Sunday, August 30, 2015
Who Are The Rap Icons In Macklemore’s VMA Performance?
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis brought “Downtown” to downtown L.A. at the 2015 VMAs, but they didn’t come alone. Aside from singer Eric Nally, the Seattle duo were also accompanied by super influential rap vets Grandmaster Caz, Melle Mel and Kool Moe Dee.
The three MCs have been inspiring rappers like Jay Z and Nas for decades but we can’t blame those who aren’t familiar with them. After all, these legends made their names in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s — long before many of us were born. So, we put together a little rundown of who these pioneers are and why you should get familiar.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE HIP HOP ICONS
http://www.mtv.com/news/2255913/macklemore-grandmaster-caz-melle-mel-kool-moe-dee/?xrs=_s.tw_news
FOR MORE TRUE HIP HOP VISIT http://www,rapamania.com
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Interview with AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL ELIMINEE DELANIE DISCHERT
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL ELIMINEE
DELANIE DISCHERT
Getting Eliminated Doesn’t Faze Her Confidence
By Belinda Trotter-James
America’s
Next Top Model cycle 22 has begun picking off the contestants one by
one who want the title of Top Model. Delanie Dischert is the first
contestant to be eliminated from the competition. At the age of 21 this
5’10 ½” beauty comes from Wilmington, DE. She reveals to me in this exclusive interview the ups and downs of being on a reality modeling competition.
Delanie is not the only one to dream of being on America’s
Next Top Model. When that day comes, you may think you’re still
dreaming. “When they call you from your hometown stating you are coming
to LA, it is unbelievable and you feel it’s not really happening”, says
Delanie. “There is no way this is real. This has literally been a
dream of mine since I can remember. It’s definitely surreal.”
Before Delanie’s journey on America’s
Next Top Model began she had been a working model. “I had been
modeling in Philly just doing some commercial work just to save up money
as a student to help me pay for my books, my living expenses and
everything else,” explains Delanie. “I really was just doing it as a
job and I ended up completely falling in love with it. I had been
singing before that in an art school and I missed the creative energy
that I was always surrounded by. So getting into modeling was like
reliving that feeling.”
Most
contestants will watch the show and think it’s easy however; their
delusional expectations are squashed from day one. In the 22 cycles of America’s
Next Top Model there may have been 1 or 2 who voluntarily left the
show. This cycle was no exception. A contestant was overwhelmed to the
point that she no longer felt confident enough to finish the
competition. Delanie explains that the emotional roller coaster of the
competition can be a little challenging and describes her feelings going
through the elimination process.
“When
you get to panel, you really don’t know what to expect,” explains
Delanie. “A lot of things happen on set that they can’t show. It ended
up being really tough because I was partnered up with Nile,
who is deaf. The other couples were able to communicate on set, but we
couldn’t do that so it was just us going off of each other’s movements
and energy. I thought that we would get a good picture out of it anyway
because our looks complimented each other. Once I got to panel and saw
my picture, I compared it in my head to everyone else’s and I really
did have a feeling that I was going to be the one eliminated. It’s a
bittersweet feeling because I really love my 13 other new friends. I
felt that I could handle going home first because I am strong and I’m
easy with that kind of stuff. Tyra’s critiques along with everyone
else’s’ was sweet so I really couldn’t be mad at her. Obviously it was
hard not to cry because I’m going to miss everyone. I just got here.”
It
was amazing to hear some of the contestants say they don’t know what to
do because they have never modeled before. Since Delanie does have
some modeling experience, one may wonder if it is hard to implement what
you know about modeling or would you still feel like a fish out of
water?
Delanie
replies, “I had a lot less modeling experience than the other
contestants, but it didn’t make me less confident. I thought I had the
ability to get a better photo than anybody because, yes, I watched the
show, yes, I know they put you in uncomfortable situations to see if you
can still shine through it and yes, I know they really were testing me
that day. There are just so many things you can’t see when you’re
watching the show. It really was making me into a stronger model. It
didn’t really faze me. In the moment I seemed a little frustrated, but I
think it was a lot of fun. I also never modeled with a partner. I
think that was tough to not only worry about how I look, but worry about
if he’s looking good at the same time I’m looking good so that we get a
collaboration of a great photo and not just look at it individually
like he had a strong photo here and I had a strong photo there. We had
to become one.”
Now
that Delanie has been eliminated it is up to her to continue her quest
to pursue modeling as a career on her own. “I am looking for a
bicoastal talent agency because I not only want to model, but I also
want to act and sing because it is still my passion,” reveals
Delanie. “I have a few agencies in New York and
Philly that I’m working with. I am just improving every time I shoot
and every time I’m on the runway I’m gaining confidence plus working
with personal trainers and just working on myself in every single aspect
to see my full potential. There’s a lot more I can do. Even if
modeling doesn’t work out, I still have my singing and acting skills. I
want to be on TV and I want to be seen and just use my talents to my
best ability.”
