 1000 listeners including Talk-Show Host Ellen Degeneres, who described it as an nonstop hour of hits. Looks like Antonio is going to have fans Dancing In The Streets to the sounds of Young America.<br />
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2. DONALD PEEBLES: AUTHOR OF HIDDEN FIRES AND CREATOR OF BLACK SOAP FRIDAYS. Known for his writing talent, being outspoken, Afrocentric, and putting people who mistreat others on blast, Donald Peebles has been gaining a large following with his current project, "Black Soap Fridays" a weekly You Tube show where he discussing the roles, contributions and talent of Black Actors on the Soap Operas including "The Young & The Restless" which is one of his all-time favorite Soaps along with "Generations" and "All My Children." Peebles doesn't just talk about their talents, he also speaks about the politics and behind the scenes drama, and how the story lines could be much better and realistic, which has many fans excited and applauding him. He's also gotten praise from several Y&R cast members for speaking his mind. Looks like many are going to be tuning in to get the tee on and his no-tongue-held-bars on the Blacks on Soap Operas. Ooh Child.<br />
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3. AUSTIN BROWN: SOUL/POP SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN. The Jackson family has produced several hit records, and inspiring many to pursue careers in music including their children, and Singer/Songwriter Austin Brown is keeping his family's legacy alive. The son of Singer Rebbie Jackon, the eldest of The Jackson clan, Austin was influenced by music as a young child, and while he loved music, his legendary mother who scored with her classic hit "Centerpede" didn't want him to pursue a career in music. She was hoping that he would have chose another profession and live a normal life, but when she asked him to perform with at one of her overseas shows, she saw that he had natural stage presence and a love with the stage, and she changed her mind. He first made his recording debut on his Uncles and Aunt's classic single "2300 Jackson Street" in 1989, and few years later, he appeared as a guest rapper on his mom's updated version of her debut single. "Centerpede" on her 1998 album "Yours Faithfully." After completing high school, he began to write, produce and perform at showcases and began work with hit-making producer Rodney Jerkins, who helped him co-write and produce songs, and this year he finally released his mix-tape which is getting a huge buzz and showing that talent does run in The Jackson family.
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4. HOODIE LAVAE-ADULT ENTERTAINER/MUSIC PRODUCER/ENGINEER. There's a saying that Porn and music do go together, and Adult Entertainer/Producer Hoodie Lavae is doing a great job making his mark in both of those entertainment fields. The Virginia resident got began to write and produce music during his high school years, and he then began to perform solos on X-Tube, which also increased his fan base, receiving close to 1 million views in a short period of time. His talent caught the attention of Porn Star/director Rock the founder and CEO of Rockafella Entertainment, who recruited him to star in several of his adult films as well as use one of his tracks in one of the scenes. While there are many who are reluctant to reveal they worked in the Adult Entertainment industry, La'Vae, who is also working on several movie scripts has no problem with his line of profession, and his boldness is what will make him one of several to look for in 2013. Many have purchased his beats.<br />
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5. IMMANUEL-KILL-EM-WITH-KINDNESS (I.K.P) A/K/A-THE PRESIDENT-OUT RAPPER/PRODUCER. I.K.P.is one of many openly Gay musicians who's been making music without compromising nor hiding his sexual orientation, and he's been creating a buzz with his unique and versatile styles of flow, lyrics and productions. From spoken word, to spitting hot verses and bringing drama, the Brooklyn-born-Virginia raised Out Music Award nominated brother has performed at several events this year including Philly's Black Pride, and with Rapper/Radio host Splash T, where they performed their hit "Super Hoe" which has gotten a hot and positive response. The President is also an advocate on AIDS awareness and he will be dropping his long awaited and highly anticipated mix-tape next year. All hail The President.<br />
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6.JA'PAN NATION-POP/SOUL SINGER/SONGWRITER/MODEL. Ja' Pan Nation has been receiving lots of love on his muscular physique, innovative style and sense of fashion, and his singles "Make Love" and "Certified Banger" with the latter being produced and engineered by Kay'Vion Sire and being featured on the Melanie Fiona Mix-tape, and is continue to get lots of votes and spins by fans and DJs. Like The Jacksons, Donna Summer, Usher, Marvin Gaye and Lady GaGa, the Texas born entertainer is going to have fans captivated with his unique style. Fans can catch him at his performance at the Marriott Hotel At Newark International Airport on January 19th<br />
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7. ARMANI WILLIAMS-ACTOR/AUTHOR OF "SCANDALICIOUS" AND UPCOMING NOVEL "HARLEM BOYZ"
When I met and purchased Author Armani Williams' debut novel, he told me it was going to be hot and sexual, and he was right. The book was so hot, I thanked God for allowing me to live in an area where the train was able to get me home very quickly. The New Jersey Native has been getting a great buzz from both the L.G.B.T. and Heterosexual communities, who has praised him for his writing and for helping them learn how to understand both communities. Williams also starred in the film "You Are Not Alone" and just recently filmed a scene from his upcoming novel with Out Rapper/Actor Lester Green.
