G-Star Fall 2010: Hollywood Chess

Ebony + Ivory, Peanut Butter + Jelly, Lebron + The Heat.  All of these are matches that only make sense in hindsight.  For the G-Star Fall 2010 campaigns, Liv Tyler and Magnus Carlsen are the perfect contrast.

Liv Tyler, a rockstar’s daughter and beautiful actress, has been the face of G-Star since the Spring of 2010.  Magnus Carlsen is a Norwegian chess Grandmaster and the No. 1 in the world; at only age 19.  Both fusing greatness from two different worlds for one brand, G-Star.

In support of the Fall/Winter 2010 advertising campaign, G-Star will travel to the Cooper Square Hotel inNew York City on September 10^th 2010, to host a global chess competition: The RAW World Chess Challenge. This challenge gives everyone in the world the opportunity to play Magnus Carlsen, together at once, live on the internet.

The RAW World Chess Challenge is offering Magnus the opportunity to prove that he truly is the world’s best chess player… but only if he can beat the entire world first!

More information on the RAW World Chess Challenge can be found on: g-star.com/rawchess

For more on G-Star visit www.g-star.com.

Siren: Fall 2010 Couture

The Couture shows have commenced in Paris and so far so amazing.

Christian Dior.

John Galliano reminds us that in 2010 fashion is season-less.  With tulips and roses, it’s spring time in the fall! The plastic wrap head pieces were contributed by Stephen Jones and the inspiration, other than the obvious, involved flower watching and studying flower photographers such as Irving Penn and Nick Knight.

Elie Saab.

So far the beau of the ball, Elie Saab was inspired by his love for Fenice the La, a Venetian opera house.

Armani Prive.

Slightly reminiscent of Diane Keaton in “Baby Boom”, the power suit charged, blond army of Armani Prive was completely retro down to the shoe.

Source.

- Crystal Hines

Travel: Moleskine

Keep your memories in a more permanent and personal way with Moleskine notebooks.  Used by literary greats, the classic little black notebooks are perfect for your European tour this summer or your first trip with a new love.  Ranging from $6 – $12, the Moleskine notebooks can be saved for a lifetime and passed down through the years.

Go to www.moleskine.com for more styles.

Excessorize: Dooney & Bourke iPad Case

Giving men reasons to carry a “m-urse” iPads have almost wiped out the point of bringing your laptop out.  With the super fly Dooney & Bourke case, we are officially in the future.  Welcome.

Go to dooney.com for more info.

Next: Miguel

What is your AMMO?

Honesty, Individuality, and Creativity

You’ve been hooked up with some amazing artists and producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Has that been an eye opening experience?

Though I didn’t get to work with Terry Lewis on my album, working with Terry Lewis for Usher was definitely one of my favorite experiences thus far. Terry has been one of the most genuinely inspiring individuals I’ve had the honor to work with. Not only is he a great mentor, but he allowed me into his creative space to learn his creative process.

One of your standout tracks is “All I Want is You” featuring J.Cole. You and him are both up and coming artists, so what was the creative process like between your guys?

The way the record came about was through Mark Pitts. He played the song for Cole and asked if he’d like to Rock a verse or two… a week or so later we had “All I want is You” ft. J. Cole! I have yet to get in the studio with Cole but hopefully we can work soon.

Your first album is going to be called “All I want Is You”. What was the inspiration for that title?

The title “All I want Is You” represents the overall theme of the album. Each song is like a scene in a movie telling the story of a man trying to fill an empty space with new and random experiences only to discover that all he wants is what he already had.

You’re a very stylish guy, what 3 things should every man have in his closet?

• 1 Navy Blue Suit
• 1 Nice Leather Jacket
• 1 Pair of leather bottom black leather shoes

So many of your songs have a romantic and sensual tone to them. What do you find sexy?

I find Confidence, Passion, and Power to be sexy.

What is your dream musical collaboration?

