Thursday, October 30, 2014

Family Shows! Must Watch Deion Sander Family Playbook/Flex & Shanice On OWN

It great that we have show relating to the Family. Next up on OWN NETWORK is Deion Sanders Family Playbook. Check out the show trailer!

And Flex and Shanice

Make sure to catch both show on OWN Network Saturday November 1st 2014

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Chicago, IL to host "Big Screen Debut" of Christopher Nolen's 72 Hours Nov 6th & 7th

TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR THIS EVENT AT
FOR NOVEMBER 6th & 7th 2014
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christopher-nolens-72-hours-screening-the-directors-cut-chicago-tickets-13747768947?ref=ecount

WTLE Celebrity Updates with Exclusive Interviews/Events & More

Who's That Lady Entertainment Latest Updates!
As we continue to build our website after 5 months we continue to strive to give you Exclusive Interviews with these Phenomenal Women & Men In Entertainment. Remember we are THE NO GOSSIP WEBSITE!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH
Sugar Hill Gang Wonder Mike & Master Gee talk about Big Bank Hank! ft Kurtis Blow & Chuck D

THE ORIGINAL SUGARHILL GANG REMEMBER's
BIG BANK HANK --- R.I.P.
Exclusive Interview with Wonder Mike, Master Gee & Hen Dogg
ft Chuck D & Kurtis Blow
By Belinda Trotter James
Audio Interview by Tha Dee Jay 360
https://soundcloud.com/360muzic/rib-trib-trailor
Back in the day the only way you heard someone rap to music was in the park or at the club on Saturday night. The rapid fire tongue of the rapper was so organic that guys would just spit a rhyme off the top of their head. It was sheer genius and talent. The Sugarhill Gang is important to the hip-hop culture because it was the start of something greater than we could have ever imagined. Sugarhill’s iconic song, “Rapper’s Delight” signified the opening of a new door to a future generation to accomplish great things. To be able to play a rap record anytime, anyplace was huge.

TO READ MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW http://whosthatladyinc.blogspot.com/2014/11/wonder-mike-master-gee-talk-about-big.html

Vanessa Bell Calloway

VANESSA BELL CALLOWAY

Always In Good Company

By Belinda Trotter-James

Vanessa Bell Calloway is a veteran and actress/dancer who has been in the entertainment industry since 1985. You may recognize her from film and TV roles such as, " All My Children", "Falcon Crest", "A Different World", "The Parkers", "CSI Miami", "Coming To America" and "What's Love Got To Do With It" just to name a few. Her Broadway and off-Broadway credits include “Dream Girls", "Bring Back Birdie" with her latest project being a one woman show called, "Letters From Zora… In Her Own Words”
TO READ THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW VISIT
http://whosthatladyinc.blogspot.com/2014/09/exclusive-inteview-with-actress-vanessa.html

KATLYNN SIMONE

KATLYNN SIMONE
Committed To The Music And Dancing With Her Dreams
By Belinda Trotter James

Can you remember when you got your first big break in life? Was it a dream job or getting a date with your crush. What were you doing in the year 2011? Well, for Katlynn Simone Smith that was the year she landed the role as Brittnay Pitts on the hit BET sitcom, The Game. Most of Katlynn’s fans know her from television however, she is also a singer. In my exclusive interview, Katlynn reveals what is was like growing up in Texas, getting two big breaks in LA and living her dream…

TO READ MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW

http://whosthatladyinc.blogspot.com/2014/10/exclusive-interview-with-actress.html

LEON ROBINSON

LEON
LOVE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING
BY BELINDA TROTTER JAMES

You know you are definitely an A-Lister in Hollywood if someone can Google you by only your first name and get results. I'm talking about the one, the only Leon. True fans know his full name is Leon Preston Robinson, born March 18 and raised in The Bronx. He has been in the business we know as entertainment since 1982 and has appeared in well over 30 films and theater productions. My favorite films are "The Five Heart Beats", "Above the Rim", "Waiting To Exhale", "The Temptations", "The Woman of Brewster Place" and who can forget his memorable role in "Little Richard".

TO READ MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW AND HEAR LEON MUSIC

http://whosthatladyinc.blogspot.com/2014/10/exclusive-interview-with-actor-leon_17.html

CHANTE MOORE

CHANTE MOORE
It's Alright To Love Yourself
by Lenell King

With over two decades of blessing us with her angelic voice, Grammy Award winning R&B Diva, songwriter Chante Moore is back with new music from her latest album "Moore Is More" along with a new book, entitled, "Will I Marry Me". I have been a big fan since her hit single, "It’s Alright" back in 1992. She recorded several hit records back in the day including, "Love's Taken Over", my favorite, "It's Alright", "Free" and "Old School Lovin'", just to name a few. Chante was also featured on the soundtracks of, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and "Waiting To Exhale

TO READ MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW

http://whosthatladyinc.blogspot.com/2014/09/exclusive-interview-with-chante-moore.html