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8.VICTOR ANTONIO-PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO BROADWAY/SOUL LEGEND STEPHANIE MILLS. Brooklyn Based assistant Victor Antonio has been doing a great job keeping Broadway/Soul Legend Stephanie Mills' legacy alive by posting performances of talented Brooklyn Legend on Facebook as well as running her fan page. He's also is very active in helping the Grammy Award winning get honored for her contributions to music which many believe is way long over due. He also is a great singer who occasionally posts videos of himself singing various songs including Stephanie's classics.<br />
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9. NEHEMIAH AKBAR-SAME GENDER LOVING MALE POP/R&B SINGER/SONGWRITER. Frank Ocean wasn't the only Out R&B singer to gain a huge following. Oklahoma based Singer/Songwriter/Dancer Nehemiah Akbar grabbed many with his single "First Class Boy" which got lots of views on You Tube. The singer had released his debut single and video for "Make My Move" which started to put his name in people's mouth, but it was his follow up single about being wined and dined by a rich man that kept more people talking and wanting to know more about the talented performer who also performed at Dallas Texas' Black Pride this past year. This talented performer will be riding first class on the charts in 2013<br />
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10. FREAKY BOYZ-OPENLY GAY CHICAGO-BASED RAP DUO-Rap duo Freaky Boyz has been getting a buzz with the LGBT music scene and they one of the few who's been getting request to appear on mainstream radio shows. The duo has been getting a large following with their lyrics, beats, flow and party jams that has music lovers dancing and gagging. The duo just dropped their mix-tape "Unleashed" on Christmas and the feedback so far has been positive.<br />
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11. SOUL STAGE-SOUL/ROCK SINGER/SONGWRITER/FASHION CONSULTANT. Singer Soul Stage plans to add to Brooklyn's musical legacy with his singing and songwriting and like Ja' Pan Nation, doesn't plan to be pigeonholed as a recording artist. While many Black artists rely on R&B and Hip-Hop music, Stage incorporates all genres of music with his sound including Soul, Rock and classical, giving it a fresh hip and retro sound that will have listeners of all ages and races listening, and it's evident on his debut single "Grown Up" which is getting a strong buzz from the fans and the streets.
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12. DEON YOUNG-R&B/HIP-HOP SINGER/SONGWRITER. Harlem born and based Singer/Songwriter Deon Young is creating a buzz with his live performances, and his connection with his fans. Young also released his mix-tape this year and is working on his debut album which is slated to be released next year, and he will add to the Harlem legacy with his talent and outgoing personality.DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-63714965322521018602012-12-14T03:15:00.004-06:002012-12-14T03:31:18.755-06:00POP/SOUL SINGER INVITES PEOPLE INTO HIS MUSICAL NATION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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People who are born and raised in the south has many admires, and Pop/Soul singer/songwriter/dancer Ja' Pan Nation is being admired for many things; his singing, songwriting, dancing, his muscular body (the brother does has a lovely physique) and his southern hospitality. Born and raised in Texas, the talented singer became found his calling to be an entertaining after watching Grammy-Award winning entertainer Janet Jackson's social-conscious video "Rhythm Nation." After watching that video, he began to hone his chops by rehearsing and singing on a daily basis, and all that work has paid off; the singer has released two hits, while his current single "Club Banger" which was produced by Kay'Vion Sire was elected to be on a mix-tape. The singer had took time out to speak via telephone about his career, the importance of putting on a good show and music with a positive vbe.
DA-PROFESSOR: How are things going for you in 2012?
JA'PAN: It's going really good. Everything is moving along faster than I expected so it's already set in stone that's it's gonna be a busy year.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involve in music?
