Words

AAPRC Weekly: Florence "Flo" Anthony

Florence "Flo" Anthony
Gossip to Go with Flo, Jones Radio Network

Florence Anthony has been a writer from almost the moment she learned her ABCs. When the Ann Arbor

Florence "Flo" Anthony
Syndicated Columnist
Gossip to Go with Flo, Jones Radio Network
NYC


Florence Anthony has been a writer from almost the moment she learned her ABCs. When the Ann Arbor, Michigan native was in second grade, she wrote a play about Caroline Kennedy and sent it to the hite House. Somebody at the White House liked it enough to send young Florence a thank you note and some photographs. She also wrote for her elementary school newspaper, and later, in high school, for the local daily, which had a youth page. Technically, it was her first job in journalism, because the youth page actually paid its student writers.

In spite of her head start in journalism, when Anthony went off to Howard University, she majored in acting with a minor in education. No matter, though, journalism still called. After her graduation from Howard, Anthony, who had a love for sports, became the host of a cable sports talk show called "Flo's Place" on Manhattan Cable. One day she invited a group of her guests––a boxing promoter and some of his clients––to a promotional party she'd coordinated for a friend's music project. The boxers were impressed and asked Anthony if she could do the same sort of thing for them. She agreed and after doing promotional work for a number of professional boxers and other athletes, went to work as a press agent for the legendary heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. "I met Bruce Willis and David Hasslehoff, and all these people who were tremendous fans of Larry's," says Anthony of her time with Holmes. "That's how I branched from sports into entertainment."

But before her switch to entertainment was complete, Anthony would give her career in sports another try. As her work with Holmes ended, Anthony founded her own sports magazine, Gladiator, and began writing sports columns for other publications. "I started out doing a sports column for the Black American newspaper called 'Keep Punching,'" says Anthony. Editors from New York's Amsterdam News and The New York Times came calling as well. Then in 1984 Anthony heard that The New York Post was looking to hire a Black woman in the sports department (there weren't any at the time). She was hired as an agate clerk and spent long, late hours gathering sports results from around the country. As it turns out, the sports department was less than pleased with her performance and, seeing that Anthony had a fine arts background, transferred her to the entertainment department. She went "kicking and screaming" and did things like putting together the television grid. Then, in 1986, Anthony asked if she could do a story on a movie from an upstart filmmaker named Spike Lee––"She's Gotta Have It." Her editors were pleased with the work and when she asked to do a second story, a profile on singer Jermaine Jackson in town to promote a new album, they quickly agreed. They wondered, though, how she would manage to get the interview. "And I said, well, I know him," Anthony recalls.

By then, Anthony was firmly enmeshed in entertainment––though she was still hustling to put out her sports magazine on the side––and lobbied hard to get a position with the Post's popular gossip section, "Page Six." Finally, in 1990, after five years in the entertainment department, Anthony got her wish, becoming the first African-American woman to write for the dishy column. Later, when she left the Post in 1994, Anthony stepped into another "first" position––the first African-American woman to write a column for a tabloid––when she headed up the "Eye on the Stars" column in the National Examiner.

While still at the Post Anthony began developing a career in radio, lending her gossip skills to New York area radio stations including WBLS-FM and KISS-FM––where she sat in for gossip guru Wendy Williams. Today, those early forays have evolved into the live daily radio feature, "Gossip to Go with Flo," which she's done for six years now. The show is syndicated by Jones Radio Network in 30 markets. In print, Anthony's weekly column, "Go with the Flo," can be found in New York's Amsterdam News, the Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Black Radio Exclusives (BRE) and New York Trend. She also writes a monthly column for Tokyo's MTelepal and is a Sunday contributor to the London Mail.

In addition to her columns and radio features, Anthony has written a novel––Keeping Secrets, Telling Lies––and is editor-in-chief and, most recently, owner of Black Elegance magazine which she purchased through her company, Dottie Publishing, LLC, named for her late mother, Doris "Dottie" Anthony. There are also plans to revive Gladiator, her former sports magazine. Plus, Anthony is often called upon as a gossip guru by television and cable shows such as the "E! True Hollywood Story," "Inside Edition," "Entertainment Tonight" and many others.

Gossip has been good to Flo, though, at times, it's been exhausting. "When I worked at 'Page Six' you went out every single night. The Donald Trump types, they go out every night. They make three events a night or something. So you really do need to do that…" says Anthony, who admits she hasn't been around much. She spent three years caring for her seriously ill mother, who passed away in October 2003. "I'm just kind of getting back out," says Anthony. "You can search the Internet for things, and I read everything. I've got tons of sources, but you've got to get out and talk to people and be there."

When she's not at the hottest events, Anthony, who lives on New York's Upper East Side, spends her time relaxing, watching movies and spending time with her boyfriend and her cat.

Your gossip spans the country and even reaches London and Tokyo, on radio and in print. What makes a gossip columnist hot?

Always being on top of a breaking story.

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

My ability to uphold the dignity of Black celebs when they get in trouble.

Have you ever regretted using an item of gossip? And why?

No.

What's the most interesting, um, feedback you've gotten from the subjects of your gossip?

Brandy yelled at me because I broke the story of her engagement before she could. All the while, she was pregnant and supposedly married. We now know the marriage part was a lie.

What's a typical day like for you?

I start on-air with "Sonny in the Morning" at 95.7 R&B in Virginia Beach, Florida. I finish my morning stations at 10:20 a.m. Then, I work on the magazine. I read the papers around 6:00 a.m. At 12:49 p.m., I do another radio feed with WVON in Milwaukee. I work on the magazine from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, I write the "Go with the Flo" column at 10:30 a.m. I write my radio show between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. for the next day. I usually record it around 3:30 p.m. daily. In addition to over 20 live feeds a day, Jones Radio Networks also sends out the text and the voice daily. I go back on-air at 3:20 p.m. and finish at 6:10 p.m. Most of the afternoon stations either have Tom Joyner or Doug Banks on in the morning. I also sell the ads for the magazine, so I have to type up a lot of correspondence during the day. On weekends, I either travel or sleep.

It would seem that as a gossip columnist you have to have confidence in your ability to decide who or what is buzz-worthy. What in your professional life has given you that confidence?

I'm really not that confident.

You gathered a couple of "firsts" under your belt during your time at the New York Post––first African-American woman to work in that paper's sports and entertainment sections and first to work the gossip page. How has race impacted your career path?

I was also the "first" Black cheerleader at Ann Arbor Huron High, the "first" Black member of the Forensics team, Theater and Radio Guilds and Ann Arbor Junior Theater. I was the "second" Black At-Large Finalist in the Miss Teenage America Pageant. Tracey Reed was the first. I just go after what I want in life. I'm not afraid of racism.

You recently purchased Black Elegance magazine. You published a sports magazine years ago, so this is your second go-round with magazine publishing. What lessons are you bringing to Black Elegance?

Money, a real company and a top distributor.

What would you like to see happen with the radio show and the column over the next several years?

I'd like to get back into the New York market on radio, and I'd like the column to also run in the mainstream press.

Tell us one thing people might be surprised to know about you.

My mom swore we are descendants of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings.


AAPRC's Mission
The African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC) is an assemblage of professionals who provide communication conduits among clients, journalists, media and our communities. We come together as a collective because we recognize the importance of building those same conduits amongst ourselves.

A great deal of what we do is professional development––updating our skills, keeping pace with technology, refining and streamlining processes, providing a forum to tackle the issues that impact our work environment––but we believe our professional lives benefit most from the forging of effective alliances. Connected to one another, we possess the power of a nationwide body of committed, knowledgeable practitioners with an eye on the future.

As we move into the 21st century at lightning speed, mass media and its potent messages occupy an ever-larger part of our daily lives and our collective psyche. The AAPRC is focused on helping our members gain a deeper understanding of media's force and supporting their growth as powerful participants in the global communications network.

AAPRC's Contact
GQ Media & Public Relations
1650 Broadway Suite 1011
New York NY 10019
1212 765 7910
1212 765 7905
aapublicistcoll@aol.com

Message Florence "Flo" Anthony and the AAPRC and tell them what you think

Perspective: Toure

Toure
Soul City

Job History
I taught tennis at a summer program in Boston.

Toure
Author/Journalist/TV host
Soul City
Brooklyn NY


Job History
I taught tennis at a summer program in Boston. (I loved the camp and the kids but somehow I made a mistake and got fired.)
I worked at a restaurant in Atlanta during college as a busboy. (The days I read about slavery in Af/Am it was really hard to come in and wash dishes. Beyond that it was fun enough.)
I worked at a copy shop in Atlanta during college. (That was after I got fired from the restaurant for somehow pissing off the manager. I also got fired from the copy shop for running off 100 copies of a 30-page book of poems I wrote. That was unfair, I think.)
I worked at the Coffee Shop in Union Square as a runner on the night shift, from midnight to five am. Maxwell was a waiter on the dinner shift and he was just like he is now as a famous person. Everyone knew him, everyone liked him, but no one really knew that much about him. What's his last name? What's he really like? Is he straight or gay? No one knew. (I got fired from the Coffee Shop because of this stupid little incident with the manager that really wasn't my fault.)
I did a little story for The Source and then another which led to a little story in the Voice, which led to more there, which led to a little record review at Rolling Stone, which led to more there, then I wrote for the Times, the New Yorker, Playboy, and other places. Rolling Stone hired me in 96, I think.
Before I was hired at Rolling Stone I was a news writer at MTV News, during the golden era I got fired. No, I don't want to talk about it.)
I started writing my first book the Portable Promised Land in graduate school. That one took five years to finish.
I finished my latest book, Soul City, a novel, after three years of work.

I like writing because you can't get fired.

Three words to describe yourself.

I make my own rules.

What are you currently working on? What is your day-to-day responsibilities?

I'm currently working on a long, juicy profile of Russell Simmons for Playboy and a novel about the son of God, a black boy born nowadays. Every day is different for me. I have TV stuff to do, I have book stuff to do, I have magazine work to do, every day is a new adventure and sometimes that can be just sitting on the couch all day and getting lost in a crazy book so you get that mind journey.

What made you decide to pursue this career?

I couldn't not be a writer. It's the only thing I could do and I kept getting fired from everything else.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I don't think I do balance them. I think I'm happily lacking a personal life. I love to work.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

My novel, Soul City. It was a long journey to the finished version, and harder than I would've expected. Writing a novel there's got to be a point where you're about to lose your mind because by definition, a novel is greater than you can hold in your mind at one time, but at some point in the writing, the writer kind of does have to hold the whole thing up in your mind just to see if it really works. And that's really hard. I remember the night I held up my whole novel in my mind and figured out that it was going to work out. But writing a novel is putting together a massive puzzle.

How did you overcome any roadblocks?

I try to remain positive no matter what. I know I can do it. Whatever it is, I know I can do it. You couldn't convince I couldn't.

Was there ever a time where you thought you would not succeed? Please explain.

I would never allow myself to think like that. I have to be my biggest fan, I have to know I'll find a way or make a way. Even when I could see no way, you've got to believe there will be.

Is there a down side to your position?

No. Writing is the best job there is. I work at home, I interview the people who are creating modern culture, and I try to create a little art. There's nothing about it I don't love.

What are your Guiding principles?
Don't worry about getting fired.
Also don't worry about offending people.
Say what you really believe and never be inhibited by some sense of decency. The other day on the Dennis Miller show I said I hate the President. People emailed me saying how could you say that? I'm not like how could you not?

What are the personality traits you think a successful person in this industry should have?

You've got to be tenacious and resilient. No matter how many doors get closed in your face, keep coming.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?

Read as much as you can stand. Reading real stuff (from a great Rushdie novel to a Rem Koolhaas breakdown of modern urban architecture to Joseph Campbell's the Power of Myth or the 48 Laws of Power or anything that stretches your mind into new journeys and new paths of thought) is like going to the gym for your mind.

When is your Birthday? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

March 20, the last day of the zodiac calendar. I grew up in Boston and always hated the Sox because they were known as baseball's most racist team, the last one in the majors to add a black player. They have plenty of black men now, but by age six I was a hater. And that's hard in Boston because those fools live and mostly die by the Sox. Seeing them suffer is half of why I love the Yanks. I went to Milton Academy for high school, Emory for undergrad (didn't finish), and Columbia for the graduate creative writing program (didn't finish).

For more info visit Toure.com or buy click here to buy his last book, Soul City!

Message Toure and tell him what you think

The Ru Report #144

In This Weeks Report
Dr. Ian Smith Keeps Up The Mystery, J.L. King Turns Publisher, “Luther” Book Is A Lot For A Little, RuPaul Comes To Broadway, Lillias White Has Showtime, Angelo Ellerbee Celebrates Twenty...

The Good Doctor
Dr. Ian Smith is no joke.

He may be media savvy, but the award--winning “Today” show correspondent and New York Daily News columnist doesn’t like to talk his personal business to media pals. He will, however, wax poetic about topics such health and fitness, and anything related to the medical profession.

And of course a lot about his latest book, The Blackbird Papers, a mystery thriller, which arrived on bookshelves across the globe in late June via Doubleday publishing.

A native of Danbury, Connecticut and a half of twin brothers, Dr. Smith started his medical degree at Dartmouth and graduated from the University of Chicago’s medical school. He has also contributed to Time, Newsweek, and Men’s Health, over the past few years. As the author two medical books, The Take Control Diet and Dr. Ian Smith’s Guide to Medical Websites, he is one of the most distinguished Black medical professionals in his chosen field.

The Ru Report checked in with the very busy and in-demand doctor to talk about the method to his madness… and his mystery.

What sparked your interests in publishing?

I’ve always wanted to write since my AP English class in high school when I found myself lost in some of the great classics. I appreciated a good story at a time when most students preferred a movie or some other social activity. I enjoyed it all. It wasn’t until college, however, after I read John Grisham’s The Firm, did I decide that I was actually going to write a book rather than just talk about it.

This is your third book. The others were medical related. Why the novel form, and mystery of all things?

Fiction writing is much more creative and free-spirited. The story comes from my head and I’m allowed to go to places and create characters that I have never been or met. The freedom to let your imagination run is so satisfying to an author. Writing medical non-fiction books is also satisfying, but in a different way. There’s less imaginative freedom, but a greater sense that the information you’re imparting can directly benefit someone’s health.

I wanted to write a fast-paced, page-turning thriller like I had come to love to read, and I figured why not do it against this perfectly charming backdrop. I had the title first (which is not often the case) then I did some research on blackbirds and discovered this amazing controversy that’s still brewing in our country. The issue was fascinating, so I decided to weave my murder mystery around this environmental controversy.

How much does your life parallels [lead character] Sterling Bledsoe's?

Unfortunately, my life doesn’t parallel Sterling’s at all. His life seems to be much more exciting and unpredictable. It always seems to be the case that an author will create a great character and put into that character and his or her life qualities and adventures that the author wishes was his own.

So how has the fiction publishing industry been treating you?

This has been a great experience… Many insiders and publishing veterans have sent me great notes of praise and the book readers have been extremely responsive. I’ve gotten hundreds of e-mails from fans... I hope this response continues!

How did you get the deal?

I was lucky. Doubleday was the first publishing house to see The Blackbird Papers and they made an offer for it right on the spot. Not only did they make the offer for that book, but bought the second book, which I hadn’t even written. That book, a medical thriller set in Chicago, is almost done and will be released next summer or fall.

You’ve trekked the country promoting the book. How’s the reception?

Getting out and talking about the book has been a rewarding experience. It’s always great to meet other book lovers and avid readers. They are affirmation that good stories will always find an audience. They inspire me to keep writing.

What lessons have been learned from this whole experience?

One of the biggest lessons is that an author must be as avid about getting his or her book out in the public’s consciousness as he is about writing the book. Writing a good book is only half the battle. This is a competitive marketplace. Look at how many books are on the shelves the next time you go to a bookstore. The other half of the battle is getting people interested in at least sampling your writing. I believe if you’ve written a good story and you can get people to read it, then the good word will then spread from there. Authors must not be shy about asking readers to taste some of their art. You have to be the biggest believer in yourself!

Talk about your craft, your method.

Writing for me has been a visceral and completely enjoyable experience. I’ve had a blast creating things out of nothing and twisting plots and developing character. I am a person who likes to create, likes to be in other people’s minds, like to go on a ride when hearing or telling a story. I have never looked at writing as a chore but simply a love. Maybe that’s why I’ve had so much fun and it has come so naturally to me. I like stories, whether movies, TV, or books and I like telling them. Writing has been a natural offshoot of what I have enjoyed for so many years.

How did you dream up this story?

The idea for The Blackbird Papers came to me like a vision. No, seriously, don’t laugh. I was a first year medical student at Dartmouth adjusting to life in the cold mountains after spending a tremendously exciting year in New York City. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to Hanover, New Hampshire before or any of the surrounding communities, but there are two things that immediately strike you. First, it’s one of the most naturally beautifully and preserved environments in the country. Second, after about 48 hours there, you stand there in the middle of wilderness and wood-paneled Jeep Wagoneers and ask yourself, ‘So, now what do I do?

It’s a vivid story. How did you shape it? Any research?

I had driven those dark, narrow streets for many months, but for some reason that afternoon, trying to think about anything else other than nerves and muscles and tissue cultures, a thought popped into my mind: ‘What a great place this would be for a mysterious murder.’ Now I know what you’re thinking: ‘What is a doctor-in-training doing thinking about murders and such, especially in the middle of a peaceful and bucolic place?’ But that’s one of the amazing things about the brain; some ideas freely pop into our heads that we have no control over, stay for a while and then fly away as fast as they entered without us ever knowing why we had the thoughts in the first place. So that was the start--a mysterious murder of a professor in this small college town hidden in the cold mountains, seemingly worlds away from ‘civilization.’ The rest of the plot for The Blackbird Papers filled in over time through Internet research and phone research with everyone from conservation societies to law enforcement officials.

Now that you've accomplished this mystery novel, what else is in store for your literary pursuits?

I am putting the finishing touches on my second novel…It’s about two first-year medical students who make a grim discovery and that discovery leads to several murders. The story is completely original in the sense that there’s never been anything like it before. The characters are vivid and the tension is palpable. I think this will be another book that will have people helplessly turning pages to find out who did it and why.

How would you best describe yourself?

I’m a deeply passionate person who dreams big, never gives up, and always try to follow my heart. I have varied interests and I just hope that I can accomplish even half of what I want to do in this too short of a journey called life. One of my favorite expressions to live by is: Carpe Diem, which means Seize The Day! in Latin.

Pages
The controversial best-selling author J.L. King is on a roll. His wildly popular On The Down Low book has sold upwards to 200,000 copies in the span of just four months of release and the groundbreaking part-memoir/part-educational page turner is in its 15th printing. His publicist confirms that a “20/20” segment has been taped with an airdate pending. Can someone say “sweeps”?

Meanwhile, Mr. King is the publisher of his own burgeoning literary empire, Chicago Moon Publishing. The company’s first offering is an insightful ‘trade’ paperback edited by Windy City politico Max Smith titled Staying Power! The Unofficial Guide To Maintaining Positive African American Male Relationships. The near 300-page paperback is packed with proverbs, affirmations and illustrations juxtaposed with 25 chapters ranging in topics dealing with self-esteem, long distance relationships, penis size, Internet dating, homosexual on homosexual discrimination, relationship longevity and the like.

“I know that there are many Same Gender Loving (SGL) men and women who are talented writers who have expressed their feelings about love and life on napkins, in journals and on sheets of paper that never get to be shared with others,” says Mr. King. “I wanted to give these individuals a way to follow their dreams and see their work become a published book.”

Eric Jerome Dickey, another one of my favorite best-selling authors is becoming a multimedia entity. His best-selling novel Friends and Lovers have been morphed into a traveling stage play of the same name.