A collaboration would be with D’Angelo would be dope

What’s next for Miguel?

Aside from the release of my first single, my manager Lisa Vu introduced me to one of the worlds biggest DJ’s Paul Oakenfold. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of working on his new album titled Pop Killer, which features The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Cee Lo, and One Republic’s Ryan Tedder. I got to write on the album but I’m also the featured artist on his fist single “Raise Your Hands (Put your Hands Up).” I’m also looking forward to upcoming performances and appearances this summer.

Name 2 things most people would be surprised to know about you.

I’m a lover not a fighter, but I’m also a fighter, so don’t get any ideas. I once had an awkward moment, just to see how it felt. (‘Que the Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man in the World”)

For more from Miguel, go to www.officialmiguel.com

Photo Credit: Kenneth Cappello

- Perri Haynes

Excessorize: Kenneth Cole Touch Watch

The technology of 2010 has reached new heights.  The other day I witnessed a man checking his email on his wrist; huh?!  The new Kenneth Cole Touch Screen watch collection doesn’t do all that but it is more than equally amazing.  The watch includes 32-city world time, an electro luminescent backlight, and ranges in price from just $125 – $175.

Visit kennethcole.com now and grab one Inspector Gadget 2.0.

Around Town with Bee Nguyen

The flyest dude in LA lists his Top shopping destinations and the must-have items you shouldn’t leave without.

Hall of Fame
449 N. Fairfax Ave.
Top Item: Fitted Hats

Undefeated
112 S. La Brea Ave.
Top Item: Kicks

Opening Ceremony  L.A.
451 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Top Item: Common Projects and great collabs

Diamond Supply Co.
507 N Fairfax Ave.
Top Item: Anything!

Ron Herman
8100 Melrose Ave.
Top Item: Top Man and Nom De Guerre

Moods of Norway
113 S. Robertson Blvd.
Top Item: Anything on the racks

Jack’s Eyewear
120 S La Brea Ave
Top Item: Vintage Sunglasses

Crooks & Castles Concept Shop
8570 Sunset Blvd. Suite 6.1
Top Item: Spring 2010

Power: Women in Production

Whoever said it’s a mans world, told a damn lie.  Here are five powerful, fabulous women taking charge in an industry that is predominately male.

Norris Bentivegna; Segment Producer

1. What’s your AMMO?

Working as a freelance producer may be one of the most insecure jobs out there… you never know what your next project will be and where it’s going to take you. That being said, my AMMO is to work smarter, continue to come up with incredible projects, collaborate with good people, know what’s out there and constantly remember that the medium I work with will be around forever – may reach millions, may inspire others to look beyond themselves, so I’ll move forward giving it my all with the best intentions.

2. What other positions have you held within television production?

Like most, it’s been an upward climb and always will be…I’ve worked in the agency mailroom, moved up to being the assistant and then to various positions in production, always learning more and more about what it takes to run a good show.

3. How long have you been in reality television production?

About 5 years. I always knew that I wanted to work in entertainment. After graduating college I assisted a friend with her documentary, sparking my interest in film and television and I’ve since worked on many projects, almost wearing every hat along the way.

4. How did you get the position you have now?

By hustling! Learn fast, make smart moves and meet the right people. Really, it comes down to working smarter, not harder.

5. What is your career goal within the business?

My life goal is to be happy! Making great quality shows that teach and inspire makes me very happy.

6. Describe how you feel working within entertainment.

I love what I do, when I’m doing what I love. Being a producer, sometimes you get an amazing gig on a show that you believe in and get to work with a great crew. Other times, you need to take a gig that may not be your ideal but will pay your rent. To me, it’s all a learning experience.

7. Aside from your production job, what other ventures are you pursuing?

I’ve held many jobs from artist manager to event planner to holistic chef. To this day, I still dabble in a little bit of everything. As a producer, it’s good to know how to do many things.