CE CE PENISTION

CECE PENISTON
THE NEXT CHAPTER OF LIFE & MUSIC
By Belinda Trotter James

Back in the 90’s the dance/club music was an explosion of fantastic artists who fans just could not get enough of listening to at every club in town and on your local radio stations. One of the artist who will live on in history as being the most successful dance club artist is Cecilia Veronica Peniston, born September 6th known to her fans as Ce Ce Peniston. Every time I hear her name I can also hear her top singles which include, “Finally”, “Keep On Walkin’”, “We Got A Love Thang” and “Inside That I Cried”. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard any music from Ce Ce. Now she is back on the scene in full force with new music for her life long fans and her new generation of listeners.
TO READ MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW http://whosthatladyinc.blogspot.com/2014/11/exclusive-interview-with-songstress-ce.html

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Monday, October 27, 2014

Charles Barkley: ‘Unintelligent’ black people are 'brainwashed' to hold back successful black men

The former NBA star told a Philadelphia radio station that members of the black community are ‘brainwashed to think, if you’re not a thug or an idiot, you’re not black enough.’

Charles Barkley has spoken out about a “dirty, dark secret in the black community.”

When asked about a report that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson isn’t seen as “black enough” by some of his teammates, the NBA Hall of Famer went on a rant about how “unintelligent” black people believe they have to hold successful African-Americans back.
“For some reason we are brainwashed to think, if you’re not a thug or an idiot, you’re not black enough,” he said in an interview on CBS Philadelphia 94 WIP’s “Afternoons with Anthony Gargano and Rob Ellis.” “If you go to school, make good grades, speak intelligent, and don’t break the law, you’re not a good black person.”

Charles Barkley said black people will criticize other black individuals of being ‘too white’ or ‘not black enough’ if they do well in school.

Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images Charles Barkley said black people will criticize other black individuals of being ‘too white’ or ‘not black enough’ if they do well in school.

“There are a lot of black people who are unintelligent, who don’t have success,” he continued. “It’s best to knock a successful black person down because they’re intelligent, they speak well, they do well in school and they’re successful ... It’s just typical B.S. that goes on when you’re black, man.”
vtaylor@nydailynews.com

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Support Reggae Band Fiyah Wata

Since its creation in 2008, the Gulf Coast-based Fiyah Wata has been pleasing listeners with its unique, roots-based reggae music. Now an accomplished musical unit, Fiyah Wata prides itself on its versatility.
From the very beginning Fiyah Wata has been a melting pot of various musical influences. Each member brings their own unique musical perspective which, when brought together under the umbrella of Reggae, creates a musical style that is unique but true to the roots-reggae style of music.
With more than four years of live performance experience as a group, Fiyah Wata knows how to please a crowd. Having amassed a huge repertoire of original reggae as well as covers, no two shows are ever the same.
For more formation contact book@fiyahwata.com or download our press kit.or visit the website http://fiyahwata.com/about/
Band Members
Tommy: Guitar, Vocals
Chico: Drums, Vocals
Terry: Percussion, Vocals
Steve: Lead Guitar
Ben: Bass

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Exclusive Interview with Rashida Jones MSNBC Managing Editor

RASHIDA JONES
MSNBC NEWS ROOM NOTES
By Belinda Trotter James

This is the story of a visionary who is living life on her terms, followed her dreams and actually landed her ideal dream job. Would you leave a wonderful job as a news director in Columbia, South Carolina to venture to the big apple, New York City to take on a position as an executive producer? Well, that's exactly what Rashida Jones did. It's been over a year since she moved from South Carolina to New York to work for MSNBC as the executive producer for some of the shows you see on air and managing editor on other projects.

You know the weather was brutal in New York last winter. That's no way to treat our newest resident. We laughed and she replied, "It was a tough winter, but I made it. I got through it. I'm not mad at the change in weather; I love it. I came here from South Carolina where it doesn't get as cold. It's a big deal if it hits 40°." The weather may take a little getting used to, but Rashida did agree that the shopping is out of this world.

In a world where there are millions of strangers around you at all times it can be exciting yet scary to follow your dreams even if it means going to another city or state away from your family and friends. "I came here for a job that I was really excited about. I really loved it and was looking forward to it. It didn’t matter if this job was in London; the job itself is what drew me here and by the way; it just happens to be in the most fabulous city in the world. That was just an extra bonus.” She laughed and continued, “It probably was less of an adjustment for me than it was for my children. My children were born in Atlanta and lived in South Carolina. They have never lived in a large fast-paced city. The adjustment for me was getting them adjusted.” If you’re wondering how the kids are doing, they are doing great! In the short amount of time living in the big apple, they are already accustomed to being New Yorkers. They love it here; who wouldn't …its New York City! …The city that never sleeps. Kids never want to go to sleep anyway; therefore this city is perfect for them with a 24/7 cartoon network channel!