According to Los Angeles-based publicist Lisa Sorenson, Black Hollywood notables such as Leon, Monica Calhoun, Miguel A. Nunez, Jr., Mel Jackson, and Maia Campbell will star in the show, which kicks off on September 7 in Jacksonville, Florida, and will sweep the country until November 23 in Philadelphia. The Houston-based I’m Ready Productions, which broke box office records in several cities with the national tours of their previous stage musicals, “Men Cry In the Dark” and “Maintenance Man” (both based on best-selling novels by Michael Baisden) is helming up this latest novel turned play.

Mr. Dickey, who is a New York Times best-selling author of ten novels, tells The Ru Report that he is looking forward to the transformation. “I'm excited to see the book in a different medium…The people at I'm Ready have been wonderful and have allowed me to see versions of the script while it was being developed, as well as asking for my input. Comedy. Music. Poignant moments. It should be phat.”

This November, Amistad/Harper Collins will release I’ll Find A Way Or Make One a commemorative gift book chronicling Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Written by author and news correspondent Juan Williams and Dwayne Ashley, President of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, the 448-page book is filled with photos, historical narratives, personal memoirs, archival and contemporary materials, and anecdotal and resource information on each of America’s 107 HBCUs including Howard University, Florida A&M University, Tennessee State University, and Hampton University. “60 Minutes” anchor Ed Bradley, who is a graduate of Cheyney State University, has signed on to write the Foreword for the book. All royalties from the sales of I’ll Find A Way… will be donated to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund.

Readings
Giving credit where credit is due, I must applaud former Vibe magazine staffer Craig Seymour on his literary debut, LUTHER: The Life and Longing of LUTHER VANDROSS (Harper Entertainment, $24.95). Aside from Natalie Cole’s gripping memoir, 2000’s Angel On My Shoulder, I have never tore through a biography as quickly. LUTHER… is well researched (I’ve never seen a biography with such an extensive bibliography), tantalizing (offering informative back stories on Mr. Vandross’ feuds with divas such as Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker and EnVogue) and at times very, very safe (While touching upon Luther’s much guarded romantic life, the author chose not to be as forward as he could’ve been about sexual matters.) Other highlights include: Mr. Vandross’ humble, early days at the Apollo Theater, his early encounters with Bette Midler, his big break with David Bowie, Roberta Flack firing him, family tragedies, personal triumphs, lots of overeating, lots of wanting mainstream acceptance, lots of extravagant and ostentatious living, the questionable deaths of close male friends Yogi Horton and Larry Salvemini (resulting in a vehicular manslaughter trial for the singer), his sharp business acumen, and lots of inside information on his stroke and subsequent coma. It’s a safe job well done.

Denise N. Wheatley’s first book, I Wish I Never Met You: Dating The Shiftless, Stupid, and Ugly--A Novel (Touchstone; $12.00) is the most chilling book I’ve read all year. Unlike some other light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek Black Chick Lit that’s cropping up on store shelves, this page-turning “novel” is as raw as having a blunt conversation with a brazen broad from the lower trenches of Brooklyn--or any other notorious inner-city enclave where the sisters give as good as they get (and then some!) for that matter. Clearly the narrator of the book is a “single black female addicted to retail” with the idea that her Black knight in shining honor could come in the form of a married man, a man she met in a club, a man with a girlfriend, a disco-loving “Undercover Sugar Booty,” or even a foul fiancé. Sad to say, he won’t. The scenarios presented and the psychotic psyche of the narrator is enough to put readers on edge--getting into the complex mentality of a single woman with L.S.E.(low self esteem) and unrealistic and unattainable goals. She has Fatal Attraction tendencies throughout the book, which is an uncensored, sexually adventurous romp. Think Bridget Jones’s Diary, written in magic marker--south side Chicago style!

Five On It; five books to read this season
Gotham Diaries by Tonya Lewis Lee and Crystal McCrary (Hyperion; $21.95) is a look into the world of high-stakes real estate, charity, and ambition in Manhattan’s elite Black society. With a colorful cast of characters including billionaire businessmen, middle class Midwesterners, ballplayers, models and music moguls, the authors spin a cautionary tale about the limits of money and status.

The Wendy Williams Experience by Wendy Williams with Karen Hunter (Dutton; $24.95) takes readers behind the scenes and past the velvet rope with a V.I.P. pass into the hip hop world as New York radio shock jock delivers the good, the bad, and the ugly. The infamous interview with a very irate Whitney Houston appears as its own chapter (#13) in the book, and discussions with hip-hop giants such as Suge Knight and insiders such as Misa Hilton-Brimm, stylist to major names from Mary J. Blige to Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot and P. Diddy’s very first baby’s mama, are printed too. A chapter on hip-hop homosexuality (“How You Doin?”) is very in-your-face, while black and white photos chronicling Ms. Williams rise (with Mo’Nique, Janet Jackson, Queen Pen, The Wu Tang Clan, Cam’Ron, Steve Manning, Public Enemy’s Flava Flav and some hysterical captions) round out the book. A 5-disc abridged audio component read by Ms. Williams is also available.

NO WOMAN NO CRY: My Life with Bob Marley by Rita Marley with Hettie Jones (Hyperion; $22.95) is a no-holds-barred account of life with one of the most legendary musicians of all time. For the record: the telling memoir is by the woman who knew him best, who was his only wife, and who remained married to him until his death in 1981. “When we got to New York, a new element was added, because it was a record company recommendation that you shouldn’t let your fans know you were married,” Mrs. Marley writes. “They thought, how could you be a devoted husband and sell records? I didn’t know this until I read, in a newspaper interview: ‘Bob, we hear you’re married--is it true you’re married to Rita?’ And his answer was, ‘Oh, no, she’s my sister!’” Mrs. Marley also details the many affairs the reggae legend had with other women: "So what that he had children with other women? He was always truthful, he always told me when another child was on the way. He would even bring the babies to me when they were born, and sometimes I would even bring them up myself." This and much more drama is included in this poignant, compelling, and uncommonly candid book.

A Love Story by Denene Millner and Nick Chiles (Dutton, $23.95) is the third novel by the best-selling husband and wife team. The hardcover book is presented in their trademark he said/she said alternating chapter approach about Aaron and Nina, childhood playmates who in adulthood find themselves faced with the difficult proposition of being more than just friends.

How To Make Love Like A Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale by Jenna Jameson with Neil Strauss (ReganBooks; $27.95) is the memoir from one of the biggest names in the adult entertainment industry. The 580-page tome is a frank and unflinching self-examination about a downtrodden woman-child who beat the odds and plays by her own rules. Loaded with gorgeous stylized photographs, candid pictorials, sexy cartoons and diary entries, “…Porn Star” is must see literature!

Stages
We should call her “On The Rebound Ramona.” Ramona Keller--one of the singing soul sisters of the soon-to-shutter Broadway musical, “Caroline, Or Change”-- will next star in “Brooklyn: The Musical,” which officially opens at Broadway’s Plymouth Theater on October 21. According to production notes, the story centers on a band of soulful street-corner singers and storytellers from BK, who set a stage and tell a wondrous sidewalk fairy tale about a young girl searching for fame and the father she never knew. With just one clue to lead her, she lands in the city that bears her name. Direction and musical staging will be by Jeff Calhoun with music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by John McDaniel. Ms. Keller has also starred in the Broadway production of “Smokey Joe’s Café” and has shared the stage in “Dreamgirls” with Jennifer Holliday. Before “Caroline…” she starred in the premiere run of “Brooklyn” at the New Denver Civic Theatre, in the spring of 2003.

Court TV will air the cinematic adaptation of the award-winning off-Broadway play, “The Exonerated,” next year. The film will feature Academy Award winning actor/director/producer Susan Sarandon, alongside Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Delroy Lindo, Aidan Quinn, and David Brown Jr. “The Exonerated” focuses on the stories of six innocent people who spent years on death row before being set free. Award-winning actor/director/producer Bob Balaban, who developed and directed the stage production, serves as director and executive producer for the screen version.

One of my favorite leggy blondes will be making their debut on the Great White Way. Well, somewhat. A newly-revived RuPaul will co-star in a One Night Only revival of the legendary musical “Hair” on September 20 at the New Amsterdam Theater. The concert event is the annual benefit for the Actors' Fund of America and will also feature the talents of Kathy Brier, Darius de Haas, Harvey Fierstein, Hunter Foster, Norm Lewis, Idina Menzell, Adam Pascal, Billy Porter, Jai Rodriguez and Lillias White, amongst others.

And while on the subject of that incomparable Tony Award winning diva, it’s rumored that she has been cast in Showtime’s comedy pilot, “Pryor Offenses” about legendary comedian Richard Pryor, starring Eddie Griffin in the lead role. Ms. White is also in talks to return to Broadway in the very near future.

Around Town
Twenty years and still going strong, Black media titan Angelo Ellerbee recently celebrated the twentieth anniversary of his public relations firm, Double XXPosure, at the Pantheon Day Spa on Manhattan’s tony Fifth Avenue. More than forty specially invited media personalities and journalists were pampered with manicure and pedicures while sipping on champagne and eating chocolate strawberries. The firm’s Vice President Brandon Himmel offered me a cookie when I walked through the door. A f@#%ing cookie! But it was all in good fun. He’s a great guy, who really takes care of people. Mr. Ellerbee, who has been taking care of the images of an assortment of entertainers such as Mary J. Blige, Nina Simone, DMX, Grace Jones, Dru Hill and Dionne Warwick over the years, was in great spirits during the event, adorned in a sear-sucker robe. "It was a chance to give back to some of the people who supported me over the last 20 years,” he offered. “It was glorious, enjoyable, and meaningful." Sister 2 Sister magazine publisher Jamie Foster-Brown yukked it up with a few of her staff members, bringing much zeal to the event while singers Melba Moore and Lumidee, and DJ Wayne Williams, also partook in the festivities. Mr. Ellerbee is preparing to do a Public Relations/Image Control workshop at the Learning Annex in November. Catch it!

Boyz II Men’s celebratory party for their new Koch Records album Throwback lived up to its title on Tuesday night. Porn star Heather Hunter and radio personality Eddie Love seemed to be the only celebrity notables spotted at the event for the one-time R&B super-group, held at hot spot Suede where invitees had to drink from a cash bar. Perhaps someone should’ve called my friends at Martell!

Knowing how to really treat their guests, Sony Legacy held a swank affair on the rooftop of The Hotel Gansevoort in celebration of the new album, Taken To The Next Phase, which features up to date, hip-hop savvy renditions of The Isley Brothers classics like “Footsteps In The Dark,” “The Lady,” “Summer Breeze” and “Between The Sheets.” Mos Def, will.I.am of Black Eyed Peas, Raphael Saadiq, Onda, Stuart Matthewman, ?uest Love of The Roots, Steven “Lenky” Marsden, Gabriel Rene, De La Soul, and Ignorants all contribute to the album, which was conceived by Rene Arsenault of the newly formed Onda Entertainment, a division of Onda Productions. The production, songwriting and music supervision collective has built a name for itself by creating, developing and scoring music for television commercials, films, and fashion shows. That explains why fashion design house Valentino co-sponsored the event, where Moet Chandon steadily flowed.

Legendary media specialist Steve Manning is all excited about the upcoming roast for his client, basketball star Mark Jackson. The event will be held at the Lexington Avenue W Hotel on September 14 and the likes of Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Allen Houston, Jeff Van Gundy and Rod Strickland are expected. Musical genius Wyclef Jean has been deemed a special guest for the festivities honoring Mr. Jackson--who now plays point guard for the Houston Rockets.

Is former MTV vee-jay Bill Bellamy getting into the liquor business? Sure looks that way. On September 16, the sometimes comedian will play a rare stand up comedy gig at the World’s Famous Apollo Theater. According to a spokesperson, the How To Be A Player will perform to a invitation-only crowd at the private show, presented by B&B Cognac. Ka-Ching!

On September 22, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn College, and The Brooklyn College Women's Studies Program will welcome pioneering African American Congresswoman and 1972 Presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm. A free screening of the documentary Chisholm '72-Unbought & Unbossed will be held in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House with remarks by Ms. Chisholm, along with other special guests. Originally premiering at The Sundance Film Festival, the documentary will launch its east coast theatrical engagement at the BAM Rose Cinemas from September 24-30.

Video View
Purple Rain: 20th Anniversary Two Disc Special Edition. The breakthrough ‘musical’-based movie debut of rock n’ roll legend Prince has finally debuted in DVD format with an all-new digital transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1 audio and wide-screen presentation. Loosely based on his Midwestern wonder years, Purple Rain, centers on an ambitious young musician’s struggle to secure his success in the music industry while overcoming personal strife. The very sexy romp starred Prince, Apollonia, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, and Clarence Williams III and served as the soundtrack of the time. In addition to the near two-hour film, the DVD package includes filmmaker commentary, three new featurettes on the making-of the film and its impact, eight classic Prince music videos (“Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain”) and much more. Purple Rain earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score, and the soundtrack went on to sell more than 13 million albums to date, and stayed 24 weeks at #1 on the music charts. It was one hell of a debut. Two additional Prince films, Graffiti Bridge and Under the Cherry Moon, are also now available on DVD, too.

Line items
Hip hop fans can get a load of what “beef” is all about in Beef II (Image) executive produced by Quincy Jones III and narrated by actor Keith David. Featuring interviews with 50 Cent, D12, Redman, Method Man, Canibus, Royce Da 5'9", KRS-One, Nelly, Ice Cube, Mack 10, Cypress Hill, DMX, K-Solo, Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Parrish Smith, Kool Moe Dee, Angie Martinez, DJ KaySlay, Big Daddy Kane, Davey D, Cold Crush Brothers, Marley Marl, Roxanne Shante, Kangol Kid, Kevin Powell, Afeni Shakur and exclusive archival footage of Eminem, LL Cool J, Westside Connection and Cypress Hill, Beef II explores the battles that rages behind the scenes of the music industry.

Kids will get a kick out of the magical tale of Ella Enchanted (Buena Vista) starring Anne Hathaway about a world where children are given a gift from a fairy godmother at the moment of their birth. The light-hearted fantasy film also stars Minnie Driver, Vivica A. Fox and Joanna Lumley.

And Cedric The Entertainer, Vanessa Williams, Lil’ Bow Wow and Solange Knowles star in Johnson Family Vacation (Fox), which is a feel good, funny family comedy centering on a family's cross-country trek to their annual family reunion, which goes awry.

“I ain’t been licked.”

©2004 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

Spotlight: Wylde Bunch

Wylde Style: Meet the new band on the block
The Wylde Bunch, a group of fourteen players that defy musical convention, is staging a takeover you should be aware. Assigning a genre to their sound would find you confused as their songs pay tribute to

Wylde Style: Meet the new band on the block
The Wylde Bunch, a group of fourteen players that defy musical convention, is staging a takeover you should be aware. Assigning a genre to their sound would find you confused as their songs pay tribute to Rock & Roll while speaking through Hip Hop. Each player was influenced by a different set of artists, and they continue to have different muses. But when this jam band plays they come together under one cause: good music. Utilizing, but not depending on computer production, the group incorporates their different inspirations to create songs with musical depth and fresh imagination. The group is self-contained with all writing, production and performances created within the group.

They are an anomaly in the urban music world these days--with songs that are not laden with heavy lyrics, but rather reflect the life some of us enjoy living--one with wit, levity, mischief and fun. And one more thing: live instrumentation!

Most of the players in The Wylde Bunch met in junior high as members of the marching band. In their South Central homes they convened on the weekend to jam, and over the years merged into a performance band. Their years of history rocking house parties in the 'hood to the weekend barbeques for the church, the group has seen the violence of their hometown thankfully pass them by. Each member is more than cognizant of this fact and wishes to impress upon others the importance of music in community.

They are also nice people and their goodwill comes from the satisfaction they get from honing their individual craft: Yung Dame (MC, producer), Rico (MC), Tazzo (MC), Speed (MC), Ken Folk (singer, writer, arranger), LB (singer, writer), B (trumpet), Janey (trumpet, MC), Corey (saxophone, producer, arranger), Daniel (keyboards), Byg Sexy (singer, back-up bass), V. Ray (bass), Popz (guitar, music director), Ish (drums, producer).

Growing up through the nineties, they took in music from all directions-church, old school, rap, R&B, rock. The lived through the emergence of video games, skater culture, urban fashion, and have grown out of those times to embody all things, well, 'cool'.

Never victims of mainstream fashion, the band members remind us that sometimes being a cool cat means being yourself and that being 'black' or 'urban' is not so easily defined as Vibe and Vogue would like to believe. Their style and swagger reminds you to enjoy them for what they are sans stylist: the band. Their fans, mostly alternative, embrace them for this very fact. At live performances people find themselves caught up in how a particular section of the band is rocking or following the MC's steps--all the while singing along. They make music for everyone, and to be down all you need to do is be willing to jam.

The Wydle Bunch's debut album, Wylde Times At Washington High, was released in July. Their first single, “Last Day Of School”, is the song they take as an anthem to the back-to-school jams they are doing throughout the country, not without irony. Currently in Miami, the band is on a tour schedule that they hope will bring their infectious love for music to the masses. I caught up with the band's team leader, Yung Dame, on their tour bus:

As an acoustic hip hop band, how do you feel about the lack of focus on live instrumentation in youth culture and schools?

It's very disappointing. When we were young, music was in school. That's how we met! We reached out to MusicCares about it because we know first hand what it means to have music in schools. It keeps people off of darker paths. Music may be extra curricular--but it's needed.

In a day and age of high marketing budget releases, how do you feel about putting out an album and building your fan base through touring and live shows?

It is better for us because of the type of band we are. We are a live band. You can hear the music and you might like it, but when you see us, you love us. We are doing the MTV Rock the Vote tour. We are doing a west coast tour in the fall with some other bands then heading overseas late fall. We get back in December, then in January we are touring again through the spring. We tour, that is what we do. We want to be around for a while. We are about the longevity, and for us this is the best way to do it.

Your live performances feature choreography and staging, something that is missing from most urban acts these days. What made you focus so much on staging in your performances?

We came up watching Prince, Michael Jackson, and Earth, Wind & Fire. I remember that we would rush home to catch the award shows because we didn't want to miss the performances. And they were exciting to watch! That's missing these days and we want to bring that excitement back.

Get familiar with the Wylde Bunch at Wyldedbunch.com because they're going to be around for a minute! For the underground heads, check them out at Wyldeunderground.com.)

Daina Richie is a freelance journalist living in NYC. Contact her at dainalexis@hotmail.com

Messege the Yung Dame, the Wylde Bunch, and Daina Richie and tell them what you think

Echoing The Birds & The Bees (West Coast) #8

Leftover Honey Event Recap
Pelle Pelle Celebrity Catwalk for Charity hosted by Nicole Richie and Guy Torry, Thursdays @ Here Lounge, Sundays @ Concorde

Leftover Honey Event Recap

Pelle Pelle Celebrity Catwalk for Charity hosted by Nicole Richie and Guy Torry @ The Hollywood Palladium
Don't remember the last time anyone held an event in this building, but we went to see the stars anyway. Nicole Richie and her puppy took fashionably late to another level, arriving well after the fashion show began. Guy Torry held it down all by his lonesome, as Chico Benymon, Gloria Velez, Kel Mitchell, Kim Whitley, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Omar Gooding, Mari Marrow and many more strolled the runway. We wish you could have seen all the drama on the catwalk...beyond entertaining. Check out Wireimage.com for more images.

Thursdays @ Here Lounge Hollywood CA
Right after the fashion show we parked it here (no pun intended). Originally promoted as an all girl night, this sexy red lit lounge has turned into a popular hangout for the fly. You'll easily find the who's who of Hollywood busting the chains of the VIP entrance.

Sundays @ Concorde Hollywood CA
Cris Judd celebrated his birthday here this past weekend. Every Sunday dancers and choreographers flock here to groove and embarrass those who dare to step inside the circle of death. DJ Mark Da Spot spins. The Pussycat Dolls, Eddie Morales, and Punch are among the promoters. Come with some umph! in your style. You know the dancers bring it.