JA'PAN: I was about 5 or 6, and I saw Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation 1814" and that was like the video and artist that inspired me to be great (so) I found my nitch and I've been doing it ever since then.
DA-PROFESSOR: Who else inspires you besides Miss Janet?
JA'PAN: Besides Janet, Britney Spears, Beyonce Knowles. We can't leave out Michael Jackson, Usher, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Prince. I really love Prince.
DA-PROFESSOR: Tell me what do you admire about those artists?
JA'PAN: I just love the fact they embody definition of (what) an entertainer is. They all have the full package, They can perform at sold-out arenas and they can give you your money's worth. They can sing, They can dance. They have very creative mind sets and are unique in their own way.
DA-PROFESSOR: You have a unique stage name. How did you come up with it an what does it stand for and represents?
JA'PAN: (J)aunted (A)ndrogynous (P)latformed (A)dvantegous (N)oteworthy (Nation)symbolizes what influenced me to be who I am. (Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation 1814 ) it is also a reminder of my god given mission. Which is to go to the NATIONS ans save souls for god thru my Musical Prescence, Performance, Advice, and Salvation.
DA-PROFESSOR: Very interesting. I've listened to your music and I noticed that your music has all elements including Pop, Soul and Dance. What prompted you to include those genres in your music?
JA'PAN: Well because I want everybody to have something to listen to. I don't want be come one of those artists to be categorized to one thing. I love all forms of music. I believe in loving all forms of music gives me an advantage to give something to enjoy for everybody. Something they will enjoy.
DA-PROFESSOR: Ja' Pan. You brought up an interesting point. Many Black artists feel that they have to only perform R&B and Hip-Hop music, and they feel they can't branch out due to fears of being called sell-outs and not being Black enough. How important is it for Black artists to explore other genres of music?
JA'PAN: I would say the very first thing is that they gave to remember we're put on this earth for a reason. We're all people. It doesn't matter color or not. So the best way to go about it is if you want your craft to reach out the world and unfortantely, it is not just made of one ethnic person, so you have to be able to change a whole different race. I wouldn't be afraid of what my ethnically say and I understand cause I know the ones who understand understand. That's how I look at it.
DA-PROFESSOR: I've noticed that you do a lot of dancing. How long have you've been dancing?
JA'PAN: I've been dancing about the same amount of time. Since I was 4 or 5.
DA-PROFESSOR: I appreciate the copies of your music you send me. What was the inspiration for "Get Loose?"
JA'PAN: The inspiration for "Get Loose" was the Jackson family. I don't feel like the industry would be the same without them, and (they are) such great idols for me. That's part of me. I can make their legacy can be lived on through me, cuz there's so much of them in me, plus I have my own twist to make Ja'Pan, but those (2) Jacksons. You know what I'm saying? So for "Get Loose" I was thinking M.J. all the way.
DA-PROFESSOR: I told you my favorite song of yours is "Make Love." What inspired you to write that pretty ballad?
JA'PAN: For "Make Love" the inspiration was I show my fans that I'm human too and we get sexually frustrated and we all have those fantasies and things that we want with whoever we love. That's what inspired it and I can be open-minded when it comes to making love,
DA-PROFESSOR: That's been on my playlist all day. (Both laughs and giggles).
JA'PAN: That's really good to hear.
DA-PROFESSOR: Have you done any performances?
JA'PAN: My last performance was on December 16 for a record label and it was exclusive and I had a great time and met a lot of great people.
DA-PROFESSOR: You're from Texas. They are many talented people who came from Texas including The original Destiny's Child, Johnny Taylor as well as Kirk Franklin and H-Town. How does it feel coming from that state where these talented people are from and how do you feel you're gonna add to their musical legacy?
JA'PAN: I actually feel honored and the reason I feel honored is because we all represent Texas in different ways. Beyonce Knowles opened the door for the female genre. Especially for the group genre with Destiny's Child and we have a lot of rappers that paved but we don't have anybody from Dallas except Erykah Badu, but she's Soul. If we can get a male Pop star, I really thing that will really complete
Texas.
DA-PROFESSOR: There's a-lot of people who love southern people. Tell me from your perspective, what is about southerners that makes northerners want to holla at them?
JA'PAN: One thing I can say is that we're really considerate people. Southern hospitality. We're out going. We're ready to meet anybody. Just the way of being brought up I guess.
DA-PROFESSOR: What are you comfortable with? Dance songs, ballads or both?