8. If you were not in television production, what line work would you be in?

If I wasn’t a TV producer I’d probably run Yoga retreats all over the world, spending my life traveling to each and every one … or a chef who spent my life studying world cuisine, yum! In college I majored in Ethnic Studies/Cultural Anthropology and then went on to get an MBA in international business. I wasn’t set on a specific career, rather, wanted to learn about the world as I figured out my place in it.

9. What’s the best/hardest thing about working within production?

The best thing is working on an amazing show and having an amazing experience…. For me, that would be something like (I’m imagining this by the way) Anthony Bourdain’s, No Reservations where I travel everywhere and sample food all over the world. The hardest is when you get a show that’s a complete disaster from the start, you’re working insane hours, nobody is happy, the energy is bad and you can’t wait for it all to be over.

10. What do most people assume about your career?

That reality TV is “garbage.” I think there are definitely what I call, “crap shows”, but there are also a lot of amazing reality shows that teach and inspire.

11. What would you suggest to women working to gain a career in entertainment?

Be smart, strategize where you see yourself and how you’d like to get there, learn how to hustle without being bitchy (a lot of women producers somehow get that reputation:), remain humble and know your worth! Entertainment is the first place where people will take advantage and being a woman in this business, it’s important that you learn to hold your ground, roll with the punches yet stand up for yourself when its necessary. Though I wasn’t a film or communications major, I recommend studying film and TV to both learn and start the networking process early on. Additionally, getting an internship at a production company with a lot going on as well as a lot of potential, would be a VERY smart move.

Coi Mattison; Casting Associate

1. What’s your AMMO?

Motherhood. My daughter makes me want to be great. When I look at her I want to give her a chance at everything the world has to offer. She is the reason I keep trying, even if it seems unattainable.

2. What other positions have you held within television production?

I have also worked as a researcher, casting recruiter, canting assistant and pa.

3. How long have you been in reality television production?

On and off for about 6 years.  I was in college and unemployed and my friend referred me for a job at MTV. I worked as a Casting Recruiter for a dating show.

4. How did you get the position you have now?

Currently I’m in between jobs but my last position was as a Casting Associate for the ABC show “Supernanny”. I acquired the job by submitting my resume to Realitystaff.com. I started as a Casting Assistant and was later promoted to Associate. I was with the company for a year and a half.

5. What is your career goal within the business?

I’d like to eventually become a Casting Director. I love the process of finding the right personality to fit a show concept.

6. Describe how you feel working within entertainment. 

I remember the first time I saw my name scroll by on a television screen; it was the most fulfilling thing ever. Knowing that I was a key part of putting together a show that millions of people were watching was a crazy feeling. It’s an indescribable high.

7. Aside from your production job, what other ventures are you pursuing?

I’m what you would call a jack-of-all-trades. I do everything from hair to music. Currently I’m a singer/songwriter and graphic designer.

8. If you we’re not in television production, what line work would you be in?

I’d be a full-time graphic designer still pursuing music. Music is in my heart and I feel its what I’m supposed to do. Unfortunately nothing is guaranteed so you have to explore all avenues on your road to success.  I was a Communications major with an emphasis in P.R. and Speech minor. I thought I wanted to be a publicist but once I graduated I never wanted to write another press release again. I will say that I’m glad I have the skill, just in case I need a fall back plan.

9. What’s the best/hardest thing about working within production?

Production allows you a lot of flexibility and is usually a very cool and laid back work setting. You can pretty much wear what you want and your co-workers usually end up as your friends. The downfall of production is the lack of schedule. There are no set hours. You can get off at 6 or 8…just depends on what needs to be done.

10. What do most people assume about your career?

That it’s mostly play and not much work. A lot of people don’t realize the stress of putting a show together cause all they see is the end result.

11. What would you suggest to women working to gain a career in entertainment? What steps would you suggest they take to begin their career?