Message Echoing Soundz & The Birds & The Bees and tell them what you think

The Herbert Hollar

Herbert's Hot Picks
thu(26): guernica - blessed/reborn/selly/monica pineda - soul/funk/house/hiphop
thu(26): table 50 - q tip/mark ronson - hiphop/rock/soul/funk/classics

Herbert's Hot Picks
wed(25): cielo - louie vega/kevin hedge - soulful house
wed(25): apt - rich medina - soul/afrobeat/old school/funk/classics
wed(25): 6s + 8s - prince paul/max glazer/hier/lord sear/eli - rap/olskool/funk
wed(25): angel bar - scratch famous/teflon - reggae
wed(25): bOb - rholi rho/5th platoon - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
wed(25): lotus - ani quinn - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
wed(25): aubette - qool marv - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world - 8 to 2
wed(25): suede - frank delour - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s/house
wed(25): madame x - jon oliver - soul/rock/rare grooves/rare sounds - 8pm to 1am
wed(25): delancey lounge - low budget/cosmo baker/kesto - olskool/funk/80s/reggae
wed(25): 17 - ody roc - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/old school
wed(25): open air - neil armstrong/5th platoon - hiphop/soul/classics/reggae
wed(25): joe's pub - claudia acuna quartet - latin rhythm influenced jazz - 9:30
wed(25): swing 46 - jazz musician jam session - 8pm
wed(25): afterwork/rumor - snatch 1/m.o.s./self/kaos - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

thu(26): guernica - blessed/reborn/selly/monica pineda - soul/funk/house/hiphop
thu(26): table 50 - q tip/mark ronson - hiphop/rock/soul/funk/classics
thu(26): ruby falls - great rotating djs - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s
thu(26): joe's pub - guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(26): black betty/bk - monk one/emskee/cosmo baker - soul/funk/classics/disco
thu(26): spirit - dj kid capri - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(26): apt - theo parrish/duane - electro/house/80s/old school
thu(26): b3/basement - live brazilian madness - 9:30pm till
thu(26): soho grand - rich medina - soul/funk/olskool/classics - 6 to 8
thu(26): suede - ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
thu(26): canal room - mad linx - hiphop/r&b/reggae - high fashion
thu(26): crobar - *bob*/larry tee/jon jon battles/guests - rock/80s - pimp n hos!!
thu(26): afterwork/viscaya - dj kreme (latino 105.9) - latin music - 6pm
thu(26): afterwork/rare - red rokk the rabble rouser - 80s/hiphop/rock - 4:30 - 12
thu(26): afterwork/kanvas - dj sweets - hiphop/70s/80s - 6PM
thu(26): afterwork/ole/pavonia/nj - dj mark. t/aldo - house/80s/dance classics - 5
thu(26): afterwork/manhatta - dj eleven/mOma - soul/hiphop/classics
thu(26): afterwork/strata - goldfinger/snatch - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - 6-4

fri(27): starfoods - thank god it's freedom - the illest - see gigs below!
fri(27): frying pan - nickodemus/mariano/guests - house/brazilian/new dance music
fri(27): union square lounge - marlon d/jelly bean/master kev - deep house
fri(27): ruby lounge - dj ola - hiphop/funk/reggae/classics/80s/r&b
fri(27): piano's - small change/gerald mcboing boing - crazy vinyl/rarities/soul
fri(27): spirit - louie devito/big ben/lucho - trance/hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin
fri(27): open air - evil d/butta l/mr. walt - hiphop/soul/80s/reggae/old school
fri(27): delacourte theater - mos def big band/meshell ndegeocello - 7pm
fri(27): luahn - reborn/mary mac/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/deep house/classics
fri(27): wye bar - dj m.o.s. - hiphop/r&b/80s/funk/rock/reggae
fri(27): cooper hewitt museum - dj spinna - soul/funk/old school/house - 6 to 9
fri(27): apt - james f-ing friedman/dirty dietz/dj robi - rock/soul/weird ish
fri(27): crobar - john digweed - house
fri(27): babalu's - creme/em/ish/NOTCH LIVE ("ay qui bueno") - latin music/reggae
fri(27): coral room - rich medina - afrobeat/afrofunk/afro-okonomiyaki - JUMPNFUNK
fri(27): capitale - self/soundproof - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/soca/calypso
fri(27): gstaad - dj jus ed - house
fri(27): lot 61 - dj soul - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(27): eugene's - snatch one - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - happy b-day, envy!!
fri(27): quo - dove/guests - house/hiphop
fri(27): viscaya - ody rock - hiphop/rock/80s/old school/r&b

sat(28): social club - herbert/slynkee/cel - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
sat(28): rehab - frank "de lizard" delour/stimulus - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(28): ruby falls - dj soul - hiphop/rock
sat(28): mission - stormin normin - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(28): 40/40 - rahlo/k.o. - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/80s
sat(28): chetty red - van vader/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/old school/80s
sat(28): sapphire lounge - jazzy nice - hiphop/soul/old school/funk/breaks/house
sat(28): ida mae - rob flow - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(28): knitting factory - slick rick/cut chemist - live hiphop - 9PM
sat(28): viscaya - ani quinn/aphrodita? - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
sat(28): south street seaport - willie colon live - 6PM
sat(28): coral room - sureshot - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
sat(28): 201 e. 16th+3rd ave/6th floor - sean b/zilvanes - classics/breaks/disco
sat(28): boogaloo/bk - anthony mills/dr. israel/king django/digital k/more - dub
sat(28): sullivan room - david hollands/dj fame/russ deep - house - MAZEL TOV!!
sat(28): etoile - goldfinger/precise - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(28): satalla - moto/dj big joe - big SOUKOUS dance party - www.satalla.com
sat(28): shelter - ben johnson/sting international - deep deep deep deep house
sat(28): deep - self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

sun(29): fez uptown - marc smooth/guests - rare groove/soul/hiphop/reggae/classics
sun(29): joe's pub - evil d/mr. walt/butta l - old skool
sun(29): lotus - goldfinger - hiphop/80s/r&b/rock/old school
sun(29): paddlewheel queen - david hollands/mike bryant/carol c/guests - house
sun(29): 32 newark st/hoboken - lou gorbea/great guests - house music - happy born

mon(30): apt - cucumber slice - soul/funk/rare grooves/latin/uprock/old school
mon(30): cielo - francois k - future dub/space vibes/abstract grooves (aka house)
mon(30): crobar - mada/moody/finesse - hiphop/rock/house/whatever - industry night

tue(31): joe's pub - guest djs/live performances - soul/funk/classics/hiphop
tue(31): sapphire lounge - eman/lola - house/deep grooves
tue(31): lobby - will/self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(31): mission - dj hud/mc frank jugga - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(31): table 50 - swamy/john creamer/david vasquez/citizen kane - house
tue(31): afterwork/strata - shadee/lucho - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin - 6
tue(31): afterwork/aubette - snatch 1 - hiphop/r&b/reggae/soul/classics - 6:30PM

Herbert's Heard
"You Got the Love" -- The Source (Still. Francis Poku taught me something.)
"Let Me Love You" -- Bunny Mac (I need this one. Thanks, Reborn. F.U., Cosi!)
"Rescue Me" -- A Taste of Honey
"Confessions Part 2" -- Usher (J.D. remix feat. Shyne, Twista, Kanye)
"Diary" -- Alicia Sleaze feat. Tony Toni Tone (I still love this song. Why?)

Word As Bond
I'm afraid to say too much on this here thing now. Cuz all these corporate suckers be reading my ish and be straight jacking my ish and sending out their own little war reports on the New York City nightlife complete with the songs they like and ... and ... they might as well start calling it a "Holler" too. Ahh ... I guess it's a compliment. They need this here "Holler" so they know what to do. Okay. That's alright. Now Hear This: Herbert needs some dope, uptempo new records to match the intensity and melodic quality of Usher's "Caught Up." Every time I put that song on, I look for a song to follow, and, well, it's the same ol' song. I need something new, energetic, fresh, or I'm gonna be forced to dig in the crates and hit 'em with a little ... sike! You thought I'd tell your jacking tush my song selection secrets? What is you crazy??? You're gonna have to pay me for that!!! Hey Pharell, hey Megahurtz, hey Diddy ... hit me with somethin' soon, ya Herb???

I could prolly just throw on something Spanish. Anything Spanish right now is hot. I don't know what they heck they be saying, but it's hot. Plain and simple. "Ay qui buenoooooo!!!!!" I guess I could follow Usher with that new Reggae-Ton ish from ... sike! I already told you, I ain't giving away jack unless you pay me, fools!!! Hey, wait a minute. That reminds me. Speaking of Usher, big big big up to my boy Paul Rubin--excuse me--Dr. Rubin for the gig chiropracticimating for Usher in Philly at his concert. That's a good look. He's a big dawg. Lots and lots of money and connects. You prolly should'a hooked a brother up with a "happy ending."

(Ew, son. Ew. That's nasty. And wrong.)

Speaking of "happy endings," I just got back from the land of "happy endings." South Jersey, that is. Atlantic City, home to gambling, massage parlors, strip clubs, decent fishing and great Italian food. And oh yeah--some serious golfers. I just completed my classic Ping I2 set via Peter Newcastle at Ye Olde Master's driving range. An 8-iron and pitching wedge, a new bag and soon a new Ping driver (this is exciting stuff). And, of course, Herbert did a lil' fishing. Only thing I caught was a nasty sunburn on my upper arms and shoulders, but whatever. Some dude did catch something on his line SO BIG it literally dragged his boat 500 yards. Turned out to be a sting ray, and although it was 10 feet long and a very exciting fight, you can't eat it, so he cut the line.

This week, I got my cousins from Israel in the house. All they keep saying is "sushi ... sushi." I swear it might be the only word they know. I've eaten so much God-darn sushi, I think tomorrow morning I'm a wake up with a rectangular cube of rice underneath me, tied around my stomach with a big belt of seaweed. And my girl will be two big chopsticks. Scary thought. Then I got my other cousin in. He's half Israeli, half French and all American--he's been living in Atlantic City for several years now and is completely hooked on poker. I know I need to steer him away from that ish, but, well ... problem is ... he wins. And he wins often. And then he takes me out with the money he wins. So what should I say? "No, Nathan. Stop. That's not good. Bad, Nathan, bad. Put your $1000 away and let's get us some Ramen noodles?"

Big up to Decibel on 9th Street between 2nd and 3rd Aves. It's still the funnest place to get drunk on some Sake, and you know the background mixtape the Japanese heads be rocking is dope because they love them some hiphop and soul, dude. We got messed up on some hot sake they call "Chug Shu" or something. So good. Ang big up to Eric and Luck for last week's gig at 17. It was off the meatracks. I had 'em standing on chairs, looking up to G-d for deliverance from this deejay who has 'em by the freaking ears!!!!!! Also big up to Jon Oliver, not only for the mix CD (which was so refreshing), but also for the hooker tales. Cracked me up.

Oh yeah. Before I go, Freedom was off the chain last week. Ain't nothin' like it!

Peace, love and good health,

Herbert's Gigs
every friday - freedom - starfoods (64 e. 1st b/w 1st+2nd aves)
#1 funnest friday night dance party in nyc, son-n-n-n!
classic hiphop/soul/dancehall/80s/house/classic r&b/funk
$6 peach punch - food till 2am - dancing - come as you are!!
$5 before 2am, $7 after - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

every saturday - social club (14 e. 27th st b/w 5th + madison)
the hot hot hot new saturday weekly - no more Lot 61!
hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock/house/classics by me - main floor
a mix of the same sort of music downstairs by slynkee and cel
look sharp - ladies free b4 12 - $15 - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

tonight - umbrella new york - 440 w. 202nd (crnr of 10th ave)
a brand new hiphop party at a brand new spot! herbert's comin uptown!
hip-hop/r&b/reggae/reggaeton by dj herbertowitz all night long!
ladies free b4 12/$10 after - guys $15 - djherbert@earthlink.net

Message DJ Herbert and tell him what you think

Survey Says #14

Fill in the blanks
1. I think the one thing that's missing from the music industry is __________.

2. Instead of rapping/singing, etc., I could see

Fill in the blanks
1. I think the one thing that's missing from the music industry is __________.

2. Instead of rapping/singing, etc., I could see __________ in the profession of __________.

3. __________ was my favorite 70's/80's TV show.

4. __________ is most definitely a fashion icon and should have his/her own clothing line.

5. Some people may think it's weird, but I like it when a man/woman __________.

Message Terrill Joyner and The Crusade.net with your Survey Says responses

Tech Sessions #13

To Sample or Not 2 Sample?
Almost every day, hip hop production continues to grow outside of the boundaries that skeptics have placed on it since day one. From the outset, the culture was viewed as a fad that was no different than

To Sample or Not 2 Sample?
Almost every day, hip hop production continues to grow outside of the boundaries that skeptics have placed on it since day one. From the outset, the culture was viewed as a fad that was no different than sea monkeys and the hula hoop.

Now a quarter of a century and billions of dollars later, it's safe to say that hip hop is not going anywhere. We've seen plenty of sub-trends come and go but the heartbeat goes on.

One thing musically that tends to remain true is the art of sampling. A new generation of producers are coming up who don't go that route and that works for them. Their sounds tend to be crisp as hell because the original bit rates of their sound sources are higher and obviously they get paid more.

Then you have cats who swear by building their tracks off of samples. Some they pay to clear (i.e. the obvious ones) and some they don't (i.e. the kick drum that is pretty unrecognizable on its own).

Whether you do or you don't is seriously subjective. My opinion is that sampling is important. Why? Because it's a mainstay of our musical history. As the Audio Assassins, we don't use a whole lot of samples and when we do they tend to be for spice.

But it was important for us to learn what it feels like to sift through old Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, Commodores, Brass Construction and way obscure records to get a track going.

Like killing it on two turntables and a mixer, sampling is a musical fundamental of the game. A lot of times, I feel like our compositions that don't have samples feel like they do, just because we took the time to understand the dynamics behind it.

Yeah, sampling gives you that classic dirty sound but it also forces your hand to be more creative with your influences. I don't think it's a coincidence that cats who flip vinyl tend to have broader taste in music than a lot of the cats who get into it by fucking with stock rack/key/drum sounds.

Why? Because crate-diggers don't care about too much besides finding the right hot kick, guitar lick, horn blast, vocal pad or whatever. It's like finding gold every time you catch a hot sound that you know is not on another record somewhere else. Matter of fact, I think the world at large would be surprised to find out the home-base of a lot of their favorite sounds. Some of ya'll are bluegrass, metal and world music fans and you don't even know it.

Anyway, back to the script, even if you move away from sampling you take that diverse taste with you and that dynamic is what hip hop was founded on and continues to live by to this day.

Glover is one half of the Atlanta, GA based production squad The Audio Assassins which are founding members of The Elements. You can find them both at Audioassassins.com and theelementsinc.com

Message Glover and share your sampling insight.

AAPRC Weekly: Harriette Cole

Harriette Cole
New York Daily News

Harriette Cole is in the business of helping people with looking good and being good. If the sales of her

Harriette Cole
Syndicated Columnist
New York Daily News
NYC


Harriette Cole is in the business of helping people with looking good and being good. If the sales of her books, her steady stream of private clients, and the influx of letters to Cole's daily advice column are any indicators, this complex synergy is something people are eager to achieve.

The multi-titled Cole––syndicated columnist, author, magazine editor, consultant––goes about her mission with the intensity of a successful entrepreneur, the intelligence of a Phi Beta Kappa graduate and the glamour of an exmodel. She is, arguably, the complete package, and yet she's found a way to connect to the average American as easily as she connects to her private celebrity clients. That persona is the nucleus of the industry she has built around her gift for guiding clients and readers toward a life both stylish and fulfilling.

"I use the phrase 'designing your life from the outside in' because my background is in fashion," says Cole, a former editor at Essence magazine. "For many years I helped people figure out how to look great, but what I grew up learning is that while it's important to look good, it's even more important to be good, to know how to live honorably, to know how to navigate in whatever circumstances you may find yourself." For Cole, that background, her childhood, is the engine that drives her life––what could
arguably be called Harriette Cole, Incorporated.

Cole grew up in Baltimore, the second of three daughters of a noted civil rights judge (for whom she is named) and a retired kindergarten teacher. In an atmosphere that was loving but strict, Cole and her sisters learned early on that a certain way of being was the rule of the house. "We grew up in a home where we always followed the rules of the table. We always spoke grammatically correct English," Cole recalls. "It was just understood that what you would strive for is excellence at all times."

In addition to the rules of conduct at home, the Cole girls learned how to be in society. "Baltimore has a thriving upper-middle-class Black community––has had for a long time––so we hosted and went to beautiful formal events. We learned how to dress formally," Cole says.

Besides her parents, Cole cites her maternal grandmother, Carrie, as the other major influence on her life. "She was a domestic worker until she was 93-years-old because she wanted to be," says Cole. "She taught us that no matter what you do, do it with love…So we learned how to live with grace and integrity."

Cole took those lessons when she left home for Howard University, and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. In spite of the high honors, though, Cole found she'd done little to prepare for post-college life. She'd modeled throughout her college years and had been invited to move to Paris to become a couture model. But Cole had dreamed of being a writer since she was 12 and set her sights on working for a New York fashion magazine. With no clips and no experience, however, New York was a world away. Instead, she took a job as a secretary for a member of Congress. "This was in the 80s. I had to wear a blue suit, white shirt, blue tie, blue pumps," Cole recalls. "I had been a model. I hated it!"

Cole was miserable and felt she deserved more, but when her attitude nearly got her fired, she developed a better strategy for coping with her situation. "I decided if I could get my work done as fast as possible then they would have to let me write for them…So I learned how to type 90 words a minute…" says Cole. "I would finish all of my work and then, with a smile on my face, say: 'is there anything else I can do for you? Wouldn't you like me to help you with all that writing that you're doing?'"

Not only did Cole get to test her writing chops on the Hill, but she created internships for herself at two Washington weeklies and began writing fashion columns. After a year, she called everyone she knew in New York City looking for contacts. She heard about an entry-level position at Essence and sent in her clips. She was hired, and seven years later, became the magazine's fashion editor, a post she held for four years.

In 1992, a year into her editorship, Cole embarked on a project––a wedding planner for African-
American brides––that would change everything. Jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner (Henry Holt & Company, 1993) was the first of its kind and went on to sell more than 100,000 copies. Harriette Cole the author was just getting started, though. She followed Jumping the Broom with the Jumping the Broom Wedding Workbook (Henry Holt & Company) in 1996; How to Be (Simon & Schuster) in 1999; Choosing Truth: Living an Authentic Life (Simon & Schuster) and Coming Together (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion), an activity book for African-American families with photographer John Pinderhughes, both in 2003; and in February of this year, both a second edition of Jumping the Broom (Henry Holt & Company) and a new book, Vows: The African-American Couples Guide to Designing a Sacred Ceremony (Simon & Schuster).

By 1995, Cole had channeled her success as an author into yet another career. She left Essence and founded a personal coaching company, profundities, inc. Her clients have included recording artists such as Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, and Carl Thomas, and non-profit and educational entities such as the National Urban League, The Links, Inc. and Cornell University. "I traveled all over the world when I worked for Essence, documenting the cultures of different people and really getting to see how people live," says Cole of the origins of her personal coaching work. "I was interested in what mattered to different communities and what is effective in being in the company of other people. How do you do it
well?"

Soon after the founding of profundities, still another incarnation of Harriette Cole emerged. An editor at the New York Daily News read How to Be and asked Cole if she'd be interested in writing an advice column. As it turns out, writing an advice column was high on Cole's considerable "to do" list. In 2001, Cole's column, "Sense and Sensitivity" debuted in the Daily News. By 2002, she was negotiating with United Feature Syndicate to distribute the column nationally and her run was increased to three days per week. In 2003, the Daily News retired "Dear Abby" so that "Sense and Sensitivity" could run six days per week.