JA'PAN: Well actually, I'm working on every type. I really want to first and foremost promote the fact that I'm an entertainer, so I always want my fans to be up and dancing but at the same time, I want them to relate to them with the ballads as well. I want to be respected as an entertainer, but as a vocalist as well. So I'm thinking I'm going half and half with that.
DA-PROFESSOR: In addition to singing and writing, do you plan on doing any acting and modeling?
JA'PAN: Well of course. Modeling comes with the territory. There's photo shoots you're taking and it's building up your portfolio, so I guess you can say I'm modeling already. Acting definitely I want to look into after I inspired the world musically.
DA-PROFESSOR: If you had the opportunity to work with any musician mainstream and independent, who would it be?
JA'PAN: I would have to say Lady Ga-Ga, I would also like to work with Miguel. He's an up and coming artist star.
DA-PROFESSOR: Miguel who performs "Quickie" and "Vixen." I love Miguel.
JA'PAN: Right! Miguel is hot. My favorite song is "Girl Like You." I would love to work with Usher, Tyresse and Janet.
DA-PROFESSOR: Speaking of Janet, what are your favorite songs and albums of Janet's?
JA'PAN: WOW! I'm a die hard Janet fan, so I love every single album she's done. Even the undergrounds people don't know about, but I would have to say that my favorite album would be "The Velvet Rope."
DA-PROFESSOR: Mines too!
JA'PAN: Really?
DA-PROFESSOR: Yes!
JA'PAN: Velvet Rope. That's great. "Velvet Rope: has so much richness. I love that side of Janet.
DA-PROFESSOR: You also have a nice physique. How do you keep that physique?
JA'PAN: It's that I'm making sure I diet correctly and working out to the point where I can't do it no more
DA-PROFESSOR: So when will the album be released?
JA'PAN: Actually, I don't have a tentative date. I really want to have a lot of material under my belt. I want everybody to love the album from start to finish.
DA-PROFESSOR: Ja'Pan you brought up an interesting point of making sure you're album comes out right as opposed to be putting it out just to put it out and thinking that because you have a muscular physique you can walk on the stage without giving a good show.
JA'PAN: It's very important to me. It's almost as important is me making sure I'm right with God before I sleep at night type of thing. I want fans I have starting out to know that are already aware that I'm giving them my all. That's what separates the men from the boys (and) the that's what separates the adults from the children in the industry. Showmanship is everything. Sometimes the material on the album may not be that good, but your showmanship at the end of the day is that sells you, so I feel like the more time you put into your production, the people would want to see you. That's how it started out until the late 90's ended. Showmanship is everything. It's not about taking your shirt off. It's not about walking back and forth across the stage. It's just making sure everyone is entertained from start to finish. You make sure you have a memorable performance.
DA-PROFESSOR: What do you want fans to get from your music?
JA'PAN: I want fans to get from my music positivity. Every subject I'm gonna write about it is gonna promote positive direction and that's basically what I want to talk about. Even the sexual songs are still gonna go in a positive direction. It's not gonna be in a way to disrespect a woman.<strike></strike>DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-48714804931020318402012-11-10T03:21:00.001-06:002012-11-10T03:21:10.081-06:00FLASHBACK REVIEW-FORMER GREASE STAR'S CLASSIC INTIMATE WORKOUT SINGLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN
PHYSICAL
WRITTEN BY STEVE KIPNER AND TERRY SHADDICK
PRODUCED BY JOHN FARRAR
RELEASED SEPTEMBER 1981
During the late 1970's and early 1980's, actress/singer Olivia Newton-John had scored many classic hits, that made her a house hold name, but when she released her classic single "Physical" in 1981, her career went into overdrive, and enlarged her fan base world wide. Known for singing romantic Pop-Dance and Country flavored songs, "Physical" not only became one of many songs used as work-out theme songs, it had also help shed her wholesome girl next door image and made her a sex symbol, due to the the lyrics about wanting to get physical in the bedroom, and though they weren't as blunt and raw as many of today's songs are, many stations had banned the song for being too racy. This was probably due to many had issues with females being sexually liberating and insisting on having sex. Many kids like myself thought that she was singing about working out and exercising, but were shocked to learn that she was singing about getting your freak on. What makes the classic hot are the music which has elements of Pop, R&B and Rock, courtesy of the Bass and guitar solo during the song's bridge, Newton-John's vocals and the lyrics written by Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick.