MSNBC VP and executive director Yvette Miley said Rashida Jones is a visionary who understands strategy and how to lead a team to accomplish goals. How do you lead a team in an era of social media? "I think part of it is you have to build a team that you trust,” says Rashida. “You have to work with people who you trust to make decisions. Part of what makes our newsroom successful is we set expectations and build a team of people who want to be a part of that. I am a firm believer in creating an environment of people who want to work because when people want to work and they want to be part of an organization, they also want to be a part of it's success. One thing that has been pretty important to me is building a team and empowering that team to make decisions that follow along with our vision. I think the other part is being very clear about what is that vision. The team knows what it is we are trying to accomplish and communication is a big part of that. They say that people who work in communications are the worst communicators. However, if people understand where we are going and why we are going there, it's easier for them to execute what it is that you want them to do.

Back in South Carolina Rashida had the toughest job in local television as a news director. To the viewer it looks really simple however; behind the scenes is another story. "It's tough because you have to be all encompassing. You must have your finger on every single thing that is happening,” explains Rashida. “It's a big staff especially in the digital world where we are online 24 hours. It creates a lot of vulnerability because you want to be first to report something. You want to be first to cover something, you want it to be exclusive and you want it to be unique, but there is also a responsibility of being responsible. You’re in an environment where it is so competitive and you also have this desire to be first. There is a lot at stake and there is a lot of risk in a role like that. If that newsroom succeeds or fails, it's because of your direction and your vision. I feel like there is more to lose, but there's also a lot of reward there as well. Seeing a newsroom that you built, created projects, were the lead and seeing a team not only take on those projects, but own those projects and execute them well was very rewarding." The business of bringing a trustworthy news report is serious business. The public depends on the newsroom delivering information that is on point. People base their lives on decisions based on what is seen on the news. It was definitely high stakes involved and Rashida loved every minute of it. It was definitely a great experience for her to learn how to lead a team from the bottom to the top.

As a child Rashida saw herself as a writer. It wasn't until she got to college that she realized people actually wrote for television. When you see the news anchors delivering special reports on television, you don't realize there are 20 people behind them doing the research and making sure what they say is true. "There are people who write the stories, do the research and put everything together,” explains Rashida. “I didn't even know that was an option. I went to Hampton University because I wanted to write. I knew when I was in third grade that I wanted a career as a writer.

Reporting the news is one thing however, how does one not get emotionally involved in the stories they may have to report to the viewers? Rashida explains, "It's hard. I mean you condition yourself to not get emotional and just report the news. There have been stories over the course of my career where as a mother, there may be a story with a child the same age as mine or had the same background or experience.

However, you know as a journalist that your first job is to report the news to the public. You can take your moment to deal with it after the fact, but when you’re in that mode and something happens, we have a responsibility to our audience to report it responsibly.” When Maya Angelou died, Rashida had to control her emotions because Ms. Angelou is someone that she followed through her childhood and through her adult years. “I would remember reciting some of her poems in talent shows and being very close to her words,” remembers Rashida. “When the news broke that she passed away, you have that split-second to think to yourself, ‘Oh wow. I can't believe this

happened.’ Then you condition yourself to switch your brain to think how do you tell this story to your audience. Then when you're away from the office, you're off the clock and you have your alone time, again you condition yourself to deal with it. It’s almost like a reflex thing at this point.”

When Rashida is not at the job, she is just like you and I. She watches the news, she cries at the same things we see reported on the news, she laughs at the same things that a regular viewer would laugh at, but when you're in the hot seat and you're leading the coverage, you have to be emotionally focused on responsibly reporting the news for the audience.

There are a lot of 24-hour careers and this is one of them. "I’m constantly plugged in,” say Rashida. “We may have conference calls anytime of the day or night. It could be a legal thing or breaking news. Even if I'm not involved in the breaking news, as a journalist if something big happens overnight, I am plugged in, watching what is happening and reaching out to my team to make sure that we are covering it. You don't just turn something like that off and actually you don't want to. I don't know what I would do if I were on some remote island and didn't know what was happening. It could be fun, but on the other hand it is so out of character of what we do. You can only be in this business if you are really passionate about it. If that's the case, then you want to be plugged in all the time.”

Rashida is feeling very good about her life at this time. She is a 30-year-old happy, healthy phenomenal woman with a dream job in her dream city and her children love it. By the way, I did not ask her age. She volunteered it and that shows she is a confident woman in her skin. "I feel like I’m in a position where I can be a role model to other people,” states Rashida. “I feel like I'm at a point in my life where I am making a difference. I’m making a difference in shifting our news organization; making a difference for people who never even thought about being in a world like this or never knew it existed. I feel like I'm that example for people who are coming up and that is very important to me.