I’d say take a PA position or an internship and build relationships. The industry is solely based on who you know and your relationship with them.

Lyric Ramsey; Lead Assistant Editor

1. What’s your AMMO?

My ammo is self-motivation. I would have to say that my Dad who passed away before I really started working on my career is my AMMO. I always keep him with me, when I’m approaching a new adventure or a new job title. If he were alive he would be my corner man, giving me guidance on how to knock down the next challenge or obstacle in my way.

2. What other positions have you held within television production?

I’ve held several positions; I’ve worked my way up from the bottom, starting as a production assistant, to logger, to assistant editor.

3. How long have you been in reality television production?

I graduated from Howard University in 2005, and the second day back in Los Angeles, I got a P.A. job on a reality show. I’ve always had a love for television. I knew early on that it was the medium that I wanted some direct influences on, so I went to school to study film and television. Learning television and getting a job are two very different experiences. It wasn’t until I moved back to Los Angeles to start my career; I realize how different I was from everyone else working in the industry. I was young, a woman, and African-American. I wanted to become a producer when I first got out of college, but as I started to meet other producers and work more in the business, I realized how subjective that title was to who you knew, and I didn’t know anyone. So the best advice I received was to learn a skill, and no one could ever look pass you if you have talent. So I learned how to edit. With editing, you have a skill, and you can take that and work anywhere in this business.

4. How did you get the position you have now?

I got my first job by fate, or what my friends and I call “Favor”. The term comes from the church, and it’s all about being in Gods grace. I had just graduated from Howard, not a penny in my pocket, pot to piss in, or a care in the world. I guess I knew I would be just fine. It was my second day back in Los Angeles, and I was at the hair salon to get a fresh press. This particular day was unique, because there were producers and camera crews walking around. Something in me (probably the boot-camp known as Howard University) summons up the courage to ask one of the guys what he was doing on Crenshaw Blvd in the middle of Leimert Park. The guy was surprised by how eager and engaging I was, and how willing I was to work for free once he told me he was working on a reality show in that location. Long story short, he asked for my number, and about 20 minutes after he left he hired me as a production assistance, and I’ve been working in this industry every since.

5. What is your career goal within the business?

I create short-term goals in this business. When I was 21, my first goal was to get a check that was over one thousand dollars. I knew that would make my Dad proud. Once, I accomplished that, my next goal was to be a boss, to be in charge of a team of people. My next goal is to be a successful, highly regarded, in demand, editor. I’m working on that currently.

6. Describe how you feel working within entertainment.

I love what I do. I love seeing my name in the credits of a show. You get a sense of fulfillment when you tell someone what you do, and his or her faces light up, because everyone loves television. Also, the best thing is when I’m working on a difficult scene, that’s kicking my butt, and I finally figure it out! A rush comes over me; I feel a sense of satisfaction for overcoming a challenge. I compare editing to working on a puzzle; you have to see the bigger picture when only given a piece of footage at a time. The more you practice at it you learn the skills to make the pieces fit just right.

7. Aside from your production job, what other ventures are you pursuing?

I feel like I’m a jack-of-all-trades, I try to be around all things creative that is, music, fashion, and art. I’m a dancer at heart, so I take some classes when I have the time. I also party promote, trying to create a new scene for Women of Color in the LGTB community.

8. If you we’re not in television production, what line work would you be in?

If I was not working in television, I would either been a musical engineer or a fashion stylist.

9. What’s the best/hardest thing about working within production?

The best thing about editing for me is creating this story. Editors take reality moments void of structure, and sculpt out a drama, comedy or a romance, to entertain the viewers.

10. What do most people assume about your career?

I think most people assume its all fun. When you tell a person you work in television, they have no concept how much work goes into make it seem effortless. Editors are always up against the craziest deadlines; we spend days, nights, and weekends to make the show just right. Editors are the unsung heroes of the television industry. Producers have all their ideas that they think are perfect, but it’s the work of the editor who take what they really capture and makes it into a show!

