Sweet Tooth Media

NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo presented by events by NEVI: Press Release

2012-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

Contact Information:

events by NEVI

Lisa Love

P.O. Box 9693

Houston, TX 77213

832-410-9857

info@eventsbynevi.com

http://www.eventsbynevi.com/

events by NEVI Presents the

NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 24, 2012

Houston, TX – events by NEVI will present the NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo, taking place at THEO'S Restaurant 812 Westheimer on Saturday, March 17, 2012, and featuring Fashions by Thedies the Style Master, Sh'E-She Has Evolved, Sumptuous Sulay-plus size apparel, Shoes by ADDitudes Boutique, Make Up by SDM Make Up Artistry, Gifts by Kandles by Design, Event coverage by SweetToothMedia, and Live Performance by Hamone' tha black pearl. events by NEVI is committed to creating memorable experiences for everyone with entertainment that crosses a broad spectrum of interests. In addition to unique and unforgettable adventures, events by NEVI offers a host of community engagement initiatives throughout the Greater Houston area and neighboring communities.

events by NEVI is proud to bring the NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo to THEO'S for the FIRST TIME. The NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo was created by Lisa Love, CEO to promote good health and positive self image among women, foster sisterhood, and to give women an opportunity to take a journey of self discovery. Self image is important because the way we view ourselves directly affects every aspect of our lives. The NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo promotes health awareness by using what can only be described as an unconventional approach. The event will include health & wellness booths and presentations in order to provide valuable information on health issues that plaque our communities as well as contact information for local health resources to all attendees. One of the event highlights is the Fashion is for Everyone Fashion Show which will be kicked off by local recording artist Harmone’ tha black pearl. Event attendees will be able to meet the models and all event participants during an after party which will begin immediately following the NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo. Come out and Experience the Magic!

The NO LIMIT Health & Fashion Expo has something for everyone! General seating tickets are $10.00 and includes 1 ticket, to the fashion show and health expo, and admission into the after party. Runway seating tickets are $15.00 and includes VIP seating, admission to the fashion show and after party. Health organizations are welcomed and will receive (2) free tickets to the event, a resource table, chairs, tablecloth, recognition during the event and admission to the after party. Vendors are invited to provide products for a nominal fee of $50.00 and includes a table, chairs, tablecloth, recognition during the event, and admission to the after party. Sponsor Spotlights are available for $200 and include Company name and logo on printed material, company name and link on events by NEVI official website, Facebook, and Twitter. Sponsor Spolights will also receive a table, chairs, tablecloth, recognition during the event and admission to the after party. There will be an official introduction for all Sponsor Spotlights at the event and will require a representative to present information about their company. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventsbynevi.eventbrite.com

"There is room for everyone on the road to success." - Lisa Love

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Jackson, MS- S.T.A.N.D Rally and Concert: Celebrating the Dream of Dr. M.L. King

2012-01-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

Anyone who examines North American entertainment and news media will notice that members of ethnic and visible minorities are inadequately represented in entertainment and news media, and that portrayals of minorities are often stereotypical and demeaning.On the other hand, most mainstream media position white males as authority figures, while marginalizing the expertise of members of minorities. Approximately 90 percent of all experts featured in U.S. news stories are white. When minority experts are called upon, it's typically in response to minority community matters, drugs and crime. Certainly as we celebrated Dr. King's birthday, his dream and the legacy he leftbehind many news stations covered local community events and individuals generating enough noise to be heard. I guess I should be happy that there was some coverage about Dr. King and those that are working and fighting to keeping the dream alive, but I cant help but feel "some kind of way" about it only being a limited amount of coverage. In 2012, racism is still very much alive and well and for some reason it seems that its always being swept under the rug. For the layman, it may cause one to question, is Dr. King's dream STILL in fact alive...The answer is YES!!!

We all know that Dr. King practiced and preached the principle of non-violence, and while this principle coupled with his work changed the surface and thought processes of society forever, violence seems to STILL be prevalent. When turning on the news, its guaranteed that some violent act will be reported, covered, and maybe even headlined. Sure the communities have a right to know what is happening around them, however, the community also deserves to know about those individuals, organizations, events, and institutions that are exceptional in the encouragement and education of positive causes not just on days designated as "important" national holidays and months but daily. One said event that I had the privlege of experiencing was the S.T.A.N.D Rally and CConcert formely known as the Stop the Violence Rally in Jackson, MS. Presented by the S.H.E. Group, the S.T.A.N.D Rally did exactly what it set out to do and that is provide a platform and open dialogue between motivational speakers, attending politicians, and residents from across the state about violence, generation repeat and solutions to become all that one desires to become in life. According to Pam Greer, the event organizer, "In 2012, we as young adults are pledging to “Take a Stand” in eliminating the negative stereotypes portrayed and used to cancel opportunities for our generation and the next."

The cost of the event was free and brought out a plethora of attendees, performers and local media personnel. It was a great experience because it involved our youth. Children ranging from infancy to teenagers were there absorbing excellence at its best for a great cause. In addition to being educational it was an awesome networking opportunity where those with like minds congregated and spoke candidly about the disgrace happening in their communities and the impact that it has had on their lives. One attendee, Shante Galloway came to speak about the unneccesary act of violence that took her fiance away from the life that they were building together, in a robbery attempt gone bad. There was no judgement just a room full of compassion and hearts full of understanding. The show futher included record executives there to share a wealth of information with the upcoming artists. Performances included Ashyah J, Lee SC, Brittany Patton, Krystal Meth, Mississippi Rell, Whodini-Blak & Cash on Demand, Deuce Horne, Tighta Den Eva; Get ‘Em Gutta, Trouble Soulz, MiMi, Coming from Nothin, J.R. & The Allnighters, A.I. Prez, Onli Platinum Music, and many more. Sponsored by Locker Room Sports Bar, Baby Earl Production, Sapphire, Inc.; Frequent Fly Entertainment, Kategory 5 Production, Vision of Hope Church, and Premier Tax Services it was certainly a memorable event. If you are ever in Jackson, be sure to check out Pam Greer and the S.H.E. Group.

Check Out Pam Greer on Jackson Fox 40 News
http://www.fox40tv.com/s/GoempVDLhEqF1HAD1UbVig.cspx#.TydgI4mCfo0.blogger

The Stop the Violence Rally Made the Front Page of the Jackson Advocate, Check it out! http://www.jacksonadvocateonline.com/?p=7313

Sources:
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/ethnics_and_minorities/minorities_news.cfm

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Internet Censorship: W.T.H????

2012-01-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have a very personal experience with bullying...even in my 32 years of living, I have never experienced so much negative power use in all of my life. Certainly, just because I was naive to its existence doesnt mean that it didnt exist. However, political and legal bullying is on the rise and for me its confirmation that this is the first stage of this worlds' catclysmic end. First Bush, the Afghan war, and now an attempt to limit the transfer of free knowledge. Did they miss the memo, that ignorance is more expensive?

According to Google, The U.S. government could order the blocking of sites using methods similar to those employed by China in an attempt to combat the growth of piracy and counterfeiting. Among other things, search engines could be forced to delete entire websites from their search results. This legislation could greatly damage the free tool known as the internet and a plethora of information that is at our fingertips could be no more. This would be a horrid thing for the American economy. Social networking sites, blogs, and search engines would be censored. Whatever happened to freedom of speech, or any other right granted in our Constitution? This bullying act of censorship would not only limit the access to knowledge that so many educators and students use, it would also worsen the employment epidemic, and overkill our already recession ladened nation. Im almost willing to bet that it would cause a mass panic because at that point we would be forced to regress into an era before the world wide web. Wouldnt that be tragic?

It appears that the U.S. government is under the impression that its citizens are walking around absentmindedly or worse ignorantly; thinking that we dont recognize that it is once again utilizing its power to bully business owners and innovators alike in an attempt to take our money and line their own pockets. Now dont get me wrong, piracy is illegal and I get the gist of why they are proposing the the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, however, it seems like they are willing to punish the good guys for the bad guys' actions. Google indicates that these acts alone would do more harm than good in that it wouldnt even stop piracy. "The censorship regulations written into these bills won’t shut down pirate sites. These sites will just change their addresses and continue their criminal activities, while law-abiding companies will suffer high penalties for breaches they can’t possibly control. There are effective ways to combat foreign “rogue” websites dedicated to copyright infringement and trademark counterfeiting, while preserving the innovation and dynamism that have made the Internet such an important driver of American economic growth and job creation. Congress should consider alternatives like the OPEN Act, which takes targeted and focused steps to cut off the money supply from foreign pirate sites without making US companies censor the Web."

To be nice about it all, I will say that its just stupid! One Word to describe the notion: BULLSHIT!!! To do your part, sign your name to the petition by following the link https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

4th Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. Event: Poverty In America Awareness Press Release

2012-01-18T04:19:00.000-08:00

U.N.I.T.Y. events inspire through the arts including music and poetry. These events are structured to creatively address socioeconomic hardships including but not limited to domestic violence, self esteem, homelessness, hunger, and poverty. The arts have proven to bring about a sense of healing to those affected by the effects of calmative hardships and adversity. The Arts Advocate is a triple threat to adversity as an advocate, artist, and activist. Artists showcased in these events have evoked an incalculable impact through various art forms.

The purpose of Xquizit Xperiencez is to provide a platform for talent to function while inducing the visualization of creativity evoking Xquizit Xhalations. Art In Mo$h*n is far from ordinary! From leaping dancers covered in paint to eclectic venues you are guaranteed a mesmerizing experience. If you have yet to witness art in motion, dare not miss the opportunity this weekend!

The Arts Advocate and Xquizit Xperiencez invite you to the 4th Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. Event: Poverty in America Awareness and Toiletries For Families Anniversary Celebration with a special expo by ART IN MO$H*N on Saturday, January 21, 2012 6pm-10pm at Isis Houston. The 4th Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. (Uplifting Nonprofits In The communitY) Event is benefiting The Bread of Life and The Art Project Houston. Please support them by making tax deductible donations and/or contributing toiletry and art supply donations!

This event is SPONSORED by Sweet Tooth Media , Xquizit*Xperiencez & Xhalationz, The Arts Advocate, The Spice Project, Nathaleen Ree, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Tattoos by MU!, Toiletries for Families, Urban Houston Network, POM TV on UTN, Madd Poets, The Tré Magazine, Infinite Deep Galaxy Kategory Five Productions, , Houston Press, Allhouston Artgenres, I.C.O.N. Lifestyle Monthly, Digital Phyah Photography, www.a1hh.com, www.SwaggaKings.com. ROCK DAT Beat Radio, and Dodge Us Car Club (D.U.C.C.) If you are interested in a personal or professional sponsorship, please contact The ARTS Advocate at 713-396-2787

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Houston, TX- No Heart, No Hustle Mixtape: Released December 25, 2011 Featuring the Magnificent, Yung Crusay

2012-01-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Its Christmas Day, midnight and all of the little children are tucked away in their beds waiting for Santa's arrival. Parents are up staging the house, adding finishing touches to perfect gifts and tasty trimmings. I, on the other hand, am eagerly waiting for the rest of the world to hear, the realest sounds of hip-hop music since the days of Biggie and Pac. I had the chance to take a sneak peak of the No Heart, No Hustle Mixtape by Dirty Bizness Ent.'s own Yung Crusay. Released at midnight on December 25, 2011 No Heart, No Hustle, is exactly what radio airwaves need. Surely you all know that you wont find the year's important or greatest hip-hop releases in any store. Such greatness can't be shelved....!!!!!

No Heart, No Hustle is by far the best mixtape that I've heard in quite sometime and lets just say as a blogger, I get hundreds of mixtape links a day from various artists. No disrespect is intended for anyone, but unless it makes me move from beginning to end, its not worth mentioning. I happened to listen to this mixtape during my work out, which was perfectly timed by the way. No Heart, No Hustle was 45 minutes of a phenomenal compilation of production, hooks, and lyrics. Songs like Watch Yo Chick and Gangs All Hear, are most definitely club bangers with their anthem like beats, commands you to indulge lyrically and bounce your head. True to its mixtape title; No Heart, No Hustle, Gettin It, pays homage to all the hustlers, focused on making it happen. No Heart, No Hustle has a plethora of transitions, genre mixtures and old school connotations. Before, I knew that mixtapes were necessary to show the public what the artist is capable of. However; No Heart, No Hustle full of artistry and diversity, brings us into the raw world of Yung Crusay turning everyone that hears it into permanent fans. I personally don't know how anyone could hear this album and not LOVE IT! To download No Heart, No Hustle visit http://www.datpiff.com/Yung-Crusay-noheartnohustle-mixtape.297211.html

Now is virtually rude to discuss such greatness, without mentioning the creator, Yung Crusay. Yung Crusay is the CEO/Founder of Dirty Biz Entertainment and DGMG. She was born and in Huntsville, TX where she was raised by her mother. With background in Port Arthur, the rapper, writer, producer, and actress started creating her resume at the age of 5 when she begin acting. By 7th grade the budding star had begun to write lyrics. In 10th grade is when she added to her list of accomplishments, the title: rapper. Wanting to be the jack of many trades, Yung Crusay begin producing in 11th grade. While most teens are having identity crisis during these years, Yung Crusay took control and begin writing her own destiny. In 2002, Yung Crusay moved to Houston and decided to pursue her music career shortly after. From there she started TL Productions in 2004, Dirty Bizness Ent. in 2007. In May 2009 Yung Crusay released her 1st mixtape entitled, The Love Chronicles Pt. 1. DGMG which is a part of Dirty Bizness Entertainment, is a recent creation (2010) in which she is watching its growth. She appeared in her first film: Desire, Hostility, Delusion, released in June 2011. You can follow this Dirty Biz Boss on Twitter @Yung_Crusay. To read more about Yung Crusay, the DGMG models and Dirty Bizness Ent. Visit http://sweettoothmedia.blogspot.com/2011/03/dirty-girls-modeling-group-aspirations.html

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Jackson, MS- 2012 S.T.A.N.D. (previously, Stop the Violence) Rally and Concert Press Release

2012-01-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

Together We Stand, Divided We Fall

Jackson, MS – The S.H.E. Group proudly presents the 2012 S.T.A.N.D. (formerly Stop the Violence) Rally and Concert hosted by Baby Earl Productions of Brookhaven, Mississippi on Saturday, January 14, 2012. This event will be held at Limitless Venue (4731 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi) with doors opening promptly at 12:30 p.m.

The objective of this event is to provide a platform and open dialogue between motivational speakers, attending politicians, and residents from across the state about violence, generation repeat and solutions to become all that one desires to become in life. In 2012, we as young adults are pledging to “Take a Stand” in eliminating the negative stereotypes portrayed and used to cancel opportunities for our generation and the next. This event will also feature spoken word and hip-hop performances by local teens and adults using their voice to be a part of change.

The cost of this event is free to the community; however, donations will be accepted to help needy families that have became victim to a crime in our community. Guest speakers (at this time) are Cassio Batteast, Albert Coleman, Shanta Galloway, and various politicians in our community. Guest performances (at this time) are by Ashyah J, Lee SC, Brittany Patton, Krystal Meth, Mississippi Rell, Whodini-Blak & Cash on Demand, Deuce Horne, Tighta Den Eva; Get ‘Em Gutta, Trouble Soulz, MiMi, Coming from Nothin, J.R. & The Allnighters, A.I. Prez, Onli Platinum Music, and many more. This event is being strongly backed by Locker Room Sports Bar, Baby Earl Production, Sapphire, Inc.; Frequent Fly Entertainment, Kategory 5 Production, Vision of Hope Church, and Premier Tax Services.

For more information about the S.T.A.N.D. Concert and Rally or to participate, please contact Pam Greer at pamgreer@rocketmail.com or via facebook/misspamgreer

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

The 2nd Installment of the T.R.U.T.H. Project: Reflection on the Art of Recognition and Healing

2011-12-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Imagine your T.R.U.T.H. is melodiously hypnotizing and leading you to a place consumed by smooth Jazz and R&B Tunes, playing musical talent greats such as Angie Stone. The soothing sounds are excellent music to your ears...So much so, that you realize that you are unconsciously awake. Until...your eyes absorb one of the most magnificent creations in the making: Body Art created by Vonetta of ABC Body Art jolting you into consciousness. Making you aware that she is eloquently painting male and female models with varying hues of browns and blues decorating the human canvases with words and phrases that speaks her T.R.U.T.Hs. This causes you to examine others getting a full frontal view of the excellence that you are experiencing. You find that the audience is just as diverse as the artistry that has begun to stimulate all of your senses. After pinching yourself, because this type of glorious exhibition is only found in vivid dreams, you accept that you are in fact NOT asleep rather you are at the 2nd Installment of the T.R.U.T.H Project. This is the ephipany that I lived.

ABC Body Art by Vonetta

Miss Pinky

	The T.R.U.T.H. Project targets the GLBT community and Allies, focusing on creating self awareness and healing through the use of performance arts and social engagement. Addressing issues important to our community and society, this project highlights national and local artist creating original works that will be presented to the community in an Out Of the Box healing experience. Healing through the ARTS. T.R.U.T.H stands for Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing. The T.R.U.T.H Project is a themed structured event, that highlights Feature/Celebrity Presentations, Community Artists, and the Open Mic; for those making the decision to heal. The artists create original work centering around the theme. The 2nd Installment's theme centered around creating Stigma and Bullying awareness. This installment's features were the wonderful Entertainer Buttaflysoul who blessed us with his many talents including poetry and song; as well as the talented acoutstic guitarist, Ken J. Martin. Community artists included Urban Souls Dance Company II, HBO Short Film Creator, Darius Clark Monroe and Dr. Drake Williams who educated the audience on bullying behavior and statistics. This aspect of the T.R.U.T.H Project very enlightening because there were aspects of bullying presented that many were unaware of, such as 282,000 students were reported to be attacked throughout the nation each month. Fourth to eighth graders account for 90% physical abuse at home which leads to violence at school. The Open Mic was set on fire by poets, such as Augie, Ms. Pinky, RC, and Light. The Open Mic also included movements by Donnie, a member of Urban Souls Dance Company. Each artist contributed beautifully to bring and increase awareness to bullying and stigma. Entertainer Buttafly Soul RC Urban Souls Dance Company II Ken J. Martin The energy was so high and powerful in that room, I was moved to tears. Hearing community members share their unapologetic truths moving themselves and me to healing. The best part of the night before witnessing all of the healing gifts offered was being able to sit down and chat with Entertainer Buttaflysoul. He shared his absolute truths with me and helped me to come to terms with some of my own. If you have never experienced excellence and healing of this magnitude, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. The next T.R.U.T.H Project will be held on December 4, 2011 at the Arena Theater, featuring 6x Grammy Award Nominee, Marsha Ambrosius. The 3rd Installment's them is Stigma and HIV/AIDS Awareness. For more information visit http://www.sweettoothmedia.com/

The T.R.U.T.H. Project targets the GLBT community and Allies, focusing on creating self awareness and healing through the use of performance arts and social engagement. Addressing issues important to our community and society, this project highlights national and local artist creating original works that will be presented to the community in an Out Of the Box healing experience. Healing through the ARTS. T.R.U.T.H stands for Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing. The T.R.U.T.H Project is a themed structured event, that highlights Feature/Celebrity Presentations, Community Artists, and the Open Mic; for those making the decision to heal. The artists create original work centering around the theme. The 2nd Installment's theme centered around creating Stigma and Bullying awareness. This installment's features were the wonderful Entertainer Buttaflysoul who blessed us with his many talents including poetry and song; as well as the talented acoutstic guitarist, Ken J. Martin. Community artists included Urban Souls Dance Company II, HBO Short Film Creator, Darius Clark Monroe and Dr. Drake Williams who educated the audience on bullying behavior and statistics. This aspect of the T.R.U.T.H Project very enlightening because there were aspects of bullying presented that many were unaware of, such as 282,000 students were reported to be attacked throughout the nation each month. Fourth to eighth graders account for 90% physical abuse at home which leads to violence at school. The Open Mic was set on fire by poets, such as Augie, Ms. Pinky, RC, and Light. The Open Mic also included movements by Donnie, a member of Urban Souls Dance Company. Each artist contributed beautifully to bring and increase awareness to bullying and stigma.

Entertainer Buttafly Soul

Urban Souls Dance Company II

Ken J. Martin

The energy was so high and powerful in that room, I was moved to tears. Hearing community members share their unapologetic truths moving themselves and me to healing. The best part of the night before witnessing all of the healing gifts offered was being able to sit down and chat with Entertainer Buttaflysoul. He shared his absolute truths with me and helped me to come to terms with some of my own. If you have never experienced excellence and healing of this magnitude, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. The next T.R.U.T.H Project will be held on December 4, 2011 at the Arena Theater, featuring 6x Grammy Award Nominee, Marsha Ambrosius. The 3rd Installment's them is Stigma and HIV/AIDS Awareness. For more information visit http://www.sweettoothmedia.com/

Check Out Intimate Conversation with Entertainer Buttafly Soul

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

World AIDS Day 2011

2011-11-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988. Furthermore it is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and put your knowledge into action. If you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today - you can use this knowledge to take care of your own health and the health of others, and ensure you treat everyone living with HIV fairly, and with respect and understanding. You can also show your support for people living with HIV on World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of HIV awareness. World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT and show your support for people living with HIV.

Each year there is a theme attached to World AIDS Day. In 1988, the theme was Communication. Communication is a necessary medicine in maintaining health and being the theme during the first year of inception speaks volumes about the importance of being able to communicate freely. In 2002-2003 the theme was Stigma and Discrimination. These are of importance because stigma and discrimination act as secondary illness that greatly affect persons living with HIV/AIDS. The theme for 2011 through 2015 is "Getting to Zero". Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. “Zero New HIV Infections” and “Zero Discrimination” are likely to spark high impact events from small scale community vigils to nation wide events using the power of voice and light to get life and death issues the attention they deserve. Many of the organizations that come together to put events to create awareness of the AIDS/HIV epidemic come with their own sub-theme. A notable event in Houston is the upcoming T.R.U.T.H Project. The T.R.U.T.H. Project targets the GLBT community and Allies, focusing on creating self awareness and healing through the use of performance arts and social engagement. Addressing issues important to our community and society, this project highlights national and local artist creating original works that will be presented to the community in an Out Of the Box healing experience. Healing through the ARTS. This installment's theme is addressing the issues of HIV Awareness and Stigma.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.

The data regarding Americans living with HIV are alarming. ‎1.2 million Americans who have HIV - the infection that causes AIDS - 20 percent don't know they're infected. That's 240,000 people. People can have the infection for years without developing symptoms. Another reason for the low success rate, only about 40 percent of people with HIV are getting HIV-fighting medications regularly. Worse, only 28 percent have gotten the virus to low levels in their blood. That translates to roughly 850,000 Americans who don't have the virus controlled, Frieden said. Success rates were lowest in blacks and women, he said. ‎"The fact that nearly three quarters of Americans living with HIV still have the virus circulating in their bodies, damaging their brains and immune systems and putting their sexual partner at risk is something we think we can do a lot about," Frieden told Reuters. The report - published Tuesday on the CDC's website - was based on surveys and surveillance reports from 2010 and a study that focused on medical care for people with HIV.