I bet there's a whole wealth of advice that Rashida could give to those who want to follow in her footsteps. She does a lot of speaking engagements with organizations and has a website for journalist who are going to be our next generation of dynamic reporters and news personalities. You can check it out at http://www.Newsroomnotes.com “For me it's a way to tell the Rashida that I knew 15 years ago wide-eyed and excited what she needs to know. I kind of wrote from that perspective. I wrote some of the things people have told me or that I wish I knew when I was starting off,” explains Rashida. "I tell people that networking is the way to get in the door, but you have to be ready to work hard and you have to be ready to make sacrifices. This is not an easy field to work in; you have to really be passionate about it. You may not make money in the beginning and may work the worst hours you can ever imagine, but it all works towards the greater good. If you work hard, make connections and meet people who do what you want to do, continue to build connections and you will go somewhere. It happens like that time and time again with people who are serious in wanting to succeed in this field. It’s about wanting to make a difference and wanting to do it for all the right reasons. People who sustain themselves in this field are passionate about story telling. They are passionate about getting into communities that are not represented well. They are also passionate about educating people on what is going on in the world. You just cannot do this job without passion.

Rashida definitely paid her dues. She worked for a weather Channel for seven years. She was the director of programming there. She didn't go to school to learn about the weather however, that was the appeal when she came in to work for the station. “They were looking for people with a local newsroom background,” says Rashida. They were very clear that they were not looking for weather girls. It was a local station in Norfolk. “They wanted someone who could bring the workflow and sensibility of a newsroom to the organization. It didn't really run that way and so they purposely would look for people who knew nothing about weather, but knew about storytelling,” says Rashida. “The goal was to take weather and science and make it understandable with people who didn't have a science background. The people who are watching the weather channel are not scientists or meteorologist; they are average people. Therefore, the goal was to figure out how do we make this content relate to average people?” I think the answer is clear… tell it in a simplistic story.

It is very interesting how tornadoes are formed and how powerful they are however, if the meteorologist speaks in a terminology that is meant for his scientific colleagues, then it is not interesting for the average viewer to watch. This is exactly what the goal was for the station’s viewership. They wanted to make it interesting, fun and understandable for the average person watching the broadcast.

Now we know how Ms. Rashida “Passion” Jones can turn an ordinary newsroom into a productive, team-building machine where everyone gets to play a vital role and enjoy the sharing of the rewards as well. You can check your local station to see the well-oiled machine of news reports on MSNBC.

All rights reserved -- no part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission from Who's That Lady Entertainment.

Exclusive interview with Singer Lillo Thomas

Lillo Thomas

"I’m In Love” Again

By Vin Taylor

There are many talented singers out there, but Lillo Thomas has a unique voice that separates him from all the rest. Still going strong today as he did in the early 80’s. He took a few minutes out of his rehearsal day for his new tour to answer a few questions.

WTLE: “You grew up in Brooklyn New York. Is that what prepared you to become the talented vocalist you are today?”

LT: “Well, my dad was a preacher, so I always enjoyed singing. When I lived in Brooklyn, I went to Thomas Jefferson [high school]… I was running track. That’s the thing that I was very much into at the time. Not knowing what I would do for a living… I just liked to run… I did a lot of competing… I set a worlds record when I was sixteen. I did… the Penn Relays and qualified for the ‘84 [Olympic] games.”

WTLE: “Wow… You are an amazing artist. I’m not talking about just singing. You’re an artist and an illustrator. A World Class athlete, who set and held records. You didn’t decide to make singing a career until you were around twenty. What was the turning point in your mind?”

LT: “I was already in college when I made that decision. I went to Parsons School of Design on an art scholarship… I studied for about three years… I enjoy singing. I always loved music. So I just decided, that’s what I’m going to do for a living.”

WTLE: “What made that click in your head?”

LT: “It just felt right. I actually went out on an interview to illustrate for this doctor that was writing a book at that time. I illustrated some bones in his office… I sat there for an hour and drew the bones. He said ‘Wow this is great; you got the job’… at that moment I was like… ‘I don’t really want to do this for a living’ and that was the tipping point for me. I just decided I’m gonna go out and go after the music… that was the deciding factor.”

WTLE: “You have some artwork on your website LilloThomas.com”

LT: “Yes, if you see the picture of the bones, that’s the picture I drew that day in the office. I love to draw… anything… I always find ways to just be creative… Cause when I get very sensitive about things, I just need to release and these were just the ways I released.”

WTLE: “Speaking of release, you started your career with Capital Records. Releasing numerous albums, EP’s and singles. Then you stopped for a while. Why?”

LT: “I didn’t like the way the business was going at the time… I had what they called… a production deal… That’s the deal that doesn’t really come with all the bells and whistles… You would get a certain amount of records to sell and once you sell that out then it’s like you have to start a new album again (laugh)… I didn’t really feel like an artist. So I just decided… you know what… I had toured for years and I just got to the point that I forgot what I was out there for. I just felt like I was going and going and going and I just didn’t understand what I was doing this for… I needed a break. So I decided I should take that.”

WTLE: “So what did you do to keep yourself okay during that break?”

LT: “Fortunately, I did a lot of really cool investments, I got into buying properties… I got into that real estate market when it was really hot… I had a team that would build homes and different things… I sold that. I got into the ‘Dot Com’ market when that was going on at the time. Everything turned out really well and then I decided I wanted to get back into the music industry after I took a breather… I went back to Capital [records], I bought all of my music back. I decided… I’m gonna do this the way I want to do it… starting the whole thing up again.”