11. What would you suggest to women working to gain a career in entertainment?

My field is full of men, and I think there is a belief that women are not as skilled at being editors. So I was suggest working hard at being on top of your game. The industry is very competitive, so check your emotions at the door, be willing and ready to work hard. Someone coming in to post should expect to work nights, to work 15 hour days, to feel constant pressure and to always check your work. Also, it doesn’t hurt to be likeable, and eager to learn something new everyday.

Jennie Goosby; Freelance Segment Producer

1. What’s your AMMO?

My AMMO is my parents. They are extremely supportive. Without them, I would have never had the motivation or the money to move out to LA in the first place. They never make me feel like I made the wrong career choice, even when I’m between jobs.

2. What other positions have you held within television production?

Associate Producer, Assistant Story Editor, Production Coordinator, Script Supervisor, & Assistant to Executive Producer

3. How long have you been in reality television production?

Going on 8 years. I decided I wanted to work in television when I was in middle school. From an early age, I always wanted to work in entertainment. My mom turned me on to the TV show Seinfeld and my mind was made up from there. My first job in production was an internship. I split my weeks between Fox Family (now ABC Family) in their promo department, and the CBS soap The Bold & The Beautiful. My first paid job was a year later as the assistant to the co-executive producer on The Amazing Race, Hayma “Screech” Washington. He taught me a lot.

4. How did you get the position you have now?

I earned my latest position simply by asking for it. I always want to keep learning so to keep it fresh so I asked for a chance as the international segment producer.

5. What is your career goal within the business?

My career goal is to develop and produce television shows. I love docu-soap reality shows and reality shows that showcase talent. I would also like to see the sitcom make a real comeback. It’s slowly on its way back.

6. Describe how you feel working within entertainment.

I pursue shows that I think would be interesting so that gives me a sense of fulfillment. I can’t imagine working on a show that I didn’t believe in at all at the end of the end of the day. I hope it never comes to that.

7. Aside from your production job, what other ventures are you pursuing?

Aside from production, I’m pursuing more writing to fulfill my creative side. My friend, Jessica & I took our love for writing and happy hours to start The Happy Hour Tour (www.TheHappyHourTour.com). The economy has been awful to a lot of different people, and some assume people because I work in entertainment that I’m rich and that’s not true. The Happy Hour Tour has been a great way to remain creative, maintain a social life, & become a resource for those who can’t afford to go big on a Friday night.

8. If you we’re not in television production, what line work would you be in?

If I were not in television production, I would be an event planner. I’m extremely organized and I love to be social. I minored in public relations in the event that my career went in that direction. I majored in television production. I never had another thought about what I thought I would be doing. Some people want to work in film, but fell into television. I always wanted to work in television.

9. What’s the best/hardest thing about working within production?

The best thing about working in production is having someone say “great job” and be happy with my work at the end of a long day. Whether it’s the talent, an executive, or member of the crew, it’s a great feeling to know that you pulled off a great shoot. I’ve also made a lot of great friends due to the bonding of production. The hardest thing about production is not knowing what the next job will be.

10. What do most people assume about your career?

From my career, most people assume that I don’t have to look for work. I’ve worked on a lot of great shows with a lot of great people but that doesn’t mean that the next the job is waiting around the corner for me.

11. What would you suggest to women working to gain a career in entertainment?

To women looking to get in the entertainment industry, be social! You could have the best resume but unless you’re networking people might not pay much attention. Let people know that you’re looking, meet people for coffee, go to events, etc. You never know who knows someone to get you a job.

Juliana Severo; Production Manager

1. What’s your AMMO?

A challenge. I never turn down a challenge that comes my way.

2. What other positions have you held within television production?

I feel like I’ve worked across the board from PA to Executive Assistant to Travel Coordinator and more.  But what’s great about Production is that once you think you’ve experienced it all there’s so much ore waiting for you behind the next door.