There are several reasons why more people aren't faring better, the CDC said. Some were still early in their treatment before medication took effect. Some dropped routine care because of money or other reasons. For a small percentage of cases, the treatment may not have worked. The key to Getting To Zero, is getting tested! KNOW your STATUS, Get Tested!!!!

Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57333212-10391704/cdc-240000-americans-have-hiv-and-dont-know-it/
http://www.worldaidsday.org/
http://www.aidshelp.org/
http://www.unaids.org/en/Dataanalysis/Epidemiology/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day
http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/world-aids-day/world-aids-day-2011/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Singledom and the Holidays: What do the Singles DO?

2011-11-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

Its Officially the Holiday season, and families are preparing feasts, parents are starting to Christmas shop, newlyweds are beginning their own traditions and you.... you are single, and trying to figure out, how this holiday season can be a little better than last year. After all, you were the family's target, because you are single, and besides your family are celebrating the holidays alone. They call you "lonely". All the while you are thinking, "What the hell is their problem...you arent lonely, you are single and perfectly ok with that notion, why in the hell arent they?" This holiday season, Sweet Tooth Media is pleased to bring you a little humor and insight on exactly what to do to deal with these inquisitive folks we call family.

According to Lemon Drop.com, There are roughly 55 million single women in the U.S. Many of them are with-it, smokin' and smart -- and many with their finger on the pulse of life. But when that certain finger is ringless, even the most self-assured single can dread the shame and rebuke of facing disappointed family during the holidays -- especially when the really hostile ones who found the unlocked liquor cabinet constantly undermine you, demanding to know why you can't scare up a date. It can be downright soul-crushing when you come home empty-handed --– literally! -- no ring on that finger, watching family members' faces crumble in disappointment that you're back another year without any engagement bling.

Traditionally, holiday time is the most ego-eroding of seasons for singles – but it doesn't have to be. If you're armed with a few simple coping strategies when heading home (to the hostile) for the holidays, major blowups can be avoided. (Like when loving parents can suddenly morph into unrelenting interrogators.) These people are presumably the people who gave you life -- now they're the ones essentially draining you of it. Some holiday survival tips for singles:

Get Over It Already

If you have recently broke up with your mate (3 or more months prior to the holiday season) I am certain that you will feel the sting of being alone and wonder what the other person is doing, who they are with and what are they buying their date, mother, or dog for Christmas. You may even wonder if they will call you and say "hi". The best thing to do is get over it. If you were close to the family, send a card with a picture of yourself attached. Certainly, you would want to get all dolled up and make them understand exactly what they are missing. If you want to be really festive, buy your ex a small Christmas gift, symbolizing the breakup, progress since the break up or the future you plan to enjoy without them. Dont dwell on the fact that you two arent together, spend the extra money on yourself. Travel Abroad.

Take the Heat Off Yourself

When Aunt Mary overzealously tries to foist her single drummer from church onto you, try to extricate yourself from this sticky situation by taking the heat off yourself. Suggest that Mary set him up with her own daughter, who's recently divorced. Tell them firmly to table their crusade to get you hitched until a more appropriate time. Don't let overzealous -- and, yes, well-meaning -- family members crush your otherwise cheery holiday mood or project that pressure onto you to find someone.... Basically, tell Aunt Mary to date her drummer from church herself, and that you have no problem getting a date, you just refuse to be miserable like so many other of your family relatives.

Ditch the Family

If you really just arent in the mood for your family's bullshit and empty opinions...Ditch em'. Instead of eating grandma's dressing straight from her stove have her make you a pan of your own and tell her that you are choosing to celebrate with friends. She will understand that the family can be a pain at times and will quickly oblige. If you dont have many friends to celebrate with, split your time and volunteer. There are several organizations and establishments that would love to have you there, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. Have a plan to end the night perfectly doing exactly what you want to do. The next day as you reflect, you will find that you have done something worthwhile, without all the drama that your family brings to holiday festivities.

Confront Your Family, Once and for All

Confront the familial offenders head on and explain that their projected pressure onto you is compounding your insecurities and crushing your self-esteem -- all the while putting undue stress on your relationship with them. Reinforce that although you appreciate their concern, you don't need them to belabor the fact that you're single -- and that their outbursts are backfiring and undercutting you with each insensitive jab.....No NOT really, dont do that. Tell them that if they had a life worth living, they wouldnt be so concerned with yours and that once they live life as free and peaceful as you then and only then will you take advantage of their undying advice.

If none of these things work, over indulge in egg nog and other alcoholic beverages. I hear Kahul;a is great this time of year.
Information obtained from http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/12/13/how-to-survive-the-holidays-single/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Hurricane Katrina: Six Years Later, The Big Easy Ambassadors Remember and Celebrate New Orleans Culture

2011-09-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

The effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans have been long-lasting. There is still alot of the city that has gone unrepaired, pride questioned, faith shook, lives lost and hope taken for granted. People were coerced to make homes in other cities and states and while many families have returned to New Orleans there are some who have remained, transplanting their families and their New Orleans roots. According to the Houston Chronicle, "Six years after Hurricane Katrina there is an estimated 240,000 New Orleans-area residents remaining in Houston." Even with the decision to call Houston home, New Orleans culture is still deeply rooted in the transplanted New Orleanians. Remembering New Orleans pre-Katrina fused with the love of home no matter the condition led to a celebration of culture. The Big Easy Ambassadors presented the 2nd Annual Hurricane Katrina Secondline and Memorial and MsNightLyfe had the sheer pleasure of experiencing first hand just how deep that love for New Orleans runs.

Imagine a Southern family reunion in the depths of Lousiana swamps, including the matriarchs of the family, Uncle Shorty, cousins, aunts, family friends and church folk all gathered together to celebrate, remember, and uplift all in attendance, only you're not in Louisiana, you're in Houston, Texas. On Sunday, August 28, 2011 at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, approximately 1500 people attended the 2nd Annual Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Secondline. The Big Easy Ambassadors delivered everything that they said they would: "...an eye popping and ear dropping display of music, dance, culture, tradition and fanfare. Harvey Yancy, founder and member of The Big Easy Ambassadors says that the Hurricane Katrina Memorials is "a true reunion of all sorts, families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, classmates and more! " The excitement and desire for this event has prompted many New Orleans artists to donate a portion of their performance time to us. The show was hosted by Davi Jay from the HBO hit series “Treme”, and entertainment was provided by Franklin IV the Rockspel, Artist, Dave Lemon and the Flow and The Hustlers Brass Band. The HKM 2011 was funded solely by donations from the New Orleans community in Houston, music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and people in search of a good time. Now all that was center stage. I arrived early enough to enjoy set up and preparations for the big event. I was shown to a green room with a large conference table and the ambience in the room was that of familiarity and love. Around the table was Secondline Shorty, Scooby the Comedienne, a host of volunteers and family members. Each member reflected on different aspects of their lives in New Orleans and identifying the difference between homes. The look of pride and the excitement of progression in their voices makes their love and respect for New Orleans that much greater.

Once it was show time the energy level ascended beyond the stars. The crowd continued to grow, the unity and love for a city that others said would forever be lost, flowed freely, like a continuation of the Huey P. Long bridge threw downtown Houston and stopped right in the heart of Hermann Memorial Park at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Harvey Yancey began the celebration like a true Southern man, leading us in prayer, inviting God's anointing in. Scooby, Comedienne Extraordinaire, opened the show, with, humorous New Orleans throwbacks reminding the crowd of just how great and influential a New Orleans upbringing could be. Dave Lemon graced the stage and crooned to the ladies like only a New Orleans musical talent can. You know the saying that the "Band Played On", well the Hustlers Brass Band showed up and showed out, bringing everyone in attendance to their feet. The stimulation was heightened with Secondline Shorty and ... secondlining their way into the memories and enduring spirits of transplanted New Orleanians. If you missed this celebration of culture, you missed a socially inclined treat. I found that the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Secondline provided a stage for those who miss home, the richness of the very culture, that has help molded the sustaining people of New Orleans. Check Out SweetToothMedia footage of this grand event and then kick yourself...or just plan to atttend and contribute to the 2012's Hurrican Katrina Memorial and Secondline.

For More Information about the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Secondline Please visit the following links:
http://sweettoothmedia.blogspot.com/2011/08/big-easy-ambassadors-presents-2nd.html

(http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/New-Orleanians-in-Houston-seek-cohesion-2161915.php)

http://www.bigeasyambassadors.com/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

3rd Quarter of Change U.N.I.T.Y. Event: Press Release

2011-09-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

Toiletries For Families is a charitable, not for profit organization that provides items for hygiene upkeep to families experiencing financial difficulties. The conviction and mission of Toiletries For Families is to eliminate various socio-economic challenges by providing essentials needed to build and maintain proper hygiene and improve self esteem.

The vision of Toiletries For Families is to infiltrate a global impact invoking a common sense of self worth and appreciation through the provision of hygiene products to the under served. To date, over 1,000 families have received toiletries to improve their self esteem and hygiene.

Tiffany Scales is the founder of Toiletries For Families and has been planning and hosting BIG events every quarter ( Jan. 4, Apr. 23, July 23) to raise awareness not only for Toiletries For Families, but other Uplifting Nonprofits In The CommunitY (U.N.I.T.Y.). Through music and poetry she has entertained and educated hundreds of people while encouraging them to support organizations serving as conduits to the betterment of society.
Toiletries For Families http://www.toiletriesforfamilies.org/

Toiletries For Families is celebrating the 3rd Quarter of Change on Sunday October 2, 2011 at Gallery M Squared in the Heights in celebration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As we celebrate the 3rd Quarter of Change and recognize U.N.I.T.Y. (Uplifting Nonprofits In The communitY), we feature various artists who grasp their audience through poetry/music and empower, educate, and entertain them with their talent(s). In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness, Toiletries For Families request donations of hygiene items and make up including but not limited to concealer and creams to hide/heal scars. Most families that are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged, at risk, or receive government assistance often don't have the resources to cover toiletries or household items. Tiffany Scales states "It is humiliating to not be able to look or feel beautiful due to financial hardships. I cannot imagine the stress of parents who cannot afford essentials like toilet tissue, soap, lotion, or shampoo/conditioner..." So Please Join us, Sunday,
October 2nd at Gallery M Squared.

This event is SPONSORED by Ms Night Lyfe of SweetToothMedia, D.U.C.C. (DODGE US CAR CLUB), Kategory Five Productions, and The Arts Advocate. There will be several poets/artists including COLIN Sturdevant, Kayenne da HOTTEST, SOLO DEEP, Kharma, and more! Featuring Chris Crawford and a SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY Taalam Acey! Refreshments by Chef Bersalle.
If you are interested in personal/professional sponsorship, please contact Tiffany Scales at 713-396-2787 http://www.toiletriesforfamiles.org/
To make donations contact Dodge Us CarClub (D.U.C.C.) at dodge_us_carclub@yahoo.com or Visit http://www.sweettoothmedia.com/ for Drop off locations.

."Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

The T.R.U.T.H. Project: K. DaPree, The Socially Inclined SoothSayer!

2011-08-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Often when you hear the term "Social Network" you think of a social structure made up of individuals or organizations that are in some form connected through commonalities or similar interest. These relationships work together for the individuals and the social structure. I like to infer that these social structures will thrive based on the foundation in which it was created. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on earlier innuendos of Social Network, dating back to the 1800's. Sociologists argued that social groups can exist as personal and direct social ties that either link individuals who share values and belief or impersonal, formal, and instrumental social links. This says that we have a need to to socialize, its what makes us human. All to often we get so caught up in the "social networks" that we fail to hone those social ties to the point of healing. When individuals gather to celebrate, appreciate and share those things that make us human, I think it would be safe to say, that being apart of a social network is in our best interest and the best thing to do. But...what if you are the social network itself, intricately operating, existing, simply to bring togther a group of individuals using their pain to heal themselves and others? I have found an individual, that is the source of the Ultimate Social Network, Mr. K. Dapree and that network is the T.R.U.T.H. Project which stands for Telling Real Unapologetic Truth thru Healing. Its a must that I tell you how this Social Network has grown into the Ultimate Social Network....Listen Up!!!

It was scorching HOT on an early Friday evening, and I arrived at the home of Mr. Kevin Anderson, socially known as K. Dapree. I was brought in out of Hell's imitation and greeted warmly...so much so, I kicked my shoes off and almost curled up on the couch. K. Dapree made me feel comfortable and right at home. After I was all settled in, I took a sip of my water, and just gazed in amazement at this marvelous being. This man has done wonderful things for the community. It is no wonder he, himself, has become the ultimate social network. First beginning, with He(Art) and Soul, a merging of the arts, where various artists of all walks come to share their talents, network and be spiritually fed, K.Dapree envisioned an intellectual alternative form of entertainment. From that vision grew a breeding ground of kindred spirits and creative juices. He(Art) and Soul has become the sounding stage, for those creative souls, willing, driven, and pulled to share and inspire. K. Dapree tells me that in analyzing the progress of He(Art) and Soul, he found that he had created a platform for people to open up and talk about taboo and painful issues that in someway or another lead to healing and moving on. In the midst of He(Art) and Soul's growth, he had another visionary idea that was written on a sticky note at work, and said "T.R.U.T.H. Project. K. Dapree states that he didn't have any idea what that meant, but realized at a later date that he put periods behind each letter, and then one day it hit him: Telling Real Unapologetic Truths thru Healing. This would be an exclusive arena for healing through arts, through expression. Six months later it has become that and more.

The T.R.U.T.H Project launched on June 24th, 2011. Its healing theme was Abuse and Discrimination. The next T.R.U.T.H Project will be on September 17, 2011 at the Kaplan Theater on the campus of the Jewish Community Center. 5601 S. Braeswood. The theme in September will focus on Bullying and Stigma. September's project features Buttafly Soul and Ken J. Martin along community artists including L.I.G.H.T (Spoken Word Artist/Educator), Donnie(Dancer), Urban Souls Dance Company 2, Venita (Body Artist) and Ms. Pinky (Poetess). The T.R.U.T.H Project is a structured event, that highlights Feature/Celebrity Presentations, Community Artists, and the Open Mic; for those making the decision to heal because of something they heard or experienced at any of K. Dapree's events. The artists create original work centering around the theme. What makes this the Ultimate Social Network is that all of its members are expressing for the common good of every eye that sees and every ear that hears. K. Dapree, says this isn't a competitive platform, rather a great formation of alliances and collaboration. Having been a patron of anyting K. Dapree, I have witnessed first hand artists networking, coming together to serve each other effortlessly. Witnessing the connections is what makes this worthwhile for K. Dapree.

As I sat there hanging on to every word, made by one of the most talented, creative men I know, it was hard for me to find exactly where to end the interview. Listening to him speak is like listening to a poetic love song on a Saturday morning, while cleaning your home with the windows up, rollers hanging and feet dancing. K. Dapree ends our interview with this: "Remain in your TRUTH, dont hold on to things we arent responsible for and let it out...preferably creatively. EXPRESS IT and SPEAK YOUR TRUTH!"

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Big Easy Ambassadors Presents: The 2nd Annual Hurricane Katrina Memorial

2011-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2nd Annual Hurricane Katrina Memorial
Secondline A reunion of life, culture, prosperity and strength through a New Orleans tradition.

The 2nd Annual Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Secondline is a spicy three course meal of entertainment featuring a host of New Orleans’ musicians in the heart of Houston. Building on the success of last year’s event and after a tiring journey to find a new home, this year the show will take place at the world famous Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park, Sunday, August 28, 2011. The Big Easy Ambassadors present an eye popping and ear dropping display of music, dance, culture, tradition and fanfare will be a site to remember. Starting at 7 o’clock pm this show will light up the night.

The HKM 2011 is a true reunion of all sorts, families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, classmates and more! Inspired by comments like, “Thank you, baby! We felt like they forgot about us, but for this one day, I feel like I’m home!” from a Ms. Weathersby formerly of the 9th Ward in New Orleans, now a HouOrleanian.

The excitement and desire for this event has prompted many New Orleans artists to donate a portion of their performance time to us. The show will be hosted by Davi Jay from the HBO hit series “Treme”, followed by Franklin IV the Rockspel a?rtist, Dave Lemon and the Flow and The Hustlers Brass Band. The HKM 2011 is being funded solely by donations from the New Orleans community in Houston, music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and people in search of a good time.

This event was the springboard for the formation of our non-profit organization, “Big Easy Ambassadors Social Aid and Pleasure Club”, which reconnects and energizes the displaced citizens of New Orleans all over the country. Information about the HKM 2011 ways to Donate and/or organization information can be found at www.bigeasyambassadors.com.

The HKM 2011 is an event to remember. Come out to crowning event, full of excitement and great entertainment. Hermann Park’s family friendly environment welcomes your grills and boiling pots for a family and friend reunion like none other. Please come enjoy our music, food, family, tradition and homage.

Contact Information: Big Easy Ambassadors 7520 Cook Rd. Suite 2108
832-576-0040 http://www.bigeasyambassadors.com/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

QMane, The Future of Hip-Hop: Live From Trae Day 2011

2011-08-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

July 22, 2011 was Hot as hell outside, yet that didnt stop folks from arriving at Delmar Stadium, anticipating the increase in temperature as they stepped inside Hip-Hop Inferno, known as Trae Day. 2011 marked the Fourth Annual Trae Day celebration. Trae Day is an official Houston holiday that celebrates support in the urban community. This free event is presented by Trae the Truth in which he provides back to school supplies for the children in the urban community as well as a one stop fun shop, where they can receive freebies, vaccinations; partake in food, and fun house festivities. Adults are entertained by a concert featuring local talent and other celebrities. Celebrities present this year included Lupe Fiasco, Lil Duval, Bun B., Lola Monroe, Mama Pimp (Pimp C's Mother) and more. I was amazed of the city officials' participation in this event. Representatives from the office of Councilwoman Jolanda Jones and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee were present and presented Trae the Truth with letters/awards of recognition for his continued community support. All of this made Trae Day, historical, but what made Trae Day remarkable, was the performance of QMane, the Young Lyricist. THIS was my purpose for subjecting myself to such harsh and hot conditions.

Qmane was born Quamaine Deondre Edwards in the city of Opelousas,LA. He started to show interest in Hip Hop at the age of 3, but became more serious when started to write his own songs at the age of 9. Now with a positive future ahead of him as a professional artist, he also hosts his own radio show on http://www.getmusictracks.com/ Q96.6 PUIR SOUND RADIO, which is on the air each and every Saturday 12pm-2pm. He also has worked with artists like: Lil Boosie, Lil Keke, J Dawg, Cory Mo, Killa Kyleon, and many more. So then it should be no surprise to you that he was a thread in this historical cloth. QMane, now 14 years old, has an energy, that is encompassing. It doesnt matter the mood you're in, if hear him perform, live or otherwise, you will move your feet. On Trae Day, I was able to see another hot performance from QMane, his new single entitled, "TWERK". Certainly its not surprise, that this budding 14 year old and soon to be high school freshman, is interested in seeing the young ladies Twerk! This dance hit, laced with southern drawl paying homage to Lil Boosie, is sure to get the teeny boppers out of their seats. On stage with QMane is the newest addition to his team, FGOC: Fly Girls On Campus. These young ladies, represent various colleges and formed this dance team to support up and coming artists, hone their dance skills, and to get the exposure they well deserve. About a week before Trae Day, I had a chance to visit QMane at PUIR 96.6 and got a chance to meet FGOC. These ladies are full of energy and fits perfectly with QMane's drive and energy level. After the performance, Trae Day went on, but QMane, well he continued to grind. Once his fans and entourage allowed him to break free, he worked the crowd. From distributing free cd's and greeting other players in the rap game to making his own cameos in front of any camera aimed his way. FGOC followed closely creating their own lane to support QMane.

This was my first time attending Trae Day, but I am proud of Trae's efforts and commitment to the betterment of the community. All to often we hear about this artist committing this crime, have a baby with this woman, etc., but to witness Trae Day, QMane and many of the other artists, I know that there are still people that allow the community to live within them. That simple fact, makes what Sweet Tooth Media does, worth doing!!

To partake in a small part of Trae Day, I recommend watching Man's performance of "TWERK" at Trae Day 2011.

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

A Day of Music to Benefit: Girls Rock Camp Houston

2011-08-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

I remember hearing while growing up that I could do anything I choose to do. Whether it was driving tractors, trucks, cutting grass, construction, wearing clothing designed for boys or playing music, I was encouraged to be the best that I can be. I also remember joining groups that encouraged me to be the best but, defined in which arenas best fit and young and budding girl child. Thank God, our community has evolved some since then. Its imperative that children especially girls are encouraged to explore all avenues of art, music and the like, to promote creativity and freedom of expression. W.O.M.A.N, Women of Montrose Action Network is one of those organizations that promotes that whole woman no matter her calling, desire, or default origin. To report it accurately, The Women of Montrose Action Network (WOMAN) unites dedicated, like-minded women, and men, from all walks of life, maximizing talents, time and effort to improve the well-being of our community. Utilizing their vast network of contacts, WOMAN members provide strength in numbers to support local charities through volunteering, building awareness and fundraising for the benefit of our much-loved community. WOMAN "intend to make our community and city a better place for all who live here. We do so through volunteerism, fundraising, awareness campaigns, and social events that celebrate all that is special about the women of our area."

An example of this community strength was witnessed at the Day of Music benefiting Girls Rock Camp Houston held at Fitz on July 24, 2011. Women of Montrose Action Network supported GirlsRock Houston which is an incredible organization that utilizes music to reach out to girls from all around the Houston area. Girls Rock Camp Houston is a one-week summer day camp formed in October 2009 to offer girls music and art based workshops. Targeted areas include: musical development, self-esteem enhancement, creation of their own music, friendship and community building,... and nurturing individual talents within a cooperative atmosphere. Additionally, girls will benefit from physical & artistic activities that complement their music instruction. WOMAN's goal was to raise money for this new 501c organization as well as create an awareness for Girls Rock Camp Houston. There is certainly a need to encourage

While I didn't stay long at the event, the time I spent there sent me in awe and total amazement. There were several bands including, No Love Less, Dear Tess & the Queasy Dreams, Dead Roses, The Kimonos, and Born Again Virgins that came out and showcased their talent in this party for a purpose. The young girls there saw first hand what hard work and dedication can lead to. The room's ambiance was astounding and I am not sure if it was the pretty in pink or the awesome energy of those in attendance and the ladies of WOMAN. The raffles, silent auction, food and great music all made the event worth attending. I look forward to much more from both WOMAN and Girls Rock Camp Houston.