WTLE: “What was the motivation to pick up where you left off?

LT: “Just getting my head clear of the people that I was around at that time, just getting people out of my life… having a chance to really think about… just doing this the way that I want… to just let myself expand… get out of that funk I was in. When you are with major companies… and it’s great to be on major labels, don’t get me wrong… when you have all these people in your life… you start to forget why you actually enjoy doing this because it becomes everybody else’s vision and not yours… I actually had a person tell me… the song didn’t sound Lillo enough… What does that mean?! Like how do I not sound like Lillo? I don’t know how to NOT sound like Lillo (laugh). So, its just things like that.”

WTLE: “So they heard you as a formula more than as a vocalist?”

LT: “Yeah, exactly. They even wanted me to change my name at one point, when I first started. They actually told me that ‘People wouldn’t remember Lillo’… They wanted me to call myself Leroy! Leroy Thomas… I would have been kickin’ myself right around now if I would have done that.”

WTLE: “ Here he is, Leroy Thomas with I’m In Love!”

(We both let out a big laugh)

LT: “They felt that Lillo… People wouldn’t know it… I mean, that’s my name, that’s the name I was born with. I probably wouldn’t have even responded if you called me Leroy. (laugh)

WTLE: “I could see all the screaming women now… Oh Leroy! Leroy! Excuse me out there if your name is Leroy… (laugh) So now… What’s it like to be on tour?”

LT: “It feels really good… I’ve been enjoying it. I started off in Belgium, I released an album in twenty ten called Come And Get It… It was great. People came out. I had an amazing time over there. Then I threw one of my own concerts here that was called The Sophisticated Gents cause my company got into promoting shows. On that show, it was sort of like paying tribute to the artists that was here before me… Like the Sam Cooke’s and all that… On that show I had Peabo Bryson, Howard Hewett and myself. It was really a great show… at the Bergen PAC Theatre [New Jersey]… So I just continued from there to throw concerts… I just like to be all in it. Last year… my company promoted a show… with En Vogue, myself, D Train with Cherelle… we had a great time… My company is also promoting this show with Jody [Watley].”

Ticket for this show

http://theatreupperdarby.com/Tickets-Active.php?eventID=1650080&venueID=1726

WTLE: “For the young people of today who don’t know you or the people who have lived under a rock. Who is Lillo and what makes him tic?

LT: “Who IS Lillo? That’s a good question. I’m still trying to figure that out… I enjoy music, I love to sing, I love to just get in front of people and have a really great time… My thing is if I can touch one or two people with the songs I sing… that makes me really happy. I just like to create, I like to be out there and create things.”

WTLE: “So, what makes you sad?”

LT: “When I can’t understand why things can be so negative… I don’t understand why some people can just be negative for no reason at all. Not that there’ll ever be a reason to be negative, but at least have one… So if someone asks you why are you so mad, you’ll be able to say… well I stubbed my toe the other day and it’s swollen and it hurts”… It makes me sad to see people not living life… We get lost… with just knowing that this is a gift, to be out here and live and strive every day… to be the best person you can be. That’s a gift.”

WTLE: “When you go to your website LilloThomas.com you hear “I’m In Love” is that your theme song?”

visit http://www.lillothomas.com

LT: “Yes. That’s the song that I close all my shows with. That was the biggest song of all the songs… That song took me all over the world”

WTLE: “What’s next for Lillo Thomas?”

LT: “Next is… I‘m looking to do a new CD. I have a song on this Greatest Hits… called She’s Mine. That song was never out before so I put it on this CD… I’m looking to get into some more concerts, produce more concerts.”

WTLE: “If you could put five things in a time capsule, what would they be?”

LT: “Probably the “Lillo “ album… a piece of my artwork… maybe the bones… that was a pivotal time in my life… that point means a lot… lets see… one of my metals that I won… probably one of my t-shirts… it’s a Lillo T-shirt… one that I designed… probably some kind of interesting saying like… ‘If your gonna seize the island burn the boats’… Don’t leave yourself any excuses, don’t leave yourself any other options, you just go for it.”

WTLE: “What would you like to say to your diehard fans, your last statement to your diehard fans?”

LT: “The last statement! My goodness! (laugh) Do you know something? That makes me sound like I’m not gonna be around for too much longer (laugh) I don’t know… I always thank the people that enjoy my music, I appreciate them and I just want them to know that as long they keep showing up, I’ll keep trying to get there.”

WTLE: “This is great. Thank you for the interview.”

LT: “Thank you. Please let everyone know they can get my music on http://www.LilloThomas.com and they can reach me on Twitter as well http://www.twitter.com/LilloThomas

All rights reserved -- no part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission from Who's That Lady Entertainment.