3. How long have you been in reality television production?

Too long! You get so caught up in the drama, the characters and their stories, it’s all so addicting to “product” and watch (uh hmmm Jersey Shore *cough*).  I knew I was going to work in Television Production when I was accepting an Oscar in my living room at age 6 and thanking the academy for voting me through! My father introduced me to the television studios and the extravagant life of production at a young age.  Bonus: Knowing what I wanted to do helped speed up the college application process!  My First job was at ABC’s Denver 7 News as a news assistant.  Driving around in search of news stories, waiting in front of the court house for hours, interviewing the governor on topics I had very little knowledge on… I knew it wasn’t for me.

4. How did you get the position you have now?

Tiffany Hoss.  That’s all it takes, one EIC to give you a chance to prove yourself.  Not only did she trust me as her “first time” PM, she threw me on a huge network show! OH, how quickly I learned the ropes with very little room for mistakes.  It was intense and challenging but I am forever thankful to her.  There’s something inspiring yet intimidating when a female is in charge of a show, the budget, and 100+ crew members on her set.

5. What is your career goal within the business?

To get out! Just Kidding… I’m not sure yet, the options are endless.  I’d like to find a show that inspires me, that provides me stability and that I enjoy working on and eventually make my way to the top.  It’s been 10 years and I’m still looking…

6. Describe how you feel working within entertainment.

Working in entertainment is rough but interesting.  Everyday is a new scene, a different location or country perhaps, and talent.  Sometimes we take advantage of what our job has to offer and we forget bow lucky we are; it’s not a 9 to 5 job and we don’t sit in a cubicle all day (Although “The Office” does make that appealing!)  You make some good [shows] and some bad ones.  In the end, they all serve the same purpose…to entertain.  If you can sit on the couch and laugh or learn something new then we’ve done our job.

7. Aside from your production job, what other ventures are you pursuing?

I don’t have much time for other ventures, but if I did, I would be planning weddings/corporate events.  Over the years I’ve learned a lot about managing, scheduling, and dealing with high maintenance.  I would be bored without stress and drama.

8. If you we’re not in television production, what line work would you be in?

Entertainment Law.  I think about it at the end of each workday.  You know, the typical day where you send a fax or two, illegally bring an elephant into the state of NY, and fill out paperwork for the medic because the fire blower caught hair on fire.  Oddly enough I majored in Broadcast Production Management.  WHo would of thought there was a specific degree for this?!  Most colleges generalize this form of work under Journalism, Media Studies, or Film.  [My career choice] was production from the beginning, sometimes Law, but more years of studying and testing were never appealing.

9. What’s the best/hardest thing about working within production?

[The Best thing,] craft service.  [The hardest thing,] the hours.  You have to enjoy the show you are on and the crew that surrounds you because it becomes your life and they become your family.  It’s very difficult to maintain friendships and relationships outside of work, because they don’t understand why you can’t return their call at 5am when you’re driving to work and at 2am when you driving home.

10. What do most people assume about your career?

That it’s glamorous.  What they forget is that we are behind the camera not in front; which also comes with a lot of work.

11. What would you suggest to women working to gain a career in entertainment?

Networking is key.  Meet as many people as you can to get your foot in the door.  Prepare yourself to start at the bottom of the chain and make sacrifices along the way.  I advise you to ask as many questions as you can for you can’t learn “Live Set Scenarios” from a book.  Expose yourself to all the positions as show has to offer before finding your niche.  When you know what you want to do it’s easier to achieve your goal.

- Ashley Walker

Next: Phil Ade: Starting on JV

1. What is your AMMO?

My ammo is knowing life can only get better at this point. My ammo is the people God has put in my life, my everyday experiences, knowing that I can make a major impact on this world with the many talents I’m so lucky to have. That’s my ammo.