To Learn More about Girls Rock Camp Houston or WOMAN visit: http://facebook.com/GirlsRockCampHouston

www.girlsrockhouston.org

http://twitter.com/#!/WomenofMontrose

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Sweet Tooth Media: A Year in Review

2011-07-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

What a difference a year can make!!! I must say that this has been one of the most progressive years that I've had in my entire existence. I like to believe that progress is the result of pressure. Of course, the more pressure a diamond is under the more beautiful it is. Well as my diamond, in the rough and all, Sweet Tooth Media is composed of the rarest and most purist quality: TRUTH! Sweet Tooth Media exists and will continue to thrive as the community's Truthsayer.

Over this last year, Sweet Tooth Media has interviewed the best of the best, attended cream of the crop events, and made history in its own right. This has been a year of branding for Sweet Tooth Media and since its a continuous phenomenon we will continue to brand ourselves as a Community Support! As the Founder of Sweet Tooth Media, I am proud of the path it has made and I look forward to where it will lead. Which by the way, you may wonder where exactly is Sweet Tooth Media headed. In addition to Sweet Tooth Media continuing to create positive press and support those in the community, there is a possibility that we will be partnering up with another community organization, to support the arts specifically. There is also speculation that of a magazine and business to business expansions. I'm not one to gossip, but it seems that there are great things ahead. I would love for you to be a part of this movement, so stay tuned.

I encourage everyone to read something, its a way of life and there is nothing more beautiful the self-learning...it means you're committed. Catch up on your reading, see what Sweet Tooth Media has been up to. For those who need a visual to jump start the reading desire here is Sweet Tooth Media's 2011 promo. To learn more visit www.SweetToothMedia.com

"It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required." -Sir Winston Churchill

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

A Sweet Tooth Media Exclusive: SneakerGeeks Clothing Summer Clothing Line is Now Available

2011-06-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

"Summer Summer Summertime, Ohhh Summertime..." The sun is out, the grass is burnt, and the what better way to walk into summer, than FRESHAZZFUCK! Sneaker Geek Clothing is back at it again with the release of its Summer Time Clothing line. Specializing in the sneaker culture clothing, Sneaker Geeks Clothing has created cool and comfortable t-shirts to complement those fresh summer time kicks. Check out the latest release!

Look @ Me Now Lady T-shirt. Perfect for those boy shorts on a hot summer day in the park.

Gucci, anyone? Get this Gucci inspired t-shirt for kicking with ya boys or taking the newest lil dip out for dinner and a movie.

Unfortunately, the Suns didnt make it to the playoffs (MavsNation All Day), but for those clean white kicks, its a perfect match!

Cool Grey Gear for the Cool Grey J's sure to keep you cool on any Hot summer day!

Pick a color any color for this New Herb Tank

Look @ Me Now Male T-Shirt and Sneaker Geek trucker hat.

The Charlotte (New Orleans) Hornet Lady Tank. Perfect for that new mini you have been dying to wear. Dress it up or dress it down.

Ladies are Hustlers Too t-shirt, wear this with anything, make the statement and make it loud.

Sneaker Geeks Knicks Tank and hat.

Sneaker Geek Base Ball Tee and Ball Cap

FreshAzzFuck Tee and hat perfect to wear anytime and anywhere.

As you can see, styles and colors to fit whatever your Sneaker need. You can find these items and more Sneaker Geek Clothing at these fine Retailers!

Urban Zone (4400 North Freeway, Houston)
Mad Soulz (Oakwood Mall, New Orleans)
D Dixty VII ( 400 S. Broad Ave Suite B, New Orleans)

Online Store
http://www.sneakergeeksclothing.com/

Twitter:
BuySneakerGeeks

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Systematic Bullying: A Lesbian Mother Fights Back

2011-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

According to Findlaw.com, under the current law of almost all states, mothers and fathers have an equal right to custody. Courts are not supposed to assume that a child is automatically better off with the mother or the father. In a contested custody case, both the father and mother have an equal burden of proving to the court that it is in the best interest of the child that the child be in his or her custody. There are a few states (mostly in the South) that have laws providing that if everything else is equal, the mother may be preferred; but in those states, many fathers have been successful in obtaining custody, even if the mother is a fit parent.
In some states, courts say that mothers and fathers are to be considered equally, but the courts then go on to hold that it is permissible to consider the age or sex of the child when deciding custody. That usually translates to a preference for mothers if the child is young or female. But, again, it is possible for fathers in those states to gain custody, even when the mother is fit. Although judges are supposed to be neutral in custody disputes between mothers and fathers, some judges may be biased based on sex of the parent. As a group, judges are less biased in deciding custody cases today than in times past, although some observers believe bias still exists. The law of child custody has swung like a pendulum. From the early history of our country until the mid-1800s, fathers were favored for custody in the event of a divorce. Children were viewed as similar to property. If a husband and wife divorced, the man usually received the property--such as the farm or the family business. He also received custody of the children. Some courts viewed custody to the father as a natural extension of the father's duty to support and educate his children. By the mid-1800s, most states switched to a strong preference for the mother. This preference often was referred to as the Tender Years Doctrine or Maternal Presumption. Under the Tender Years Doctrine, the mother received custody as long as she was minimally fit. In other words, in a contested custody case, a mother would receive custody unless there was something very wrong with her, such as mental illness, alcoholism, or an abusive relationship with her child. The parenting skills of the father were not relevant. The automatic preference for mothers continued until the 1960s or 1980s, depending on the state. Then principles of equality took over, at least in the law books. Some judges tend to automatically favor fathers, particularly if the children are boys. In an Iowa case, for example, a trial judge gave custody of two boys, ages nine and eleven, to the father, saying that the father “will be able to engage in various activities with boys, such as athletic events, fishing, hunting, mechanical training and other activities boys are interested in.”
At the National Organization for Women's recent national conference, NOW declared that there is a "crisis for women and their children in the family law courts." According to NOW, fathers often "aggressively litigate against mothers" and "use family court to stalk, harass, punish and impoverish their former partners and children." (http://glennsacks.com/blog/?page_id=2591). Often times, no consideration is given to the best interest of the child and the court system allows this to occur.

As a lesbian, a mother, and casualty of this legal and systematic bullying, I am committing to shedding the right light on this situation. Families are being destroyed, children are being stripped of the very thing that has carried them thus far: a mother's love. According to Louisiana Courts, I have been deemed unfit to have domiciliary custody of my child because a judge indicates that "the father's lifestyle is more stable than yours' following an admission that I was in fact a lesbian. The father involved in this case, initiated the custody battle after my son Outed me to his father following my son's misbehavior's. When the father inquired about my lifestyle I told him that it was none of his business. After countless arguments, attempts to turn my son against me, and months; I received a petition for custody. Since the courts decision, I have had to endure not being able to see my child, destruction of communicative tools so that I can speak to my child frequently, and most recently, that my child can't come home for the summer. I've been limited to speaking to my child only once a week. I am unsure what the future holds, I know that I will not continue to allow these things to happen. It seems that I am the only one considering the best interest of the child. Understand that I don't have a problem with my son knowing and being involve with his father. I am the one who has help nurture their relationship. Case in point, at my son's birth, a woman was in the delivery room with me and named my son. I contacted the father in attempt to get his signature on the birth certificate. The father refused to sign it. During the first 8 years of my son's life, the father never visited my son in Texas, nor offered any ounce of financial support. Only once did I pursue a child support petition, only to be told by the state of Texas that the father wasn't located. At the age of 8, I contacted my son's father for support with my son's behaviors in school. The father indicated to me that he was unable and not ready to take care of my son, despite the fact that he was now married and the father to two other children and 1 step child. So, the father's sister (my son's Godparent) contacted me and said that she and her then husband would care for my son. At the paternal's grandmothers request, the father, got involved and signed a one year temporary custody agreement between all three adults. The first few months went smoothly, until the father and his sister begin to have disagreements that led to physical altercations, regarding allegations that the sister was a lesbian. This led to my son actually going to live with his father and his wife. The father's daughter and the wife's son don't live in the home with the family. Only my son and their youngest child. In addition, the father, has had a few DUI's and domestic violence incidents that resulted in arrest. In the court hearing, none of these things were submitted or considered. The lawyer I hired and paid in full was a male and didn't fight the case, he didn't submit evidence given and hasn't followed up with me. To date I still have no custody order, visitation agreement or any kind of judgment. The first and only court date was October 2010. After verifying this morning, the only thing on file are minutes from the hearing. When I asked what could be done so that I may see my child, I was told to contact my lawyer... the same lawyer that has failed to follow-up with me, submit any court documents to the court or me, and has failed to represent me, despite his obvious bias. In other words, the only thing I have saying that I can't have custody of my son are the words from the judges' mouth: "His father's lifestyle is more stable than yours". If this isn't legal/systematic bullying, I don't know what is.I want to examine, how the courts view 'lesbian mothers'.

'To many people in our society, the phrase "lesbian mother" is confusing and contradictory. Ignorance about homosexuality and insensitivity to women have made it difficult for many people to deal with the concept of lesbian mothers. Recent estimates suggest that there are well over 1.5 million lesbian mothers in this country.' (http://www.williamapercy.com/wiki/images/Custody_Rights_of_Lesbian_Mothers.pdf) A review of current demographics of families in the United States reveals that the traditional intact, two-parent family is yielding in prevalence to a myriad of other family forms (Flaks, Fischer, Masterpasqua, & Gregory, 1995). While impossible to portray accurately, it is estimated that somewhere between 3% and 10% of the adult male population in the United States identifies as exclusively homosexual (Patterson, 1995a; U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1983). If we extend these percentages to females, it can be estimated that there are between 7 and 15 million gays and lesbians in the United States today. Further extending these estimates to include the immediate family members (brothers, sisters, parents, and perhaps even children), reveals that at least 50 million Americans are either themselves homosexual, or have a close family member who is (Bozett, 1989; Miller, 1979) . While these estimates may be somewhat suspect, they do reveal that gays and lesbians are becoming significantly more prevalent in our society or, at least, more visible. Lesbians have been bearing and raising children for a long time, and they choose to parent for many of the same reasons as heterosexual women (Pies, 1990). Yet, when a lesbian first expresses an interest in having a child, she is likely to encounter negative reactions ranging from confusion to outright hostility (Rohrbaugh, 1989). Institutionalized beliefs presume that childbearing is only to occur within the limited context of a heterosexual relationship. Homophobia and heterosexism are the institutional reflections of social values that create and maintain the status quo, and these also operate to present lesbian motherhood as an inherent contradiction (DiLapi, 1989). Although the American family is changing, it is clear that homophobia is still a widespread phenomena.
An examination of lesbian motherhood requires a look at the social context within which women as a group currently exist in the United States. It is important to recognize that, in addition to heterosexism, lesbians also face the oppression common to all women, particularly in the areas of employment and housing (DiLapi, 1989). Yet, research has indicated that both groups are still quite capable of raising their children in appropriate and healthy ways, and that significant differences do not generally exist among them (Strong & Schinfeld, 1984). Until recently, lesbian mothers received little legal or psychological attention. The rights and needs of a lesbian mothers have been neglected because it has been generally assumed that lesbian mothers are pitiful abberrations . With the expansion of the women's and the gay liberation movements, more women are recognizing and affirming their homosexuality. Usually the worst fear of a lesbian mother, and the greatest emotional trauma and legal problem that she can encounter, is a custody battle for her children based on the grounds that her sexuality renders her "unfit". The cases overwhelmingly demonstrate the difficulty they face in attempting to maintain custody of their children and to affirm their self-identity at the same time. (http://www.williamapercy.com/wiki/images/Custody_Rights_of_Lesbian_Mothers.pdf).

The original decisions made by the courts as to which parent will receive custody of the child, is made under the view of "the best interest of the child" and any evidence concerning the child's environment is relevant. The courts are to hear evidence as to the physical facilities, locale of the home, the family composition, the moral standard of the parties, financial status, as well as evidence of the child's preference and the emotional bonds between the child and each party. While this latitude protects parents and children from inflexible rules which might preclude the essential human aspect of a custody dispute, it also permits, perhaps even encourages the biases of a judge to be given free rein. When the issue is lesbianism in a society in which homosexuality is often viewed as immoral or unhealthy, the possibility for abuse are clear. To deprive a parent of custody because of what one judge may consider misconduct offends the belief that cases should be decided on rational and predictable, rather than arbitrary grounds. Once court has recognized: {A} judge should not base his decision upon his disapproval of the morals or personal characteristics of a parent that do not harm the child. It is not his function to punish a parent by taking away a child.

Some findings suggest that there may be important and beneficial outcomes from being the product of a lesbian family, such as increased appreciations for diversity and expanded views of gender roles (Patterson, 1995b). Previous research has also revealed that lesbian mothers are more similar than different from heterosexual mothers (Harris & Turner, 1986). This raises important sociocultural and psychological issues. Should continued research demonstrate the viability of these alternative family structures, it will necessitate the reformulation of currently accepted theories (e.g., social learning) which prescribe that healthy development requires opposite-sex parents for the tasks of identification and modeling (Flaks, Ficher, Masterpasqua, & Joseph, 1995). While most of the literature on child development has been based on those raised in heterosexual families, there is also a substantial amount of empirical literature regarding those raised by gay and lesbian parents (e.g., Gottman, 1990; Riddle, 1978). Much of this research is in response to the growing visibility of lesbian and gay families, much like the single parent family, as an alternative to the traditional heterosexual family. However, in contrast to the single-parent family, the increased visibility of the gay parent families has not lead to a corresponding increase of their acceptability (Steckel, 1987).
Negative stereotypes concerning homosexuals continue to abound, including fears that they will molest children and/or seduce them into their own "deviant" homosexual lifestyle (Riddle, 1978). Given this, it is not surprising that many heterosexuals, particularly heterosexual parents, are concerned about possible consequences of contact between homosexual adults and children. These fears continue even though the American Psychological Associations has declassified homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder, and provides clear evidence that the issue is far from resolved. Research concerning the children of lesbian and gay parents has focused on such things as gender identity (Green, 1978), gender role development (Hoeffer, 1981), emotional development (Golombok, Spencer, & Rutter, 1983), intelligence (Kirkpatrick, Smith, & Roy, 1981), self-esteem (Huggins, 1989), and independence (Steckel, 1985). Much of this research is presented as a response to negative societal opinion, and sexual orientation of the parent continues to be a major issue in public policy formation (Patterson, 1992). Many gay parents are brought to the attention of authorities when a custody battle is being waged with an ex-spouse over their children. A gay parent seeking either custody, continuation of parental rights, or visitation privileges is generally at a legal disadvantage because of the subjective criteria used by many judges to serve the "best interests" of the child (Payne, 1978). It has been estimated that a lesbian mother's likelihood of obtaining custody of her biological children is less that 50% (Falk, 1989). The odds that a gay mother or father will lose or be denied privileges increases when the parent's sexual orientation is an issue in custody hearings (Hitchens, 1980). In fact, according to Polikoff (1986), a lesbian mother must portray herself as being as close to the All-American norm as possible -- the image of her ideal heterosexual counterpart -- and preferably asexual, if she is to have any chance of obtaining custody in a court dispute. Few rights are as fundamental and accepted by society as the right of parents to raise children. Yet many courts have viewed the prospect of gays and lesbians as parents in such a negative fashion that they have refused custody to some parents based solely on their sexual orientation (Falk, 1989). Their reasons for doing this are varied, but generally center around the following alleged concerns: (a) that these parents are less mentally fit, (b) that they will molest their children, (c) that their children will be stigmatized by their peers, and (d) that their children are more likely to become gay or lesbian themselves (Falk, 1989; Kleber, Howell, & Tibbits-Kleber, 1986; Rivera, 1987). However, previous studies have revealed no significant association between sexual orientation and psychological characteristics relevant to parenting (Falk, 1989; Kleber, Howell, & Tibbits-Kleber, 1986; Knight, 1983; Patterson, 1994).

I have endured many things to keep peace, and for the best interest of my child. So this is my personal testament and commitment, to end misogynistic bullying. This is my call to America's policy maker, legislators, and people of power to lay down conservative bias and stop destroying families and the lives of those involved. Before, I never understood, the reason for suicide. The recent bullying-suicide victims has opened the eyes of America, what happens when a mother is backed in to similar corners screaming for help?...

For full article details visit: http://www.williamapercy.com/wiki/images/Custody_Rights_of_Lesbian_Mothers.pdf
http://www.ibiblio.org/gaylaw/issue6/Mcneill.htm

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SlutWalk Houston: A Stand Against Political, Legal, and Misogynistic Bullying

2011-06-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

I often think of reasons I do things that I do. Is it because of how I feel? What I learned? or because of what someone else thinks of me? I realized that I do things well...because I want to! I enjoy doing whatever it is that will keep me grounded and sane. The world is so full of occurrences, situations, and people that could drive even the Pope to insanity. Sooo making the decision to join SlutWalk Houston is no different. SlutWalk Houston is a campaign that I have taken a personal interest in. While, contrary to others' belief, I have never really considered myself an activist, but I believe in change and that it can start with a mustard seed of faith and a really loud mouth...and THAT I have.

SlutWalk Houston is a part of a series of protests following a 'victim blaming' statement made by a Toronto Police officer when addressing a group of women about Rape Prevention. SlutWalks began in Toronto, Canada and have spread like the plague across the United States. Slut Walks have infiltrated social media sites, and continues to gain momentum and national recognition from magazines such as Time, as well as local news coverage. SlutWalks, no matter where they are held, is a movement dedicated to dispelling the victim blaming culture that guides, legislate and shape our society. What makes this movement even more worthy of my participation is that this patriarchal, political and legal bullying is affecting everyone living in its time, some more closely than others.

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is an agency committed to ending sexual violence in Texas through education, prevention and advocacy. In the meantime, they desire to support survivors on their paths to hope, healing and justice. TAASA is the voice of the sexual assault movement in Texas. They are a unifying force bringing together parties involved in and affected by sexual assault as a catalyst for change. TAASA's vision is a Texas free from sexual violence. They envision safe, healthy communities across Texas, where no one is burdened by the far-reaching effects of sexual violence (http://www.taasa.org/about/). I find it unbelievable that we have an agency such as this one in place with a goal to have no one burdened by the effects of sexual violence, yet SlutWalks still have a very powerful mission and purpose. Is anyone else alarmed? The point is we have government agencies that have been created to educate us, protect us, and direct us, but the opposite is happening. Bullying is at an all time high, families are being destroyed, and people are losing hope in the very system that is to have this nation's well being at stake. How do we maintain order when the police officer's face look like that of an attacker? How are children expected to succeed and be productive citizens when educators are more concerned about finances than educating? How can parents raise their children, when a judge thinks he knows more about what's best for the child, then his mother? Sure many will say that this type of 'thing' has existed for many years and judging from history books, news stories and journalistic contributions, I will have to confer. However, are we suppose to allow it to continue to happen? I can't and I won't!!!

Misogyny has been the most powerful and negative influence on things that have caused a steady decline in the quality of life for thousands of people. Its time for our actions to speak just as loud as the words the govern this thing we call life. Domestic Violence, rape or any other crime isn't ok and its time that blind eyes begin to see. In the African American communities, it is often difficult to speak about less than favorable things. Its almost taboo to acknowledge wrong doing, let alone stand up for it. Well my President says "Yes We Can" and because change is inevitable, I proudly walk in the shoes of Change Agent. I want to end with a quote I wrote to address this "State of Emergency" society is in: "Political and legal bullying is hindering our nation. Victims are being blamed, children being mis-educated, families being destroyed... It is time out for misogynistic ideation, oppression, and destruction. Rather hear us as we re-construct ill-guided power and stand as pillars created of Earth's Foundation. We STAND UN-MOVED!"- Jeanette MsNightLyfe Young

Read More at :
http://www.somostejanos.org/blog/despite-name-cause-must-endure

http://community.feministing.com/2011/05/11/slutwalk-houston/

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Sneaker Geeks Clothing: Creator Extraordinaire, Kendrick SneakerGeeks Scott

2011-06-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

A sneakerhead is a person who owns multiple pairs of shoes as a form of collection and fashion. It is often manifested by the use of shoes primarily made for sports, such as tennis or basketball, as normal everyday clothing. The birth of sneakerhead culture in the US came in the late 1980s and can be attributed to two major sources: basketball and hip hop music (http://www.wikipedia.com/). Raekwon's Sneakers pay homage to the Sneaker culture and the influence it has on Urban America:
'...Who wear it all I'm an Adidas freak Multi thousand pair of sneak freak Real fly physique that'll look yea , fat watch , live footwear Have the white folks displaying my gear....'
With this boom in the late 80's of signature basketball shoes; the rise of Michael Jordan, the shoes and the man; and the explosion of hip hop; those in the collecting subculture, were given options. Those options were given street value and credibility because of Hip Hop. We all have been guilty of desiring, aspiring and even envying things we see in music videos. As soon as we're old enough to work and start purchasing things on our own, the fashion, make up, jewelry and shoes that were once the objects of our affection become a status assigning possession. As our apparel wisdom and sneaker aficionados grow, we find that certain colors are only appealing if we have the exact outfit to match it. Depending on the fashion statement desired, one may not want it to coordinate at all, but still may feel that they are FRESHAZZFUCK, and want the world around them to know that. The sneaker culture runs deep and aside from camping overnight to get the freshest kicks, the appearance of it all, makes or break the shoe fetish. Although sneakers are what this culture is passionate about, other things highlight the sneakers, influence and cultural innuendos that include music, artist show case and independent clothing lines which are some of the different avenues that the urban and sneaker culture draw into.

Kendrick SneakerGeeks Scott, Creator Extraordinaire of SneakerGeeks Clothing knows that the outfit makes one hell of a complement to the shoes. I mean really, what good are shoes if they aren't properly accessorized with clothes? I was able to catch up with Mr. SneakerGeek himself, to find all about the Sneaker Culture, his influences, and inspirations. Sneaker Geeks Clothing was created in 2009 by New Orleans own Kendrick L. Scott as an outlet to Express his love for Art, Humor, Creativity and most of all the Sneaker Culture. Being a lover of fashion and a Sneaker Enthusiast, it was only right that he share his passion with the world. Every design thoughtfully created and printed in Limited Quantities. The colorways are determined by Exclusive Sneaker Releases (http://www.sneakergeeksclothing.com/) . The beauty of Hip hop inspired fashions, interwoven in the sneaker culture is that it allows you to create your own style within a style. Kendrick tells SweetToothMedia that his interest in fashion begin in his youth. Growing up, there was always a need to be fresh. Even his mother realized his keen eye for coordinating, and had him helping her select outfits. This led Mr. Scott to a lifelong learning of fashion which included wardrobe stylist positions for various groups and organizations around New Orleans. Men and fashion has never been taboo for me, but when a man takes the initiative to define, refine and create their own line of fashion its astounding. Kendrick says "its important for young men to be fashion forward because the whole world is watching them..." He recalls in his youth, the release of exclusive kicks and having limited amounts of clothing to wear with them that allowed him to be an individual and how frustrating this was. Lets fast forward a few years and we are hit with the word SWAG. Kendrick's desire and inspiration lies in this word. He believes that Swag should represent one's own uniqueness and flair for appearance, yet it does everything but that. "Many young people believe that their swag is unique to them, when in actuality it isn't, its just the borrowed swag of someone else..." This goes hand in hand with being aware of your appearance, dispelling fashion faux pas, taking risks and being fashion forward. The word "Swag" influenced Mr. Scott so that he created a t-shirt design, Death To Tha Word Swagg. Kendrick says that if you have swag, there will be no need to go around screaming it, instead, others will notice it and attempt to borrow yours." As a fashion designer its important to duly note the message one's dress sends. Kendrick disclosed that in order for young men to be taken seriously, they must look the part. While his fashions aren't what one would wear to land a job, its definitely fit for those who have jobs, careers and the like and allows them to express themselves and embrace the culture that has colored their being.