Exclusive Interview with Actress Katlynn Simone (BET "THE GAME")

KATLYNN SIMONE
Committed To The Music And Dancing With Her Dreams
By Belinda Trotter James

Can you remember when you got your first big break in life? Was it a dream job or getting a date with your crush. What were you doing in the year 2011? Well, for Katlynn Simone Smith that was the year she landed the role as Brittnay Pitts on the hit BET sitcom, The Game. Most of Katlynn’s fans know her from television however, she is also a singer. In my exclusive interview, Katlynn reveals what is was like growing up in Texas, getting two big breaks in LA and living her dream…

Sometimes living your dream means you have to work on your birthday. Katlynn’s birthday happens to be the day before Halloween, but instead of being out partying with the world in costumes, Katlynn will be doing something else. "I actually will be working on my birthday," says Katlynn. “Yes, I will be in the ATL working”. Don’t feel sorry for the birthday girl because she is probably living out her birthday wish to do exactly what she was born to do and that’s sing. "A lot of people say that sucks, but I think it's pretty cool”, explains Katlynn. “I will have a cake and it will be nice”.

If you’re wondering which came first… the singing or the acting, Katlynn reveals, “The singing came first and the acting came by chance. The acting was kind of like a bridge to get me out of my shyness. My mom didn't know what to do and she said, ‘Hey let's try this out,” and I fell in love with it as well.”

Katlynn fell so deep in love with acting that she was able to land the role as Megan on the sitcom, The First Family. "The day I moved out to LA I went to an auditioned and I got it!” explains Katlynn. “That doesn't happen a lot. Things don't usually move that fast, but it was definitely a good sign."

Katlynn is right things don't usually move that quickly. Her first big break in acting was for The Game. Her father read about the audition for The Game in LA. They flew to LA for the day to audition and came right back to Houston. It took months before she heard that she did get the part. "While I was working on The Game, I was still living in Houston. I moved to LA a few weeks before my 18th birthday,” explained Katlynn. As Katlynn explained earlier, the day she moved out to LA was when she auditioned for The First Family and nailed it! “That was the first time I had actually moved to LA on my own and it was scary. My family helped me move and my mother stayed for about two months to make sure I was okay. Then she said, ‘I got to go back to work. Please be careful and please be safe’. She comes to visit me every month to make sure I'm okay. Sometimes she even comes unannounced to make sure I'm being good”. We both laughed.

I don't know about Katlynn, but I didn’t want my mother to see what I was up to at 18. Having an unexpected visit from my mom would not be cool. However, Katlynn did not mind at all. "I love it, I love it and she just left today,” says Katlynn. “I was getting kind of lonely so I was glad that she surprised me with a visit”.

In both The Game and The First Family she plays a daughter character. So I asked her which character is closest to her own personality? "They both are weirdoes’ in a way,” begins Katlynn. “With Brittany I understand where she's coming from, but she is very spoiled and she does react not necessarily how I would react in situations. If you watch the show, especially this season that's coming out, you will begin to see a change in her attitude and I feel like maybe I can see her in myself a little bit more as far as the way she's handling things now. She's not necessarily being that rude person anymore that just wants everything to be terrible for everybody. She's just being a normal human being and letting things go like the divorce and whatever other issues she's had with from the other characters on the show”.

“On The First Family I definitely guess I am kind of a nerd,” admits Katlynn. I get told that I'm kind of chilled because I do have a shy side about me. I guess I am a nerd because I love watching sci-fi movies and reading books. I guess that's the only thing I can relate to that character. They are both very different from me”.

Katlynn grew up in Houston, Texas and she said that she loved it. "I think I took it for granted though because in the last four years of high school I kept saying I can't wait to go to LA, I can't wait to go to LA and I kept saying it because of the things that I was into not because I just had to get away,” explains Katlynn. “Little did I know I could have stayed because I was still living at home while taping The Game. It was just that flying back-and-forth was a lot,” says Katlynn. "I just really wanted to be in the middle of it all. Now that I am out here I love the weather, I love that I can do what I do out here, but I definitely miss the little things of being home like certain types of food. I need some barbecue and crawfish every once in a while. That would be nice. You can't get that out in LA and I definitely miss being around my family”.

Katlynn went to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts which I'm sure was an amazing experience. I shared with Katlynn that I went to Fashion Industries High School in New York City and it was the best four years of my life. These types of schools are wonderful because it give you a jump-start to think about what you want to do for the rest of your life as a career. I'm sure Katlynn had the same experience performing and doing what she loves in school. "Yeah before my freshman year started I was homeschooled. I was really into the acting and singing so I really couldn't go to public school. I was homeschooled my whole life by my mother, but I knew I wanted to go to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts because my idol Beyoncé went there and I just knew that this thing was going to happen. I knew which high school I wanted to go to and I knew which college I wanted to attend. I just knew which steps I wanted to take at an early age."