In spite of a decade-and-a-half of rousing successes, taking a breather doesn't seem to be anywhere on Cole's agenda. In addition to the magazine American Legacy Woman, which she edits, the multi-tasking Cole is in the midst of serving as editorial director to help launch a new magazine, UPTOWN, which hits newsstands this week, and planning for her own her TV talk show. Then there are the speaking engagements, the careers column on the website Niaonline.com, a stint as a relationship expert on the ABC Family Channel reality series "Perfect Match," and appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The View," "The Today Show," "The CBS Early Show" and "Sheila Bridges: Designer Living" and National Public Radio (NPR).

Just thinking about Harriette Cole's life is exhausting, but for Cole, who is married to photographer George Chinsee and mother to eight-month old Carrie (named for Cole's grandmother) it's just the way life is. "I'm accustomed to working on lots of things at one time" she says. "I'm driven, and I've been like that since I was born."

As an advice columnist, at what point did you decide: "I've acquired enough knowledge and life experience to help guide people through their life decisions?"

Great question. I remember when I was young and I knew I wanted to be a writer, and I knew I wanted to help people, a moment came when I realized that I wasn't ready yet. By the time I became an advice columnist, writing "Sense & Sensitivity," I knew I was ready. I had had many years of editorial experience, traveling all over the world researching and documenting various cultures for Essence magazine. I had done extensive research and written an etiquette book, titled How to Be, that addressed many of the questions that people ask when they are seeking advice. I had come from a family that believed in knowing and following the rules. And I had, for many years, been a person who stops to think about how the world works and how I can contribute to it. My personal and professional life experience prepared me. And inside I knew I was ready when the opportunity arose.

Are you ever shocked by the situations on which your readers need advice?

Shocked isn't really the feeling. More, I sometimes feel saddened that there are so many people in the world who don't have someone in their lives to whom they can turn for sound advice. I also feel grateful that I have the skills and sensitivity to be able to be the best friend/confidant/advisor to so many people in their times of need. Being invited to write this column is both a tremendous responsibility and blessing. I feel grateful that I am in the position to be able to be of service, and I take my position very seriously.

How do you decide which letters get answered and which go into the recycling bin?

Over the course of each week I get letters from readers who live all over the country. As they come in I look to see what the pressing issues are and also whether there are any themes emerging. Very often there will be several readers from different parts of the country who write in on the same topic. When they do, I look for the best question or two to share in the column. I also poll people constantly to learn about their challenges so that I can broaden the dialogue in the column to include a vast array of relationship questions that many are facing.

Naturally, I can't answer every question. I choose by looking for a healthy mix of topics over the course of the six-day week that the column runs, taking into account the temperature of the times. My goal in writing this column is to engage in an ongoing dialogue with readers about the new rules of contemporary culture. We examine the old rules and then look for clarity in today's world as to what is the appropriate way to handle a given situation.

What's involved in the "answering" process? Are there consultants or staff that you rely upon?

I don't presume to know all the answers to the questions that come to me, so I rely on researchers to assure that the answers are accurate. My staff works with me to research the questions and we also engage a panel of experts in different fields across the country who chime in on topics for which they are in the know. We commonly discuss the questions and answers in my office, so that we consider the topics from different angles. Then I write and edit to fit. Because the column is relatively short, I have to choose which points are most important to answer. Sometimes the editing process is fierce!

Has there been a particular interaction with a reader that's really confirmed this career choice for you––an "aha" moment?

Not long after my column replaced both Ann Landers and Dear Abby in the New York Daily News, an older white woman wrote in to me celebrating my work. She explained that she had grown up reading Landers and Abby and appreciated their wisdom very much; however, upon reading my column and witnessing my courage and clarity, she decided to make big changes in her life--changes that would have run contrary to her parents' beliefs and her understanding of what options she actually has. She said that I served as an example for her of what can happen for a woman if she dares to believe that anything is possible.

For me that was profoundly touching. My intention in life and through my work is to inspire people to recognize that they can strive to be their best and reach that goal. Through my personal actions and my professional pursuits when I can show that to others, I know that I have offered a valuable service to humankind.


As a "civilian," had you ever written in to an advice columnist?

I have not. My life is brimming with dynamic people who are good at a lot of things. Because I pay attention to the roles and contributions that my loved ones and associates offer, I have been able to tap into their reservoirs of knowledge when needed. I have read many advice columns, though. And what I appreciate most is when the columnists take their work and their readers seriously.

You are an African-American woman with a nationally syndicated advice column that runs in mainstream dailies. Needless to say, there aren't a lot of Harriette Coles in American journalism. What advice do you have for African-Americans with syndication aspirations?

Dream big and set specific goals to make those dreams manifest. This is my advice for living a successful and inspired life. The way it translates to writing an advice column is that if you dream of having one (which I did) and you do your best work that demonstrates your ability to do the job, you increase your chances of successfully reaching your goal.

Write as often as possible. Look for outlets for your writing--a community newspaper, church newsletter, local magazine. Find a resource for your writing, even if you don't get paid right away. The experience and clips will help you get to the next step. Become an expert in the area(s) about which you want to give advice. You have to become credible at dispensing advice, which usually means that you have studied in a particular area.

Build a local base first to prove that you have a readership. Approach a newspaper syndicate after you have established yourself as an authority.

Is there a columnist you really admire, someone on whom you've modeled your career?

Shortly after my father died, my family was going through his belongings and we came upon a scrapbook filled with columns he had written for the Afro-American newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, back in the 1950s. Although his was a political column, a call to action for Black folks, his spirit, his drive, his intelligence and his responsibility reminded me of what I intend to provide through my column.

I am named for my father, the Honorable Harry A. Cole, who was a first in many areas in his career, ultimately becoming the first Black judge on the Maryland Court of Appeals. My father believed in excellence. He had a favorite poem, the refrain of which encapsulated his philosophy for life, "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one anytime." I definitely was, and continue to be, inspired by his way of living.

In terms of your career, what's been your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge has been to remember my value even when others question it. Like most people, I have worked on projects where my contribution has been undervalued, where I have had to fight for position. In times like those, I have to remember that regardless of whether others recognize my value, I must never lose sight of it. From a point of strength, I then have the opportunity to align myself with confidants and professionals who can help me to strengthen my position in other people's minds--which is important.

That's why public relations is so important. Getting the word out about who you are and what you do is essential to most people's success. And so I have a tremendous respect for the public relations
industry for how it can help to fortify a professional's value and position.

I have discovered over the years that as long as I continue to learn, grow and share what I have learned, there is no need to let folks get under my skin. I have time to continue to craft the best "me" possible and to share what I've learned along the way. I do not have time to get caught up in people's impressions of me.

Tell us one thing people might be surprised to know about you.

For those who don't know, what's most important to me is my family. I have been married for 11 years to my partner, George Chinsee, who is a wonderful photographer. The joy in our life right now is that after so many years of being together, we have just had a child. Our daughter, Carrie Emmanuelle, is now 8 months old. She is the "keep it real" factor in our world. It is both a blessing and a privilege to be able to shepherd her through this world. What we are discovering is that, through her own curiosity and enthusiasm, she is paving a dynamic path toward a new understanding of creativity and freedom. And we are happy to be along for the ride!


AAPRC's Mission
The African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC) is an assemblage of professionals who provide communication conduits among clients, journalists, media and our communities. We come together as a collective because we recognize the importance of building those same conduits amongst ourselves.

A great deal of what we do is professional development––updating our skills, keeping pace with technology, refining and streamlining processes, providing a forum to tackle the issues that impact our work environment––but we believe our professional lives benefit most from the forging of effective alliances. Connected to one another, we possess the power of a nationwide body of committed, knowledgeable practitioners with an eye on the future.

As we move into the 21st century at lightning speed, mass media and its potent messages occupy an ever-larger part of our daily lives and our collective psyche. The AAPRC is focused on helping our members gain a deeper understanding of media's force and supporting their growth as powerful participants in the global communications network.

AAPRC's Contact
GQ Media & Public Relations
1650 Broadway Suite 1011
New York NY 10019
1212 765 7910
1212 765 7905
aapublicistcoll@aol.com

Message Harriette Cole and the AAPRC and tell them what you think

Perspective: Gordon Chambers

Gordon Chambers
Chamber Music

Job History
I worked in the music section of the public library.

Gordon Chambers
Songwriter/producer/performer
Chamber Music
Brooklyn NY


Job History
I worked in the music section of the public library.
I delivered newspapers.
I was an assistant in the MIS department of ABC news.
Then I was an Essence Entertainment Editor position.
Until I leveraged that to become a Grammy-winning songwriter-producer-performer. Here's my discography:

Songs
-Angie Stone: "No More Rain" (Arista)
-Aaron Neville: "To Make Me Who I Am," "Sweet Amelia," "Your Sweet and Loving Eyes" (A&M)
-Allure: "The Story, Mama Said" (Crave)
-Anita Baker: "I Apologize" (Elektra)" (Grammy Winner)
-Another Level: "Rain, That Girls Belongs To Me" (Northwestside/Arista UK)
-Aretha Franklin: "The Only Thing That Is Missing" (Arista)
-Aretha Franklin: "Ain't No Way" (To Treat A Lady)" (Arista)
-Assorted Phlavors: "Hiding Place, Trust" (Hall Of Fame/Sony)
-Bobby Brown & Whitney Houston: "My Love" (Arista)
-Beyonce & Marc Nelson: "After All Is Said & Done" (Sony)
-Billie Lawrence: "Chances Are" (Elektra)
-Brandy: "One Voice" (Atlantic)
-Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight & Chaka Khan: "Missing You" (Elektra)
-Brownstone: "If You Love Me," "Half of You," "In The Game of Love" (MJJ/Sony)
-Carl Thomas: "My Valentine" (Bad Boy)
-Cece Penniston: "I'm Moving On" (A&M)
-Damage: "Still Be Loving You" (EMI UK)
-Deborah Cox: "September" (Arista)
-Eternal: "A Melody" (EMI UK)
-Faith: "Fallin' In Love" (Bad Boy)
-Freddie Jackson: "Private Party," "I Wanna Thank You," "One Wish," "Come on Home for Christmas" (RCA)
-Gladys Knight & Jamie Fox: "I Wanna Be Loved" (MCA)
-Glen Jones & Regina Belle: "From Now On" (Peak)
-Heather Headley: "If It Wasn't For Your Love" (RCA)
-Heart: "One Voice" (Sony Japan)
-Hil St. Soul: "I've Got Me, Reach As One" (Gut UK)
-The Honeyz: "Someone To Love Me" (Wildcard UK)
-Illtown All Stars: "Keep It Real" (On Christmas Day)" (Illtown)
-Jade: "If The Mood Is Right" (Giant)
-Janita: "Nice and Easy," "I Wanna Be Happy," "Thank The Heavens" (550/Sony)
-Jason Downs: "Four Chords" (Zomba UK)
-Jesse Powell: "Looking For Love," "I Like" (MCA)
-Kele Le Roc: "A Lil' Bit O' Lovin'" (Polygram UK)
-Kevin Sharpe: "If She Only Knew" (Asylum Nashville)
-Kym Waters: "I Apologize" (Warlock)
-Kleeshay: "Rush" (Wildcard UK)
-Marc Anthony: "How Could I" (Sony)
-Marc Dorsey: "Changes" (40 Acres)
-Martine McCutcheon: "The First Time I Fell In Love" (Innocent UK)
-Maxi Priest & Beenie Man: "Mary's Got A Baby" (Virgin)
-Men Of Vision: "If This Is Love Again" (MJJ)
-Mikki Howard: "Nobody, Ain't No Way" (Peak)
-Naughty By Nature: "DJ Shoutout" (Tommy Boy)
-Najee: "Someone Watching Over Me" (Ncoded Music)
-Nancy Wilson: "One More Try" (Sony)
-Ninety Eight Degrees: "If She Only Knew" (Universal)
-Patti Labelle: "Something More" (Def Jam Classics)
-Patti Labelle and Ron Isley: "Gotta Go Solo" (Def Jam Classics)
-Paul Taylor: "Someone Watching Over Me" (Peak)
-Prophet Jones: "All That I Do" (University/Motown)
-Phyllis Hyman: "Why Not Me," "It's Not About You" (Philly International)
-Queen Latifah: "Winky's Theme" (Motown)
-Ronan Keating: "Brighter Days" (Polygram UK)
-Sam Salters: "Could've Been Me" (Laface)
-Sandy & Junior: "Don't Run Away With My Heart" (Universal UK)
-Seven Mile: "Looking For Somebody" (Crave)
-Stephanie Mills: "Can't Let Him Go," "Healing Time" (JMT Records)
-Silk: "Please Don't Go," "Because Of Your Love" (Electra)
-SWV: "Where Is The Love" (RCA)
-Terri & Monica: "I Need Your Love" (SONY)
-Tamia: "Falling For You" (Elektra)
-Tevin Campbell: "For Your Love" (Qwest)
-Toshi Kubota: "Get It Together" (Sony Japan)
-Usher: "The Final Goodbye" (Laface)
-Velaz: "If You Love Me" (Warner Discos)
-Veronica: "A Love To Come Home To" (Mercury)
-Whitney Houston: "One Wish" (For Christmas)" (Arista)
-Will Downing: "Real Soon" (Motown)
-Will Downing: "Riding On A Cloud" (Verve)

Soundtracks
-Set It Off (Elektra)
-Clockers (40 Acres)
-Money Train (550)
-The First Wives Club (Work)
-Living Out Loud (RCA Victor)

Awards
-"I Apologize:" Grammy Winner, Best R&B Performance, Female, 1995
-"If You Love Me:" Grammy Nomination, Best R&B Performance, Duo or Group, 1995
-"Missing You:" Grammy Nomination, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, 1996
-"No More Rain:" Lady of Soul Winner, Best R&B Song, Female, 2001
-"If You Love Me:" ASCAP Winner, Top 50 Pop Songs of the Year, 1995
-"If You Love Me:" ASCAP Winner, Top 50 R&B Songs of the Year, 1995
-"I Apologize:" ASCAP Winner, Top 50 R&B Songs of the Year, 1995
-"No More Rain," ASCAP Winner, Top 50 R&B Songs of the Year, 2001

Three words to describe yourself.

Creative; adventurous; compassionate.

What are you currently working on? What is your day-to-day responsibilities?

I'm currently working on my solo album for a fall release; Gerald Levert's new album; The O'Jay's new album; Writing and shopping songs is my day-to-day job and managing my rental properties.

What made you decide to pursue this career?

It was a calling, and obsession, even. From the age of 7, I've been writing songs and imagining who would sing them.

What inspires/motivates you?

The need for love in our society. Music is the soundtrack for our lives, and we're living in love-starved times. Other great artists inspire me. Stevie, Whitney, Chaka, Aretha, Quincy, James Ingram, Lionel Richie and Gladys Knight were all inspirations. My father's record collection was a great inspiration and education. I spent endless hours in his basement reading liner notes and copping riffs.

At what point did you decide to make this career choice?

In college, I started writing a lot, taking music engineering courses, and perfecting my performance skills. After school, I deciced not to take a job as a teacher but to work at Essence because I thought it would keep me closer to the music mix. It paid off. I met Queen Latifah at an interview and she invited me to the studio to collaborate. God is good!

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

My personal and professional life are very intertwined, since my job is very networking-oriented. Most of my close friends and family are not in the business, which keeps me balanced, and gives me something else to talk about besides "shop."

As a writer, I compose for "everyday" people. It's important to be around them and to be "everyday" myself. That's how ideas come to you.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

The fact that Anita Baker's "I Apologize" won a Grammy in 1994 and Babyface took me to dinner with his family and personally congratulated me. That was a surreal night in my life! Producing Whitney Houston was also a dream come true beyond comprehension. She is hands-down, my favorite singer of all time.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn form the experience?

My biggest mistake was giving away my publishing rights to the song I did with Queen Latifah. I was young and naive and didn't understand the business like I do now.

How did you overcome any roadblocks?

I kept moving on. This business is filled with disappointments. You have to believe that you are blessed, talented and necessary and keep it moving! Next project!

Was there ever a time where you thought you would not succeed? Please explain.

I have those thoughts all the time. I can be very insecure. Not about my talent, but about the fickleness of the business. But like I said, I keep it moving. And light usually appears at the end of the tunnell, telling me to keep it going.

Is there a downside to songwriting?

The down side to my success as a writer is that people in the industry don't take my performing as seriously. But they will. When they see my shows, they're shocked. Sometimes in life, you're judged by your own successes, but it's about creating new challlenges for myself to keep me motivated.

What are your Guiding principles?

God, the quality of the legacy of music that inspired me, my family's expecation of greatness.

What were/are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is to keep banging out the hits. It ain't easy. 'Nuff pressure! People's expectations can be very high, almost insurmountable.

What are the personality traits you think a successful person in this industry should have?

Good people skills, confidence, follow-up, self-promotion.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?

Make sure your music is great before you shove it in people's faces because, sometimes, you only get one shot.

When is your Birthday? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

I'm a Libra, October 12. I grew up in Teaneck NJ, with proud Jamaican parents and lots of Sunday curry goat dinners! I went to public schools in Teaneck, and graduated from Brown University in 1990.

Message Gordon Chambers and tell him what you think

The Ru Report #143

The This Weeks Report
Hazelle Goodman: HERE and Now, Paula Jai Parker Keeps Busy, Raven-Symone Mixes Things Up, LeBron James Got The Power and More.

Funny Girl
Hazelle Goodman is too many things.

I mean, really.

Earlier in the week, while she was shopping at a health food store in the Fresh Meadows section of Queens, NY, I phoned her to play a quick game of Free Association and get her views on some current affairs. "You blowing up my cell phone minutes, boo," she quipped on the other end. "So make this quick!" Ms. Goodman, the stage and screen actress, is currently knocking them dead in her latest incarnation of the critically-acclaimed one-woman show "On Edge," which is playing at the downtown New York City performance space, HERE Arts Center, throughout the month of August.

In the show, which just clocks close to an hour and a half, Ms. Goodman brings to life over twelve colorful characters ranging from a ghetto girl discovering the benefits of Feng Shui (Feng Shay) to a ditzy blonde with a penchant for Black men and staying physically fit ("Confessions Of A Health Nut"). In one uproarious scene, the dreadlocked-clad thespian recreates a low-brow talk show ("Today's Woman") where two Latina siblings bicker over one's abusive derelict of a boyfriend. Elsewhere in the tour-de-force, she embodies the spirit of a condescending old Jewish woman who dishes the dirt about relationships while at a nail salon ("White Woman"). One of my favorite acts is Ms. Goodman playing a Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice-loving Black Republican trying to empower a flock during her Get Out Of The Ghetto rally ("Janet Wannabee"). It's pure genius.

"Life," she explains, "I get my inspiration from paying close attention to what's going on around me and keeping my ear to the curb--in short, minding folks' business."

"This newest production of 'On Edge' came when I took a break and really asked myself what do I want to say? How do I want to impact people? How can I make a difference?" she continues. "It also came out of my own frustration with our current political state, the sellout on love for lust, etc."

Some Free Association results--President Bush ("Duh!"), Colin Powell ("Help"), Iraq ("Let's bring the boys home").

"Injustice puts me on edge," she continues, "racial crimes, gay bashing, infidelity in love. Chile that's enough!"

The Trinidadian comic chameleon is an award-nominated funny-woman who lays claim to having her very own HBO special--dating back to 1995. The doting mother of a teenage aspiring actor made her film debut seven years ago playing a hooker named Cookie in Woody Allen's Deconstructing Harry. She also has added her flavor to non-comical roles, in films such as Hannibal, and in the critically-acclaimed play, "The Vagina Monologues."