Sneaker Geeks Clothing includes t-shirts, hats, tank tops, and soon to include socks. Kendrick lets us know that his designs are all about comfort. After a days work, and a decision to step out, doing so comfortably is a must...especially if one just copped the latest most freshest pair of sneakers. Mr. Scott feels that his designs are created to complement the exclusive shoe releases and makes outfit selection that much more comfortable. Mr. Scott says that in order to release a grand selection requires tons of research. This process isn't easy, as communication, coordination and the like must take place weeks before release dates. Designing includes planning and staying abreast of client demands. Currently the demographic targeted are hip-hoppers between the ages of 18-27, yet, the sneaker culture has no age limits. Sneaker Geeks Clothing designs aren't just limited to color schemes and pallets, it also captures creative concepts that the real Sneaker Geeks speak. The slogans that are found on Sneaker Geeks Clothing include catchy phrases, hip-hop influenced lyrics, and anything that keeps the culture embedded in growth, positive self image, and awareness. The clothing line includes items for men and women, however, the operating principal is unisex clothing. Being the feminist, activist that I am, I wanted to know if Mr. Scott plans to expand his line specifically for ladies. He disclosed that he plans to occupy that lane, with the same premise in mind, of comfort, bold colors, and high quality clothing. There are plans for Sneaker Geeks Clothing to expand the line to include jackets, children's clothing and of course the ladies line. When asked if there was one celebrity that he could choose to represent his line of clothing, Mr. Scott shared that it would be the artist, Wale because he embodies the vision that carries Sneaker Geeks Clothing. Currently, you will find celebrities in their own right, Kiotti and Lil Dee God's Gift representing the HEARTS OF THE STREETS and Sneaker Geeks Clothing, looking FRESHAZZFUCK!

You would think that as an up and coming clothing designer, there isn't time to do anything but design. Well Mr. Scott is on his way to becoming Entrepreneur of the Year. Being a strong force and designer, in the Sneaker Geek movement, its rather strategic to adhere to the demands of those that keep the movement going. That strategy is music. The Sneaker Geeks brand is now attached to a mixtape compilation highlighting artists from New Orleans to Houston. This mixtape entitled Sneaker Geeks Clothing Presents: Heart of The Streets Mixtape, featuring his favorite artists and is mixed with club, deep soul, and lyrical assortments is scheduled to be released for download on June 11, 2011. In addition to Mixtape production, Mr. Scott has just launched his summer collection, which have already been released in New Orleans and can be found at D Sixty VII Boutique (400 S. Broad Ave Suite B) in Mid City New Orleans and Mad Soulz located in Oakwood Mall. Existing yet limited quantities can also be found locally, in Houston at Urban Zone stores. There is even buzz that Sneaker Geeks Clothing will be featured in stores in Miami, Florida. His dream of Going Global, is well on its way, and the legacy pen is moving swiftly. Speaking of legacy, Mr. Scott is the father of a young son, who acts as his source of motivation and his son's existence even before birth, has ignited and routed the fire to make the Sneaker Geek Legacy a powerful one. The message that he wants his son to take away from his work is that he can do whatever he wants in life. In addition to that, Kendrick wants his son to remember to give back and use his roots to keep him deeply embedded into who he is and what he will become. You can find Mr. SneakerGeek giving back, by partnering up with organizations such as an All Girl Power Movement as well as endorsing, hosting events, marketing, participating in clothing giveaways to spread awareness of issues that plague the very community that composes the Sneaker Geek Culture: Urban America...Hip-Hop!

Check out Mr. SneakGeek, Creator Extraordinaire, Kendrick Scott, as we interviewed at Urban Zone Store located at 4400 North Freeway. To see what's new and to order your SneakerGeek Wear visit http://www.sneakergeeksclothing.com/ This creation is truly the Hearts Of the Streets and well Mr. Scott, I'll see you on the other side of Globally! Salud Sir. -MsNightLyfe

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Ami 'Dolla-Not-A-Dime' Miller: Keep the Change...Ouch!

2011-05-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Deep in the trenches of freestyle rapping lies fear and uncertainty. In the realm of Lyrical Cypher, one must step on the scene ready to verbally TKO any opponent that stands before them. This requires great talent, courage, and skill. Improvised conversation against instrumentals and beats that guide word flow released just happens to tell a story. This is merely a foundation. Many that participate are known as battle rappers and while many will compete, its often strange or thought a misconceived victory when a woman steps on the scene. I had pleasure of meeting a young woman who dispels all demeaning perceptions of female MC's and that young woman is BET's Freestyle Friday's Reigning Queen, Ms. Ami Miller.

Ami Miller, who was born and raised in Houston, TX graduated from Westside High School. Performing publicly since the age of 12, Ami, is no stranger to hard work and dedication. Like many other entertainers, her vision begin in the form of poetry and graduated to songs, fostering her love and appreciation for the arts. Ami attended various schools across Houston to hone her performing arts talent. Being the youngest of three children, and proudly proclaiming that once she was a daddy's girl, says that her success is owed to her Super Woman...her mom. Ami was raised by a single mother that always wanted her children to have choices. As a result she has morphed into a phenomenal, well-rounded entertainer. Her mother taught her that she can function on her own, and be her own rock. Even with all her training and vitae, which includes being an official endorser for Hunid Racks Energy drinks, Ms. Miller says that being on stage is what liberates her. While presently she prefers, to pursue her career musically, acting is something that she will certainly do later.

After spending several weeks on BET's 106 & Park Freestyle Friday, Ami Miller, went up against some pretty ragged competition. I couldn't fathom doing such a thing in private, let alone in front of millions of viewers. However, Ms. Miller says that she steps out there ready to deliver her best. Sadly, Ms. Miller stated that in the music industry women are viewed as the underdogs and are expected to come out being sex symbols as a means to obtain support. She refuses to live in a box that she didnt create and always shows up and show out. Ami feels that the biggest challenge that female MC's face when working to get respect deserved by the industry, is finding women that wont sell out. "Its the utmost importance to carry oneself with respect...I dont have to lower my standards because I have more faith in my God, music and self, than I would in any man. When she stepped out on the stage of 106 & Park for the first time, she was devasted and distracted as she received news, that her brother had passed away after a battle with cancer. Ami said that her mom, encouraged her to keep going and thats what she did. She said at that point it didnt really matter if she won or lost, she just wanted to be home with her family. (In case you are wondering, she was able to leave the show and help ensure her brother was put away peacefully). Ami says that she entered with her game face and left with her game face on. Her first battle, was against another female MC, and like all the other competition, winning was a walk in the park. When battling she states its best to study your opponent. The easiest opponents were guys, because their cypher's are predictable. When freestyling, lyrically, she is inspired by the beats that she hears or the situations that presented to her. Her freestyle technique is simple, yet refined, in that she practices, knows her competition, realizes her own weaknesses, and strengths and start out simple, talking about the obvious and building up to the burial of her opponent.

When asked which female MC's inspired and/or influenced her, she stated anything Hip Hop influences her, but if she had to drop names it would be Lil Kim and Eve. She says she loves the Boldness of Lil Kim and the poise of Eve. Like those two very influential women, Ami Miller also wants to be referred to as a Great rapper, not a Great Female Rapper. In addition, Ami, wants the world to know she is not a battle rapper, rather a diligent Lady Hustler that raps and is better than great at it. She says to remain successful and dedicated to her hustle, she must constantly improve, stay positive, expand, and network. Her next project includes the release of her mixtape, Dolla Not a Dime. Ami is in talks with a few labels and hopes to sign to those offering her the best deal, that allows her to remain in the driver's seat of her career. She plans to release "Make It Better' soon, in rememberance of her brother. Ami will start a tour later this month; New York, LA, and New Orleans are among the cities she will grace. Ami would like to say to her fans: " Thank You, I love you more than you love me, and I'm coming, dont wait for me , watch me, and then we will all celebrate...!"

Concluding our conversation, I just had to know the symbolism of "Ouch", as she ends every social media post with it. Ami informed me that its a sarcastic way of saying, I just stepped on your toes after burying you alive...Ouch, that hurts. I must say that is the best way to end any competition. It was a pleasure to meet with Ami. I am taken aback at her gracefulness, tact, and sophistication. You can find Ami's music at

http://www.ourstage.com/profile/amimiller
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh8CWZze9SfjU9EF8G
http://msdramatv.com/2011/03/17/amimilleromg-takes-over-underground-noize-radio-with-msdrama-on-btr/
http://www.youtube.com/
http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__music/archive/2011/04/27/22693519.aspx
http://www.bet.com/

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Desire, Hostility, Delusion: A Cinematic Debut and Red Carpet Premier Press Release

2011-05-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 05/17/2011

THE “NEW GAY” IN FILM
Red Carpet Film Premier of “Desire, Hostility, Delusion”, an Ink Media Film where films are created to focus on traditional life experiences, not the typical gay stereotypes.

(Houston, Texas) - Films that depict “Real Lives” and “Real Issues” in gay life could look like traditional families and their everyday issues. In the new film “Desire, Hostility, Delusion,” Writer/Director Lyndonne Payne, creates a storyline where the gay characters could easily be replaced with straight characters and the the issues would still be relevant. She is the newest break-out star whose hope is to create films that represent real world issues facing gays and lesbians to the big screen. Desire Hostility Delusion is our introduction into the lives of characters we will see once Payne begins filming a series that chronicles Real Lesbian Life. Payne says, “Films, where viewers can relate to the issues and appeal to any audience is the future of film making. The major differences are of course, the outcomes.“

In her Cinematic drama debut, Lyndonne Payne explores the lives of four women whose desperate attempts at achieving self fulfillment turn deadly. In the film, the character Gabby (Latoya Jarett) who is career driven and determined, takes violent and desperate measures to achieve her dream of having a child. Her partner, Cinematographer, Tess (Erica Gipson), is unwilling to give up the life she has worked so hard to establish; the two women find themselves in their ten year relationship with different agendas and aspirations for their future together. Their paths ultimately cross with Toni (Edith Morales) and Stacy (Charlene Cruse) who share a similar story. The film explores the issues of surrogacy, civil unions, domestic violence, friendships, addiction, loyalty, death and grief. These issues are faced in everyday life by individuals regardless of lifestyle. Hopefully, more film makers will make films that allow the world to see that gays and lesbians live regular lives and encounter issues that effect people in general.

Payne premier’s her debut film in her hometown of Houston, Texas where most of the actors reside. Payne, in collaboration with Star Management Group and Sweet Tooth Media has created a Red Carpet Screening Event which will feature 2 showings of the film.

When/Where: Sunday, June, 26, 2011 - TBH Theater- 333 Jensen Drive, Houston, Texas 77003
Press Check In: 3:00pm
Show #1: 4:00p – 5:30p
Champagne Reception: 5:30 – 6:30
Show #2: 6:30p – 8:00p
General Admission Seating: $10
VIP Seating: $15

The screening features a Champagne Reception Hosted by Performer and Activist, Mildred “DRED” Gerestant ( http://www.dredlove.com/ ) and a Meet and Greet with the actors during intermission. There will be future Red Carpet Screenings of the film in Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, DC, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. To host a Red Carpet screening of this film in your city, contact Ink Media Productions: dhd@inkmediaproductions.com. Press materials available at http://www.desirehostilitydelusion.com/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Ms. Lori's Boutique and Novelty Grand Opening: Ladies are Hustler's Too

2011-05-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

May 7th 2011 marked the beginning of an era in boutique and novelty shopping. Ms. Lori's Boutique Grand Opening was held at Mercado Market Place located at 7355 Hwy 6. Houston, TX. Unsure of what to expect at this Grand Opening, I went in with an open mind and plenty of plans and money to shop. What I experienced was all that and more. When I got there, Ms. Lori and her staff were still setting up. So quite naturally, I joined in but couldn't help but notice the intricate details that had been put in place to make the store inviting. A sign that reads "Ms. Lori's Boutique" decorated in bright pink with a sexy silhouette painted boldly hung proudly above the stores entrance. Inside the store, behind the cash register was an Old Paris' picture set and to me that symbolized that love lives there and was certainly in the air. Each article of clothing was neatly hung. Ms. Lori's Boutique has dresses, shirts and more for every sized woman. The most beautiful part of Ms. Lori's Boutique aside from herself, is the shelves and glass cases full of adult toys, that keep the college freshman that lives within us alive. Items included penis inspired massagers, whips, paddles, bed restraints, gels, lubricants and my personal favorite, poles. Nothing in the store was overwhelming, however, with all of the love and support, service with a beautiful smile, one cant help but feel smothered by prosperity.

As Ms. Lori added the final touches to make the Grand Opening everything she wanted and more, I was able to talk with her about the entrepreneurial ventures that led to the opening of Ms. Lori's Boutique. It all began for Ms. Lori six years ago when she started hosting adult novelty parties and that led to selling the novelty items. Ms. Lori stated that while she made a decent living working for someone else, figured that she could almost double her earnings, working for herself. As a result Sweet Lorraines's Fabulous Fun Parties was established. Ms. Lori disclosed that she traveled from Texas to Louisiana having parties and selling items to Caucasian women. Although this generated great sales, she couldnt help but feel that her inventory was unbalanced and didnt reach her clients of color. She stated that 'black women have been raised and conditioned to believe that any thing sex or sexuality was taboo". Ms. Lori wanted to change this so that all women could appreciate her own sexuality and embrace the desire for more and different. Her secret to success was having the items ordered on hand, for immediate purchase gratification. Items sold at the fun parties included but wasnt limited to novelty items, clothes and romance enhancements. On my way to being a novelty expert, I had to know what was the most popular item sold. Ms. Lori informed me that she had popular items that ranged from lubricants to massagers, but the hottest item was the stripper pole that came in gold, silver, and pink. Brands include Carmen Electra and Hustler, ranging from $150-$200. Other merchandise include dolphins, rabbits and anything a woman can use in private. After examining the stores full inventory, all I could say is: I'll take one of everything please!

Ms. Lori has plans to expand just as she expanded Sweet Lorraines. She hopes to purchase commercial property to accomodate the expected success of Ms. Lori's Boutique. In addition to storefront expansion, Ms. Lori is currently seeking ladies to carry out the sales of Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Fun Parties and keep her humble beginnings going strong. She states that it isnt all about the money, as she has learned a great deal from Sweet Lorraine's business and the wormen that attend the parties. Ms. Lori disclosed that she is very personable with the women and share a ton of experiences with them. The reciprocity of the learning process amazes me. Ms. Lori's work is not only informative but it provides an outlet for the women to share, open up and nurture their own sexuality and sensuality. Ms. Lori says that the most important thing she has learned as an entreprenuer is to invest fully in your own company as its the only guaranteed way to reap a profit. She says what keeps her going is when an idea is born, that she works diligently until it becomes reality, even if in reality, it fails.

Ms. Lori's Grand Opening was an extreme accomplishment. Not because of the flow of customers, or the money earned that day, but because Ms. Lori is also giving others a chance to earn as well. She is currently featuring a jewelry designer's earrings in the store and plans to incorporate a fashion designer's merchandise as well. Aside from the novelty items, my most favorite item in the store was Ms. Lori's t-shirt that read "Who Gone Check Me Boo?' There were a variety of colors and slogans on the t-shirts sold. It seemed that once we added the final t-shirt to the shelf, ensured that each rack was populated with its own line of clothing; customers begin to stream in. I dont recall a moment where the store wasnt busy. It was a constant flow of customers buying everything from dresses, jewelry, and of course adult 'playthings'. I even sold a dress and it was rather refreshing. Ms. Lori's Boutique Grand Opening, served food for the customers to show her appreciation for their support. I purchased a few items as well. I would tell you what I bought, but Good Girls Never Tell!

I end this with a couple of quotes for the entrepreneur in us all:
“Capital isn't that important in business. Experience isn't that important. You can get both of these things. What is important is ideas.” -Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber

“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity! But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!"
-Madam C.J. Walker, creator of beauty products and the first female self-made millionaire

Madame Lori, I see you shining!! Salute and much success to you!

-Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber
"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Mildred "D.R.E.D" Gerestant: Daring Reality Every Day

2011-04-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Many of us have seen or heard things that raises eyebrows. Some of us have been apart of what I like to call the "Eye Raising Movement". These are people that create their own lanes, living life as only the author of an autobiography could...these people are individuals! According to Webster, an individual is defined as a single human being distinguished from a group. In other words, our society deems us as one in a group of people. While many of us use the word individual loosely, not very many live up to its standard. Oscar Wilde states, "Society exists only as a mental concept; in the real world there are only individuals." I have had the pleasure of witnessing, meeting and conversing with an individual that lives, breathes and eat all components that supports the definitive. That individual's name is D.R.E.D (Daring Reality Every Day) aka MilDred Gerestant- Haitian African American.

If you searched MilDred Gerestant on any engine on the world wide web, you will find that she is a humanitarian, lecturer, actress, educator, healer and most of all a beautifully human individual. Known for a vast array of accomplishments and barrier shedding achievements, Dred (as I prefer to call her) is monumental in her successes for gender bending. Gender bending refers to those individuals who actively defies expected gender roles. Usually, attached to those of the LGBT community, gender bending is those individuals born of one sex but dresses, acts, and sometimes live as the opposite sex. MilDred, who is an out and proud member of the LGBT community, says that she begin gender bending, to find herself. Having always had a love for women, yet not loving herself, it became critical for her to accept what she was and embrace who she wished to become. She states, "I was labeled, ridiculed, and ostracized for the way I looked and where I came from..." That led to a hindering life of self-hate and suicide attempts for Dred. What gave her the strength to rise up from this conditioning of self-hate, was a search deeper into self and self love. A startling realization that made her a victim of group think, Dred learned that she had been taught to hate how she looked and who she was. This awareness jolted an awakening and desire for something different, something better for herself. MilDred found herself, feeling at home after attending drag king shows. Knowing she loved women, she felt comfortable being able to dress up as a man, and not being judged so harshly. This in turn lead to her alternating between living as a man and a woman. Dred, disclosed that accepting her masculinity aided in her embracing her femininity and loving the woman that she was born. While on this path of self love, truth and acceptance, it became known that this could be a powerful movement of education, exposition, and redirection. So much so, that Dred realized, that she is the one she always wanted to marry.

Being such a revolutionary, you would think that, Dred, reads a ton of books a day. I mean to break barriers, you have to be a knowledge seeker, right? Contrary to my belief, the desire to read only hits her from time to time. Dred states that at times when she reads, it takes her away to places that she want to be and other times to places she refuses to go, but goes anyway to face her fear. Dred states that the most critical thing in her journey is self-education and spiritual guidance. When she reads its those things that she feels will continue to help her evolve into being who she sets out to be. In her library you will find books by Osho, the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and other spiritual healing guides. MilDred lets me know that Osho teaches how to use negative labels as a means of transforming self loathing into self worth..." To supplement reading, Dred meditates, listen to music, move and a number of other things to ensure that healing is taking place. She will even go a step further when angry and write a letter to the person or thing that is causing an imbalance with the universe and burn it. Dred taught me to deal with anger and fear as it can change who you are if you dont. She further teaches that in order to live and remain a free spirit, you have to do the things you dont want to do and figure out, it wasnt that bad to begin with.

MilDred talks alot about "Fear". She says that fear will make one a prisoner in a life sentence if we dont walk through it. When I think of fear, I think of the acronym: False Evidence Appearing Real. The only way to know that its false evidence is to prove it so and that can only be done when walking on a path of courage, led by faith. What intrigues me about Dred is that she says to hell with what others think, I am going to live MY life for ME, not people full of opinions, that wasnt asked for or warranted. This makes me think of a quote by Gerard Way: “Be yourself, don't take anyone's shit, and never let them take you alive.” MilDred is the living testament of this statement. Dred is more than an inspiration, she is an educator of life, teaching us how to live the life we want, without the limitations placed on us by others. While this is the easiest thing to write, its more than difficult to practice. Today, I make my vow, to embrace my individuality, and live life according to my rules.
“There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout:
This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole complex package. Take me... or leave me. Accept me - or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don't fit your idea of who I should be and don't try to change me to fit your mold. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision. When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad - you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you.” -Stacy Charter

To learn more about Dred and her work, visit http://www.dredlove.com/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Authentic Deception: The Intellectual Diva

2011-04-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Whats in a name? Everything if you ask me. Our name can influence our character, who we are and what we stand for. The one thing which separates human beings from the animal kingdom is human mind, which has the ability to reason on a conscious level. To think consciously, one must use language. This point is not generally appreciated but it is vitally important. It is impossible to think without language. What allows language to serve in this manner? In the case of languages which have alphabets, letters are placed in a definite sequence in the alphabet, i.e., in the English alphabet, "A" is always in the first position, "B" in the second position, and so on. Any alphabet is an alphabet because symbols are recognized by their form or sound in a definite order--change the order and confusion results.The power of a name and its value has long been immortalized in prose, poetry, and religious ceremony. Everyone recognizes himself or herself by name.I have had the pleasure of interacting, meeting and bonding with a woman defined, remembered by her name. That name is Authentic Deception.

I thought it important to properly identify the meaning of the name to gain insight into, who I had been interacting with:

AUTHENTIC, defined as genuine, real. Its origin from the 1300–50; < Late Latin authenticus < Greek authentikós original, primary, at first hand, equivalent to authént ( ēs ) one who does things himself.

DECEPTION, defined as the state of being deceived.

Reflecting, analyzing and synthesizing this information, I find that her name fits her. When I sat down with Authentic Deception whose government name is Tammy Fleming, I asked, "Sista, how did you come up with that name, I absolutely love it?" She disclosed that her name is unique and that uniqueness embodies her. When one looks at her, they assume that she is everything that she is not. Because there are a plethora of sides to her: Poetess, Real Estate Broker, Business Owner, Hair Stylist, people are authentically deceived. She fell in love with the name simply because its a play on words- tough exterior yet femininely refined.

When I met Authentic Deception, it was in the form of Poetess. She was the Feature Poet for He(Art) and Soul XXV. Her poetry was genuine, witty, exaggerated, sexual and feminine. Losing grasp with reality, looking at her spit with the emotion that she did, I experienced an outer body, and felt as if I was looking at myself on that stage. The words she spoke pierced my soul, shattered my spirit and uplifted my hope. Such an awakening, I had to find out who this mirroring creature was, what motivated her to write and speak so eloquently...so truthfully.