The
odds of being successful in the entertainment industry do increase when
you have a few creative skills. “It definitely helps when you’re on
set to feel comfortable when you’re in an awkward situation or acting
out a scenario. Modeling and acting definitely go hand in hand when it
comes to invoking emotions,” says Delanie.
Her
advice to the youth of today who are pursuing a career in modeling or
any career is to never, ever, never, never give up… “The biggest thing I
would say is to just go after it. Don’t ever give up on going after it
because there are actors who we think are these huge stars who have
been grinding and grinding since they were 17”, begins Delanie. “They
were grinding and grinding and trying to get parts in movies and then
they became successful in their 40’s. You just never know when someone
is going to see you or want you. Just be confident and work on yourself
and never stop working on yourself. The road to success does not allow
you to rest on your laurels because there is always going to be someone
who will be hungrier than you or doing more than you. It’s all about
staying with it and not getting discouraged.”
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.
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.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Exclusive Interview with Music Producer James Worthy
by Lenell King
Lenell: Where are you originally from, and how did you
get started in the music industry?
James: I'm originally from New York and I’ve been in Atlanta now
for some years. I got started pretty young at about 15 or 16. At that time, I really got into making my own
music. Being from NY, there is a lot of inspiration that you can pull from.
There are so many genres to get motivation from out there. It was natural for
me to gravitate to that kind of field. My whole thing was really honing in on
production and musicianship more than the actual song. I stuck with it.
Lenell: So do you
actually play an instrument? Oftentimes when you hear about a producer these
days, you think of the beat machines, fruity loops, and so forth.
James: Yes, I do play keys and I play other instruments by ear.
I've learned throughout the years how to play different things to get the
rhythm of how to make records. With any instrument you play you have to have
that rhythm. The whole thing with producing is that you actually have to know
how to produce. That term producer gets thrown around to loosely. A producer is
more than making beats, you are putting together a full product for a
commercial release.
Lenell: How did you
initially get discovered, and signed to Roc Nation?
James: It's hard to pinpoint how I actually got discovered, it
was more so my fans honing in on my craft and really listening to the music
that I produced throughout the years. This is where I truly believe that I
got discovered. As far as roc nation, my relationship with them is more so an
affiliation but I do have a publishing deal with them.
Lenell: You are working
with some established artists right now like Sara Stokes of "Making the
Band" and Truth Hurts. When you are working with talent like that whom
have been in the game for some time, do you oftentimes find yourself faced with
an ego, or is it a mutual respect where they trust your judgement as the
producer?
James: Pretty much all of my clients, and all of the artists
that I have worked with we all have great relationships. We all get along, we
are all on the same page. We all have different visions of what we are trying
to bring to the public. There will always be different vibes and inspirations
when we are creating records. I am just blessed and fortunate enough to work
with artists like that. You don’t really see too many artists who have
made a strong impact come back strong. I am just happy to see that.
Lenell: How do you
prepare for a studio session? Do you normally have an idea in mind before you
go to the studio, or do you guys just build from scratch?
James: It really depends on what we are trying to do.
Sometimes I may already have a song done, produced, and written. Or we may
start something from scratch going into the studio where we have a writing
session or listening session where we put things together. It kind of depends
on where we are at and what kind of record we are trying to do. That's how some
records come about organically.
Lenell: Whom are some of
your influences either from the artists' standpoint or the producer?
James: Growing up I was a really big fan of a Tribe Called
Quest. I thought that Q tip was the man. He was one of my favorite producers at
the time. He still is. He is probably the "Sample King". I’ve drawn a
lot of inspiration from guys like him, Timbaland, Pharell, etc. Guys that have
just innovated the culture so many times. Right now I like artists like
Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West.
Lenell: What are some of
your current projects that you are working on?
James: Sara Stokes from "Making the Band" and I have a
single out called "Sneak Peak".
Lenell: It's hot.
James: Thank you. It is doing well and growing. It is currently
on ITunes, so go grab that. Truth Hurts and I have a single being released this
month called "Fight for Love." It is more of a pop/edm record that
will be released overseas. I am working with Arrested Development, the group as
well as a solo project with Eshe, a former arrested development member. I'm
also working on a project with Men at Large the group, as well as a solo
project with Dave Tolliver of Men at Large. I'm also working with J
Holiday. There are a lot of projects that I'm involved with. There are
many that I can't even name yet.