Outside of acting, the self-described Diva In Motion also volunteers at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Upstate New York where she heads up an arts program. "I love inspiring people to live their dreams," she says. "My work with the inmates really excites me because I get to bring love and hope to women who may never get a second chance to walk free."

"I have a writing workshop, "Journey Within," where through their writing they can boldly stand in the present, forgive the past and create a new future."

Work!

Other humanitarian efforts include a lifelong scholarship in slain African immigrant Amadaou Diallo's name at her alma mater City College of New York. In the most emotive act in the show, she brings the somber spirit of Diallo's mother in the wake of her son's untimely and unnecessary death at the hands of the New York Police Department.

Still making inroads to Broadway like other successful one woman dynamos Whoopi Goldberg, Elaine Stritch and Sandra Bernhard, she describes the producers at HERE as an "actor's dream." The name of the show is called "On Edge" for a reason. She has this uncanny ability to dig deep into the complexities of the human spirit with a grace and humor that leaves members of the audience moved and inspired. "I think people come to see me because they're being touched and they spread the word," she says, adding that "sell out audiences are great but whether there's one person or one thousand I'm always gonna give my all!"

Spoken like a true pro.

Don't walk … run to see this show!!!
(212) 868-4444, Here.org

Doing It; Paula Jai Parker
The Cleveland, Ohio actress just snagged the role of Rose, in the forthcoming HBO movie "My Life In Idlewild," directed by video lens-man Bryan Barber and starring OutKast. Ms. Parker, who punched things up in comedies such as Sprung, and Woo, has a list of recent acting credits that include more serious fare such as Spike Lee's latest, She Hate Me, Vanessa Middleton's directorial debut, 30 Years To Life, and the Joel Schumacher hit Phone Booth. According to her rep, the 33-year-old beauty is also currently in production of the feature film version of Disney's wildly popular animated series The Proud Family, playing the voice of Trudy Proud.

One of the hardest working actresses in Hollywood, Ms. Parker just finished filming John Singleton's newest flick, Hustle and Flow. On the set of the low-budget movie, which stars Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Ludacris, Isaac Hayes and rap group Three 6 Mafia, actor Anthony Anderson was arrested and charged with aggravated rape of an unidentified woman in his trailer. What a mess. Nevertheless, Ms. Parker is undeterred. Her varied career already spans more than 20 movies and 10 television series including the Emmy Award-winning series "NYPD Blue" and FX Television's "The Shield." It is evident that she has a great agent. The Howard University alum also earned a CableACE Award in 1994 as Best Actress in a Dramatic Special or Series for her work on the HBO anthology special "Cosmic Slop."

She is definitely doing it!

Quick Hits, Fast Facts
September will be a very busy month. Very busy.

For its September 2004 issue, GQ magazine names the 25 most stylish musicians of all time in an edition called Big Style. The hot list includes: Andre 3000, Beck, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, Thelonious Monk, Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, Keith Richards, Paul Simonon, Frank Sinatra, Pharrell Williams and Steve Wonder, amongst others. This issue of GQ" which is believed to be the leading men's general-interest magazine, is on newsstands nationwide starting August 24. Justin Timberlake graces the cover for a portfolio shot by fashion photographer Bruce Weber.

Lebron James is now the first superstar athlete to create his own sports drink: POWERADE FLAVA23, which will be available nationally beginning September 1, along with a unique promotional program featuring a LeBron James comic created by DC Comics. The 19-year-baller was said to be involved in every aspect of the creation of the drink, from choosing its "sourberry" flavor profile, to selecting its signature burgundy color and developing the unique package graphics (a stylized comic version of him soaring through the air). The comic, entitled "King James," will be available free with the purchase of three 32-ounce bottles of POWERADE at participating retail locations while supplies last. "Powerade gave me the chance to put my spin on things, and I love the way it turned out," he said in a statement. "I think all my fans will enjoy it too." Ka-ching!

Eve Ensler is on a mission. On the evening of September 13, the critically acclaimed playwright will mobilize a group of actors, singers, dancers, thinkers and leaders to come together at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem for a night of entertainment and political empowerment. V-Day's "V is For Vote" and Rock the Vote's "Chicks Rock, Chicks Vote" has teemed with The White House Project's "Vote, Run, Lead" and the Omega Institute for an titled: "Vaginas Vote, Chicks Rock." Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, Rha Goddess Vanessa Carlton, Susan Sarandon, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Gloria Steinem, Julia Stiles and Isabella Rossellini are lending their support for the cause, which uses the power of arts and activism to motivate and inspire all women-especially young women-to raise their voices and get out the vote to end violence against women and girls. According to studies, unmarried women are the "largest" group of people not participating in the democracy: 16 million unmarried women are unregistered voters and more than 22 million didn't vote in 2000. "The time has come to take that vagina power to the polls," said Ms. Ensler, founder of V-Day and playwright of "The Vagina Monologues" and "The Good Body." That has got to be the quote of the year. "Join us on the 13th for an evening of inspiration, imagination and amazing performances. Value your vagina--Vote!"

Tom Joyner has another feather in to add in one of his many hats. The hardest working man in radio is now an author. Mr. Joyner, arguably the most influential radio personality among African-Americans nationwide, is co-author of the latest of the best-selling Chicken Soup series--Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul, Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture One Story at a Time (HCI Books, $12.95). "This book includes stories of inspiration, humor and wisdom that everybody can relate to," said Mr. Joyner, whose syndicated radio show is aired in 115 markets and reaches more than eight million listeners. "It's the kind of book where you can take a big helping all at once or dip a little at a time." The entrepreneur and philanthropist, joins original Chicken Soup authors--Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen--as well as contributing author Lisa Nichols, in the upcoming release for the record-breaking book series. Slated for a September 14 release, a portion of book sale proceeds will benefit the Tom Joyner Foundation, which has raised more than $25 million to help keep students in historically Black colleges and universities to date.

Raven-Symone, star of Disney Channel's "That's So Raven" series, will release her Hollywood Records solo debut, This is My Time, on Sept. 21. Collaborators include Scott Storch, Kara DioGuardi, Diane Warren, Walter Afansieff, Matthew Gerrard and trip-hop artist/producer Tricky. The former "Cosby" show star co-wrote four songs on the album, including the title track. "I wanted to make an album that mixes new soul with alternative with hip-hop," Ms. Symone says of her latest foray into music. "I enjoy all different types of music, from Alanis Morissette to Janet [Jackson] and Jay-Z. I love the freedom to mix it all up, to create my own sound."

"I guarantee I'ma see ya when I see ya."

©2004 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

The Herbert Holla

Herbert's Hot Picks
fri(20): starfoods - thank god it's freedom - the illest - see gigs above!
fri(20): frying pan - nickodemus/mariano/bruce tantum - house

Herbert's Hot Picks
wed(18): 17 - herbert - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/rock/80s - VERY VIP - see up
wed(18): cielo - louie vega/kevin hedge/glenn underground - soulful house
wed(18): apt - rich medina - soul/afrobeat/old school/funk/classics
wed(18): angel bar - scratch famous/teflon - reggae
wed(18): bOb - rholi rho/5th platoon - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
wed(18): lotus - dj logic/ani quinn - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
wed(18): aubette - qool marv - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world
wed(18): suede - frank delour - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s/house
wed(18): madame x - jon oliver - soul/rock/rare grooves/rare sounds - 8pm to 1am
wed(18): jazz gallery - lee konitz trio - http://jazzgallery.org
wed(18): gallery - babalu/stylus - salsa/samba/dancers/drummers/dance lessons - 7
wed(18): viscaya - d nice - hiphop/r&b/reggae/old school - violator birthdays
wed(18): afterwork/rumor - snatch 1/m.o.s./self/kaos - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

thu(19): spice market - dj cosi's 21st birthday!!!!!! - let's do some shots!!!
thu(19): guernica - blessed/reborn/selly/monica pineda - soul/funk/house/hiphop
thu(19): table 50 - q tip/mark ronson - hiphop/rock/soul/funk/classics
thu(19): apt - language/duane/lindsey - black 80s/old school/bboyisms
thu(19): ruby falls - great rotating djs - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s
thu(19): joe's pub - guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(19): black betty/bk - monk one/emskee/cosmo baker - soul/funk/classics/disco
thu(19): lq - self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - happy b-day, don "poo" pooh
thu(19): spirit - dj kid capri - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(19): crobar - tommy sunshine/larry tee/jon jon battles/guests - rock/80s
thu(19): show - ody roc - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/old school
thu(19): sobs - rekha/eddie stats - bhangra/bhangra/bhangra
thu(19): pianos - boo/big wiz - hiphop/reggae - backpackers stand up!
thu(19): lotus - x-ecutioners release party - backpackers ... stand up!
thu(19): quo - crooked - funky house/hiphop/80s/house
thu(19): suede - ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
thu(19): afterwork/rare - red rokk the rabble rouser - 80s/hiphop/rock - 4:30 - 12
thu(19): afterwork/kanvas - dj sweets - hiphop/70s/80s - 6PM
thu(19): afterwork/ole/pavonia/nj - dj mark. t/aldo - house/80s/dance classics - 5
thu(19): afterwork/manhatta - dj eleven/mOma - soul/hiphop/classics
thu(19): afterwork/suede - rahlo/k.o. - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - free food - 6
thu(19): afterwork/strata - goldfinger/snatch - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - 6-4

fri(20): starfoods - thank god it's freedom - the illest - see gigs above!
fri(20): frying pan - nickodemus/mariano/bruce tantum - house
fri(20): mouton lounge/510 laguardia place - carol c - brazilian/afro - live drums
fri(20): ruby falls - mark ronson - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
fri(20): lot 61 - dj soul - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(20): union square lounge - marlon d - deep house
fri(20): ruby lounge - dj ola - hiphop/funk/reggae/classics/80s/r&b
fri(20): negril village/rhum lounge - obah - soul/funk/classics/afrobeat/hiphop
fri(20): piano's - small change/gerald mcboing boing - crazy vinyl/rarities/soul
fri(20): spirit - shawn ink/riz/lucho - ktu house/hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin
fri(20): serena - mickey international - soul/hiphop/rock/reggae
fri(20): social club - big ben/jimmy ponzio - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
fri(20): supper club - self/kaos - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(20): open air - evil d/butta l/mr. walt - hiphop/soul/80s/reggae/old school
fri(20): shelter - spinna - hiphop/r&b/80s/reggae/old school - rick james tribute
fri(20): star palm boat - los amigos invisibles/djinji brown/scribe - www.sobs.com
fri(20): coral room - rich medina/language/dj 11 - soul/funk/afrobeat/old school
fri(20): quo - dove/guests - house/hiphop
fri(20): show - crooked - hiphop/reggae/80s/rock/house
fri(20): deep - self/juvenile live - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(20: crobar - saeed and palash for the last time together live - house
fri(20): afterwork/sob's - nelson gonazalez live - salsa/dance lessons - 7pm
fri(20): afterwork/sequoia's - willie rodriguez/john sciascia - hiphop/r&b/latin

sat(21): social club - herbert/slynkee/cel - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
sat(21): rehab - mono/stimulus - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(21): ruby falls - dj soul - hiphop/rock
sat(21): mission - stormin normin - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(21): 40/40 - rahlo/k.o. - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/80s
sat(21): shelter - timmy regisford - house!
sat(21): chetty red - van vader/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/old school/80s
sat(21): sapphire lounge - jazzy nice - hiphop/soul/old school/funk/breaks/house
sat(21): ida mae - rob flow - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(21): viscaya - reach/ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
sat(21): coral room - sureshot - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
sat(21): rumour - dj armstead - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s - happy b-day, eric raphael!
sat(21): spirit - jonathan peters - hard commerical house
sat(21): deep - self/june - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

sat(21): blue note - robin eubanks + eb3 - http://www.bluenote.net
sat(21): nuyorican cafe - hiphop/poetry/open mic - if you don't know ...
sat(21): queen of hearts cruise - lisette melendez live/lucho/more - freestyle
sat(21): taj - big ben - hiphop/r&b/reggae/house/80s - live percussion
sat(21): marquee - jus ske/angola - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock/house
sat(21): 55 washington st/suite901/bk - finesse/swift - ill nyc type shiz
sat(21): pm - crooked - hiphop/80s/rock/disco/house/reggae
sat(21): sullivan room - good guest djs - electro dance
sat(21): etoile - goldfinger/precise - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

sun(22): fez uptown - marc smooth/guests - rare groove/soul/hiphop/reggae/classics
sun(22): joe's pub - evil d/mr. walt/butta l - old skool - happy b-day sweets!!!
sun(22): lotus - goldfinger - hiphop/80s/r&b/rock/old school
sun(22): duke+duchess/new spot - spinbad - art/music/dance - big b-day celebration
sun(22): 32 newark st/hoboken - lou gorbea/great guests - house music - happy born
sun(22): lq - snatch 1 - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sun(22): soho 323 - sal morale/todd mallis - hiphop/rock/80s

mon(23): apt - cucumber slice - soul/funk/rare grooves/latin/uprock/old school
mon(23): cielo - francois k - future dub/space vibes/abstract grooves (aka house)
mon(23): crobar - mada/moody/finesse - hiphop/rock/house/whatever - industry night
mon(23): pravda - dj obah - soul/funk/classics/reggae - great chocolate martini!
mon(23): afterwork/justin's - sussone/mos - hiphop/reggae/r&b/classics - 6pm

tue(24): queensbridge park - roy ayers/eric roberson/dj scribe - djscribe.com
tue(24): joe's pub - guest djs/live performances - soul/funk/classics/hiphop
tue(24): sapphire lounge - eman/lola - house/deep grooves
tue(24): lobby - will/self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(24): mission - d-nice/dj hud/mc frank jugga - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(24): hiro/maritime hotel - stretch OR jus ske - rock/hiphop/etc - uber trendy
tue(24): suite 16 - big ben - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
tue(24): table 50 - swamy/john creamer/david vasquez/dope guests - house
tue(24): belmont lounge - qool marv - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world
tue(24): afterwork/strata - shadee/lucho - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin - 6
tue(24): afterwork/aubette - snatch 1 - hiphop/r&b/reggae/soul/classics - 6:30PM

Herbert's Heard
"You Got the Love" -- The Source (Francis, you're crazy for this one!!!!)
"Rescue Me" -- A Taste of Honey
"Confessions Part 2" -- Usher (J.D. remix feat. Shyne, Twista, Kanye)
"I Like" -- Guy
"Living for Today" -- Toshi

Word As Bond
Oh snap! St. Ide's got a rap-jingle now, too. I would pay to see the Colt 45 guy battle the St. Ide's guy. $20 admission. It's just too crazy. The streets is watchin'. The hood is talkin' right now. It'd be the biggest rap beef since ... since ... Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog ("I am a real American. Fight for the rights of every man!" C'mon, sing it with me!!!). You know what else is crazy? My new K-Mart 2005 Jump-Off Sneakers!!! All white, velcro only, stop sweating me. It got nasty in the aisle for a minute. This old couple grabbed the box I was looking at, tryin' ta straight jack Herbert's style, thinkin' I would get soft and let 'em have it just cuz they're "elderly?" Helllll No. Herbert called management and had them removed from the store. And now, I got the hottest sneaks For Only $16!!! I'm gonna hit the streets hard with these doggies:

They Call Me ... Big Belly ... Big Smelly ... Big Jelly!!!

You know what else is crazy? No, not Freedom. At least, not yet. Just the other night, me, Cosi and Marc Smooth were outside of Starfoods, talking business, when all of a suddeen, from out of nowhere, a little lobster crawls out of the street and walks right up to us. I am not lying at all when I say "little lobster." It was a crawfish, or a crayfish, or something, and it must've fell off the truck making a seafood delivery to one of the local restaurants. Crazy!

You know what else is crazy? No, not Freedom. Be patient--I'll get to Freedom. But what's seriously crazy is Sidestep.com. Sidestep automatically opens up right next to your window when you hit any of the travel sites looking for cheap fair. I got a one-way ticket from Chicago to Ft. Meyer's Florida for ... $59? Just $59? That's too crazy. I could go back and get the K-Mart jumpoffs in every color--tan, blue and black. I'd be too hot, then. It would just be too gangster-ific.

Now. You know what's really, really crazy? Yes. Indeed. You are right. Freedom Is Absolutely Crazy. Last week, we pushed about 350 people in the door, including Black Thought from the Roots, Beau Sia and the rest of the Def Poet guys and gals, DJ Blessed Productive, J. Period, and a whole slew of cool mofos. They were really singing loud. I mean, deafening. There is nothing like this party. For real for real. Big up to my partners Cosi (djcosi@hotmail.com) and Marc Smooth (djmarcsmooth@aol.com) for everything. And big up to all the heads that came true, including Francis Poku, DStroy, Ray Tamara from www.thecrusade.net (Herbert's on the home page daily, so check it out, and look for pictures from last week) and all the rest of y'all bastids. Sorry about the skipping records--I had the plague all weekend. But, Blessed Productive told me to say this:

"Record skip. Don't trip!"

Peace, good health, lots of happiness, and go see Alien vs. Predator,

P.S. -- Add Westway Diner on 9th Ave in the 40s to the list of fuc*ed up diners that put other ketchup in the Heinz 57 bottle. You know ... I asked for a sealed bottle of Heinz, too, and they wouldn't give it to me!

Herbert's Gigs
tonight - rich bi*ch - 17 (37 West 17th St b/w 5th + 6th)
herbert's hired again for the hottest mid-week party in nyc!
hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock/classic house by herbert, ya herb?
special birthday bash for millennium playmate carol bernaola!
10pm - $20 - free if ya get a table!! - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net
***check the link ... Ericandluck.com/carolbday.gif

every friday - freedom - starfoods (64 e. 1st b/w 1st+2nd aves)
#1 funnest friday night dance party in nyc, son-n-n-n!

classic hiphop/soul/dancehall/80s/house/classic r&b/funk
$6 peach punch - food till 2am - dancing - come as you are!!
$5 before 2am, $7 after - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

every saturday - social club (14 e. 27th st b/w 5th + madison)
the hot hot hot new saturday weekly - no more Lot 61!!
hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock/house/classics by me - main floor
a mix of the same sort of music downstairs by slynkee and cel
look sharp - ladies free b4 12 - $15 - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

Message DJ Herbert and tell him what you think

Survey Says #13

Fill in the blanks
1. __________ by __________ is the one song I can throw on that's guarranteed to relax me.
2. Besides the typical R&B and Hip Hop, no one would've ever guessed that I also like listening to

Fill in the blanks
1. __________ by __________ is the one song I can throw on that's guarranteed to relax me.

2. Besides the typical R&B and Hip Hop, no one would've ever guessed that I also like listening to __________.

3. When it comes to the art of Djing, DJ __________ from __________ (City, State) has got it locked.

4. The song __________ by __________ is a straight tear jerker.

5. I think the average time that a new artist's career lasts is __________.

Terrill Joyner is a singer and journalist living in Brooklyn NY.

Message Terrill Joyner and The Crusade.net with your Survey Says responses

Echoing The Birds & The Bees (West Coast) #7

Michael Abbott
Motion Picture Producer and Writer

Favorite west coast hot spot/nightclub.
It all depends on what you’re in the mood for

Michael Abbott
Motion Picture Producer and Writer, Music Documentary Producer, Music Video Producer, Coachella Independent Film Festival Co-Founder and Producer, Photographer.
Los Angeles CA

Favorite west coast hot spot/nightclub.

It all depends on what you’re in the mood for and the night you’re choosing…LA clubs can be a messy game of musical chairs and most of the time, it feels as though it’s the same chair placed in a different place. If I want the best of everything I can imagine for 2 days a year, there is no hotter spot (literally, at 107 degrees this year) than the Annual Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio California. It’s the greatest show on earth.

West coast eatery that everyone must check out soon?