2. Traditionally the personas of rap artists and R&B artists are different. Given that you are dually talented in both, how do you manage being a part of both worlds?

It’s not something that I really pay attention to. My head is focused on making my music as good as possible. If that means I have to rap and sing so be it. People do often say though that I look like a hip hop artist and act like an R&B singer. I guess because I’m usually smooth, calm, and collected and I wear a lot of Stussy and 10 Deep. (laughs)

3. You were quoted saying that you want to “bring good music back.” What is your definition of good music?

What I really meant to say there is that I want to bring good HIP HOP music back. Not so much bring it back but help push it back into the forefront of popular culture. A lot of the commercial hip-hop songs that we hear and get heavily backed by labels are all about Money, Sex, Violence & Drugs and that’s cool because most of us, including myself, can relate to at least one of those topics, but I just feel the spectrum could be broadened. There is power in music. I just feel like most of the time it’s being used to make us feel good about our wrongs when it can also be something that can be used as a tool to accomplish something positive.

4. According to another interview you did you mentioned that some of your influences are Lupe, Kanye, and Wayne. Style wise how do your influences shape your overall sound?

Like all 3 of them, sometimes I say things that may go over most people’s heads. I just try to make my music sound good but also make it, lyrically, fun to listen to and you get that in all 3 of those guys music.

5. Tell us about working with Raheem Devaughn and Wale.

Raheem, as you know, is co-founder of 368 Music Group, the independent label I’m signed to. So him and Andre Hopson, also co-founder of the label, are pretty much my bosses and the people I have to answer to frequently. The relationships I have with them go deeper than that though. We all understand that this is a business and we’re in this to make each of our lives better, but at the same time we’re all trying to get this machine going. So Raheem and Dre are like big brothers to me, from day one they’ve acted as mentors showing me the ropes in this game, from a business and creative stand point. I haven’t really worked with Wale. It’s understandable because he has a lot on his plate now getting fully established as a mainstream artist, but I’m pretty sure we’ll get to collab on something in the future. He will however be featured on my the remix to a first single off my project, “Hollywood” along with Raheem and Tabi Bonney.

6. You named your debut mixtape “Starting on JV” what makes that title significant?

It’s a concept Dre (Andre Hopson) came to me with I think the very day I signed to 368. I had already had been working on a project that I was planning to name “Least Likely to Succeed.” It was going to be a statement made to those who used to tell me in high school that music wouldn’t get me anywhere in life. But after a discussion with Dre, we agreed that that direction is something Kanye has already played with as far as the whole College Dropout thing. So he came with the idea “Starting On JV”…. which still was a play something high school-related but more so on high school basketball, comparing it to the rap game. The varsity team in this case would be the established mainstream artists, and the junior varsity squad would be all the artists on the come up. “Starting On JV” basically makes the statement that I’m one of the best artists on the come up. I’m a starter for the JV team.

7. Being signed to 368 Music Group you’ve come a long way from singing in church choirs. What advice do you have for other people currently “Starting on JV?”

Stay true to yourself. The artists that have a lasting legacy all follow this rule. Every person on this planet is different. So being yourself and creating what you want to create is what’s going to set you apart.

8. Because you started out singing, how did find out you had a knack for rapping?

I’ve always been a hip hop fan… I would say ’95 is when I really started paying attention to what was going on in music as far as the different hip hop artists. So it was in me, but I just never even thought of taking the step to making rap music myself until my junior year of high school when I witnessed a lot of my friends doing it. It brought the idea down to earth for me. So I finally tried it myself. I recorded my first freestyle over the Wu Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M..” It was so fun to be listening to hip hop music that I created. I got hooked and addicted to making music after that. The rest is history. (laughs)

9. On another note, what top 3 things are you most looking forward to this summer?

Hmmmm… I would say touring. After doing the Sneaker Pimps tour last year we have a good relationship with the founders. (shout out to Shae and Pete) So they invited me to be part again this year. Also releasing my next project, entitled “The Letterman,” which will continue the high school basketball concept. Atlanta heavy-weight DJ Don Cannon will be mixing it all together for me and there will be a host of special guests featured on it. Last, I’m looking forward to all the new people and artists I know I’ll be meeting and building relationships with. I just met Dom Kennedy last night. Another dope artist and up and comer from Leimert Park in Southern California.