Let's Get Physical.
Physical
I wanna get physical.
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk
Your body talk
Let me hear your body talk
I've been patient
I've been good
Trying to keep my hands on the table.
Olivia Newton-John didn't create a hit song, she created a song that still has music lovers and fans wanting to get physical in the gym and in the bedroom, and it showed that it's nothing wrong with women wanting to have steamy workouts either.
FACTS ABOUT PHYSICAL
The song was originally written for Rod Stewart, but once Olivia heard the song, she jumped at the opportunity to record the song and it became her biggest hit to date, peaking at # 1 for 10 weeks, as well as becoming her only R&B hit, peaking at # 28 on the R&B Charts.
The song and the video also started a work-out phrase and became one of many Pop songs to be used as work-out fitness songs in gyms and in commercials.
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The song had been covered by several artists including Soul/Funk singer/songwriter/producer Kay'Vion Sire, who recorded a R&B version of the classic in 2008. Kay'Vion happened to be in the studio in Virginia when he heard somebody playing Olivia's version in their car, and his best friend suggested that he do his own version.
"He was like Kay'Vion if you can make that song hot, I will be your number one fan" he said."So that same day, I made a beat to it. Screwed it up a bit. Added a new millennium swag to it What not, and it's one of my favorite songs to date."
DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-90073521341829555302012-09-25T16:34:00.000-05:002012-09-25T16:34:00.406-05:00CLASSIC FLASHBACK: MARVIN GAYE'S MUSICAL REMEDY FOR SEXUAL FRUSTRATION
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SEXUAL HEALING
WRITTEN BY MARVIN GAYE, ODELL BROWN & DAVID RITZ
PRODUCED BY MARVIN GAYE
COLUMBIA RECORDS
ORIGINALLY RELEASED SEPTEMBER 1982
# 1 R&B/# 3 POP
When singer/songwriter played Marvin Gaye his friends and associates the demo of “Sexual Healing” they were excited and told him it was gonna be a hit. They were right; “Sexual Healing” became a hit, and it showed the industry that he still had the good to deliver great music. Gaye had scored his last major hit five years prior with the Disco-flavored “Got To Give It Up” and embarked on his first U.K. tour in several years, but after the tour was over, he found himself at the cross roads of his career. He had gone through two divorces, struggled with drug addiction, owed the IRS millions in back taxes, and making things more dramatic was his battle with Motown Records, who released his 1981 album “In Our Lifetime” without his consent. Pissed off, Gaye decided to leave the label he had called home, and with the urging of his friend promoter Freddy Courset, the Prince of Soul relocated to Belgium where he began to work out physically, mentally and musically, and while he was rehabilitating body, mind and soul, he signed a deal with Columbia Records (who brought his Motown contract for 2 million dollars) and began to work on his new album which contained the lead single “Sexual Healing” which in addition to becoming Marvin’s biggest comeback since “What’s Going On” it became the highest rising Soul song of the 1980’s as well as earning him a American Music Award and two long overdue Grammy Awards. What makes this song the classic are the strong Caribbean and Reggae groove courtesy of the guitar performance by Gordan Banks Gaye’s performance of the keyboards, synsersizers and organs as well as the lyrics, the and call and response during the second performance of the hook with the background vocalist whispering and Gaye singing in a soulful tenor voice, which gives the song it’s spice.
Get Up Get Up Get Up Get Up
Let’s make love tonight
Wake up. Wake Up. Wake up. Wake up.
Cause you do it right.
Hear my darling.
I can’t wait for you to operate
When I get this feeling
I need sexual healing.
“Sexual Healing” is one of Soul music’s hottest and sexiest songs, and Marvin did a great job of cooking up a hot spicey romantic tune, that still has fans dancing on the dance floor and in the bedroom, and while it’s sad that he died shortly after this release, he didn’t leave his fans musically disappointed; almost every night there are still people telling to their partners to get up because they need some sexual healing.
This review is dedicated to the late Marvin Gaye.
FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL HEALING
While in Belgium, writer/author David Ritz was visiting Marvin to help him write his memoirs, which was later become the book “Divded Soul” and one day he saw that Marvin had several porn magazines and he told Marvin that he didn’t need those magazines. He needed “Sexual Healing.” According to Ritz, Marvin had the instrumental playing in the background and told him to write some lyrics. After the song was released, Ritz’s name wasn’t listed on the credits, and after trying to speak to Marvin about giving him the proper credit, he sued him, but before the case could go to trial, Marvin was shot by his father, who he attacked after hearing him verbally abuse his mother. Marvin didn’t leave a will and his first wife Anna had put their son Marvin III in charge of his estate, and after meeting with Ritz, they settled with David getting partial credit on the song as well as a share of the royalties. Years later, Courseatt and Odell Brown, the co-writer had denied Ritz’s claims, saying that Ritz only came up with the title.
Marvin Gaye had been listening to lots of Reggae music while he was in Belgium and decided to use Reggae flavor on the song. He originally wanted to use European musicians on the track, but due to financial difficulties and creative differences, Gaye decided to play keyboards, synsersizers and drums himself. He also had his friend and mentor Harvey Fuqua to help him get back on track and to sing background vocals.
When “Sexual Healing” was released, it became Marvin’s first certified gold-single(Motown reportedly didn't report earnings to the RIAA until the late 1970's). It also made history by becoming one of the fastest rising Soul singles of the 1980’s to rise up the Soul Music charts. The song also earned Marvin an American Music Award and two long overdue Grammy Awards for Best R&B Male vocalist and Best R&B Instrumental. When he accepted his overdue Grammys, he was calm and excited. “I’ve waited a very long time to win. Twenty some odd years.”
“Sexual Healing” has been covered and sampled by many singers and rappers. Bones, Thugs and Harmony and Fat Joe sampled the tune for their single “First of Tha Month” and “Envy.”
Pop/Soul singer Michael Bolton and Reggae Artist Max-A-Million each recorded their versions of “Sexual Healing” as well as El DeBarge, who recorded his version of the tune on “Marvin’s Turns 60” a tribute album which featured many artists covering his songs to honor what would have been his 60th birthday.
German Pop Singer Sarrah O’Connor and US Soul singer/songwriter Ne-Yo scored an international hit with their version of “Sexual Healing.”
Actress/singer Valarie Pettiford sang the song in the hit film “Jumping The Broom.”
IMPACT
Marvin Gaye’s music has and still continues to influence many singers, and they list “Sexual Healing” as one of their favorites.
Because it wasn't dirty. It was very sexy. It was very sultry, but anybody could listen to it. Even children could listen to it That was the testament of the times the way music was made back them. Think of the title 'Sexual Healing' I don't think that you want your daughter, God daughter, niece or nephew to be sitting near the radio without you monitoring the box. It's sultry and the respect that music was made with. It's hard to explain what Soul is but the music in the past is so special and I'm (so) trying to recreate that every time I create an album
Soul singer/songwriter Noel Gourdin, incorporates the song in his single “Sex In The City”
“What I think about that song is that’s so clever because anything sexual is supposed to be celebrated for people under certain ages, but I feel that the song was cleverly written so even a child could sing about it and it wasn’t out of line. It was still PG-13, but it wasn’t pornographic.
Pop/Soul Singer/songwriter Ja’Pan Nation
DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-33859027187075069812012-09-21T16:40:00.000-05:002012-09-21T16:45:45.815-05:00SGL SINGER HITS WITH SINGLE ABOUT BEING A RICH BOY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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NEHEMIAH AKBAR
FIRST CLASS BOY
While I was on my Facebook friend Rob Spigel's page, I noticed that he had a song on his page by a singer named Nehemiah Akbar titled "First Class Boy." "Interesting title" I said as I wonder what type of song this is. I followed the link, played the song and I nearly went through the ceiling and back. That's how I get when I fall in love with a song I hear for the first time, and Nehemiah's follow up to "Make My Move" is a hot, sexy, innovative song about a guy being wined, dined, and loved by a millionaire man, which is something that every gay guys strives for. Written by Akbar and produced by Don Jarvis, the song has a hot combo of Pop, Soul, Dance courtesy of the beats, horn riffs, keyboards, strings, and percussion that adds African and Middle Eastern flavor, which will have the kids dancing along with his vocals, but it's Nehemiah's songwriting skills and lyrics that has me loving this song. I love how he acknowledges the Black Gays who use the term SGL short for Same Gender Loving, and avoids using the term DL or down load, which shows Black Gays in a positive light.
I met this handsome brotha
He wasn't undercover
But another SGL like me
And so sexy
He looked at me and promised
I would never have to be alone
(And then)
He flies me here.