You’d never believe this, but the best burger on the west coast is in Santa Monica at Father’s Office on Montana. Order some yam fries while you’re at it and see how many 11% alcohol beers you can handle before realizing that you haven’t left your seat in over 3 hours. If you love incredible Mexican food and addicting margaritas, run, don’t walk to Gardens of Taxco in West Hollywood. There’s no menu so revel in your server reading you a multi course dinner that features dishes that are not only so good you want to die, but are “born in the sauce.”

West coast hidden secret?

It’s no secret, but the West Coast has the coolest movie houses ever and some of the most unique movie going experiences out there. How about seeing an old Hitchcock film in the Hollywood Cemetery with 500 friends, or a silent Buster Keaton film with live musical accompaniment in one of downtown LA’s oldest and most architecturally important movie houses, or even an old movie theatre on Catalina Island with shining stars in the ceiling and painted murals on the walls playing the most recent releases? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Forget the multiplexes… forget Netflix. Seeing movies is a religious experience and good movie houses are like cool churches, only better. The sermon is a lot more entertaining.

What would you take with you if LA separated from the mainland and became and island?

My cat Boo, all of my close friends, my laptop, a pair of sunglasses, a copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and a hell of a lot of digital photos of it all going down.


Queenie Donaldson
Owner/CEO
Queens Ent. Group specializing in celebrity bookings/special events
Los Angeles CA


What is the one thing that the west coast has that no other region has?

Hollywood, we are the home of the Entertainment Industry!!

West coast eatery that everyone must check out soon?

Sicily-Italian Restaurant

West coast hidden secret?

Variety and diversity.

What would you take with you if L.A separated from the mainland and became and island?

My computer, cell phone, and rolodex!!


The Poetess
Radio Air-Personality/Community Director, also all around industry hustla, journalist, and filmmaker
KKBT The Beat
Los Angeles CA

What is the one thing that the west coast has that no other region has?


Thats hard to say because a lot of stuff that originated here is now national and worldwide. Our West Coast sound, fashion and straight game.

What west coast artist do you have bumping in your CD right now?

Too Short's "Choosin'" and E-40 and Turf Talk..."Slumper"

West coast eatery that everyone must check out soon?

Roscoe's of course!

West coast hidden secret?

Me!

What would you take with you if LA separated from the mainland and became and island?

My family, computer, cell phone, and plenty of west coast hip hop!



Places To Fly By--Calendar Listing
Wed (08/18): (LA) Henry Fonda Theatre--Ignite
Wed (08/18): (LA) Nirvana--Nirvana

Thu (08/19): (LA) Forbidden City--Icon Ent. Presents Forbidden City
Thu (08/19): (LA) Larry Flynnt's Supper Club--Club 424 every Thu
Thu (08/19): (LA) Hollywood Paladium--Celebrity Cat Walk
Thu (08/19): (LA) The Comedy Store/Belly Room--Crack 'em Up every Thu
Thu (08/19): (LA) Pearl--Pearl
Thu (08/19): (LA) Joseph's--Boom every Thu

Fri (08/20): (LA) Moonbar--Fridays at the Moonbar
Fri (08/20): (LA) Bliss--Bliss every Fri
Fri (08/20): (LA) Concord--Concorde

Sat (08/21): (LA) Inside The Knitting Factory--Club Wet
Sat (08/21): (LA) The Vine Bar--Pause every 1st Sat
Sat (08/21): (LA) Club 9000--Nora's Hair Salon Soundtrack Release Party
Sat (08/21): (Long Beach) The Aqua Dome--Freestyle Session 8

Sun (08/22): (Long Beach) The Aqua Dome--Freestyle Session 8
Sun (08/22): (LA) Laugh Factory--Chocolate Sudaes Comedy Show every Sun

Tue (08/24): (Silverlake) Little Temple--Club Everyday People every Tue

Message Echoing Soundz & The Birds & The Bees and tell them what you think

Perspective: Fatima Robinson

Fatima Robinson
Choreographer/Director

Job History
After high school, I was a professional hair dresser

Fatima Robinson
Choreographer/Director
Los Angeles CA



Job History
After high school, I was a professional hair dresser.

But I'd go to clubs and people would see me dance and ask me to do music videos. This was kinda the beginnings of hip hop and there weren't any titles like choreographers or directors. No one really knew where the music was going, it was a new thing for everybody. And no one was that familiar with the music business. We were just a bunch of kids who had all this creativity that would go to clubs, get together, and hook up with other people. Directors and actors would see me and ask me to do stuff. That's how I got started. These are the projects I've worked on:

Music Video Director
-Black Eyed Peas' "Hey Mama"
-Ricky Fante's "It Ain't Easy"
-Truth's "Ready Now"

Music Videos
-Aaliyah's "Rock The Boat," "More Than A Woman," "Try Again," "We Need A Resolution," "One in a Million," and "Are You That Somebody"
-Ashanti's "Rock Wit U"
-Backstreet Boys' "Larger Than Life"
-Everybody (Backstreet's Back)'s "As Long As You Love Me"
-Brandy's "Baby"
-Busta Rhymes"Put Your Hands Where My…"
-Dr. Dre's "Been There, Done That"
-Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away"
-Macy Gray's "Sexual Revolution"
-Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair and "You Bring Me Joy"
-Maxwell's "Let's Not Play the Game"
-Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time"
-Monica's "Knock Knock"
-Nikka Costa's "Like A Feather"
-Nelly's "Flap Your Wings"
-Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off the Light"
-No Doubt's "Bathwater"
-Notorious BIG's "Hypnotize"
-R. Kelly's "Snake"
-Santana's "Maria, Maria"
-Sade's "By Your Side"
-Truth Hurts' "Addictive"
-Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman"
-Will Smith's "Nod Your Head," "Will2K," "Wild Wild West"
-Wyclef f. Missy Elliot's "Party to Damascus"

Theater
-"Radiant Baby" at the NY Public Theater (2003)

Commercials
-Claritin (2004)
-Soft n' Dry (2004)
-Michelob (2004)
-Marshall's Holiday (2003)
-Target "Changing of the Guards" (2003)
-Reebok / Lady Foot Locker with Mary J. Blige (2003)
-Gap (2003)
-Verizon with James Earl Jones (2003)
-Gap Holiday "Crazy Stripes" Campaign (2002)
-ABC Monday Night Football Promo (2002)
-Calvin Klein (2002)
-Clairol (2002)
-Coca Cola "Nu Classic Soul" (2001)
-GAP Celebrity "Give A Little Gift" Campaign (2001)
-GAP Celebrity "My First Love" Campaign (2001)
-GAP Kids "Super Powered Denim" Campaign (2001)
-GAP "Spring Is Here" Campaign (2001)
-Reebok featuring Venus Williams (2001)
-GAP Holiday (2000)
-GAP Kids Holiday (2000)
-GAP Kids (2000)
-Sprint with Sela Ward (2000)
-Visa (2000)
-Clairol Herbal Essence (2000)
-GAP "Khaki Soul" (1999)

Television Choreography
-Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards for Outkast (2004)
-NAACP Image Awards Show Choreographer (2004)
-Wayne Brady Show for Outkast (2004)
-NBA All-Star Game for Outkast (2004)
-Grammy Awards for Outkast (2004, 2002), No Doubt (2003), and Will Smith (2000, 1998)
-Brit Awards for Outkast (2004)
-Saturday Night Live for Outkast (2003)
-The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for Outkast (2003)
-Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Special's Show Choreographer (2003)
-1st Annual Vibe Awards' Show Choreographer (2003)
-VH1 Hot in '03 Awards for Outkast (2003)
-Essence Awards' Show Choreographer (2003, 2002)
-BET Awards for R. Kelly (2003)
-Drew Carey Show's Season Premiere (2001)
-CBS Live Concert Special for the Backstreet Boys (2001)
-American Music Awards for Shaggy (2002) and Enrique Iglesias (2000)
-Billboard Music Awards for R. Kelly (2003)
-My VH1 Awards for No Doubt (2000)
-MTV Video Music Awards for Shakira (2002) and Master P (1998)
-MTV Video Music Awards-Europe for Whitney Houston (2002)
-Soul Train Awards for Tweet (2002)

Film Choreography
-Collateral with Tom Cruise, Jaime Foxx
-Be Cool with John Travolta, Uma Thurman
-Miss Congeniality 2 with Sandra Bullock
-Fat Albert
-Shall We Dance's club scene with Jennifer Lopez
-Head of State with Chris Rock
-Biker Boyz with Lawrence Fishburne
-Ali with Will Smith
-Save The Last Dance with Julia Stiles
-Romeo Must Die with Aaliyah
-Player's Club with Ice Cube

Tours
-Outkast's Promo Tour (2003)
-Backstreet Boys' "Black & Blue" World Tour (2001), "Into the Millennium" World Tour, and the World Tour '97-'98
-Mary J. Blige's "No More Drama" Tour 2002
-Shaggy's US Tour 2001

What was your breakout job?
When I did Michael Jackson's "Remember The Time" at 21. People started seeing my stuff then and asking who's this girl. From then, I just kept working with other artists from Bobby Brown, Guy, Heavy D, to Mary J. Blige.

What are you currently working on? What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I'm working on Gap commercials, Calvin Klein commercials, and I just finished some films. My responsibilities include getting up, conducting rehearsals. Sometimes these job require 2 to 5 days of rehearsal, depending on the gig. And 2 to 5 shoot dates. I also cast the dancers and I go through dance agents in CA and NY.

As a choreographer, I make up the dance routines. I'm responsible for the overall dance steps that my dancers will be doing.

What is the biggest challenge or downside of what you do?

I don't really see things as challenges. It's all part of the job. It's just making people look like their as natural as possible and not choreographed. It can be sometimes difficult so I just keep working and working on it.

What inspires or motivates you?

Young kids definitely inspire me. The youth and everything that they come up with because all the new, latest, and freshest stuff come from kids dancing. Sometimes I go to 18 and over clubs or high school events to scout that creativity and see younger kids dancing.

Is that your primary source of "new" dance steps?

That and just going to different clubs in different cities in different countries. Clubs are my classroom. I travel to different spots to see what's going on.

How do you stay on top of your game as a choreographer?

Going to clubs and just being observant, and keeping track of what's going on out there and what's going on around me is a critical part of my gig. I also sometimes go to classes.

How do you balance your personal and your professional life?

It's just like anything else. I take jobs sometimes and if I haven't been home with my family enough, I won't take that job and stay home. Or I have my family travel with me.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of staying a working mother. I was doing 50 million things during my pregnancy and after my child's birth. I was directing A Girl Named Cole's video three days before I gave birth and continued working throughout my pregnancy.

What was your biggest career/personal mistake and what did you learn from the experience?

A big mistake was going out on the road when I really did not want to go out on the road. From that, I learned to really follow my true feelings and not do it to make somebody else happy.

What are your guiding principles?

Do unto others as you want done unto you. You should be good with that.

Do you think your artistry influences your entrepreneurship?

It definitely does! You've got to take care of the business. At the end of the day, you can be the most talented person in the world but if you can't learn to survive off your art, then what's the use. You've got to at some point step back and say "What I do is valuable. What I do means something" and then learn how to place a price tag on that.

Has that ever been a problem for you.

Nope. I knew the value of what I was doing and charged or positioned myself accordingly.

How did the instructional dance video come about?

We approached Disney about doing it because I just had so many kids asking me about teaching and I never had time to do it.

Do you plan on continuing that series?

No. That was a time in my life. That project serviced that particular need. I'm not really there now. I'm more focused on directing music videos.

Why did you move on from choreography to directing?

I haven't moved on from choreography, I just added directing to my resume. It's a natural progression. A lot of times, when I work with directors, I help them out on treatments and collaborate with them in the beginning stages. And I went to New York Film Academy when I realized that directing was something that I was interested in doing. From that, people would ask me to do stuff.

What other things are you interested in doing?

Interior designing but that's not until later in life.

Your birthday? Where you grew up? Where you went to school?

My birthday is August 29, 1971. I grew up in Los Angeles CA and I went to San Pedro HS.

Message Fatima Robinson and tell her what you think

The Ru Report Travel Diary: Living It Up Martell Style

Le French Connection
Never in my life would I have imagined being transported to an exotic location such as Paris--one of my favorite spots--in a private jet. And then being whisked around the City of Lights in my own private

Le French Connection
Never in my life would I have imagined being transported to an exotic location such as Paris--one of my favorite spots--in a private jet. And then being whisked around the City of Lights in my own private Mercedes Benz But it happened during a recent expedition to France for a four-day tour to experience all of the rich and refined elegance of The House of Martell.

Yes. Martell. The liquor. The alcoholic beverage. The "brown juice"--as it is known to some in the urban community. The cognac--as it known around the world.

I, along, with about 12 other journalists of color had the distinct honor of experiencing, first hand, the true essence of the distilled brandy, its origin, its history and all that is fabulous in its homeland of France.

According to legend, Martell is the oldest of all major cognac houses deep in the heart of south western France's Charente region. Since 1715, it has been recognized around the world as a brand of rich heritage founded on the dedication of eight generations to create the most perfect cognac and the unique savoir faire.

Unique savoir faire, indeed.

I have never been treated to such refinery. I can literally say that I have lived out my wildest dreams during the non-traditional excursion geared primarily at introducing urban tastemakers to Martell.

Kicking things off, New York City's based brand development firm The Britto Agency hand delivered a basket to a very select few. The welcome package--designed by music industry marketer Terri Haskins--consisted of a bonded invitation to "Savor The Rich Culture" for a extended weekend in France, a bottle of Martell's special blend, a French Diptyque Bais candle, imported French truffles, a travel guide, a quick French/English translation guide, Cote Bastide Crystal Ambre scented rocks and an Eccolo journal book handcrafted in a leather cover overlay with a tassel. These items were all gift-wrapped in white and blue Martell ribbon, accentuated with Martell snifter glasses and dried roses and lavender.

I felt like a presenter at an award show. I love swag.

Once you called Marvet Britto, the proprietor of the firm (which has been brought in to bring some pizzazz to the brand), you were then delivered another basket-- this one, much bigger than before.

In this new basket, there was another bottle of Martell--this time the Cordon Blue brand (priced at $125) along with a Paris themed photo album and another scented candle, a down pillow and faux cashmere blanket with my first initial monogrammed on them, a leather passport holder and matching expandable carry-all bag by French design house Longchamp, along with a travel canvass bag filled with L'Occitane products.

It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Press people are traditionally treated like defecation, especially in a time where wicked gatekeepers, handlers and other industry "service" types really start to believe their own hype and become larger than life, overbearing and more inaccessible than their actual clients are. And the Black members of the media are treated worst. I keep having to tell a few of them that "it is P.R. and not E.R.!"

This Martell trip was a welcome reprieve. Judging from the initial outreach campaign, only a fool would've passed up on this offer.

I sure wasn't going to.

"I've always had an ability to anticipate everything it takes to make an experience memorable," Ms. Britto comments. The sassy and sometimes brassy media titan recently celebrated the 10^th anniversary of her flourishing publicity/marketing empire, The Britto Agency, which recently moved to a fabulous penthouse space just south of Columbus Circle.

The company has been the brand builder and PR firm for Martell for the past year, creating initiatives and events as well as initiating strategic alliances that support its "Rise Above" lifestyle and philosophy.

"We work diligently everyday to redefine the way Martell brands its products by combining event design and publicity, and entertainment marketing together to support Martell's global brand positioning and reinforce their core brand values," she says, adding, "The Britto Agency has to see beyond our clients' expectations and challenge ourselves to make everything we do a signature experience that creates its own buzz and reflects our clients' persona in the process. We don't follow the trends, we create them, just like Martell."

Tamara Gardellis, who is the National Event Marketing/PR Manager for the Cognac and Gin division of Pernod-Ricard--the parent company overseeing North American operations for Martell cognac, along with Chivas Regal and Seagrams Gin, accompanied the group on the outing.

For the last couple of years, Ms. Gardellis has worked to re-establish the Martell brand, building strategic platforms such as their "Rise Above" advertising campaign which launched September of last year.

The current "Rise Above" advertising campaign features African-Americans who have "risen above" to achieve a level of success and respect within their Industry and community. These individuals embody the qualities and characteristics Martell is said to pride itself on; Quality, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Class. The current individuals featured in the "Rise Above" campaign include Trace magazine Editor and Publisher Claude Grunitzky, multimedia artist Sanford Biggers, and Restaurateur Gerry Garvin.

The campaign, according to Ms. Gardellis, also serves as a call to action for those who want to 'rise above' the competition, life's obstacles and one's own expectations. "In a world where transience, hype and uniformity are the norm, Martell has chosen to focus on real African-Americans who represent a genuine triumph that is not only inspirational but also attainable," she explains.

Kenny Leon, the acclaimed director of Broadway's most recent revival of "A Raisin In The Sun," and shoe designer to the stars, Etu Evans, are the latest additions to the campaign.

"Martell prides itself on its quality, its tradition, its creativity and its refinement," she cites. "The gentlemen in the campaign are a reflection of this. To that end, we worked hard to insure these qualities were glorified and represented in the activities selected for the trip. I feel we got our point across."

Back to the trip.

The esteemed guests were directed to a private hangar in Teterboro, New Jersey. It was there that we all assembled and saw exactly who made the cut. Editors from magazines such as Ebony, Black Enterprise and Suede mixed it up with folks from E! Online and Newsweek. Members of the hip-hop elite media were even there, and everyone seemed to be getting along well. (Some editors in the hip-hop magazine world are known to have fierce and bitter rivalries = crabs in the barrel mentality.)

Once aboard the state of the art Falcon 900 C Gulfstream Jet--furnished by Prime Jet-- we were made at home with our own private flight attendant who catered to our every whim as we ascended over the Atlantic Ocean in our plush leather seating with individual flat-screen monitors and an assortment of current movies available.

The in-flight service was catered by Mr. Chow. Cristal champagne flowed freely.

With the exception of a few brushes with death, this time I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

"Our goal from the very first day of this press trip was to create an unparalleled experience that was both educational and culturally enriching for the journalists," shares Ms. Britto, who over the last decade has become one of the most formidable brand builders in entertainment. Her roster has boasted the likes of A-list talents such as "Sex & The City" star Kim Cattrall, superstar athletes Roy Jones, Jr., Latrell Sprewell, Gary Sheffield and Cutino Mobley, TV personalities Star Jones and Ananda Lewis, hip-hop superstars Foxy Brown and Eve, and acclaimed actress Angela Bassett, amongst others. The last five of the aforementioned celebrities have all graced the cover of Essence magazine, proving Ms. Britto's publicity prowess.

"All the elements of the trip--from the invites, to the acceptance gift baskets, to the private plane, hotel selection, historical journeys and restaurant choices--mirrored what Martell stands for and created an overall experience that I am sure no one will ever forget."

Indeed.

Big Smiley, fashion editor of hip-hop lifestyle magazine XXL, was quite impressed with all of the first class service. "I've never experienced anything like this before," he shares. "Martell is really trying to align itself and this is a step in the right direction."

Mr. Smiley--a ghetto-fabulous jet-setter in his own right, who has been with the magazine for nearly four years--says the most unique thing about the experience was the fact that the folks from Martell "let [him] stay in the castle."

Well, let me explain.

Once arriving at the military airbase La Rochelle in Laleu, France, we were greeted by dignitaries from Martell. You could tell that they were about to show us one hell of a good time. We didn't have to endure a grueling customs or baggage claim process, which was music to my ears. After salutations were exchanged, a luxury coach shuttled us over to the Chateau de Chanteloup, a sprawling estate on acres and acres of land in Cognac, France. I mean with all of its beauty and splendor, it transported some of us back to the 16^th Century--and this time, we weren't the servants. Filled with over 18 guest suites, the whole atmosphere seemed straight out of a period piece. After we were assigned our rooms and a manservant (not Farnsworth Bentley) helped us to our quarters, a fabulous Brunch awaited us.