As a writer first and poet second, I like to know what inspires people to create, hone, and share their craft. I wasn't surprised that some form of pain ignited the fuel to spit, what I was taken aback and saddened by was that it was a great tragedy that started her on this path. Authentic Deception and her siblings loss their mother to murder. Being raised and shuffled around in group homes, writing became an escape and a contract to hold herself accountable for how her life turned out. Her poetry is in fact autobiographical in nature, often using her own life experiences to vent, seek advice and of course inspire. A piece that hasn't been shared just yet is "He Fits Me", she looks at this piece as meticulous with words and passion, Inspired by conversational exchange with her and friends.

Playing on words is what makes poetry worth writing. Authentic Deception likes to write, because its a way that her thoughts are uninterrupted and allows her mind to complete what it started. The French poet Paul Valéry defined poetry as "a language within a language." The contemporary poet Kenneth Koch speaks of poetry as a language in which the sound of the words is raised to an importance equal to that of their meaning, and also equal to the importance of grammar and syntax. In ordinary language, the sound of a word is useful almost exclusively in order to identify it and to distinguish it from other words. In poetry, its importance is much greater. Poets think of how they want something to sound as much as they think of what they want to say and in fact it's often impossible to distinguish one from the other. Authentic Deception speaks of poetry much like these, but she is influenced by the oldies but goodies. She says that she cant plan to write, it just has to happen. Often times she wakes up out of her sleep and write. She loves metaphors, nature, synonyms, speaking literally and figuratively. She writes best 'in the moment' while running on pure emotion. She likes the unpredictability, and never knows what turns up until its completed.

As a salon owner of Trends by Tammy, she is afforded an overabundance of stories, situations and ideations that provide a platform to speak. She has even had what I like to call 'spit sessions' in her salon, often impromptu. "Its encouraging to me and my clients". I asked her how would you poetically tell someone to be encouraged and her response was quite simple: "the best thing to do for self is living well, its the ultimate revenge. Get yourself together in spite of and have a clear conscious." Like myself, Authentic is Crazzzzzzy about solutions, once a problem has been acknowledged. "Its important to remain assertive and stand your ground", she says. By way of New Orleans, Authentic is proud of who she is, and what she has accomplished. Being a single mom and a single woman for the last 17 years I am proud of her too. You can find Authentic Deception anywhere, the open mic is hot. She truly is an Intellectual Diva! #Salute!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied"

Pure Royalty: TaKeya "R&B Princess of Houston" Rogers

2011-03-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of meeting an array of people. Many of them nice and then some that were not so nice. When you experience the highs and lows of any industry, coming across good people is well, refreshing. Today, I come to you to share my experience with a remarkable young woman, Ms. TaKeya Rogers, the R&B Princess of Houston! I have been following TaKeya since June of 2010, after hearing one of her songs on Reverbnation. The song, Caught Up, has been a personal favorite since I first heard it. Her voice is sultry, its deep and rich tone will lull you off to sleep, or where ever your heart and mind desires to go. It became my mission to learn more about this young lady, known as the R&B Princess of Houston. That mission was fulfilled after doing research and landing an interview with the talented songtress.

TaKeya, presents as a very humble, spiritual, and positive person. Her tweets and Facebook posts are more than inspiring, they send messages of love, encouragement and prosperity. As with any young woman, there are also those posts offering 'sister girl' advice for those that may be down on their luck or experiencing hardship with their mate. Whatever the reason is, TaKeya extends encouraging words. These are the same factors that influence her music. A solo recording artist, TaKeya Rogers, allows music to speak to her in many ways, as a result of this she is able to deliver a beautiful voice and powerful messages. Ms. Rogers allows the messages to be the force behind her pen, writing her own songs, gives her the freedom to express and create without limitations. As a song writer, she also is looking to collaborate with other song writers. Not only is she a song writer, she takes pride in being a role model and as such believes that its important for people, especially young girls to chase their dreams rather than follow them.

When listening to TaKeya, you cant help but think of Toni Braxton, Anita Baker and other award winning songtresses with deep, intoxicating voices. Having being placed in the same league as these stars, TaKeya, feels that it is an honor but is pleased with having a unique sound. Musically influenced by Whitney Houston, confirms that some artists just can't be compared. Just as any other human being TaKeya isn't exempt from trials and tribulations, but what she does is take that energy and reconvert it into her music. Not only does she take her personal experiences, but she incorporates her fans experiences as well. She says her fans are her motivation and she really does read fan mail. One piece of advise that she offers anyone amidst a struggle is to seek God first as He is her source of peace.

TaKeya became interested in the arts in high school where she was enrolled in theatre production and this early honing, helped land Ms. Rogers an apperance in the Muhammad Ali film, starring Will Smith. Not only did this instruction assist her but an inspiring performance by Whitney Houston, singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, ignited the fire to take her craft further. From there she begin participating in talent shows and making a name for herself. She decided to create her legacy, but with help of course. In following TaKeya for sometime, I notice that she is a very spiritual person and undoubtedly has a relationship with God. She stated that she keeps God first and everytime she steps on stage he's there with her. TaKeya is spiritually driven, eventually aspires to create a Hip-Hop album. TaKeya's mother, (Ms. Linda), has been her source of strength as well. God has blessed her with a supportive mother, who believed in her in spite of. Sweet Tooth Media exists to support and highlighting these sustenation stations is undeniable and everlasting critical. The R&B Princess is also supported by her fans from MySpace, and the social media followers such as Twitter and Facebook, and it means the world to know that they support her grind. She also shouts out @13BeatKing, her producer, as he holds her down musically.

Currently The R&B Princess is working on her solo R&B album, subtitled R&B Princess. She states that this album is one that she hopes to penetrate all markets. Her target audience are the 30 somethings, and songs that the young can relate to. She says this is due in part to her having an old soul. During the interview, we shared a moment when discussing how our maternal structures have influenced the old soul, and mature mentality. TaKeya says that she was raised around lots of wisdom. We had to laugh when she remembered that someone asked Beyonce the same question. When TaKeya R&B Princess Rogers creates she has to have God, Focus and Determination otherwise her mind is clogged up and she develops writers' block. Usually, to cope with such, she asks for strength, guidance of her words. Its imperative for an artist to prepare before going to the studio and that is what she does. According to the songtress, ..."there is no such thing as being too prepared". Well you can here how prepared to mesmerize the world, this shining star is. You can find TaKeya's latest single and more at: www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/6603425
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyZQHrHE5gE
www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomthollywood
www.astamusictv.com/rb/peace-by-takeya-rb-princess-of-houston

The interview was concluded with the R&B Princess saying that one should always keep God First, be true to self and get YOU where YOU need to be, be strong, and if anything is uncomfortable, DON'T DO IT!!.
It was truly a pleasure to speak with this Diva and I am proud to share her talents. We are capable of conquering the world, and if by chance we don't we damn sure can leave one hell of an impression. Check out a clip of the recorded phone interview with TaKeya R&B Princess of Houston Rogers.

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

A Sweet Tooth Media Exclusive: On the Set with Damon Dizzle: Video Shoot of I Eat...

2011-03-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Damon Dizzle, a young man, is full of energy and enthusiasm about his craft. His latest song, "I Eat..." is blazing the clubs. So quite naturally it took a little doing, I was able to catch up with this very busy guy on the set of his video shoot for the "I Eat Pu$$y" video. This man is so animated and dedicated that I could only attempt to describe what I witnessed. So I won't even waste your time or mine. Im going to let you check out what he had to say:

1. Who is Damon Dizzle?
DD: "Damon Dizzle was born in Louisiana, raised in Houston. I grew up on the SouthWest side of Houston and graduated from Hastings Charter School. Growing up, I learned that its important to remain true to who you are and to just be real, and that is who Damon Dizzle is, a Real Nigga."

2. How did it all start for you?
DD: "I would like to say I've been rapping all my life, but begin to take it seriously back in 1996."

3. 'I Eat Pussy' is one of the songs you are pushing, What was the inspiration behind that song and title?
DD: "I'm a freaky muthaf***a, that turns straight girls gay, and bring gay girls back...lol"

4. Did you think it would become a popular song in the Lesbian community? How do you feel about the support they give you?
DD: "I hoped that it would become a popular song, and it has, Lesbians are my main supporters. I don't discriminate at all."

5. What are some collaborations that you have done or plan to do?
DD: "I've worked with King Coby, Boss Hogg Outlaws, DJ Chose, BeatKings, 50Fifty Twins, Dallas Swag and Fat Pimp."

6. Have you gone on tour? When do you plan on going?
DD: "I have toured with Z-Ro and Lil Flip. I am willing to tour where ever I am booked."

7. What is your next project?
DD: "My next project is TLS, Streets to Freaks. There are 1000 ways to get money and I am planning to use all of them."

8. What do you plan to do if and when you catch hell about the title and lyrics of your song?
DD: "I have already caught criticism about this song and probably will catch it because of many others. I dont care about criticism, I am the first to do it, and that along makes me a trendsetter"

9. Where can people find your music?
DD: "Google Me, and then look for me at the Swat Shop, SoSouth.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, and Itunes. Im anywhere, you want me to be."

10. You are so open and accessible to your fans and followers, why is this important to your career?
DD: "I'm a real nigga, and regardless to my fame, Im going to pack shows, and its because Im so accessible. You can see me in the street and come up and holla at me, Im not Hollywood and after we talk and kick it, Im going to sell you a CD."

Well folks, that concludes this interview. This is a Sweet Tooth Media Exclusive!

SweetToothMedia Video Footage on the Set of Damon Dizzle Video Shoot: Ft. Damon Dizzle with appearances from QMane!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Dirty Girls Modeling Group: Aspirations for More

2011-03-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

"Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention please? I am requesting your undivided attention because I am in the business of saving relationships and building marriages. So id rather request your attention, instead of having these ladies command your attention, and getting you slapped! I'd like to formally introduce to you all, the Lovely Ladies of Dirty Girl Modeling Group, which is a part of Dirty Bizness Entertainment." Dirty Girl Modeling Group also known as DGMG is a group of young lesbian women, set out to boost and inspire young women new on the scene and to let the world know that there are beautiful positive women in our communities. These young women are full of life and enthusiasm and I had the pleasure of seeing all they had to offer on the video set of Damon Dizzle. Each lady had brought their own element and personality and I certainly understand why CEO/Founder Yung Crusay, has them on her team. The ladies each exuded a free spirit, totally aware and intuned the task at hand: Being Video Models on the set of the "I Eat....." video. Meet each one of these ladies as you will certainly see them around for time to come.

'Lady Lust'
Born and raised in Garland, TX she began dancing at North Garland HS. Graduating at the tender age of 16, she moved to Houston after being accepted into the University of Houston in 2008. She currently teaches at a private school and attends HCC in the evenings; pursuing her degree in Sociology. The lady spends her spare time relaxing, shopping, dancing, and traveling. She has a very bubbly personality and enjoys laughing! The newest model with DGMG, Lady Lust is taking modeling by the horns. Being a proud Go-Getter, and free spirit, Lady Lust finds it important to remain an individual in this type of business. She remains focused by remembering that she is following her dreams. Lady Lust is certainly a Dirty Girl, interested in being a SpokesModel. In doing so, she is proud to admit that she is not a Label girl, but rathers Boutique shopping, choosing Different instead of Designer. Get to know this Dirty Girl on twitter, @LadyyLUST

'Too Chewy'
Nathalyn (Too Chewy) grew up as an up-coming track star and all around athlete. Nathalyn was raised in an area where the kids were underestimated, but she slipped through the cracks by graduating high school and not having kids by the age of 18. Chewy doesn't see life like the Huxtables, and is perfectly ok with realizing that college isn't for everyone and neither is a 9-5. She started danceing (YES on the pole) where she got the idea from here mother who also told here she would be the perfect face and frame for music videos, commercials & modeling. Nathalyn is very sophisticated and direct. Her favorite designer brand is anything Hello Kitty! When speaking about the hustle of modeling, she feels that if its out there and she wants it, she's going to get it. She desires to do more commercial modeling in her career. Too Chewy believes that entering the modeling business its important to not sell your soul for the money and to have fun in anything that YOU decide to do. She states, "Nothing is for free, thats for sure...you have to decide when to be the buyer and when to be the seller, NEVER, be the good." Nathalyn is a really outgoing person with an open mind frame and demeanor, but her heart is so pretty. Follow this Dirty Girl on Twitter @TooFucknChewy

'Luckiie Marie'
Luckiie Marie is a New Orleans Native and takes pride in being loud, and out spoken. She believes that is necessary in this industry as speaking your mind is critical to staying afloat. Luckiie Marie loves to have a good time. She is mindful of the importance of being a lady at all times. However, she certainly knows how to get work done. Some would consider Luckiie aggressive, but she disagrees and says "Im a Go-Getta, motivated by money and good times...if someone interrupts the flow of these principles, then its necessary to SPEAK OUT LOUD! Not only is Luckiie outspoken, she is very outgoing and takes her craft seriously. Her favorite designer brand is Coogi and in this industry if there is anything she wants, she goes to get it! Her ultimate goal is Hi-Fashion and runway modeling. For young women entering this industry, she advises never accept the word NO! Great advice from the DGMG veteran.

Yung Crusay
Yung Crusay is the CEO/Founder of Dirty Biz Entertainment and DGMG. She was born and in Huntsville, TX where she was raised by her mother. With background in Port Arthur, the rapper, writer, producer, and actress started creating her resume at the age of 5 when she begin acting. By 7th grade the budding star had begun to write lyrics. In 10th grade is when she added to her list of accomphishments, the title: rapper. Wanting to be the jack of many trades, Yung Crusay begin producing in 11th grade. While most teens are having identity crisis during these years, Yung Crusay took control and begin writing her own destiny. In 2002, Yung Crusay moved to Houston and decided to pursue her music career shortly after. From there she started TL Productions in 2004, Dirty Bizness Ent. in 2007. In May 2009 Yung Crusay released her 1st mixtape entitled, The Love Chronicles Pt. 1. DGMG which is a part of Dirty Bizness Entertainment, is a recent creation (2010) in which she is watching its growth. Currently, Yung Crusay is working on a new mixtape, which she plans to release later this year. She appears in her first film: Desire, Hostility, Delusion, which is scheduled to be released in June 2011. You can follow this Dirty Biz Boss on Twitter @Yung_Crusay .

Video Footage of the Ladies of DGMG in action: Live on the Set of Damon Dizzle's Video Shoot- "I Eat..."
Look for more of these lovely ladies during HerHoustonSplash May 2011!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

SweetToothMedia

2011-03-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

All Photos and Videos are created by Mirrored Impressions Photography! For booking Please visit http://www.mirroredimpressions.com/
"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Independent Woman: Traveling the U.S of A! First Stop HOTLanta

2011-03-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hello World! I come today to share with you a goal I plan to achieve before I leave this earth and that is: TRAVEL! I love to get-a-way, it doesn't matter where or even how, as long as I get there! There, is where ever I choose to go. Aside from being able to navigate on my own free will, I like to see what the hype is about and to ensure that my cultural roots are thoroughly soaked. I made this an I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T Woman themed mission because, all to often, we as the nurtures of this world forget to take care of ourselves, simply because we can and should. It doesn't have to always be 'for a reason' that we travel. We too have to see the world and experience what fuels our televisions and radios. I choose to travel this country FIRST, because its where I live, its where I spend my money, its where my child will raise his children. While I have traveled internationally, there are only a few places outside of this country that I want to see. You can call it simply living, in my comfort zone. I plan to see the other places where there is white sands, turquoise and diamond blue waters. The places with rich food, leaning towers, and religious beginnings, I will get there too. As of right now, I want to know whats right here on my own turf! This place is my canvas and I'm painting the picture!

Atlanta, the first stop on the map! I choose ATL because of its promise of growth and prosperity for the African American Community. Its notoriety of being the Gay and Lesbian Mecca. For being the home of Dr. Martin Luther King, the nurturing city of such talented entertainers such as Xscape, Usher, T.I., Jermaine Dupree, and who can forget the Atlanta Housewives. I wanted to visit the restaurants, such as Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles. I wanted to hit up Lenox Mall and TAGS Boutique. Most of these things I did and I am going to give you all the details, what was liked or just over hyped. So, I arrive at the airport and was immediately hailed a cab. It was cold and rainy! The driver was rather friendly, and seemed to be concerned with our safety. He told us, that African guys will stake out the luggage claim area, offer to provide 'Car/taxi service' and then take you away from the airport and rape you! I was like OMG! Really, Mr. Cab driver. He tried to soften the warning, with dry humor that he enjoyed wayyy more than I did. It was funnier laughing at how hard he was laughing at himself. After scaring me silly within the first 10 minutes of my trip, we arrived to the Melia in Buckhead. When we arrived there was a party going on being given by some big promoter from New York. It was called First Fridays Atlanta. I mean the place was crazy packed, however, check in went rather smoothly. The staff was extremely friendly and customer service was great! We stayed on the 17th floor and the room had a balcony. It was a wonderful view of the city. We decided since it was so late, we should just change and enjoy the party right there in the hotel. The bar area was twice as loaded by the time we made it down. Music pumping and the crowd, well they were well dressed young professionals. I was impressed with the effort put into stepping out for a night on the time. The were a few fashion forward trendsetters in the crowd but there were more fashion No-No's! After a few drinks we visited a diner around the corner and called it a night.

*Singing: Its Morrrnnninng...* We wake up super early, because we decide that it costs to much to take a cab. We spent $60 for 3 trips totaling 20 minutes and 15 miles. We rented a car for less than $40, and we were able to move around the city and surrounding cities on a full tank of gas and the freedom to go where we wanted. Did I mention that it was cold and rainy. It was cold and rainy, y'all what was a sister to do? Our first stop on the rental car train ride, was Gladys Knight and Ron Winans' Chicken and Waffles. We waited 10 minutes outside in the cold and rain, and then had to wait another 5 minutes to be seated. The restaurant was adorned with photos of its celebrity patrons and supporters, replicas of Ms. Knights' many awards, framed news paper clippings etc. Mellow, old and new school, neo soul, R and B filled the speakers. Making the quaint and cozy spot feel like home as we waited for our food. The menu offered several brunch options, along with breakfast and lunch items. I ordered Catfish and Grits, and eggs. I was expecting this earth shattering explosion of taste to accompany the environment I was in and the mood I was feeling. I got anything but. The food was rather bland and the fish, tasted....well fishy! The grits were like any others I've tasted. The raisin toast gave it a new flavor that I'd never had, but there was nothing amazing about the food. So that tainted the whole experience. That's all I gotta say about that!

Nothing like a little shopping to get things back on track! Next Stop: The historical Lenox Square Mall. I didn't know what to expect from this place, but I didn't get anything special...except: meeting a beautiful human. Saniyyah Griffin, General Manager of Carol's Daughter. Just walking, by, I decided to stop and look around, see exactly what the store had to offer. I love that its a store dedicated to natural beauty, hair and skin care for women of color. Ms. Griffin, came over to us and immediately begin talking to us. My car club sister was taking pictures and Ms. Griffin wanted to know why. My sister explained to her that we are just traveling for state to state, city to city, chroncling life and culture in other cities. She asked where we were from and we sang in unisom, Houston. She shared with me that Carol's Daughter would be opening a store soon here in Houston and there are some things I may want to share with the world. Connecting and networking, a cultural commonality was more than beautiful to me. It gave me a renewed hope in the way business is done. Other than that single, possibly life altering moment, I got the same thing shopping at Houston's Galleria mall: overcrowded spaces, gut-wrenching traffic, and no stores that I just had to visit, exclusive to Lenox Sqaure. Moving on to the Grand Lauder of shopping for males and females. The rental car train takes us all the way to Smyrna, Georgia, to TAGS, Atlanta Housewife and former Xscape band member, Kandi's boutique. Its nestled off in a shopping center with that modern old towne feel. It's rather cute! The store was certainly a boutique that had more than meets the eye. The staff in the store delivered exemplary customer service. Notably, Ms. Peaches, took great care of me and made me feel as if I was one of the Atlanta Housewives. She brought me varying sizes and styles of clothing. All fitting as if it were made for me. As a thick sister, with more than a few extra pounds, always finding things to fit, can be a challenge. But at TAGS, well let me just say, I bought everything that Ms. Peaches gave me! My experience was like no other, I've ever had. Because of that experience, I will make trips just to shop there! Yes, there is an online store, but it wouldnt do any justice, compared to what I experienced. What puts the icing on the cake, is that Ms. Peaches told me to see what they have new online, or call the store, inquire about its design and fabric, to determine if its a right fit for me. Now if that isnt personable, 5-star customer service, I dont know what is. After a day of train hopping, shopping and sight seeing, we headed back to the Melia, to relax and get ready for a night on the town.

Being an out and proud lesbian, I couldnt wait to see what Atlanta's nightlyfe had in store for me. Did I say it was cold and rainy? Considering that it was cold and rainy, I wasn't sure that I would run into those packed houses, wall to wall club scenes that I hear about, although, it WAS Mardi Gras weekend and certainly, ATL would have some sort of celebration commemorating the religious event. So on the itinerary, I came up with three clubs, one advertised as a Traxx Atlanta venue, the other, MSR event, and the Inferno hosted by LGBT-Atlanta. The goal was to hit all three and see which offered the best experience. Wellll, we first went to TRAXX Atlanta, I dont know if it was just a bad night or if someone else is using their logo, however, the crowd, was not what was expected of a TRAXX event. It was so bad, I never killed the ignition. Moving right along to My Sister's Room, locating the club was a task and once we found it, there was absolutely no where to park, so flabergasted, we went to Inferno, which just happened to be miliminutes from the Melia. We enter the club, which isnt too crowded, and stopped at the bar right in the door. Thoroughly disappointed, I ordered a long island ice tea...and the bar tender pours vodka in a cup of ice adds a coke, and tells me "$5 dollars please!" I looked at her, shook my head and paid her. I move in to the Boom Boom room, which is set up nice and could accomodate just the right amount of people to have the perfect party. There was a fair share of studs in the room, and if I was single, I surely would have been able to mingle, hands down. The DJ (from Cali) spinned a variety of music, ranging from house, old school hip hop to the new tunes burning up the charts. A few times, she lost me with the music but, redeemed herself, playing old and new favorites. After a few more 1 liquor Long Island Iced teas, I was feeling good and the music started to take me. My sis, on the other hand, looked clearly bored, and was ready to go almost as quickly as we arrived. I kept her in as long as I could. Overall, it was a nice outing, the music and drinks were more hospitable than the hosts or patrons. Seeing a new face or two, one should inquire, I would!