Sheesh! Most kids don't figure that out until a year before it's time to go to high school, but Katlynn had been preparing for this for years. "For some reason I think it was because I was homeschooled,” says Katlynn. “I had doubts about going to that high school every time I had an audition. I thought maybe they wouldn’t have a football team, maybe they wouldn’t have the dances and all that other stuff I'm going to be missing out on and would not be able to experience, but now I laugh at the fact that I was even second-guessing because those were definitely the best days and the best school ever. I told everybody if they have anything to do with the arts, this school has a fashion department, music, dance and you will love it there." Katlynn also describes lunchtime as being straight out of the movie “Fame”.

For those of you who have never seen the movie “Fame” Katlynn describes what happens everyday around lunchtime... "So people don't believe me when I say this, but there were many times that... I'm not promoting this, but I would not eat lunch because they would blast the music in the lunchroom and we would dance in the middle of the lunchroom. People would be dancing on the lunch tables, the stairs… everywhere! We would have a dance party every single day. It was hard to eat your lunch because we didn't have hours for lunch. We had a certain time and we had to go right back to class." By the way if you're wondering about the food, the school lunch was good, but dancing was better.

I'm thinking that Katlynn just started her career at high school however, she has been acting for a long time and where she lives there is a big theater community. Katlynn would be in rehearsals for plays that would take place during the week and on the weekends. This was one of the reasons why she was homeschooled. It was definitely a big commitment to participate in the theater. "It was hard to do school and be fully committed to being in a play. My mom was very capable of teaching me. She's an anesthesiologist and I definitely trusted her, but she was definitely harder on me than other teachers. It was a good and bad thing because she was going to make sure that I knew things and I do know a lot of things that I don't think I would have necessarily known had I gone to public school; she made sure of that.”

Her singing career has definitely taking off with her single, “Beautiful Lie” which was played on an episode of The Game. Katlynn wrote the song with Grammy nominated producer/songwriter Cedric “Dabenchwarma” Smith. “That was actually my first single and it was awesome. I really got into that track and I think when people listen to the track they really get into it because it's just so true and they actually can relate to it because I was writing from things I was actually feeling or heard my friends going through some things at that time. So it was definitely a nice track to do. "Dancing With My Girls" is my newest single and it was a one-day shoot and at the end of the day we decided to do all the dance scenes. Everyone was starting to get tired and the ground was a little wet however, we pulled it together and got it all done. I'm so thankful for everybody that was a part of that production because everybody put in 100%. The director said, ‘I don't want anything but the best’.” The best is exactly what she got with this single when she wrote it with Grammy nominated songwriters Michaela Shiloh, Christopher “Chrishan” Dotson, Kyle Christopher Coleman, Erika J Culter, Josh Adam and music production from Grammy nominated producer Yonnie.

“Let Me Go” is the first single she attempted to do when she started working with her manager Danny Jones of the 3 Sixty Music Group. “We got together with a producer out in Houston and when we heard the track, it sounded really dope so I decided to put my voice on it and people loved it,” says Katlynn. “I went on a little tour in LA and people really gravitated to the song. It was like opening up the doors so people could see that I am a singer.”

Since Katlynn has been in LA, the concentration is now on getting out an album. She has been working with different writers and producers. "I have recorded a lot, but now we have to decide putting the best of the best on the EP and making sure that it's exactly what people want to hear. I really want to make something relatable and that is timeless,” explains Katlynn. I want people to be able to dance or just sit down and listen so that their day can be better. Even if it's a sad song, anytime someone is talking about something you're going through it feels good because you feel like you’re not the only one. So now it's just a process of eliminating and adding right now, but we're definitely working on the EP.”

Katlynn has worked with some major producers and being a youngster to the industry it could be a little intimidating… "It was a little intimidating, but when I was working with Cedric, I felt really relaxed and comfortable because I look at him like a big brother because he is easy to approach and when I started working with him it was a one-on-one thing,” explains Katlynn. “I did not have a room full of people who were all meeting you at once and waiting to see what you can do. When I came to LA it was different because I was working with people who’s name I heard before and I'm thinking to myself that I have to step up my game.”

She goes on to say that producers would invite people to the sessions and there would be all these other writers who have worked with all these producers so of course, it would be a little intimidating. “I felt a little scared about the writing part because I felt my writing wouldn't be on par and then with my singing I felt, ‘Oh my, these people have worked with Brandy and Beyoncé and oh my goodness...’ I talked to my dad about it and he always said, “If you mess up, mess up loud and mess up believing in it. So that's what I'm going to do from now on. I'm going in there believing in it and knowing what I’m doing is what I can do.”

When writing a song the average person may think that you can listen to the track at your leisure and think of the words to go with it. However, that is not how the world of the songwriter works. "When I first came out here I thought that’s how it worked as well,” says Katlynn. “I would ask if they could send me the track and I could write at home and come back, but that's not how it works. However, I really do like the process because it's more genuine when you are right there and you just do it. Usually you will hear a couple of different tracks and we'll just put our hands in the air and say, ‘This is the track we want to write to.’ I think the process is better that way instead of just getting one track and you have to stick with it. Listening to a bunch of tracks and getting the one that feels good to you; that's the one you pick and usually the melody just comes naturally and based on how the music sounds you know what to write about.... When you hear the melody you will know if it sounds like a dance song or sounds like a love song or a ‘No boy, I don't want you anymore’ song. Is not that hard."