From there, we were whisked off to Gabare for a cruise. Although the rich dark open-air vessel brought some eerie feelings, which probably harkened the spirit of my ancestors during the middle passage, our trusted tour guides educated us on the vast historical richness of the Cognac region. We saw the factories in which other "brown juice" brands such as Hennessy are housed. The townspeople looked at us in friendly wonderment as we sailed their river, snapping photos and waving just like the tourists we were.

After a ride through town, we returned to the Chanteloupe where we were given some time to freshen up before our dinner with Martell's head honcho Eric Benoist, the Overlord of all the grandiosity.

During the twilight time as our private butler mixed cocktails for us before the dinner, King magazine editor Datwon Thomas and I took to a strange looking billiard game called snooker, which actually resembled an economy version of pool. And then Martell's sole cellar master Bruno Lemoine nearly got into a hissy fit when we Americans decided to forgo his logic of the game and create a competition of our every own.

After dinner, most of the jet-lagged group wondered about the property. A late night game of Spades ensued, as folks in my party smoked the finest Cuban cigars while sonic rhythms by the likes of The Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent were juxtaposed with the musical greatness of Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone. We held court--into the wee hours of the morning.

"We, recognize the power and importance of the African American community and of the urban press and were very enthusiastic about receiving them at the Chateau," says Ms. Gardellis, who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure we were all comfortable. "For those at the Chateau, I feel we offered a breath of fresh air. As compared to the European press, our press folks are very young, very enthusiastic, and generally a lot of fun."

After breakfast the next morning, we departed to the Gallienne Distillery and vineyard, guided by Caroline Ricard--a descendent of the Martell dynasty. There we stopped by the Visitor's Center and had a tasting ceremony with Mr. Lemoine in the Paradis. The ceremony culminated with all of us being honored with a diploma from The House of Martell.

As the largest landowner in the region, Martell is rooted in rich knowledge of the land, and enhanced by the committed relationships to the families of the 2,500 growers often dating back over five generations. Today, Martell continues as one of the few cognac houses to be actively involved in every stage of the cognac process, from the vineyard, to the development of the hand crafted oak barrels, the skillful ageing of their cognac through to worldwide sales.

"Martell is a very, very good cognac … and they need to get out there and let the people know that they were the first ones on the block before everyone else," he adds. One way he suggests for them to really make a dent into the urban marketplace is by featuring him as a spokesperson. "Martell should really put me in their advertising, and commercials and let's host parties and events together. Martel and me."

The 30-year-old Queens, NY-bred bad boy may be onto something. For discerning cognac drinkers, Martell has become the cognac of choice, which demonstrates they have created and achieved success on their own terms. He is the target demographic for the brand--African Americans have proven to be the largest consumers of cognacs and other dark liquors.

"I selected journalists who personify the Martell brand by exuding confidence, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit," adds Ms. Britto. "These journalists already mirrored the characteristics of our brand in their works."

Later in the afternoon, we departed the chateau and made our way back to the airport for a fun filled weekend in Paris.

Once in Paris, we checked into the luxurious hotel The Park Hyatt Paris Vendome just a few blocks from the legendary Louvre museum and up the way from the finest shops in town. Outside there were paparazzi awaiting us. Nah, I'm just jesting. Sting, Lenny Kravitz and Venus and Serena Williams were also staying in the magnificent hotel.

Going that extra mile--we were chauffeured around the various arrondissements in a fleet of spanking new Mercedes Benzes. We dined at hot spots such as La Cristal Palace, the famous Le Fouquets on the Champs-Elysees and the ultra-trendy and hip George's with its breathtaking panoramic view over looking the city. We also had guided tours of the Baccarat Showroom, experienced a very hot and heavy evening at the world's famous burlesque show, The Crazy Horse. We partied at La Maroquinerie, where many tastemakers, influencers and A-listers frequent for a hybrid of hip-hop, classic soul, reggae and funk. Recording artist AYO performed an acoustic set at the club, and we hung out after hours at Etoile. Walking tours of Le Louvre and a hearty luncheon aboard a private yacht that sailed the Seine River also took place.

It was truly so amazing. I felt so… so…. (what's the word I'm trying to find)… white!

Just to think, I started to name this column entry: Pampers and Pacifiers because we were spoiled rotten. And that's a good thing.

Every single night we arrived back to our hotel rooms, we were greeted with gifts and trinkets such as embossed Cartier stationary, signature Baccarrat crystal, a set of high-end binoculars, silk covered satchels with French terms embroidered on them, truffles and of course unlimited Martell.

It was sick. That's Karuspeak for excellent.

I, being the sleuth I am sometimes known to be, realized that all of this lavishness (private plane included) probably totaled close to a quarter of a million dollars.

According to Ms. Britto, it was well worth it.

"Martell is one of the few companies in existence today that understands--and more importantly--supports their primary consumer," she reveals. "The leaders of Martell are sophisticated, worldly, savvy people who know the importance of our community."

She intimates that the cognac brand and its decision makers designed their latest marketing initiatives to support the same community that has contributed to their growth in the U.S.

"So this trip was positioned as a salute to their achievements and support."

Ms. Gardelis adds: "I couldn't, in my wildest dreams, have imagined that I would have the opportunity to showcase a brand that I believe in as strongly as I do Martell, in the manner that we did: true class and refinement. It was truly a wonderful experience to be able to share with some of the best and brightest."

Going forward, Martell is standing out from the rest of the pack with its focus on independent Black film. A strong supporter of independent filmmakers, they are working to insure that they have avenues to screen their work. "We feel that in this way, we continue to assist the community in influencing the images that represent the community as well as the lines of distribution these images are disseminated through," she concludes.

Get Up, Get Out And Do Something!

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

What's In Your Deck? #6

Your Top 5 Music Picks
Please list what ya'll been listening to? Here's what I got.

1. Martin Luther-Rebel Soul Music (Advance)

Your Top 5 Music Picks
Please list what ya'll been listening to?

Here's what I got.

1. Martin Luther-Rebel Soul Music (Advance)
Martin Luther is a movement in himself. As a musician, he encourages me to be free to be me. That's what's up!

2. Prince-1999 & Purple Rain
Prince is just the undisputed champion! He's individually great as a guitar player, dancer, singer, songwriter, and performer, but to put all of his gifts together in one little man is truly rare.

3. The Police-Regatta de Blanc
This is some early reggae ska infused Police sh!t! Copeland is sick on the drums, Sting is sick on the bass! The songs are killer!

4. Van Hunt-Van Hunt
This CD grew on me. It came highly recommended to me by a friend. It found it's way in my CD and has been there ever since. The material is deep! "Her December is a mood swing, an afternoon fog, meant just for me"

5. James Brown-70's Funk Classics
James Brown is proof that beauty need not be eloquent. This is the music that provided the backdrop for most of the golden age hip hop. I'm like why water it down, give it to me straight no chaser.

Adrian Bryant is a singer, songwriter, and freelance journalist as well as the Fund Development Officer for a mid-sized private non-profit by day.

Message Adrian Bryant and tell him what's in your deck

The Ru Report #142

In This Weeks Report
Marcus Johnson Is "Doing" It, Judith Jamison Offers Love Stories, The Beach Boys Headed To Broadway, Frenchie Davis In "Dreamgirls" Again, Trace Magazine Celebrates Black Girls and More.

Doing The 'Do':
Seven may just turn out to be a lucky number for music maverick Marcus Johnson. The suave CEO of the Washington D.C.-based Three Keys Music is also a bona fide musician in his own right, who just released his seventh album, Just Doing What I Do, this week to critical acclaim. So why are we just getting wind of him?

"Haters," the recently-turned 33 year-old quips. "I have all these degrees, quite a few records, and I am just really learning the record business," he revealed on a more serious note. "This should be a lesson to those who feel that they are going to jump on the scene and change it immediately. Things take time." It's been nearly four years since the smooth jazz keyboardist (who got his start playing in a pizzeria) released his last set. But ever since then he's been cultivating other talents such as the legendary Bobby Lyle and seasoned soul siren Alyson Williams--all artists on his label. And running a studio (8121 East), where he is known to produce an album within an unheard budget of $25,000 within three-month turn-around.

"As an edge-crafter my job is create a vision for the company," he explained. "Then I must motivate the team around me to desire excellence in the process of creating and not just the outcome. If you focus on creating excellent music, an excellent marketing strategy, an excellent implementation strategy, the result will be excellence. But it starts at the top. Therefore, I am always thinking, reading, learning, testing, adapting, and growing. This is and will be the core of our success."

We met up with the dapper Mr. Johnson at New York's upscale Chez Josephine restaurant last week. The down-home Ohio native, who was accompanied by his legal counsel, didn't have any qualms about ordering the fried chicken dish off of the menu. He brings a certain charm and comfort into spaces that he inhabits. His congeniality wasn't anything I expected from the seasoned bachelor with the law degrees and the privileged pedigree. And that's a good thing. His warm and accessible demeanor may have been the stroke of genius that got him in bed with BET's founder and CEO Robert L. Johnson, who eventually bankrolled his aspirations.

"I met Mr. J at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival," he revealed. "He introduced my band and would you believe I asked him out to lunch? He in turn invited me to his office and grilled me for about two hours. At the end he asked how could he get involved and I went straight back to the business plan I had been working on for four years. After I presented it, it was a done deal."

Talk about chance encounters.

With a reported $3 million investment, Marcus Johnson's Marimelj Entertainment Group, LLC was born with Three Keys Music, Three Keys Music Publishing, Marimelj Music Publishing, and Studio 8121 East as its main divisions.

"I'm able to do it all only by the grace of God," he confided, while also making references to Rick Warren's best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life.

"I have been blessed with a small but committed team of individuals who believe that Three Keys Music is more than a company," he continued. "We are a movement that has at its foundation the creation of a new paradigm. The new paradigm has already been created with technology. My blackberry, cell, laptop, UPS, FED EX, Amtrak, discount airlines, and digital recording equipment allow Three Keys to scale to a size much larger than what we actually are."

The basis of the company is predicated on three principles, elements…keys. When asked about them, he politely obliged: "Key 1 is spirituality: You have to have a commitment to the community and to building something besides wealth. Each employee is required to give 15 hours of community service per month. The artists are required to give the same. It is our belief that if you take care of the streets, they take care of you."

"Key 2 is artistry: You have to have the talent and the desire to grow your talent. This is the area where we, along with a lot of other labels have gone wrong. There are many people that have the talent. However, they don't want to strive to the level of 'artist.' This is not the level where you demand blue M&M's. It's the level where you get in a van with no air conditioning and drive around the country because you believe that you are making a difference and because people want to hear your music. If they will sit in a hall with no AC to hear you, then you need to get your behind out there and play."

"And lastly, Key 3 is strategy: By any means necessary. If you sit in a brainstorming session with me, you will ask yourself, 'Is this fool crazy?' My mind works so fast right now that I have trouble completing sentences. That's not good. However, I have a great team of people that help me develop marketing and strategic plans to put my fragments onto paper and into reality. We don't think outside of the box though…because there is no box. We think with limitless possibilities. Everything is possible." Lauded as one of Ebony magazine's "most eligible bachelors," Mr. Johnson admittedly is a workaholic. But he's getting better at it. "I don't sleep too much, but I work out every other day. I eat pretty well and have learned from the experiences of my mom, who is recovering from a stroke, and my father to let go of the small stuff."

The 19-track opus is ripe with sonic gems. Original pieces such as the fluid title track and the infectious, mid-tempo groove of the stand-out "Love" (featuring Frank "Scoob" Marshall) juxtaposed with piano-laden takes on Beyonce's "Me, Myself & I," Talib Kweli's "Just To Get By" and Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" provides a current and very textured musical landscape. "The song selection is based on relationships," Mr. Johnson explained. "I worked with new producers and stretched out a little while being laid back. My goal was to create a project that is multi-functional. You can listen to it in your car, at the crib, or on the patio behind a couple of glasses of Cabernet."

He teams up with Ms. Williams to take on Simply Red's easy listening staple "Holding Back The Years" and the two create their own musical magic. "She is a dream to work with," he shared about the woman he refers to as his 'sista in music.' "We started working together about nine years ago. She has been on almost all of my CDs and I promised that when I got the label up and running that she would have a project of her own. That's why this is a bonus track. It is truly a bonus."

Currently on a summer jaunt promoting the new disc, Mr. Johnson is looking ahead to the future, optimistically. "I want people to look at me and think of Tiger Woods' swing--like 'Damn… he makes it look so easy I know I can do that." To get folk to say that, I have drawn a picture in their heads through my actions--That's art! That's my goal."

Music Notes
Just in case you missed it, the complete first season of the Emmy Award winning NBC series "American Dreams" arrives on a DVD box set on September 7. Packed with hundreds of unforgettable rock and roll hits and exciting bonus features "American Dreams: Season One--Extended Music Edition," as it is officially titled, will feature musical performances by such current day hit-makers as Usher, Ashanti, Kelly Rowland, LeAnn Rimes, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, India.Arie, B2K, Stacie Orrico, Third Eye Blind and Duncan Sheik emulating the music stars and personalities of the 1960s. The seven-disc collection, including all 25 Season One episodes plus hours of bonus features, will have a suggested retail priced of $89.98.

Ruff Ryders' Chinese-American rapper Jin has hit the big time. America Online, a major supporter of emerging musical talent, has identified Jin (nee Jin Au-Yeung) as an artist to watch. In the ten weeks following his debut on AOL Music, Jin's music was played over half a million times on the service. That's big! In April, AOL Music--which reaches the largest audience of online music fans in the world--named Jin to their popular 'Breakers' program, which highlights promising artists at the beginning of their music careers. Other artists who have benefited from this early push include 50 Cent, Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch and Josh Groban. According to a rep, Jin's long awaited debut album, "The Rest Is History," will hits record stores October 19.

Legendary music outfit Earth, Wind & Fire have signed an exclusive album deal with the Matthew Knowles'-helmed Sanctuary Urban Records Group. Their new yet to be titled album is slated for release October 5 and boasts collaborations with super-producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Raphael Saadiq. Saadiq, Floetry and Musiq.

Hip-hop music mogul Damon Dash is quite the visionary. The Roc-A-Fella Records honcho has gotten into the frozen treat business. According to one of his reps, ice cream trucks in cities such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia will be wrapped in vinyl covering adorning the likeness of artists such Cam Ron, Kanye West, Beanie Siegel and The Ronson Sisters throughout the month of August. The trucks, along with selling ice cream will give out ROC brand styled promotional items. In other Dash news, he's a co-executive producer of the forthcoming drama The Woodsman starring Mos Def, Eve and Kevin Bacon. He's also the publisher of the hot, new and sleek America Magazine, which features a sunglasses clad R. Kelly, and a bare-bummed Lenny Kravitz on two of its current edition's three covers. Coupled with his Armadale vodka brand, and the Roc-A-Wear clothing line, Mr. Dash is proving that there may be life after Jay Z.

I knew this a few weeks ago, but I was awaiting an official announcement. Never got anything official but I do know for a fact that Goodie Mob's "goodest" member Cee-Lo will headline this year's Seagram's Gin Live Tour, with Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot protégé Tweet as the opener. The tour will arrive at New York's B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on October 13.

Dance, Dance, Dance
Judith Jamison, a.k.a. the Doyenne of Dance, is back in the swing of things with the forthcoming world premiere of "Love Stories," which will kick off the New York season of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater's five-week jaunt on December 1. Conceived and directed by the Company's celebrated aforementioned Artistic Director, the three-part dance production (featuring contributions from Rennie Harris and Robert Battle) is set to the music of Stevie Wonder. This year's season will also feature the sounds of other musical greats such as Earth, Wind & Fire ("Shining Star") and Louis Armstrong ("Burlesque").

The legendary Katherine Dunham will be honored by Dance Teacher magazine with a Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her immense contribution to modern dance education. As one of the first to introduce Caribbean and African dance forms to the U.S. and Europe, Ms. Dunham developed and codified an influential dance technique that today is taught in schools around the world. At age 95, she continues to teach an annual Dunham Technique Seminar, held at the Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities in East St. Louis, Illinois. The dancer, choreographer, director, anthropologist, writer and teacher is featured on the cover of the September 2004 edition of the magazine, which is considered the preeminent monthly publication for dance education professionals.

And the Starz premium cable channel plans to celebrate the upcoming Miramax Films theatrical release of Shall We Dance?, starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon, with a sweepstakes, which will send one lucky winner waltzing down the red carpet with the grand prize trip to the star-studded premiere. And leading up to the October 15 theatrical release of the new film, Starz will telecast the original Japanese version of Shall We Dance? throughout September and October. The original 1996 Japanese film centered on a staid businessman and his infatuation with a ballroom dance instructor. The original version holds the record for top United States box office gross for a Japanese-language film ($9.5 million). The remake was directed by Peter Chelsom (Serendipity, Town and Country) and also stars Stanley Tucci, Mya and Nick Cannon.

Stages
Coming this fall: A new musical based on the songs of The Beach Boys titled "Good Vibrations." Starting preview performances in early December at the Eugene O'Neill Theater, the show will be directed and choreographed by John Carrafa (of "Urinetown" and "Into The Woods" fame). A recent presentation of the show was done at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. "American Idol" season one runner-up Justin Guarini starred. A rep for the Broadway production isn't certain if the former mop-top is coming on the Great White Way.

And speaking of White Way, the critically-acclaimed colorful musical "Caroline, Or Change" will shutter on August 29. The George Wolfe-directed spectacle--which netted a Tony Award for newcomer Anika Noni Rose for "Best Featured Actress In A Musical"--will have played 23 previews and 136 regular performances at the Eugene O'Neill theater by the time it closes. Just two weeks ago, a lavish 2-CD soundtrack featuring 53 tracks produced by Jeanine Tesori was released at retail.

Former Spice Girls front-woman Mel B (Melanie Brown) will depart the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical "RENT," on August 20, a rep confirmed. In my humble opinion, I think she's gone too soon. As the spunky Mimi, the former British soap star radiated the stage with much charisma--even proving that she (a Spice Girl, of all things) can hold her own with some of Broadway's best new talents. The line at the Nederlander Theater wrapped around the block with patrons patiently waiting to get a glimpse of the once-popular pop music superstar make her Broadway debut. In other "RENT" news, 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey will attempt to "pay it" when he steps in as lead character Mark on September 20. And unforgettable "American Idol" diva Frenchie Davis has taken a brief break from "paying it" to continue polishing her chops as Effie Melody White in the legendary musical "Dreamgirls." The most recent mounting of the 20-year-old-plus musical opened at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera on Tuesday (Aug. 10) with powerhouse Billy Porter playing the role of James Thunder Early and the dapper Norm Lewis (who can also currently be seen in Olive Garden commercials), theater veteran turned soap star Vanita Harbour and Montego Glover rounding out the cast.

Off The Rack
Jailed rapper Shyne appears on the cover of Vibe magazine's 11^th Annual Juice Issue. In an in-depth interview with soul sister scribe Akiba J. Solomon, the former Bad Boy Records rap star talks very candidly about Sean "P. Diddy" Combs ("It affected my mother and my grandmother, and it could have destroyed my livelihood…All he had to do was tell the truth"), 50 Cent ("I still didn't send the wolves after him…"), hip-hop competition ("I'm fighting for my life. F#$% what these cartoons are out here talking about, man."), the future ("it's about making the music and, hopefully, affecting people the way Bob Marley and [Tupac] did") and life in jail (There's motherf#$%ers in here that got natural life. When I look at their burdens, my load doesn't look so heavy"). And in a fashion only a true hip-hopper can, Shyne (nee Jamaal Barrow) refers to his former Jewish lawyer--the legendary Murray Richman--as a ni@#a. That's classic! The Q&A is quite provocative. My hats go off to Ms. Solomon, a former editor of The Source and current contributor to POZ magazine, for braving the thick razor wire fences, metal detectors and steel cell blocks of Upstate New York's Clinton Correctional Facility to get the story. The magazine was perfectly timed to drop on August 10--the same day as Shyne's new album Godfather Buried Alive was released. And on Vibe's website, 10 lucky winners can win a five-minute phone call from Shyne. Okay!