Our weekend was filled with sights for sore eyes, hard laughs, relaxing moments, and excellent memories. Overall, I enjoyed myself, but cant help but feel that either I was bamboozled or misguided. Many of the websites set up to guide seemed to be old, outdated, and unmaintained. Did I say it was cold and rainy? The cold and rain could have been a factor in the overall experience. I just know that my eyes are colored with cloud filled stains. I didn't get to have my lesbian filled Atlanta experience, or that Southern taste fest that I wanted, but I did marvel in the escape. If you visit ATL, just to go, I recommend that you definitely visit, Kandi's store, TAGS; stay at the Melia, Ms. Griffin at Carol's Daughter and thoroughly research the nightlyfe. Im sure Atlanta has more to offer, maybe next time I need to be linked up with somebody that's anybody among ATL's elite. Any suggestions?

Check Out my a few of my new favorites:
http://www.tagsatl.com/
http://www.carolsdaughter.com/
http://www.melia.com/
http://www.alamo.com/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Taking A Chance At Love by Kesha Pride: A Book Review and Interview

2011-03-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

Picture this: Its a gloomy day, clouds are gray, thunder rumbles above you and the wind is nice and breezy. Rain is coming and there is nothing on your agenda. What do you do? You decide to pick up a book that you recently bought and make up your mind to only scan the book, figuring its a nice lead into the much needed nap. So you reflect on the title, and chalk it up to being another hopeless romantic novel, with a little action to keep you aware of the characters and another 'oh so predictable' story line: Boy meets girl, boy screws up, girl gets hurt, he proposes and all is right with the world. Well, in scanning the first couple of pages you find that its MUCH MORE than what you imagined and now you cant put it down!

As an avid reader, I think its important to skim and scan books just to get an idea of what you are up against. You know assessing the kind of read you will have, the mood/environment needed to get the most out of the book, and of course how drawn in you will be. One of my most recent book purchases included TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE by Kesha Pride. When I ordered the book, my first mindset was only to take a peek until I had more time to actively read. However, I picked the book up, only to scan it and was unable to put it down. There was no time or need to choose the optimal setting. Immediately, I was enthralled in the book, fell in love with the characters and made connections to my own life within the first few pages. The book is set in Atlanta, Georgia; however, there is a great connection to Houston. I find it exciting to read about places that I have been and people that I know, because I immediately begin to visualize the scene and project myself into it. As the title suggests, it is certainly about taking chances...MASSIVE life altering chances. Taking A Chance at Love commands its readers' attention introducing us to Tori Becker; a fresh, young, and beautiful doctor, who just happens to be an out and proud lesbian. Quite the charmer, Tori, immediately sweeps two young women off of their feet. From that moment on, the book is a page turning, nail biter. The plot thickens with each page, and creates the perfect foundation for a sequel or three. Filled with Drama, Sex (Great Sex), and Murder; TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE is the perfect read, no matter where you are and what you are doing. Just be ready to be taken away and able to 'zone' out....Its THAT Good! TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE, was so good, it became imperative to catch up, with the author herself, to find out what is the fuel behind this genius creation.

When I caught up with Kesha Pride, she was in the hair salon, sitting under the dryer. Beauty in all its glory was able to take a moment and share with me, the force behind her pen and book. Kesha Pride, a transplanted Houstonian, from Georgia, relocated to Houston after accepting an amazing job in Houston's Medical Center. Being all about family and career, there was no way that she could pass up an opportunity that benefited both. Ms. Pride has been writing for quite some time. She shared that while, "Growing up, I would write little short stories in notebooks and draw little pictures to go along with them. It was a great pastime. My freshman year in college, I changed my major from Biology to English in hopes of becoming a writer, but my parents were totally against that. I was an English major for about an hour, lol. Even still, I continued writing blogs, short stories, and university newspaper articles as requested or required. Fast forward to June 2010. I was seven months out of my final degree and had the time and energy to commit to writing but I wasn't sure where to start. I opened up Microsoft Office one day to test it on my new computer and when I closed it down for the night, I'd written the first three chapters of TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE. My passion was renewed and I threw myself into the story." Even with all these years of writing, Ms. Pride considers writing a hobby. To her a writer is someone who enjoys writing, and based on that definition she has been a writer since elementary school. A vivid imagination and love of reading will create and foster a love of writing. For Ms. Pride, writing is a release, allowing her to escape temporarily and the beautiful part of it all is that she can go anywhere her mind takes her. As a result of that she plans to continue to write well after her retirement. As a pronounced fiction writer, Ms. Pride incorporates my favorite (erotica) along with drama and suspense as well, making it the ultimate read. Its certainly, no surprise that Eric Jerome Dicker is her favorite author. Her favorite book by EDJ is Pleasure. His style of writing by way of elements used is definitely hinted throughout TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE.

When discussing TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE, Kesha stated that the book wasn't planned, there was no central theme, it was just what she felt at that moment. It sounds like she begin writing this book, like I begin reading it, once you start, you are unable to stop. Whatever the case, once it was completed, it was translated into a work of fiction based on real experiences; her own and that of others. I was just dying to know if Ms. Pride would take the risks that Tori took, for the chance to have real love. Ms Pride stated that she would have to plan thoroughly before putting her livelihood on the line, for love or anything else. "I don't mind taking risks, but they are usually calculated ones." With that in mind it is safe to say that Ms. Pride is satisfied with the end product and wouldn't change anything about this book. The characters have left their mark on Ms. Pride and based on reader reviews, the mark is left on the readers as well. Currently, Ms. Pride is working on her second novel and a compilation of erotica stories to present a total lesbian anthology.

Most of my readers should know by know that I am a HUGE fan of support. This is the only reason that Sweet Tooth Media exists. So I couldn't help but ask Kesha, who are her biggest fans and supporters. Ms. Pride concluded our session with humbleness and appreciation of the support she receives. She says she loves the love she receives from her reader's, members of the LGBT communities in Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and other parts of the country. She says "the love is way more that I expected." She sends special recognition to Amuse Bouche Entertainment and K. Dapree of Heart & Soul. I confer with her as I have had the pleasure of working with both entities. She states that her friends have taken on this project full force and she is honored and happy to have them in her life. She shouts out Stacy, Kimmie, Kaze, Phyllis, Lisa, Tonya, and Brandee, "You ROCK!"

"Books support us in our solitude and keep us from being a burden to ourselves" -Jeremy Collier
You can find out more about Kesha Pride and order TAKING A CHANCE AT LOVE at http://www.keshapride.com/

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

MIC MAN: The New Underground King? Clarity Check Concert Series 2 HeadLiner

2011-02-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

I like to define the term "UnderGround" as an extreme state of being, by choice for many, by default for others. It means that those participants are just beneath the commercial radar or way above it. Individuals that start and finish as Underground artists, have my utmost respect, because their work is done for their own purpose and the passion of their listeners. It used to be that 'underground' refered to artists that didnt fit into mainstream music's ideation of marketable, because it was to risque, political, or contained lyrics too ambiguous for the 'white shirts' to understand. Over the years that has changed. Now it refers to those artists that choose to remain in control of their own talents and creativity. After attending Clarity Check Concert Series 2 Featuring MIC MAN, I've had the chance of meeting an artist that remains true to the definitive term of "UnderGround".

MIC MAN

Lady Hennyssi and Go DJ DreamKast did it once again!!! They continue to provide a platform for artists with true talent to showcase themselves. Saturday, February 19, 2011; I was given the pleasure to witness it up close and personal. The drinks were pouring, the music banging, and the patrons JAMMING! Hosted by MC Yung Kut, Clarity Check brought out the best. This month's line up included Solo Projekt, C-Fish, Clarity Check's own Lady Hennyssi, J-Duh, the Lovely BeatMaker, and of course the Headliner: MIC MAN. MC Yung Kut, introduced to us his new single and my new anthem: On My B.I., a catchy, southern banger, that pays homage to those determined to get their 'piece of the pie'. Solo Projekt, brought an eclectic range of hits, with lyrics such as "...Im the human version of Monopoly...". Lady Hennyssi, represented well for the ladies, with a Special Apperance by Go DJ DreamKast. These artists are the epitome of underground, remaining true to themselves and true Hip-Hop. Each bringing their own sound and sharing the sweet, soul soothing, unique pie of talent. Being among them ignited within me, encouragement, determination, and perserverance because thats what was exuded.

MC Yung Kut

C-Fish

Solo Projekt

Lady Hennyssi and Go DJ DreamKast

J-Duh, The Lovely BeatMaker

After the show, I was able to catch up with MIC MAN for a candid interview with the man behind the music. MIC MAN, born Damon Hiley is from Monroe, LA. He currently resides in Dallas, TX. At first sight, one would think, he is a known playboy, that keeps his pockets lined with plenty of women. However, when he opens his mouth you find that he is anything but. MIC MAN is a charismatic artist, trying to make it. He is humbly seeking his place in this industry and vows to stay there. MIC MAN is truly underground in that he has been writing and working since the early 90's. He states that some of his earlier work was with Mr. Lee, formally a member of the Rap-A-Lot Team. Since then he has continued to grow, and nurture his independent hustle. His music style is influenced by his favorite artists, Devin the Dude, 8Ball & MJG, Scarface, and of course UGK. Its no wonder, he has the southern sound and the hustle of an underground artist. He has hopes of collaborating with these True Legends. MIC MAN advises other artist to stay grinding, and refrain from discouragement in a discouraging business. He says the key is ...'to keep going'. As the founder of MIC BOI Music, certainly, he has the tools and experience to issue such advice. Currently on his label, is IMG, DHB boys, Playa T, and AKAli just to name a few. He is a man, doin big things. His goal is to do it BIGger each time. MIC MAN ended on the motivation tip. He is motivated by his desire to work. He climbs on that stage bringing his A++ game each and everytime, ..."it doesnt matter if its five people or 5000 people, you never know whose watching...Just Keep Grinding" -MIC MAN

You can find MIC MAN and his music at:
www.reverbnation.com/micman11
www.myspace.com/stacenscrillaent
www.twitter.com/mic_man
www.myxer.com/1micman
www.facebook.com/MICMAN1UP

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Allstarz Dodge Us CarClub: World Class Interest, Community Driven

2011-02-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

"Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even." ~Daniel Berrigan

Community service is when someone performs an action which benefits his or her community. It is altruistic, and it is a vital part of many small communities. Getting involved in your community makes it healthier and livelier, and numerous organizations around the world support community service activities. Meeting the eyes of the starved across a piece of bread, we all suffer a lot. You have to know what its like to be hungry, to be without, it is then that you are able give unselfishly. Many of us is aware of the pandemics that plague our country, state, and city. However, because of our own struggles we find it difficult to recognize and relate to that of others. Its time for us a community to get together for something other than partying. Its time for us all to do something, instead of sitting around talking about it. Its time for us to serve, as the Heavens has provided for us, so that we all provide for others. There are several organizations around Houston that are serving the community. Allstarz DUCC is one of those organizations.

Allstarz Dodge Us CarClub is an organization that has come to the realization that a difference can be made. Allstarz DUCC's purpose is, "As one we stand to serve where need is found." They strive to encourage growth, strength and unity within the Community. It was soon evident that a spirit of altruism began to dominate any love of pleasure or selfish desire for personal gain among these members. This strength and courage has been a dominating force in the Club’s leadership during these past months of vast change and growth. Unlike single-issue organizations, The Dodge Us Car Club structure allows Club members to address the emerging needs of the city, county and state and to respond quickly to calls for help. The Club offers a diverse chance for "hands-on" service in the community as well as for personal growth.…” we began to realize that perhaps we needed to “improve our skills, expand our rights and apply our abilities and special sensitivity to our society’s needs.” These are people committed to the betterment of themselves and their community. Allstarz DUCC early activities has included Toy Drive, AIDS Foundation Houston, Haiti t-shirt drives and recently Andrea’s hope feeding the hunger of Houston. Each member is encouraged to participate as little or as often as her schedule permits. Diversity in ages, interests and experiences unite these women through a common dedication to community improvement through volunteer service.

Allstarz DUCC continues to serve the community. Every third Saturday of the month, Allstarz DUCC fulfills their Feed the Hungry project at 2009 Congress. Each month the car club feeds at least 150 citizens of the community. Hungry has no face, and therefore everyone is welcomed to partake in Allstarz DUCC's mission. The latest mission fulfilled was Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. Being apart of this organization and mission, I found that serving, continues to be my purpose. Sharing and interacting with those that are down on their luck, renewed in me, the desire to want to do better, the desire to do more to encourage, strengthen, restore hope in a hopeless world. I believe that a society cannot be truly successful with a mentality that every individual should only worry about themselves and in the end things will work out for the best. Community service is about building a stronger community whether on campus, in your neighborhood, city, state, or any other type of community. Its a pleasure to be outside the box!!

To find out more about AllStarz DUCC, to seek assistance with your community service event, or to offer sponsorships and/or donations visit http://www.dodgeus.weebly.com/

Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS: Community Efforts

2011-02-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2011 was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day! This is monumental due to the startling increase of HIV/AIDS in our community. There are many organizations and community leaders that are doing what they can to spread awareness to this issue that affects us. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), is one of those organizations. NBHAAD, a national HIV/AIDS testing and treatment community mobilization initiative designed to encourage Blacks across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities.

In 2008, an estimated 18,328 Blacks received an AIDS diagnosis, a number that has remained relatively stable since 2005. By the end of 2007, an estimated 233,624 Blacks with a diagnosis of AIDS had died in the US and 5 dependent areas. In 2006, HIV was the ninth leading cause of death for all Blacks and the third leading cause of death for both Black men and Black women aged 35–44. Unfortunately, many of those who are infected with HIV are unaware of their status and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. It’s time to mobilize and talk about this devastating disease so we can make a difference… and there’s no better time than February 7th! On this commemorative day, Blacks are encouraged to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated around HIV/AIDS. Special events such as press conferences, town hall meetings, church services, community marches and rallies, candlelight vigils, and free HIV testing will be held throughout the nation.

“We have to challenge the mindset and notion that Black people are disposable based on their sexual orientation, drug addiction or behavior, we didn’t have that option on the slave ships or plantations – so why now? We can turn this epidemic around if we act now.” says LaMont “Montee” Evans, of Healthy Black Communities, Inc, NBHAAD 2011 Annual Chairperson and a member of the NBHAAD Strategic Leadership Council.

While Blacks represent approximately 13% of the U.S. population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the group accounts for almost half of the nation’s AIDS cases.

In its eleventh year, NBHAAD organizers remain focused on all cities where Black communities are disproportionately impacted and the epidemic is not slowing. Some of these cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Newark, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, Trenton and Washington, D.C.

Several Black celebrities and community leaders have served as the face and voice of this huge effort while encouraging thousands of Black communities to mobilize and do something that will be long-lasting in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Past spokespersons include: Congressman Elijah E. Cummings; Tony Dungy; Idris Elba; Kimberly Elise; Lance Gross; Hill Harper; Taraji P. Henson; Tom Joyner; Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Ludacris; Master P; Tangi Miller; Patrik-Ian Polk; General Colin Powell; Sheryl Lee Ralph; Gloria Reuben; Romeo; Rev. Edwin Sanders; Tavis Smiley; and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Currently, NBHAAD is directed, planned and organized by a group known as the Strategic Leadership Council who partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to mobilize communities and address specific issues in regards to local epidemics.

For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.blackaidsday.org.
_-Source: NBHAAD Media Source, www.blackaidsday.org

Joining the initiative in their own right is Dodge Us Car Club (DUCC), a community service organization. For more information about DUCC visit www.DodgeUs.weebly.com Dodge Us Car Club is currently raising money, as walkers and volunteers with AIDS Walk Houston. AIDS Walk Houston is an exciting, non-competitive event that increases community awareness and educates Houstonians about HIV/AIDS. Incredible progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but a cure has not been found. Individuals continue to contract HIV at an alarming rate right here in our city. You can assist by joining us as volunteers or donating. The walk will take place AIDS Walk Houston 2011 Sunday, March 13, 2011 8:00 am Sam Houston Park (downtown) 1100 Bagby Street. Proceeds from AIDS Walk Houston benefit AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc as well as several other Houston-area HIV/AIDS service organizations. The funds that participants raise supports education and pediatric programs, provides housing, food, medical care, counseling, and job training to more than 100,000 Houstonians each year. Join in the fun!
To find out more information or donate Click here to visit my personal page. http://www.aidshelp.org/site/TR?px=1426729&pg=personal&fr_id=1120&et=K8W1CkNcVhIsUrfTwyb9sw..&s_tafId=20274

Click here to view the team page for Allstar D.U.C.C. http://www.aidshelp.org/site/TR?team_id=19090&pg=team&fr_id=1120&et=tVciNiClXttSwc3m8iYADA..&s_tafId=20274

-MsNightLyfe

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Support: Do We Really?

2011-02-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

According to Merriam-Webster, the word 'support' has many meanings and functions in the English language. As a verb (something that one does, action), support is (1) : to promote the interests or cause of (2) : to uphold or defend as valid or right : advocate (3) : to argue or vote for ... It is this function I wish to discuss. Many of us often say, I support you, your business, your cause, your decision, etc. Sure, most genuinely mean what they say. However, I once heard and now believe a funky pair of lips can say anything. I am more interested in the actions of your hands, not the lips.
As an educator, I know that support is imperative on many levels. As a mother, I know that the presence of support is just as critical as the air we breath. As a Lesbian, support has kept make true to who I am and wish to become. As an author/blogger, it is my mission to provide as much support as possible. Social media, and all of its glory, is an extra outlet for the true hustlers of the world to get that supplemental yet simultaneous support from fans, family, and friends. But do the hundreds and thousands of friends really DO, that thing, you know... SUPPORT? Its hard to say. There is a cornucopia of groups, organizations, and businesses with social media presence, and just as many followers, friends and fans; however, if judging on their actions (posts) its ambiguous if there is actual support.
Community support is what any business owner, hustler, and entrepreneur need, yet support often comes from outside the community until its a large enough buzz, on the outside. My community consists of everywhere I am, have been and will go. The lives I touch and those that touch mine. The books, blogs, and online newsletters that I read. The events I attend and sponsor. THAT is my community. Having said that, it is these places and people that I want to see thrive. Being able to go out and satisfy a need because of someone else's idea, dream and action is an inspiration and motivating and in some strange way, for that moment you become a part of one another's lives. After a bad day, going out and listening or sharing at poetry piece, helping a friend celebrate, getting lost in the words of an author, buying unique designs from the lady with the daring outfit on, that is SUPPORT! Re-posting, promoting and broadcasting things you genuinely enjoy is SUPPORT! Often times our friends will comment on a post of negative innuendo, share the latest heart break, or break down. And while mainstream media makes millions off of these same things, local communities, organizations, businesses and causes can counteract this by supporting. Its amazing the number of views that I receive on my blog each day, yet, there are no comments added. SAY SOMETHING! Community Support, comes by Communicating! Word of Mouth or to stay abreast the times, Words typed is still a powerful tool. This is the basis, foundation of Sweet Tooth Media.
I would like to share a list of sites and social network outlets that I support genuinely. It is my hopes that you check them out, share them, like them, comment on them.
This list isn't comprehensive and is in No particular order:
1. http://www.clublezlife.com/ A lesbian website that allows you to post events for free and search for events in your area, or an area you may frequent.
2. http://www.thefabfemme.com/ A fellow lesbian blogger, that captures news that affect the LGBT community.
3. http://www.keshapride.com/ Author of Taking a Chance At Love
4. http://www.areyoufam.com/ A lesbian blog site that shines the spotlight on LGBT trendsetters.
5. http://www.glotvnetwork.com/ The Only Urban LGBT TV network
6. http://www.desirehostilitydelusion.com/ An urban film about lesbian love and scandal by film maker Lyndonne Payne
7. http://www.rainbowdepot.com/ An online site for LGBT merchandise.
8. http://www.amuseboucheent.com/ The one stop shop for entertainment.
9. http://www.claritycheck.webs.com/ The Underground Network for Artist
10. http://dodgeus.weebly.com/ Lesbian Car Club that provides support in the community.
11. http://www.getmusictracks.com/ An online Radio show, that plays the music of underground artists.
12. http://www.vanitycreation.com/ Handmade jewelry, designs, and wardrobe consulting.
13. http://www.fionazedde.com/ Lesbian Author/Extrordinaire

That is all folks. No pictures, no punch lines, just thoughts, my truth, just words. SUPPORT, Do YOU REALLY? If not here's your chance. Show love with Integrity! Its free and we really do appreciate it!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Clarity Check Concert Series Part 2 Featuring Mista Shano

2011-02-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

We all know that Hip Hop is a very controversial topic, more so than its cultural roots. One thing I love about Hip Hop culture is the Underground Hip Hop Scene. The respect reaches much farther than the music as it spills over in the community. Many of the Underground Hip Hop artists speak about their upbringing, their hoods, the trials and tribulation that have often inspired them to write in the first place. I believe that the best way to redirect anger and control emotions is through the pen and pad. This juxtaposed irony is what captures our youth, not always killing them, rather this is what saves them. Young children learn quickly the shock value of Hip Hop, yet we often don't encourage them to examine the process of Hip Hop. The focus should be on how it all begins, the intention and motivation determines how it will end. Clarity Check Concert Series presented by Lady Hennyssi and Go DJ DreamKast aspires to show Hip Hop artist that process through artist development. This is what sets Clarity Check in a league of its own. Both dedicated veterans have been immersed and simmered in the juices of Hip Hop, creating cloths of knowledge, experience, and success. The mission of Clarity Check is simple…"Setting Trends. They are putting the scope on the premium undiscovered talent that exists underground, while staying devoted to allowing these artists to be seen and heard while at the same time being seen as potential instead of being labeled as underground. Update your swag to Clarity and get your V.V.S. stamp of Grade “A” says Lady Hennyssi. The founders also have committed themselves to taking the concert series much farther with each production. Their vision has been affixed on providing the artists with quality that they deserve by making available more resources, a grand stage and creative guidance. Each concert in the series features local artist from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and the like to headline. Go DJ DreamKast provides an outlet for the artist to broadcast their music at www.GetMusicTracks.Com 90.3 The Underground HitList and give artist development guidance along the way. Attend any one of these concerts and you Clarity will be Checked with a VVS stamp of Grade "A".