He blast me there.
I cant go anywhere
Cuz he's a millionaire.
Now I'm a first class boy.
This has to be one of the hottest single of the fall, and I predict that every gay kid is going to be blasting this song in their I-Pods and hopefully the kids in the ballroom will have common sense and play this at their balls. For years women have always recorded songs about being with a millionaire, who showers them with love and the glamorous life, and since gays have been known for helping them out with fashion, cooking, decorating, and being a shoulder to lean on, gays have the right to be romanced wined and dined just as much as they are, and Nehemiah Akbar's single gives us hope and encouragement to strive hard to achieve and to get be a first class boy.
"First Class Boy" is now available on I-Tunes.
DA-PROFESSORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10406330841563905500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699670780804403892.post-68887312341786996792012-09-19T13:42:00.001-05:002012-09-19T13:43:00.594-05:00MUSIC FLASHBACK-DIANA'S CLASSIC MUSICAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR MUSCULAR MEN
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DIANA ROSS
MUSCLES
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY MICHAEL JACKSON
1982 RCA RECORDS
In his memoirs Smokey: Inside My Life, Smokey Robinson claimed that that Diana Ross’ real hit with RCA was “Muscles.” Not necessary. The former Supreme did score four Top Ten Pop hits during her tenure at RCA as well as one platinum and two gold albums, which gained great reviews, including her 1982 classic “Muscles” which became a major hit earning Ross an American Music Award. The single which was written and produced by former label mate Michael Jackson, became a hit, and was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as a modern piece Pop Record. What makes this song the classic that it is are the cinematic dramatic intro, finger snaps, sound affects, Diana’s sexy and soulful vocal, Jackson’s trademark use of strings, bass and melodies, the call and response between him and Ross, and the seductive, sexy lyrics that describes the type of man every woman wants. A man with muscles.
She says she wants a man to make her understand
That’s all right for her but that’s not enough for me
She says she wants to guy to keep her satisfied
But that’s all right for her, but it ain’t enough for me
I don’t care if he’s young or old
Just make him beautiful.
I just want someone I can hold on to
I want muscles! Ohh!! All over his body.
This song sounds just as great as it did when it was first release, and it still stands the test of time, and while there are many women and Gay men who now prefer guys who are thick, full figured and with bellies and guts, there are and always will be many who wants a strong man with muscles all over their bodies.
This review is dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson.
FACTS ABOUT MUSCLES.
Michael Jackson had been in love with Diana Ross from the moment she met him in 1968. He had admire her and always wanted to repay her for her love and support, and him composing “Muscles” was his way of saying thank you.
Michael had just finished recording with former Beatle Paul Mc Cartney, and while he was on his way home, the song had popped into his head, but he didn’t have access to a tape recorder and pen. As soon as he got him, he put the song on tape.
Michael had originally wanted to co-produce the song with Diana, based on her production skills on her first post-Motown album “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” but Diana let her Aries guard down, and trusted Michael to produce the song himself. The song became a huge hit for the stars, and showed Michael’s ability as a songwriter and producer, and it showed that Diana was able to survive past Motown though she returned to the famous Detroit label 7 years later where she executive produced all her albums as well as co-wrote several songs.
“Muscles” earned Diana an Amercian Music Award, and a nomination for a Grammy Award.
“Muscles” was the most talked about R&B/Pop songs of 1982. Many junior and high school students were cutting school to listen to the latest songs at the time, and they were describing the song’s lyrics of a woman saying that what type of man she wanted. A man with muscles to hold on to..
“Muscles” became one of Diana’s signature live songs. During her 1983 concert in Central Park, Many muscular guys began to display their muscles for the camera, while many ripped their shirts. Diana even helped by demanding some guys to take off their shirts while inviting a few to come onstage with her.
“Muscles” became cult-classic in the LGBT community. Many gay men, drag queens, and transgender performers lip-synchs to the song, while many exotic dancers uses this song as their theme music during performances.
Rapper Lil’ Kim and singer Kelly Price had sampled this song for their single “Diamonds” which was scheduled to appear on Kim’s sophomore release “The Notorious KIM” but when Kim, who cites Diana as one of her influences asked for permission to use the sample, The Boss denied her request, saying that Michael has written that song specifically for her. “Diamonds” was briefly heard as Lil’ Kim made an entrance on an award show, and the song has been uploaded on You Tube.
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