Not hard! That sounds like major pressure to just come up with words to a melody on the spot with the producer and his posse watching every move you make. What happens if you get writer's block? "Yes that definitely happens and it is scary the first couple of times, but you get used to it because it’s not necessarily like a freestyle rap,” says Katlynn. “Now I don't know if I could ever do that. So many great rappers are out here in LA who have to come up with these clever things instantly.”

With all the pressure of being a singer, songwriter and actress, she actually finds time to go to college. "I’ve been taking classes pretty slow because of everything I'm working on however, I should be finishing my sophomore year after the holidays. My major is in theater and political science. I’ve always been interested in journalism, but then I ended up changing it to political science,” explains Katlynn. “I figured it's better to know what you're talking about. I want to know exactly what the world is going through and be able to talk about it.”

“The Game” will be coming back for its last two seasons soon so make sure to watch Katlynn doing her thing on the show. "There will be a lot of exciting things happening,” reveals Katlynn. “There are a lot of things that will change the direction of the show. I am also working on the album so I will be having a lot of new music coming out.” Keep up with Katlynn on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/KatlynnSimone and get Dancing With My Girls on iTunes now!!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dancing-with-my-girls-single/id923097412

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Monday, October 20, 2014

Why Are Black Women Dying of Breast Cancer?

Why Are Black Women Dying of Breast Cancer, Even Though More White Women Are Diagnosed?

Tiffany Denee Jones Founder and Spokesperson, PinkChoseMe Foundation

Statistically, black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than white women, even though more white women are diagnosed with it. In fact, among black women, the numbers have changed very little comparatively since the Pink Ribbon campaigning started over twenty years ago. Any statistic showing a lack of progress in fighting cancer is heartbreaking, but what struck me was that besides the difference being accredited to economic issues, and a consequence of a lack of healthcare, the other culprit cited was Fear.

Women are dying of breast cancer because they are too afraid to even get tested.
In my work for breast cancer awareness, I speak with women of all nationalities, and they've confirmed these sentiments, and even expressed that fear leads them to take less appropriate treatments. The intensity of treatments, as well as the consequences of them (e.g. worrying about losing a sense of femininity because of the physical ramifications,) are too daunting to stomach for some. This means that not only are many dying from not getting tested, they are risking their lives because they're not seeking the most appropriate treatment options. What this is saying to me is that fear is paralyzing women. Fear is killing women.
I was one of the youngest black women to be diagnosed Her2positive in the state of NY, believe me when I tell you that I am no stranger to that fear. I was away from home, hitting the comedy circuit in LA. It was a time when my main concerns were hitting my "big break" as a comedian, and being young. A bump on my breast was the last thing I should have been thinking about, but it showed up, and it wouldn't change, it didn't itch, it wouldn't go away; and the gnawing sensation I got from it wouldn't either. I called my doctor in NY and went into detail about it with him. He told me, "Give it a couple of days" and, "We can discuss -- if it's still there later." He wasn't being dismissive; he just didn't think a woman my age was at risk of breast cancer.

TO READ MORE CLICK LINK
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tiffany-denee-jones/why-are-black-women-dying_b_6014720.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black%20Voices

Reggae Legend John Holt Dies, Aged 69

John Holt, the reggae musician best known for his hits ‘Stick By Me’ and ‘Ali Baba’, has died at the age of 69.
The Jamaican singer died in hospital in Sunday night, his manager confirmed to the Jamaica Observer Online. His cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

John first found success in the music industry as the lead singer of the reggae group The Paragons in the 1960s, who penned the track ‘The Tide Is High’, which was later covered by Blondie, reaching the top of the UK singles charts.
After leaving the group in 1970 to focus on his solo music career, John penned the song ‘Stick By Me’, his most successful solo effort, which was the biggest selling Jamaican record of 1972.

TO READ MORE CLICK LINK
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/10/20/john-holt-dead-the-paragons-singer-reggae-dies_n_6013218.html?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&ir=Black Voic

LL COOL J THE GOAT 10 MOST IMPORTANT VIDEOS

LL COOL J! Yessssss! One of Hip Hop's first teen idols coming up in the early days of this culture when you had to earn your stripes to get on the radio or even perform in a show. LL COOL J's name stood for exactly what he stood for... COOL!
We are not going to do a history lesson on this legend because if you don't know his history, then you are not a true Hip Hop fan. He has won so many awards, appeared in many movies, sitcoms, hosted the Grammies and the only thing missing is that we all know it's his turn to be inducted into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME.

WTLE team has known him since he first performed in the Bronx at Disco Fever and other popular venues. In our opinion these are our 10 TOP MOST IMPORTANT LL COOL J Videos. Some of you may agree or disagree. Let us know if we missed adding your favorite videos performed by this Hip Hop ICON!

I'M BAD