My Clarity was certainly Checked after listening to artists such as Khalil Famous, QMane, Mixxed Foe Reason, B.A.B.S Squad and of course the Headliner Mista Shano. Before the concert begin I got a chance to sit down with Mista Shano and found that he is a very humble down to earth young man, hungry for what the music industry has for him. Mista Shano said that it all started for him with the desire to do something constructive and the decision to put it all together. His video for "Rep Yo Hood/Hi Hata!" shows just how well he put it all together. There you will find Houston's southern beats, rhythmic, repetitive and catchy phrases and that "bob" your head type of lyrical trigger. Growing up in South Park and on Long Dr., there is a strong connection with Wesley Square, an extension of South Park. This along with being raised in a family oriented home with lots of love has influenced his lyrics and determination to strive. He affirms that he was no neighborhood hardhead, but did get into typical mischief that halos over any young boy's head. Mista Shano is musically influenced by DMX and Master P in that they showed him musically to just be yourself, and create your own sound. He has covered alot of ground in his career as an artist. He has worked with Krazeo of 713 Label, Element the Rapper, and Lil Kee of Major League Entertainment. He plans to collaborate Lil KeKe and Lil Flip both of whom he attended school with (Jones and Fondren Middle, respectively). When I asked Mista Shano what it meant to him being the Headliner of Clarity Check Concert Series 2. He said that it "means a great deal" because he had stopped performing to take care of his family and when he heard of the opportunity, he jumped on it. "God put me in a position one more time and I took it..." Since re-emerging on the Underground scene, he has become his own CEO. He heads Major League Entertainment Studios located at 6400 Benmar in Historic Greenspoint. He is currently working on his release album entitled L.I.F.E. Living In Fast Environments and states he has a Wes Connect sound. Mista Shano is an ambitious, diligent, artist setting his own limits and doing his own thing. You can follow Mista Shano on:

Facebook at facebook.com/unrealsoundproductions
YouTube at www.YouTube.com/MistaShano
Twitter @MrIGotEm
You can also find his music at http://bln.kr

Visit http://ClarityCheck.webs.com to learn more about the series or to register as an artist.

L to R Mixxed Foe Reason, QMane, and B.E.Z

GoDJ DreamKast

Hosted by GoDJ Fiya of BET's Comic View

Mista Shano

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Project Runway: New Years Eve Edition 2011

2011-01-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, 2011! A New Year, a fresh and new start! Its the time for resolutions, commitments and promises of Life Changes. Its also a time of retrospect and reflection. The most important thing about New Year's isnt just the opportunity to change, but for certain, the chance to PARTY!!!! Promoters and party goers alike search for and advertise the biggest parties of the year. Some offer ball drops, champagne, and great music, and while all that is great, year after year it has to get a little mundane. We all crave for something different, change within change. Well this New Years' Eve, I experienced my alternative...And let me just tell you, I partied HARD!!!!

Project Runway, NYE Edition, powered by NishaDaDiva Productions, Ashton Ent., and Eskay Entertainment was held at Xclusive Lounge on the Southwest side of Houston. The event was hosted by SynCity with a performance by Houston's own ItsJusBrittany. Ladies and Gentleman, immediately, I was drawn in. I am not certain if it was the host, showing me to VIP swagged up in a classic, yet modern blazer, with his fedora perfectly fitting his head or if it was the atmosphere. Whatever it was, it had me tight and refused to let me go. The club was the traditional dark with blue lighting, its upstairs Miami style lighting and VIP area, and what I like to call "Lady Cage"; set the mood right! Guests came dressed to impress, closing 2010 out with a fashion bang. The bar was flooded with patrons and the $4 dollar you call its, had us all feeling good. Aside from this posh atmosphere, and anticipation of New Years, we were all there for something more: Project Runway 2011 NYE Edition.

The fashion show featured Tina Marie Fashions and Designs, Torrid Fashions and TMills. Each designer brought their eclectic collections and showed the audience their fashion forwardness for 2011. Tina Marie's designs inspired by California style included, the corset and ruffles. TMills, brought us Brooklyn , NY and designs are military-inspired, vintage style gear. Finally, Torrid Fashions brought in something for the Thick and Lovely Ladies of the world. Her designs included club wear, Sassy office wear and halters inspired by the Preps. The models for each designer represented well and brought their A-Game to the runway. These designers clearly weren't preparing for merely a Project Runway show, they are more than ready for International runways. Hats off to these Trend-Setting Trail Blazers.

If you missed this, which, I am certain ALL of Houston was in attendance, you missed 1 HELL OF A SHOW!

The Lady Cage

Wall to Wall Coverage

Happy New Year!!!!!

DeCarmen and The $4 You Call Its were working OT

Trinidad

ItsJusBrittany

I had 1 too many drinks!!!

Lori of Sweet Loraine's Fabulous Fun

MsNightLyfe

TrendSetter

Bringing It Back!?!

They had a Goooood Time!

BuzzWorthy

NishaDaDiva and MsNightLyfe

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Sweet Tooth Media in 2011

2010-12-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hello Sweet Tooth Fans:

It has been sometime since I've written. I didnt leave you, just took a small vacation. So much has happened since the last time I wrote. Well this is a special note to you all, to let you know that BIG THANGS are scheduled for 2011. Sweet Tooth Media will be going from a sole-proprietorship to a not for profit organization. Sweet Tooth Media, will be bringing in young authors and poets to aid in honing their craft and provide them with an outlet to create. It is my hope that you will come along on this journey and watch us continue to grow.

Sweet Tooth Media, will continue to provide the same personable approach to up and coming artists, Hot Spots and events, however, we are now expanding the realm to include all aspects of culture. You will see more personalized pieces on poets that will include some of the work, as well as aspiring and established artists, visual artists, entreprenuers and other Go-Getters in our community. We are expanding our scope and our audience, forming new partnerships and solidifying relationships with leaders and artists in our community.

Stay Tuned for Sweet Tooth Media's exciting changes. 2011 is our year!

B.E.Z aka The Belief of Houston MixTape Release Party (August 11, 2010)

2010-08-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Club UN doing their thing once again. TONIGHT: B.E.Z's Mixtape Release Party. Mixxed Up is in the BUILDING. If you dont have a homeboy like him, you need to get one. Mixxed called, me, and said "Aye, MsNightLyfe my homie is having his mixtape release party and I WANT you to come blog for him!"... I obliged, humbly. PKP in here showing much love, hosting, getting the crowd ready for the show. Special guest include J.Dawg, QMane and many more!

B.E.Z is releasing 2000WIN Money@Music Tha MixTape. B.E.Z gets on the mic to thank those that are in attendance and even those that arent here tonight. B.E.Z of GIG Entertainment is trendsetting the hip hop scene. He exudes love, support and genuiness. There was so much love and realness in the building. The crowd sitting on edge in anticipation of the show. B.E.Z gets off the mic introducing the first peformer of the night, Killa D reminding the crowd that he moves on passion loves what he does, which is why he personally asked Killa D to open the show. B.E.Z speaks highly of Killa D, stating that he is dedicated to the game and what he does.
44 Acres Home in the building. B.E.Z is a busy man just last week he opened for Z-Ro. He works with another dedicated man to the grind who just happens to be FUNNY as HELL, EJ the Show!. In another blog Id have to tell you about how EJ and B.E.Z met and why he is in fact Mr. Make Ya Laugh. EJ tells it like it is, in a real, down to earth, round da block funny as hell type of way. Laughter, erupts through the room as he says "YOU CAN'T LET BLACK FOLK IN YA HOUSE..." He entertains the crowd with voice impressions, drawing the crowd in asking them to clap if they recognize the character he is impersonating. Mr. Ruckus from the "Boondocks", Ox from the movie "Belly", Bernie Mac and the Nigerian with a complex about meat shows up. My side is hurting from the outburst of laughter. It has been because of him that I understand the role of a comedian, to eliminate all your worries...for the moment with some reallllll funny sh**. If you havent checked him out, its an ABSOLUTE MUST that you do.

Next, Mixxed UP blazes the mic. His energy is ridiculous. His beginnings are very humble. He started doing this because of his mother who suffers from MS and he wanted to create a Hip Hop avenue right here in Houston to support MS and he is doing just that. Mixx needs no hype man he is his own hype man..while he performs. He is well on his way to being a great entertainer.

Finally, Mr. B.E.Z graces the stage performing songs from 2000WIN Money@Music the MixTape. The Belief of Houston is giving the crowd his BEST. He does what he do because of his family and his fans. "Going Gets Tuff" is his first song. As I listen to his performance, I hear sustenance in his music, dedicated to the grind of this game. He is hungry for success....that in and of itself is admirable. He has so much love, he stops his show to introduce Ms. Clark of Justified Entertainment who comes to the stage and represent for the ladies. She is lyrically and vocally inclined. Songs like "Add it Up, Count it Up" blast through the speakers, is definitely a rotation worthy song to get the day started and set focus for the day. Then.....he brings Antho to the stage to perform "Lil Mama What It Do", I am certain to hit the charts as one of the HOTTEST club bangers. B.E.Z is a force to be reckoned with and is well on his way. I mean if you wake up grinding then outcomes will show that and he is living proof. If you havent checked him out yet you can do so at IMixHouston.com.

Clarity Check Awards Show (July 23, 2010) Sponsored by Platinum Grind Entetainment

2010-08-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

Clarity Check Awards Show: UNBELIEVABLE! July 23, 2010, I woke up a virgin but after that night I was a full grown WOMAN! Now get your head out of the gutter, I was a virgin to such an event. I lost my virginity that night. I walked in the door heart pounding. I checked myself in the mirror 10 minutes before exiting the car. As I'd arrived, I received confirmation that those 10 minutes did me a lil good. I was greeted with so much warmth it melted away my ambiguities. Elite, well dressed industry...gentleman, Elegant, ambitious...ladies surrounded the building. VIP was full, drinks pouring, anticipatory conversations filling the air competing for space with the music...Pimp C, Frankie Beverly and Maze (You name it, they Played it!) I wish you could have been there.

Once I got comfortable, moving from VIP to the Artist Recognition area (Platinum Grind, an official sponsor presented...) I sat there like a deer caught in headlights, unsure of what the show would bring. Immediately, I was lured into the sultry sounds of a Soul Songstress, LaTonya. I was so taken aback by her talent, her underdiscovered talent, because its certainly discoverable. Seperate from the talent displayed from the jump, Lady Hennyssi and DJ DreamKast have put together Houston's own BET Awards. Their mission to "explore new heights as we have committed ourselves, our time, our passion and efforts to giving the artists of Clarity Check grand exposure, professionalism and an experience out of this world..." is more than knowledge, its accurate, reliable and valid...truth. Artists are genuinely and classically showcased and honored for their efforts, participation, developments, and hunger. Its a beautiful learning exxperience for anyone who is involved.

The house was rocked by, Headliners Antho and Q-Mane, both award receipients. Q-Mane, is a 13 year old rap phenomenon. When you listen to his music and rap style, you instantly think of Lil Boosie with a Webbie feel. Q-Mane's ability is as unique as they come and more than versatile. He has the energy of an entire football team. He is more than an artist he's an entertainer. His father supports him 150 percent. Q-Mane dont need you to get out the way, he is burning a path of his own. And Antho, shhhhh, Man, he has been doing this since a very young age, so you know he has had a lifetime to hone his craft and he has far exceeded that. Awards seemed limitless with all the gifted beings that filled Krystals VIP.

My cherry popped when my business partner and I, presented the Clarity Check Award to Miss Tisa. To grace the stage with another strong, progressive, determined sister was ecstatic. To know Despite, the way the game does its sisters at time, it was the game showing much love. I was more than honored, humble to present this award. Right at the peak of it all, I was in the same space, breathing the same air, with the woman that gave life to one of Hip Hop's BEST, Pimp C. Mama Pimp, as I adoringly named her, made it a family affair and brought Pimp's seed, Corey and her husband. That alone made it a night to remember.

I want to end this simply with saying, My Clarity has been CHECKED! Thanks to Lady Hennyssi and DJ DreamKast, for such a wonderful experience.

Platinum Grind Entertainment: The Beginning of a Management Movement

2010-08-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

When Platinum Grind Entertainment was born, it was done so after bearing witness to the major Fuckery that exists in this industry. We feel that its unfortunate and is a sure fire way to kill a dream. That speaks volumes and is most detrimental to someone who upsets their normal way of life to take a dream risk. We at Platinum Grind is here to serve as a stepping stone for many new artists and a resting spot for those who are well in the game. Our goal is to ensure that what ever the artist, model and the like needs are that our company meets them. This gives the professionals an opportunity to focus on their talent, refine their craft and do the things necessary to make their careers a success.

We utilize a plethora of research methods to see which options best fits the needs of our clients. We maintain personable relationships with our clients as this solidifies the depths to which we will go to meet their needs. Our services range from total management care to individually based needs. Because of budgets or lack of we offer bundled services or single service packages. As a management and consulting company, it is imperative that we represent our clients to the fullest. We want them to remain with us and if they decide to venture out on their own, then we always want to be an option for them. Most of our contracts are yearly, because we thrive on leaving the opportunity for personal growth.

We believe in having fun, learning, and teaching. We are as good as our weakest client!!! If there is No Grind, there is No Shine; Grinding is our MISSION, Platinum is our POSITION! And We are well on our Way! Check Us out at http://www.platinumgrindentertainment.com/ For Artist and Model Booking or for management opportunities email us at PlatinumGrind@gmail.com

Bad Business, Fuckery or Inexperience?????

2010-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hello World! I write this blog a little late, as I wanted to ensure that I was accurate in my piece. Last week was my birthday, yes yes, Im getting more beautiful as the years go by and certainly more wiser. My only birthday wish was that I be given a surprise birthday party (just 1) because I have NEVER been given such a gift. Well, needless to say I wasnt given a surprise party at all, but a former business affiliate, took the liberty to plan a week's worth of birthday parties (Wed.-Sat.). Im not sure if this was done out of guilt because of child like actions, emotions and shade, the reason is neither here nor there at this point. What is important is that I accepted the itinerary with a few changes. I figured it would be a good opportunity to meet promoters and other industry people and make solid viable connections all while enjoying my birthday. From the start I was warned, told and pleaded with NOT to go this route because it wasnt what I wanted, and in addition to that, the former affiliate would be making money off of my celebration etc. THAT didnt even bother me, because I know its money to be made out here and at the very least I would have been broke off a little something something because it was MY birthday. It was further disclosed that the more people at one of the parties would mean more money for the host. So what did I do?...Gathered as many people as possible to ensure that there were more than enough folks in the building.

The parties scheduled from Wed-Friday were a success, my friends, sistas and business affiliates came out to support me and celebrate my day. However, before my official birthday and party (July 28) the business relationship with my former affiliate was terminated and needless to say, she wasnt in attendance for any of the "unpaid" parties. One face didnt stop the show! Now before I get into THAT day let me enlighten you to how I work. 2 weeks prior to my birthday or any of the parties, I contacted one of the persons putting on the car show, to see how I can assist and make things a little easier for them. I had a couple of meetings with the lady and recorded everything that she wanted my help with. In addition to that, I helped to promote the car show event by taking flyers, and scheduling events to distribute them. And I did exactly what was asked of me. I enjoyed it and it gave me a new experience (aggressive promoting). In addition to that, I sent out artists including Platinum Grind Entertainment's own artists and even the artists that is being managed by my former affiliate.

So let me fastforward a little, its 3:33am on Saturday morning, and my peeps and I are just getting in from the Friday party when I get a text message from the car show coordinator asking how many people will be in attendance. I question the fact that the message is being sent to me the day of at the wee hours of the morning, especially considering that I had just met with the lady on Thursday and had been talking to her almost daily since our first meeting (2 weeks prior). But I answer her anyway and give an estimate of 30. This number is so high because the former business affiliate included me, the promotional group and my car club on the flyers to promote the car show and after party. I had the founder and other members of the promotional group as well as our models come in from Dallas, the founders and members of the car show as well as their families and friends from right here in Houston to come out and support me and grasp the learning opportunity that existed being a part of the car show. Now, at 8 am the same day (5 hours later) I get another message from the car show coordinator informing me that I could only get 10 people in and that I would have pay $5 per person (NOT per car) for every person over 10. That pissed me off because of when and how it was done!!! The money was no problem, we paid it when we got there. The issue was had I known this prior to the day of the car show, I could have planned better and so could have my guests. The icing on the cake though was when we got there, there was NO ONE there and we arrived an hour and a half after the show was to start. You know when someone is doing underhanded shit, because they avoid you, refuse to make eye contact and dont even acknowledge you upon arrival. That isnt the way to do business PERIOD! Well that is what I and my guests were met with when we entered the gates. In addition to all of that, my car club was asked to park behind a stable because the front area was for artists. WTF! NO ONE was there, dont even recall seeing a stage. But hey, that is minimal. Not 0nly would the cars not be seen, but we would have to leave from around there to see the nothing that already existed. It was a major slap in the face. So needless to say we left!!!! Making our charitable donation to support the cause. There was absolutely no respect and in those cases most people get beligerent or leave. With that we didnt attend the after party.

Im not sure if what I experienced was Bad Business, Fuckery or just lack of experience in planning this type of event. I feel that its a combination of all three and I certainly have nothing else to go on. I am learning that in this industry fuckery is as common as a cold. I have also learned how to minimize cost and embarrasment. Initially, I was going to write this from a place of anger and pisstivity, but decided to convert that negative energy into positive energy. As a sista representing other sistas from a place of power and growth, it is my hope that the car show was a success and that this was a learning experience for them as well. From this experience I will:

1. Research every company or individual that I am to do business with.
2. Stay away from things and people I cant google.
3. Be sure to be apart of planning from the beginning if my company or business affiliates are to be involved.
4. Follow my first mind.
5. Keep the haters coming!!!

I welcome you!!!!

Please Leave your comments, criticisms, and compliments if you must.

Mr. Deuce: Houston's FINEST!

2010-07-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

We are all familiar that the music industry requires business sense, determination and most importantly TALENT!! Houston has alot undiscovered, hungry talent and I have had the pleasure of meeting one of them: Mr. Deuce. Mr. Deuce is the young and ambitious CEO of So Throwed Entertainment, an up and coming record label. He founded this company to give artists a fair chance at honing their craft and get their music heard. Deuce is an artist and business owner. When he isnt working (which is rare) he is taking care of himself and his mother. Our interview went so well, what was to be a 30 minute interview turned into a 3 hour chit chat. I am honored to know Mr. Deuce and here is your chance to get up close and personal with.... Mr. Deuce.

MsNightLyfe: Who is Mr. Deuce?

Mr.Deuce: "I am a rapper, songwriter and business owner. So Throwed Ent is my label and I write my own music. I have a few artist under my label. As a newcomer to the business side of the game I am hoping to be helped by the right people."

MsNightLyfe: Tell Us about your music/Record Label.

Mr. Deuce: "My Music is hip-hop, club and crunk music. I have a metaphoric style of raping. Its a different style for the known Houston sound. Its still Houston, but its more than sipping syrup and moving slow. Im not knocking it, Im just diversifying it. I started rhyming when I was 9 or 10 years old. I was writing poems for little girls I liked(laughing as if he was reminiscing about the poem), at 15 my brother encouraged him to rap or sing. I sung because my voice was light enough then. Now its too deep . I would flow with the instrumentals and beats.

MsNightLyfe: Excuse me, what was that laugh about, do you remember who you wrote a song for?

Mr. Deuce:(He smiles so cute ladies) "Yea, I remember, her name was Yesenia, she was actually my prom date."

Ms.NightLyfe: Im tickled because he remembers the young lady's name. What influences your music style?

Mr. Deuce: Poetry, Lil Wayne, Kanye, Jeezy and Plies. ( As he speaks and as I listen to his music, I think he sounds like, raps like all of them in one.) My lyrics are focused more on the ladies because I care more about women then I do the slabs. Thats a primary reason its said I dont really have the Houston sound.

Ladies and gentleman, I want to take this moment to just talk to you all about this young man. Mr. Deuce, rocks! He is truly a breath of fresh air. He is down to earth, humble and hungry. I admire his hustle. Im not an artist, but I wish I could be just to work with him. I've never met such a dedicated, driven man, that's so serious about achieving his goals. If you dont know him yet, you are truly doing yourself a great injustice. So my advice to you is: GOOGLE HIM, Get Familiar, with this undiscovered phenomenon.

Ms. NightLyfe: What industry greats move you?

Mr. Deuce: "Man, Lil Wayne is my favorite Artist and my favorite song by him is FireMan. Slim Thug, Eminem and Wayne influence his style of rapping. Slim because of his independent hustle. (He of course, on his path to becoming an industry great, put a few of his own works in it, his favorite songs are The Come Up and the Lloyd Banks mixtape release, song with AK47.

MsNightLyfe: What are some collaborations that you have worked on (or would like to work on)?

Mr. Deuce: "I have done a song with Liege called "Smile" which is a new song that lets the ladies know they are the reasons I smile and want to be the reason she smile. In addition to that, there is a single "Forever" in rotation. "

MsNightLyfe: What is your inspiration?

Mr. Deuce: My mother and the hunger I have.

Well Folks, Mr. Deuce is a force to be reckoned with. Keep up with him, you WILL miss something if you dont. He truly is one of Houston's FINEST! My favorite songs by Mr. Deuce are "The Come Up and "Addicted". Time for you to find your favorite tune. You can find Mr. Deuce in a variety of places:

facebook.com/MrDeuce2010

Twitter:com @MrDeuce2010

Twitter.com @So_Throwed_Ent

Myspace.com: sothrowedent2010

myspace.com: deucesothrowed

http://www.sothrowedent.com/

The Original Bootlings by Ayo Shittu: Creative Designs for the Fashion Urbanista!

2010-07-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

Are you asking yourself where did those designs in the pictures above come from? Maybe you are asking who crafted the African inspired designs. There is only 1 answer: Ayo Shittu. I believe every little girl and some little boys have had the desire to make the world beautiful with their creations. Ranging from music and beat manufacturing to jewelry and fashion design, the world deserves to be influenced and fashionable at the hands of creative persons. It is no doubt in my mind that Ayo Shittu was anointed with that same desire. Ayo is a remarkable fashion design and fashion editor with Uzuri Magazine. She is beyond creative, motivating and inspiring. I mean when you look at her fashion design that are inspired by her roots in Africa, it is undeniable that she creates and supplement the beauty that already exists. Ayo fabricates designs exhilarated by african animal prints and fur. Those designs range from faux fur shawls and clothing to the latest production of the boot inspired Bootling. The Bootling was created to go on like a sock up to compliment any pair of shoes and give any outfit a totally different look. Ayo says "Bootlings are about the urbanista, the around the way girl that may only have a dime in her pocket, but can walk out the house looking “vogue”. They make the average t-shirt and jeans look like a totally different outfit put together by Project Runway. They are an upgrade for your whole look." Ayo states that this is the hottest fashion for 2010 and beyond and I must confer, the bootling has ALREADY totally revolutionized the way I think about fashion. Ayo has proven and continues to set trends that will continue to inspire and change the way you look and think about fashion.