10. Name three things we don’t know but should know about Phil Ade.

1. People probably do know this but I staaaaaaaayyy on twitter. I have to say it. Follow me @philade301
2. I eat nearly everything with Ranch dressing. (laughs)
3. Every now and then I still go with my mother to church. Which sometimes gets a little awkward when people recognize me from all the stuff I’ve been doing (laughs). I know it’s only going to get worse as I progress.

Check out the track “Hollywood” from Phil Ade’s debut mixtape, Starting on JV.

Hollywood

For more on Phil Ade, click here.

For more from 368 Music Group, visit www.368musicgroup.com.

- Jessica Jones

Q&A: Shante Broadus: Boss Lady and Ultimate Mom

Mother’s Day mania has arrived and it’s all about the mothers in our lives.  Well we got the opportunity to talk to the ultimate mom, Shante Broadus.  She’s the wife of a hip-hop icon, mother, CEO of her own Boss Lady Entertainment, and a philanthropist as a spokeswoman for the Lupus LA Organization; an ultimate woman.

1. What is your AMMO? (What inspires you?)

My children inspire me. My husband inspires me. My family, sister, mother, aunts, etc. all inspire me. I am inspired to become great because they believe in me and my movement so much.

2. Boss Lady Entertainment, tell us who you have under this umbrella and what inspired you to start the company?

I started Boss Lady Entertainment because I wanted to be my own boss in an industry that is so tainted and untrue. I want my company to stand for representing our artists with the utmost integrity, and for it to be known that everything we do is 100%. Under BLE, we have a dance and recording studio, management company, my clothing line CoCoRi, and I just started my foundation I AM S.H.A.N.T.E.

3. We were all introduced to your family on the show, Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood. How was that experience for you and your family?

It was great. We all got to spend a lot of time together during the show! We had a good time.

4. Why did you decide not to continue the series? Would you consider returning back to television?

I would love to return to television, I think a lot of people out there are still curious to see how we get down. As for the show cancelling, that was not our decision. Everywhere we go the fans ask us if we are doing another season.

5. There have been tons of people attempting to expose the hip-hop world, and celebrity world in general, as it relates to fidelity. How do you stay grounded in your marriage?

My husband is one of my best friends. I’ve been in this with him from the jump. I have his back and he has mine, with that we will always be a great team.

6. Most women have suggested that the mentality when in a relationship with a celebrity, whether it be in music, sports, or film, is to understand and accept the lifestyle. Do you agree?

It’s definitely a lot to handle being married to a mega star. I am a strong woman and I have a great support system.

7. You’re a mother, CEO, wife of an icon, and a philanthropist. How do you juggle these roles?

I’m a Boss by nature. Whether it’s at home, in the office, it doesn’t matter. God doesn’t put too much on our shoulders that we can’t carry… So until my back breaks, I’ll be putting in more work! (Laughs)

8. Name three things we don’t know but should know about Shante Broadus.

I love to dance, I love going to concerts, and I love animals. I even have a horse.

9. What advice could you give young women today about the industry, relationships, and motherhood?

• Industry– Be true to yourself and success will come easy.
• Relationship- Become your partner’s best friend. No one can break that bond.
• Motherhood – Talk to your children and listen to what they have to say. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.

10. What’s up next for Boss Lady Entertainment and Shante Broadus?

What’s next?? What’s not next! (Laughs) BLE is a movement… join it! Visit my site blentonline.com and follow us on twitter @blenews and my personal twitter @bosslady_ent. Thank you!

- Crystal Hines

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