Lenell: Tell me about this aspiring model career that you
are working on.
James: My mom always told me to make whatever you have work for
you. I’m blessed to have the looks to do it. Modeling is more of an expression.
I’m a fan of great photos .It’s just another expression for me to be creative.
It's something that I like to do and it is something that I'm going to get more
into. I really enjoy doing it.
James: Definitely, music is the first love. You never can get
rid of that.
Lenell: What advice would
you give an up and coming producer?
James: I would tell any
and everybody that wants to be in this business period to never sell your integrity
to do what you want to do. I say that because there are so many people out here
that get so lost in what they think is quality. When you do that you are not
setting your own path to do anything innovative 3 to 5 to 10 years from now. That’s
what I strive to do innovate and inspire people around the world. That’s just
more of having your legacy sustained. When you're done you will know you have
something to leave behind and people will remember you for contributing to the
culture.
Lenell: You know those
are standards that anyone should and could live by. Well said. How can your current fans and new fans can
reach you?
James; Thanks again.
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.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Sandra Bland's Family Files Federal Lawsuit
The family of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old African-American woman found dead in a Texas jail cell after a controversial arrest, announced the filing of a federal lawsuit against officials in Houston on Tuesday.
"We are looking for the individuals involved in this situation to take accountability," Cannon Lambert, the Bland family attorney, told reporters at a press conference in Chicago.
Lambert said the lawsuit has been filed against state trooper Brian Encinia and all officials involved in the arrest and incarceration of Bland.
The action, Lambert said, was prompted by "inconsistencies" in the investigation into Bland's death and the unwillingness of authorities in Waller County, Texas, to share information with the Bland family.
"[We have been] unable to get many of the answers we have been asking for," the attorney said. "This family needs an answer to the principle question: What happened to Sandra Bland?"
Encinia pulled Bland over in Waller County on July 10, after she failed to signal for a lane change. The encounter quickly became contentious, and Bland was arrested on a charge of assault on a public servant. She was ultimately jailed in lieu of a $5,000 bond.
TO READ MORE OF THE STORY CLICK HERE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sandra-bland-lawsuit_55c0b218e4b0b23e3ce3e783?utm_hp_ref=black-voices&kvcommref=mostpopular
Chicago police detained thousands of black Americans at interrogation facility
The Chicago police department has maintained – even as the Guardian reported stories of people being shackled and held for hours or even days, all without legal access – that the warehouse is not a secret facility so much as an undercover police base operating in plain sight. “There are always records of anyone who is arrested by CPD, and this is no different at Homan Square,” the police asserted ina March statement.
But an independent Guardian analysis of arrestees’ records, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, shows that Homan Square is far from normal:
- Between September 2004 and June 2015, around 3,540 people were eventually charged, mostly with forms of drug possession – primarily heroin, as well as marijuana and cocaine – but also for minor infractions such as traffic violations, public urination and driving without a seatbelt.
- TO READ THE REST OF THIS STORY http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/05/homan-square-chicago-thousands-detained?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Ice-T, Coco and the enduring weirdness of daytime television
There are some pretty amazing oddities out there if you turn on the television at noon on a weekday. As of Monday, that included a puppy fashion show on the debut episode of “Ice and Coco,” a new syndicated daytime talk show starring actor/rapper Ice-T and his wife, model Coco Austin.
Daytime television is a tough business: You have to be empathetic and relatable, but also famous enough that people tune in. You must mix breezy monologues and goofy games with human-interest stories and emotional interviews. Oprah Winfrey proved that if you find the right balance, you can turn it into a billion-dollar empire. Ever since she signed off her talk show in May 2011, TV has been trying to find her replacement … with little success.
The road is littered with failed attempts: Katie Couric, Queen Latifah, Anderson Cooper, Jeff Probst, Ricki Lake, Bethenny Frankel, Kris Jenner. So now, Fox Television Stations and Warner Bros. are trying a new twist this summer, launching two shows starring married couples, hoping that doubling up on hosts will encourage viewers to tune in. Actor Boris Kodjoe and actress Nicole Ari Parker debuted “Boris and Nicole” in July for a four-week preview. On Monday, Ice-T and Coco kicked off their three-week test run in hopes of a full-season pick-up.
The competition is brutal, so Ice-T, 57, and Coco, 36, had to be as memorable as possible. Did they accomplish that on their first day? Probably not, save the fact that they literally used it as a platform to announce that Coco is pregnant — to the surprise of some of their closest friends who were in the audience. Either way, the premiere certainly had its weird (and fairly entertaining) moments, which is really all you can ask for on daytime TV, when ratings and expectations are generally pretty low.
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