The Bootling was first worn by Niva, the Soul Diva around New York. New York to me is a fashion mecca and Ayo, was the FIRST to bless its streets with this HOT clothing and shoe accessory. Niva who considers herself a hiphop soul artist has established relationships with many fashion designers to get what she calls “an edge.” Niva states that "her closest designer associations are with Ayo Shittu's fashions in Houston Texas who designs outfits for niva’s performances and personal appearances. Mrs Shittu referred to her Niva designs as the “urban diva look." It is undeniable that Ayo created the bootling with what she calls the "urbanistas" in mind. Ayo disclosed that "The individual urbanista may not be able to shop at Saks Fith Avenu or walk out of Nordstrom with 6 bags of Prada shoes, but she can sport what ever outfit she wants in “bootlings” and light up the streets of Brooklyn,NY." I say not just NY, but all states where the urban population dwell, especially Texas. I and a few of my collegues will be wearing the bootlings proudly, during the Texas Urban Music Summit 3. Our plan is to showcase Ayo's fashion and present it to the urban cowgirls of this great state! What's so great about the bootling is that its reasonably priced and affordable for the urban teeny bopper to the urban single mom that refuses to compromise her beauty. Ayo describes her fashions best in this statement, "My creations are more than just accessories or a quick fix money maker targeted only for what some consider high society. These shoe accessories are a social movement. They are about being compfortable about where ever you are in life and making the best of it." Whether you live in 5th ward, TX, Compton, CA or Brooklyn, NY high fashion can be represented wearing “bootlings”. They are the boldest fashion statement. I second that motion!

The bootling is so great and buzzworthy its design idea has been copied. Ayo says "Its disappointing that my originals are being copy-catted, but in a way that’s telling me, “hey Ayo, there’s really something to these”. I must have done something right to grab NY, the toughest fashion critic in America’s attention. But, for someone else to attempt to take the full credit in the originality for my work, I just cannot get down with that. This is what is called taking someone else’s idea and not giving credit to the author. Webster’s dictionary defines it as plagarism. College students get expelled for that." The culprit to exhibit the highest form of plagarism is Dekkori. When and where Dekkori stole the idea and begin selling it as their own is unclear. My guess would be when Niva, the Soul Diva first blazed New York streets with them and was swarmed by paparazzi back in late 2009. Of course with any type of piracy, the original is never copied exactly and the intricate details that only lies in the mind of the origniator are missed through and through. Ayo's Bootling is trademarked with animal prints or fur. Dekkori's attempt to make the design their own, left off the one of the greatest assets, Ayo's trademark. Since Dekkori didnt bother to find the originator of this design to give credit where credit is due, they wouldnt know that the name of this fabulous creation is the bootling and as a result they call it the "Ankle Wrap". Yet their version extends well beyond the ankle... Call me crazy but if they went through so much trouble to steal another's design idea, you'd think they went a step further to give it a better name. I like bootling, because I think of cuffling. I've seen men go to great lengths to have their favorite pair of cufflings at their fingertips when they need them most. Because of Ayo, women have one more luxury at their finger tips. What Ayo wants most is credit for the design. I say she deserves way more than that. Ayo's copyright and patend for her design is pending.

I think its critical to know that fashion designs are one of if not the most pirated original. According to Christine Magdo, of Harvard Law School (www.leda.law.harvard.edu) "The copying of fashion design originals – “knocking off” or “affordable interpretation,” depending on your point of view – is a practice that designers may have grudgingly accepted in the past, when less expensive copies took some time to reach stores and only those consumers who could afford the designer-label originals could be the first to follow a trend. This practice is now costing designers dearly as more advanced technology makes it possible to see high-quality copies appear in stores before the original has even hit the market. While it has long been the practice of the American fashion industry to knock off European designs, American designers traditionally did not copy one another." Sure you can go to any block of ChinaTown in New York, or down to Harwin in Houston and get your share of imitated labels and designs and for some that just may be the highest form of flattery. For Ayo, its a slap in the face because it wasnt created for high fashion, but for the urbanistas inspired by high fashion designs. Christine Magdo also states that, designers claim that design piracy cuts into their longstanding franchise of exclusivity, lowers their sales volume, and ultimately removes incentives for creativity...Knocking-off is rampant in the fashion industry and even those designers who fume over being copied are not above doing it themselves." The problem with design piracy in the U.S. is that there arent enough laws to protect the designers are their designs. According to http://www.arts-of-fashion.org/ , "Design piracy, the blatant copying of another's designs, is akin to counterfeiting without affixing the fake designer label. Sadly, because of a lack of adequate legal protection, design piracy has become a way of life in the fashion industry in the U.S. Design piracy is unfair to designers and is detrimental to competition within the fashion industry. It effectively allows others to plagiarize the original designer's creative ideas and reap the benefits of the creator's labor and assumption of risk. The U.S. legal system plays a key role in maintaining a fair playing field for businesses across a wide range of industries. However, the current intellectual property laws in the United States do not offer effective protections to ensure fair competition within the fashion industry." You can help stop design piracy by signing the petition on http://www.arts-of-fashion.org/

Ayo continues to strive and create designs with the urbanista in mind. Because of the geniusness of her work, Im sure there will be even more designs copied. As the saying goes, often duplicated but never imitated. Artists and designers beware just because they are not yet circulating on the market does not mean that there is no regeristration behind them. Designers and musicians in particular should be extremely cautious about the rights to their work. People are always looking to take credit for ideas that are not their own. With that said, Ayo, I commend you and the work that you do! Please keep on producing designs for divas like myself! Check out Ayo's designs in Niva, the Soul Diva's video "Food Stamps" and hear an exclusive radio interview with Ayo. Just click below. Until next time Divas and Urbanistas alike, Im MsNightLyfe, supporting our independent, up and coming artists, designers, and entrepreneurs! Get Familiar!

Buzz Worthy Information for True Hip-Hop Followers: Thanks Alicia James

2010-07-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

25 THINGS THAT KILLED AND ARE KILLING URBAN MUSIC

SITE: http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2008/04/25_things_that_killed_urban_...

-NOvaMatic

In the midst of everyone's declarations that "Hip Hop is Dead" we somehow forgot the slow death that is spreading across all aspects of "urban" music, as the legacy of Soul and its close cousins has devolved into a writhing mass of commercialism, homogenization, thuggification and overall laziness. Now, in no particular order, we present to you the "25 Things That Killed (and are Still Killing) Urban Music" because you love lists and SoulBounce isn't afraid to say what you're thinking. Keep in mind that there will be some overlap, as certain items gave way to others that deserve their own spanking.

1. The End of the "Event" Album: There was a time when albums encompassed an era that included a look, a feel, and a style that informed an artist's videos and live performances for as long as they (or the label) could squeeze revenue from a project by releasing singles. The "event" album can chiefly be credited to Jacksons Michael and Janet, who have entire timelines built around the idea of a "Thriller Era" or a "Rhythm Nation Era." Nowadays, instead of treating albums as what they are (a collection of songs with one unifying theme) artists are more likely to seek out the most ubiquitous Hip Hop beatmakers of the moment and record over a hundred songs from which to "pick" singles. Also, when you have artists that are too scared to release music with a healthy 3-5 year gap in between, the lines to between albums begin to blur, and the eras become indistinguishable, rendering them null.

2. Big Name Hip Hop Producers: With respect due to the beatmakers that introduce a track with the name of their production imprint, ad-lib all over it, and insert themselves as guest rappers 50% of the time, they overshadow the actual vocalist of a song. We certainly don't begrudge any of them the right to employment, but when an artist has to do an inventory of who produced her project to qualifiy it instead of telling us what the album is about, we have to take exception. Reality check: If you're trying to goad me into a purchasing your album because you have a Pharrell beat on it and I'm a Pharrell fan, then that's the only song I'm buying. Your album has to have legs of its own.

3. Deaths of The Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac: You can probably draw a direct line from the deaths of Biggie and 'Pac to the current state of Hip Hop. The two of them cultivated a style that even a decade later is re- and misappropriated to the nth. Perhaps if they were still alive, they'd have pushed the genre forward. Or maybe they'd be wack and irrelevant. Hey, at least they died while they were still good.

4. "Neo-Soul": We understand the emergence of the "neo-soul" genre as a response to the growing commercialization of modern R&B. But even the artists lumped into this category began to the see that the term was as much a marketing ploy as the very things they eschewed. The language used to describe these artists ranged from "organic" to "avant garde" and any press materials would claim that he/she looks up to Stevie, Marvin and Donny. And don't stand too close to the stage lest you get burned by the candles and frankencense! Before long, the audience would be fooled and we would either grow to love or loathe this music, defending the art of its purveyors and loudly wondering why they couldn't move as many units as their mainstream counterparts. Simply put, "neo-soul" has become a term used by people to describe music they respect but would never buy.

5. Reality TV: Aside from the manufactured Pop idols that are struggling to stay signed within their prize contracts, we have to question the motives of Sean Combs, Robin Antin and Missy Elliott, who have all aped the reality television format to generate acts for their own stable of artists. To be sure, reality TV has replaced proper Artist Development as a means for these entrepreneurs to cash in, stroke their egos and embarrass people who, 9 times out of 10, deserve it. Speaking of which, what's O'so Krispie doing?

6. Lazy A&R Departments: Did you know that A&R people are also responsible for Artist Development? Probably not, since these days a newly-signed artist is more likely to be stripped of their identity and given one that falls in step with what's popular or, even worse, none at all. Take Cheri Dennis, for example. While her album has a respectable amount of solid R&B tracks, we still don't know who Cheri Dennis is, what sets her apart from everyone else or even what she sounds like. But, she has earned the distinction of being signed to her label for nearly a decade with no album to speak of. Did the A&R department utilize that time by playing Spades? Probably.

7. Scarface and The Untouchables: Okay, rapper, we get it, Scarface and The Untouchables are the greatest movies ever made; your life in celluloid, even. But, if you look close enough, you'll come to learn that you are neither Pacino or De Niro and should stop emulating them by using audio clips from the films in your interludes and the script in your lyrics. Too many of you are still doing this after all these years. Also, tell members of your crew to stop calling themselves "Ness" and "Nitti." Just, please, cut it out. Thank you.

8. Thugs: Not only do we have "Studio Thugs" that use de Palma films to inform their image (see above) but there's the "Corporate Thug" (robs an artist of his publishing and signs him to a hellified contract he could never fulfill) and the questionable "R&B Thug," which happened somewhere between R. Kelly and Jodeci and continues to this day. Along the way, labels got the bright idea that the way to a woman's heart was by selling drugs and beating up people. Sexy! This trend has also given rise to something else we'll never understand: "R&B Beef," in which two singers talk trash about each other to the media. Unfortunately, this doesn't result in a "sing-off" but pretty much makes everyone involved look kind of retarded.

9. Crime: Between violating probation, not paying child support, being pulled over and caught with an ounce of weed or cocaine, assaulting nail technicians, shooting people, tossing concertgoers off the stage, committing perjury, tax evasion, and urinating on minors, we have to wonder if being a good artist means being a bad citizen.

10. Ringtones: "Real Music Ringtones" were created as a way to distinguish your ringing cellular from someone else's while also bringing you closer to your favorite artist. Unfortunately, the labels realized this was the only way to generate revenue and started making music for the sole purpose of selling ringtones. Now, we have stripped-down keyboard beats and grunts and "yaahhs" instead of lyrics. Is that my cellphone ringing or yours? We'll never know, because we both downloaded Soulja Boy.

11. Lack of Music Programs in Schools: Programs like GarageBand have not only made producers lazy, but undercut the importance of immersing young would-be musicians in music history as well as basic composition. Unless a popular musician was trained in the church, they probably lucked into a contract without knowing how to write, play an instrument, or worse, sing a note.

12. BET (and by extension its corporate owner) is on a mission to not only destroy urban music, but poison the perception of Black people in the process. If we were to use this network as a guide (and people unfortunately do), we would believe that "drug dealer > rapper > pimp" is a logical career path, alcoholic beverages can be used as bodysplash, women of exotic or indeterminate race are the standard of beauty, darker-skinned women are only valuable if they have a big ass and a tiny waist, a person's worth can only be determined by what they drive and what they wear, you ain't sh*t if you're over 30, and a week's worth of debauchery and decadence can be undone with a Sunday marathon of religious programming. It's funny because it's true.

13. The Radio: Used to be, you would turn on the radio and hear a variety of artists with a variety of sounds. But due to the "Clear Channeling" of Urban Radio, you'll hear a T-Pain song followed by 15 minutes of commercials, followed by a song featuring T-Pain, some shucking and jiving by unbearable radio personalities for five minutes, then something that resembles a T-Pain song, but isn't because just about everyone sounds like T-Pain now. And it's probably a commercial.

14. Spineless Club DJs: If you're going out to a club, you might as well sit in the house and blast the radio instead of paying the inflated cover charge. Once upon a time, DJs were tastemakers, but now so many of them are afraid they'll clear the floor by spinning something new that they just play album versions of songs people are tired of but are too drunk to notice. Then, they add insult to injury by showing off their "skills" with poorly-timed scratches, blends that don't line up and screaming over the music. And consider yourself lucky if you happen upon a DJ with ACTUAL! VINYL! RECORDS!

15. Mainstream Hip Hop Publications: Back in the '90s, holding one of these rags in your hands was like holding a monthly Bible to all things Hip Hop and R&B. Now, they've all been relegated to chasing blogs and reiterating things we already knew weeks ahead instead of properly utilizing the print medium to do something unique. Changes in personnel and ownership aside, they were already marching towards irrelevance. Even the covers suck now, but you probably won't get the damn thing delivered on time in order to find out.

16. Bloggers: Guilty as charged! Trifle few of us are qualified to be writing about music with any authority, especially since most of the people behind blogs haven't been alive long enough to have a healthy perspective on the subject. Although it can be argued that record companies rely on blogs for buzz, most of the music championed by popular websites is the same music that would've gotten attention anyway. Also, we have to point out that the commenting system has turned discussions about music into an unholy war of "haters" versus "stans," where everyone is an expert on what they hate or love, but have no concept of anything else including real life. Oh, and providing your readers with the URL to full album leaks doesn't "help" the artist.

17. YouTube & MySpace: On the Internet, everyone is a star (thank you, thank you). But while sites like MySpace and YouTube can provide mainstream and indie musicians with a means of cultivating and connecting with an audience, it becomes a chore to sort through the muck of people with a webcam and a login classifying themselves as "artists." And damn you all to Hell for having the crap you made in Grandma's basement on auto-play.

18. Singing Rappers, Acting Rappers & Rapping Athletes: We'll keep this short. Every now and then you'll happen upon someone that has been able to organically transition from one career to another. Will and Latifah come to mind. To everyone else (coughCurtiscough), stay in your lane. Again, we don't begrudge anyone the chance to make some extra ends; it just shouldn't be at the expense of the audience.

19. The End of Real Singing Groups: Once upon a time, you not only had singing groups that weren't put together by a reality show, but wherein each member contributed a distinct voice or purpose to the group. Sometimes they had members that barely sang a note, but who actually produced or wrote the song. Point is, throwing a bunch of strangers in a house with one phone and giving them makeovers doesn't create synergy. Also, name a recent singing group that wasn't created for a television show or for the purpose of launching someone's solo career. Exactly.

20. "Kanyitis" is a temporary, yet frequent, illness that afflicts singers and rappers alike, wherein an artist waits until the precise moment they are in front of a camera, microphone or reporter to say something shocking and stupid, which will then be quoted by bloggers and searched on YouTube ad nauseum. Then the artist has to explain what they "really" meant, but by that time everyone already thinks they're nuts and doesn't care about a retraction.

21. Death of Aaliyah: Not that Aaliyah took an entire genre of music with her to the grave, but it can be argued that her passing made way for a wave of young, pretty dancers with okay voices and no personality. Only difference between them and Aaliyah is, Aaliyah had personality along with talent, ideas and a willingness to experiment. Also, she wasn't so full of herself.

22. Money: Even worse than artists releasing garbage because they know it sells is the audience's obsession with how much an artist makes. Unfortunately, we've given lack of artistry a pass because someone's "making that paper," which totally undermines the hard work of true creative talents that are constantly writing, recording, and performing. When I buy an album I don't want to hear an entrepreneur, which brings us to--

23. Products & Brands: Whether rappers and singers are inserting the names of designer alcoholic beverages into their lyrics or cable companies are inserting rappers and singers in their ad campaigns, things come to a point where we need to start realizing how owned these artists are. There's a thin line between businessperson and corporate slave. We'd also like to reiterate a fact that has been pointed out time and time again over the past 10 years: If you can't pronounce it, why should we care that you're wearing it, driving it, or drinking it?

24. People That Aren't in Any Way Associated with Music: Opportunities in the industry are built on connections and there's almost never been a time when someone didn't rise to stardom on someone else's coattails. But now, things have gotten way out of hand. Why be an actual artist when you can be someone that danced in videos, screwed a bunch of rappers and got a book deal? Or, you can be a butler or Executive In Charge of Umbrella-Carrying? Or, worse, be the "Fifth Mic" guy on stage and reliable instigator? Who needs a recording studio?

25. Teenagers: Young people have always had the power to determine trends in all genres of music, which is why corporations defer to them. However, today's teenagers seem to be slightly more insipid than they were in previous generations and definitely have a shorter attention span. Whether it's the teens themselves driving the garbage labels are releasing, or the labels that are leading teens down a path of ignorance, is totally up for debate. It's the chicken/egg question in its purest form.

Hip-Hop and Homophobia: A startling realization

2010-07-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

It was after 4 am and I was giving my social media sites one last check before calling it a night (or morning). While bidding Twitter a Good Night, I read the Tweets of an undisclosed Production Company here in Houston and discovered some alarming news. It seems that Local Up and Coming Artist, J-Dawg or his manager at the very least is homophobic, in the worst way. The production company apparently, contacted J-Dawg and his people to solicit a booking in the production company’s venue- a venue known to be a Gay and Lesbian HOT spot. This production company has secured and booked some of the biggest names in the game such as Trina, Da Brat, Jackie-O, Fantasia, and 3 Deep just to name a few. It turns out that J-Dawg's management not only declined the solicitation but verbally expressed their REAL feelings about the lifestyle and patrons. It was stated that J-Dawg's management informed the representative from the Production Company that they didn’t want “a faggot” cheering him on during his song and further advised the representative that they should discard his album as he doesn’t need or want their support. In addition, to that someone from J Dawg's management called the representative “Cleo” stereotyping the role played by the quite accomplished Queen Latifah and further advised that “they” all will burn in hell…(I’ll wait and let you read that again, its a lot to take in)….Now, I’ve heard of being blunt, but that was down right rude and unprofessional. Its ok to have your opinion, thoughts and feelings about things, but as a hustla that was more than a bad move. This ill fated move could cause J-Dawg to loose out, considering the demographics of the Gay and Lesbian Population. As an equal opportunity writer, I thought it was only fair that I share this with the public, my followers, who or whatever that may be.

Lets begin with some interesting facts: The Urban Dictionary defines "no homo" as 1. a phrase used after one inadvertently says something that sounds "gay" or 2. a phrase said to show that you aren’t gay after saying something that sounded "gay." According to www.Loop21.com, “The fact so many young people say "homo" so casually alarms gay rights activists like Michael Brewer, a student at all-male Morehouse College. He and other members of the campus organization Safe Space are fighting homophobia through the No More "No Homo’” Initiative they launched in April... Brewer said he chose to use the ugly word in the title of his initiative because he saw it as “the most tangible and pervasive example of homophobia in the hip-hop community. I hear it a lot here at Morehouse College. Blacks may not say faggot or other pejorative epithets but they use ‘no homo,’ even if they don’t mean to be homophobic.” Brewer also made sure to mention that hip-hop — which is "almost dangerously homophobic" — is not solely to blame for homophobia among black youth. “(Homophobia) is very much ingrained in our social culture and hip-hop doesn’t help that, it exacerbates the problem,” he said. When it comes to gay rights issues, it seems that hip-hop culture may be stifling us. And it leaves the future of the relationship between gays and blacks in question.” Justin Schell, with TC Daily Planet states, “Hip-hop, of course, is no stranger to political movements, yet given the frequent usage of terms like “faggot” and “bitch nigga” by male MCs to denigrate and feminize other MCs, the use of hip-hop to combat homophobia might seem a bit counterintuitive.” In that commentary by Jason, Jessica Rosenberg, an organizer in the Hip-Hop Against Homophobia event, says “Hip-hop is lots of things, but one thing it can be is an art form for social justice, if hip-hop is working for social justice, queer rights are a part of that.”
You see that homophobia is STILL very prevalent in our community. Now J-Dawg, clearly doesn’t have a publicist and if he does he needs a new one. As his comment could possible alter his rise to fame. Many of his listeners are from the gay and lesbian community. Hip-Hop’s influence is paramount take for instance tv commercials, such as Kia Sportage, the hamsters are geared up in b-boy clothing driving down the street to the tune of“You can get with this, you can get with that.” Kia understood the need to target the hip hop community in their advertising. J-Dawg clearly didn’t consider the market in which he serves as an artist. Out Now Consulting is the leading global strategic lesbian and gay marketing agency, and was established by Ian Johnson--who has been described by the founder of both Wikipedia and Citizendium as "one of the most knowledgeable persons there is about the topic of gay marketing". Out Now as a marketing agency provides specialised gay marketing services to large companies by researching gay lifestyles and using the information to develop strategies to target gay and lesbian consumers. Out Now as a marketing agency provides specialised gay marketing services to large companies by researching gay lifestyles and using the information to develop strategies to target gay and lesbian consumers. To know both what the gay market demographics currently are and, most importantly, to understand what it is that they are telling you. It is only with that knowledge that you can be expected to make the most strategic gay and lesbian market decisions. It is always critically important to gay market success to understand how the gay target consumer market is currently thinking--and adjust your gay and lesbian marketing strategies accordingly. J-Dawg or his team clearly didn’t do this and clearly this could stifle record sales. So now the question, Does homophobia affect record sales? Can be answered with, ABSOLUTELY. Its really saddening that this artist, J-Dawg made these statements because now, the production company and venue has banned his music. I guess its ok to be gay as long as you are a make up artist, fashion designer/consultant or assistant to the stars. To me its such a double standard. Listen to more discussion of the Hip Hop and Homophobia phenomenon by listening to “Is it Free Speech or Hate Speech” on www.NPR.org .
What is being done about this detrimental phenomenon? Check out Cornel West’s commentary about it. http://gaylife.about.com/b/2007/09/07/cornel-west-hip-hop-and-homophobia.htm

Utterly disappointed, MsNightLyfe Dont forget to watch the Video below.

What the F**k Do YOU Do?

2010-07-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Ive had several inquiries about what is it exactly that I do. Many times I give what I call a "fluff" answer and give the projects that I have a hand in instead of just answering the question. So, I made a personal commitment to myself, that I will answer that question. First and foremost, Im a hustla, the catch is Im an educated one. That in and of itself is a hustle. I got 2 degrees working on a 3rd with goals of getting 4 (PhD.) 2ndly I am a business woman the MBA solidifies that. All in all I write and research any and everything. My goal is to create a buzz where mainstream media doesnt. My blogs are about events, and exceptional people and places that other people should know about, partake in, and support. Why should you solicit me for your projects? The answer is simple, you are far to busy to write. In not controversial yet very opinionated. I write about you, what you are doing, your event, venue etc. I rate the experience for the satisfaction of my readers. Aside from that, this writing/blogging avenue is a research project on people, honesty, and ability to handle business in order to conduct business. If you arent watching me, you should be...I got Oprah sized dreams and we all know her success. Watch me work! If that's not enough... Stay Tuned, I got some shit for ya!