On a lighter note, Black Girls are truly ruling the September 2004 issue of TRACE magazine. Naomi Campbell, Erykah Badu and Thandie Newton are gracing the magazine's three different covers. The European-styled glossy celebrates its 50^th issue with the special "Black Girls Rule" Collector's Editions, highlighting Black women in fashion, music, film and sports who are making headway in their fields. "With this collector's issue, we want to bring you the best of what TRACE has been over the past seven-and-a-half years, but also give you a glimpse into the future of this unique idea laboratory," said the mag's Chairman/Editor in Chief Claude Grunitzky. And don't think only sexy glamour-pusses are the only ones celebrated. Powerful sisters from the legend of the late Nina Simone and the omnipresent Oprah Winfrey to worldly Winnie Mandela and the irresistible Iman are saluted as some of the 50 most influential black women in the past 50 years.

Video View
Kill Bill Volume 2: Quentin Tarantino's action-packed sequel to last fall's blood soaked hit is just as exhilarating. The flick arrived in stores this week and is already selling like Krispy Kremes. In the last installment, Uma Thurman's lead character (The Bride) is closer to her goal in doing what the title of the movie suggests. A moving familial plot line is erected in this storyline, along with Darryl Hannah's conniving Elle Drive character, who proves to be as just as much of a match as Lucy Lui's Cotton Mouth from Volume 1. Sam Jackson and Michael Madsen appear in the stunning finale, which is just as treacherous as the first. DVD Bonuses include: A behind the scenes program with interviews, comments and on-set visits; a Volume 2 Premiere performance; and a deleted scene called "Damoe."

"On the top getting down, yeah"

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

The Herbert Holla

Herbert's Hot Picks
fri(13): starfoods - thank god it's freedom - the illest - see gigs below!
fri(13): frying pan - nickodemus/mariano/bruce tantum - house

Herbert's Hot Picks
wed(11): cielo - louie vega/kevin hedge/nicholas matar - soulful house
wed(11): apt - rich medina - soul/afrobeat/old school/funk/classics
wed(11): angel bar - scratch famous/teflon - reggae
wed(11): bOb - rholi rho/5th platoon - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
wed(11): lotus - dj reach - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
wed(11): aubette - qool marv - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world
wed(11): suede - frank delour - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s/house
wed(11): madame x - jon oliver - soul/rock/rare grooves/rare sounds - 8pm to 1am
wed(11): pravda - dj obah - afrobeat/soul/funk/old school - 9 to 1
wed(11): 17 - ody rock - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/rock/80s
wed(11): delancey lounge - low budget/cosmo baker/ayres/guests - hiphop/80s/reggae
wed(11): light - dj mainey - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/soul - HAPPY B-DAY, SHANE!
wed(11): la gazelle - martin luther/cody chesnutt afterparty - soul/rock/hiphop
wed(11): afterwork/rumor - snatch 1/m.o.s./self/kaos - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

thu(12): guernica - blessed/selly/qool marv/monica pineda - soul/funk/house/hiphop
thu(12): table 50 - q tip on the set - hiphop/rock/soul/funk/classics
thu(12): ruby falls - stretch armstrong/jus-ske/soul/am - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s
thu(12): joe's pub - guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(12): black betty/bk - monk one/emskee/cosmo baker - soul/funk/classics/disco
thu(12): spirit - dj kid capri - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(12): show - ody roc - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/old school
thu(12): sweet rhythm - eric revis - grammy-win bassist - live jazz - 2122553626
thu(12): viscaya - d nice/dana dane/eddie f - old school, and you know this!!!!
thu(12): quo - crooked - funky house/hiphop/80s/house
thu(12): crobar - grandmaster flash/larry tee/jon jon battles - rock/80s/olskool
thu(12): B3/basement - live brazilian jazz/soulful rock - cheap drinks!!!
thu(12): suite 16 - sussone - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(12): canal room - rob flow/mad linx - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
thu(12): marcus garvey park - ded prez - that militant righteousness live!
thu(12): mumbai - 2004 DMC us supreme battle - big erformances - go i.emerge!!!!

thu(12): suede - ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
thu(12): vela - dj angelo - french sexy house/brazilian sexy house - sexy house
thu(12): afterwork/rare - red rokk the rabble rouser - 80s/hiphop/rock - 4:30 - 12
thu(12): afterwork/kanvas - dj sweets - hiphop/70s/80s - 6PM
thu(12): afterwork/ole/pavonia/nj - dj mark. t/aldo - house/80s/dance classics - 5
thu(12): afterwork/manhatta - dj eleven/mOma - soul/hiphop/classics
thu(12): afterwork/strata - goldfinger/snatch - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - 6-4

fri(13): starfoods - thank god it's freedom - the illest - see gigs below!
fri(13): frying pan - nickodemus/mariano/bruce tantum - house
fri(13): mouton lounge/510 laguardia place - carol c - brazilian/afro - live drums
fri(13): ruby falls - mark ronson - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
fri(13): lot 61 - dj soul - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(13): union square lounge - marlon d - deep house
fri(13): ruby lounge - dj ola - hiphop/funk/reggae/classics/80s/r&b

fri(13): flow - slynkee/cel/supakraze/mary mac - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
fri(13): negril village/rhum lounge - obah - soul/funk/classics/afrobeat/hiphop
fri(13): piano's - small change/gerald mcboing boing - crazy vinyl/rarities/soul
fri(13): noche - kid capri/ede - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(13): viscaya - ody roc - hiphop/rock/r&b/old school
fri(13): quo - dove/guests - house/hiphop
fri(13): luke + leroy's - vapors mag release party - cosmo baker/guests - rap/80s
fri(13): show - crooked - hiphop/reggae/80s/rock/house
fri(13): spirit - big house djs/riz/lucho - ktu house/hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin
fri(13): hue - dj reach - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
fri(13): serena - mickey international - soul/hiphop/rock/reggae - 9178219213
fri(13): cooper hewitt museum - rich medina - afrobeat/afrofunk/afro-it-here!
fri(13): mission - danny o/jimmy ponzio - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
fri(13): luahn - female deejays rule party - guest female djs - hiphop/reggae/soul
fri(13): vela - guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock - models/bottles/etc
fri(13): table 50 - qool marv/guests - soul/funk/classics/house/olskool/disco
fri(13): afterwork/sequoia's - willie rodriguez/john sciascia - hiphop/r&b/latin
fri(13): afterwork/time hotel - dj stylz/jon quick - hiphop/reggae/r&b/soul - 7pm
sat(14): social club - herbert/slynkee/cel - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
sat(14): rehab - cosi/stimulus - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(14): 105-43 ditmars blvd/queens - big all day BBQ - live DJs - alcohol
sat(14): ruby falls - dj soul - hiphop/rock
sat(14): mission - stormin normin - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(14): 40/40 - rahlo/k.o. - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/80s
sat(14): shelter - timmy regisford/ambrosia project live - house!
sat(14): chetty red - van vader/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/old school/80s
sat(14): sapphire lounge - jazzy nice - hiphop/soul/old school/funk/breaks/house
sat(14): strata - ody rock - hiphop/rock/r&b/reggae/80s
sat(14): pm - crooked - hiphop/80s/rock/disco/house/reggae
sat(14): ida mae - snatch 1 - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(14): mumbai - steelie/afrique/mad scorpio - reggae/all things caribbean!!
sat(14): sullivan room - pete sung/john howard/alex graham/carlos - electro dance
sat(14): viscaya - reach/ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
sat(14): coral room - sureshot - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
sat(14): southpaw/bk - rich medina/lyricist lounge party - hiphop/reggae/afrobeat
sat(14): pier 63/23rd+west side hwy - dj true/derek berres/live dance - house - 12
sat(14): etoile - goldfinger/precise - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(14): plaid - big ben/peter parker - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s
sun(15): fez uptown - marc smooth/guests - rare groove/soul/hiphop/reggae/classics
sun(15): joe's pub - evil d/lord sear/butta l/rocksteady!!!! - classics/old school
sun(15): lotus - goldfinger - hiphop/80s/r&b/rock/old school
sun(15): blvd/crash mansion - reggae riddims sundays - guest live show
sun(15): webster hall - india day party - papa vegas live - dj sharad - 9174765236
sun(15): 32 newark st/hoboken - lou gorbea/great guests - house music - happy born
sun(15): lq - kaos - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

mon(16): apt - cucumber slice - soul/funk/rare grooves/latin/uprock/old school
mon(16): cielo - francois k - future dub/space vibes/abstract grooves (aka house)
mon(16): delacorte theater/central park - bebel gilberto live - publictheater.org
mon(16): pravda - dj obah - afrobeat/soul/funk/old school - 9 to 1
mon(16): crobar - mada/moody/finesse - hiphop/rock/house/whatever - industry night
mon(16): afterwork/justin's - sussone/mos - hiphop/reggae/r&b/classics - 6pm
mon(16): afterwork/tavern on green - johnny famolari/norty cotto - salsa - 7:30pm
tue(17): joe's pub - guest djs/live performances - soul/funk/classics/hiphop
tue(17): sapphire lounge - eman/lola - house/deep grooves
tue(17): lobby - will/self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(17): mission - d-nice/dj hud/mc frank jugga - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(17): belmont lounge - dj obah - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world
tue(17): hiro/maritime hotel - stretch OR jus ske - rock/hiphop/etc - uber trendy
tue(17): table 50 - swamy/john creamer/david vasquez/dope guests - house
tue(17): afterwork/strata - derrick spaulding/lucho - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin - 6
tue(17): afterwork/aubette - snatch 1 - hiphop/r&b/reggae/soul/classics - 6:30PM
Word As Bond

It's late, mang! And ... well ... I'm late, mang! But shiiiit. I was on the back bays of dirty Jerz, fishin' and drinkin' beers and smokin' reefer with my cousins! Boy was it fun. I mean, we're just layin' back, the sun's beatin' down on us, the boat's bobbin' up and down, the fish were bitin' (I caught a 15.5-inch flounder that you would've thought I could take home, but it fell short of the 16.5-inch regulation size), and so were the greenheads. Greenheads are these bugs (did I tell y'all about greenheads yet?) that breed on the marshes and attack like kamikaze fighter planes, diving straight into your arm or leg or any unprotected piece of flesh, head first, already in bite-and-suck position, and you got like 1.5 seconds to smash 'em before it's too late and you get stung. Then it's about 20 minutes till you develop this big ol' bump that itches like a mother.

So anyways, I was fishin' with the fam and eating BBQ and seafood Italiano and I'm not mad at me for coming back and getting this here Holler in a little late. I actually just got back from my new uptown gig at Umbrella in Dominicanville. This blanquito loco knows how to drop some Tego, so don't think I was up there playing Justin Timberlake. Hell no. Well, at least not "Like I Love You." A little bit of "Rock Your Body" never hurt nobody! Of course, "Lean Back" was played back-to-back a few times, alongside the Tego remix. Can't forget "Otra Noche" and ... I forget the other big ones. I don't know what the hell they're saying, but I do know what Reggae-Ton does to the Spanish folks.

Speaking of "Lean Back," how many people think the video is a huge let down? All the stuff Fat Jesus could've done, and he puts together some dancin' hos and the VIP bottle thing and that's it? Herbert thinks the song merits a more harcore, more gritty edge to it, like a video Nas would do ("Made You Look" and "Theif's Theme") mixed with Jay-Z's "99 Problems." Wait a minute. Come to think of it, maybe "Grand Larceny" knew exactly what he was doing! He already has a gritty, gangsta song, so maybe a sexy, party vibe video is exactly what he needs to extend his reach and pull in whatever ladies and pop-smeared fellas out there that don't like their steaks too rare. I see you now, Joseph. I respect your gangster.

'Member that boating excursion where I lost my shorts whilst tubing? Well, I also lost my glasses that day, so I got these new joints that are really nice. Very ... intelligent gangster, very handsome. I've left behind the oval shape in favor of a new, more flattering rectangular look. You see, I have a big head (hence all the nicknames like "Head Alert," "FrankenJew," and the recent masterpiece "Domer Simpson," coined by my FREEDOM co-pilot, DJ Cosi), and the wider, lengthier look provided by the rectangular shape of the lens sort of balances out the peak at the top of my head, inevitably minimizing the extraordinarily large cranium size.

Not.

Well ... whatever. At least I got a hot party. Freedom was off the hook last week, and with MTV2's UrbanWorld Film Festival afterparty in the house, things definitely got outta hand. Big up to DJ Wonder from Hot 97, DJ J. Period, Soulfinger Sam, Wicked Wayne, Playa, and DJ Sure Shot. And of course, big big up to the 379 people that came through.

See you tomorrow night,

P.S. -- Mazel Tov, Jon and Kim. Bring me back some salmon!

Herbert's Gigs
every friday - freedom - starfoods (64 e. 1st b/w 1st+2nd aves)
#1 funnest friday night dance party in nyc, son-n-n-n!
classic hiphop/soul/dancehall/80s/house/classic r&b/funk
$6 peach punch - food till 2am - dancing - come as you are!!
$5 on my list - warning: come b4 1am! - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

every saturday - social club (14 e. 27th st b/w 5th + madison)
the hot hot hot new saturday weekly - no more Lot 61!!!
hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock/house/classics by me - main floor
a mix of the same sort of music downstairs by slynkee and cel
look sharp - ladies free b4 12 - $15 - djherbert@earthlink.net

every wednesday - umbrella new york - 440 w. 202nd (crnr of 10th ave)
a brand new hiphop party at a brand new spot! herbert's comin uptown!
hip-hop/r&b/reggae/reggaeton by dj herbertowitz all night long!
ladies free b4 12/$10 after - guys $15 - djherbert@earthlink.net

Tech Sessions #12

No Real Limitations to Compression…
For the audio pro's reading this week's column about compression, peel off the onion, because this one is going to be really redundant. But it's also a good chance for you to respond with with your tips

No Real Limitations to Compression…
For the audio pro's reading this week's column about compression, peel off the onion, because this one is going to be really redundant. But it's also a good chance for you to respond with some of your tips on one of the most confusing yet basic dynamics of production and that is compression.

Be it drums, vocals, bass lines, or any major texture of a track that is being fed into your mixing/editing environment, compression can play a major role in how "deep" your shit sounds, how hard it "hits," and how nice certain elements play with each other.

What exactly is compression? The best way for me to describe it is to paint a picture. Imagine you are running down a wide open street and then suddenly you get caught up into a narrow alley that limits your sideways movement; you are now basically "limited" and "compressed" into this space.

In this analogy, you the runner is whatever sound you have coming from its source, the wide open street is the path/cable the source travels on until it hits your compressor/plug-in, and the narrow alley is both the compressor itself and the end result that it gives you.

One of the hardest things to get your head around is how something that restricts the range of your sound can make your shit sound bigger or heavier. One thing to understand is that compressors act as limiters too; so confusion comes up when people hear the words compressor and limiter used together.

The bare bones truth, a compressor can and in many cases does, act as an amp or pre-amp depending on where it relates to your signal path. The louder your incoming signal the less "gain" or makeup volume you will need to get your sound thumping.

In the same respect a limiter does just what it says it does, it keeps volume in check so that sounds don't clip, distort, whatever you want to call it. Now, none of this matters until you tell the gear/software what level to start limiting and/or compressing at. This is called the "threshold."

Me? A lot of the time, I'll mix up the best of both worlds by limiting and compressing at the same time. dB's are like the inches of sound, so by saying the input "level" of your sound went from 0 dB to 3 dB that is like saying you drew a line that was three inches long.

0 dB is a good place to set the threshold at since that 0 db is the standard starting point for mixing etc. No action will be taken on anything that is coming in under 0 dB on the compression tip.

Once you cross that road is where the compression curve comes in at. This is the ratio dial on your box/plug-in. The "output level" now is being affected as long as your input signal stays above 0 dB.

Compression ratios are set-up like sports bets in Vegas. The formula is if your ratio is set at 2:1 and your signals hits 10 dB then you'll end up with 5 dB more gain on the back end.

To limit straight up, all you have to do is basically treat the threshold like a bank setting a credit limit. Don't want the sound to cross 10 dB? Then set it up that way. Because even if your input jumps to 20 dB the box/plug-in will spit it out as 10dB.

Finally, bucking down your own compression style can take a second but by playing with what sounds good to your ears and your style you'll get something hot.

Two more knobs to note are the attack and the release. Play with them. A lot of times, especially on drum sounds pitting the extremes of one against the other ends up with some really cool sounding shit.

So that was compression/limiting in its most basic sense. Feel free to add on…

Glover is one half of the Atlanta, GA based production squad The Audio Assassins which are founding members of The Elements. You can find them both at Audioassassins.com and theelementsinc.com

Message Glover with your insight on compression/limiting and how you use it in your productions

Echoing The Birds & The Bees (West Coast) #6

Places To Fly By--Calendar Listing
Wed (08/11): (West Hollywood) Here--The House of Urban Grooves CD Listening Party
Wed (08/11): (LA) Nirvana--Nirvana

Places To Fly By--Calendar Listing
Tue (08/10): (LA) El Centro--Pum Pum Tuesdays, The Beat Magazine's 2004 Dancehall Issue Launch Party
Tue (08/10): (Silverlake) Little Temple-- Club Everyday People every Tuesday

Wed (08/11): (West Hollywood) Here--The House of Urban Grooves CD Listening Party
Wed (08/11): (LA) Nirvana--Nirvana

Thu (08/12): (LA) Larry Flynnt's Supper Club--Club 424 every Thursday Nite, also Baby Mac Record Release Party, and Raw Dawg Energy Drink Promo Party
Thu (08/12): (LA) The Comedy Store/Belly Room--Crack 'em Up Thursdays
Thu (08/12): (LA) Joseph's--Boom every Thu

Fri (08/13): (LA) Moonbar--Friday's @ the Moonbar, and Wale Oyejide Official Listening Party
Fri (08/13): (LA) Lounge--Lounge

Sat (08/14): (LA) Vine Bar--Pause every 1st Sat
Sat (08/14): (LA) Conga Room--Backspin on alternat Sat

Sun (08/15): (LA) Laugh Factory--Chocolate Sundaes Comedy Show/DJ Felli Fel every Sunday

Leftover Honey Event Recap

Wylde Bunch Album Release Parties @ Ivar & Pearl Hollywood CA
So many good looking people came to hang out with us & we always love the energy you all bring to The Birds & The Bees events. The Wylde Bunch parties were a lot of fun & you can all check out the photos at in Gallery 166. Warning! We are not responsible for capturing the "drunk" you, however, we do aim to capture the "spirit" of the party...whatever craziness that may be. AJ of "106 & Park," Guru of Gang Starr, Deray, DJ EQ, and Paul Pierce are some of the celebrities that came out to party with The Birds & The Bees.

Wednesday @ Nirvana Beverly Hills CA
This new sexy spot is on the bubble. They currently have a Wednesday night lounge that's always a huge treat for tense LA professionals. Why? Free massages! However, donations are appreciated. Make
sure to be seen trying to rub out your own soarness & look real tired...it gets the massage therapists attention & they'll be racing to get their hands on you!

Friday @ Suite 181 San Francisco CA
Every once in a while, we fly up to the Bay Area to get away for the weekend. We recommend this short journey, if money is tight or you just want to flee LA for a moment. Our Friday night pitspot was glowing with pink floors & sexy decor, while downstairs club-goers sipped cocktails on beds. It was jam packed, with house/techno on the top floor & Hip-Hop/R&B on the bottom.

Saturday @ Loft 11 San Francisco CA
Our good friend Billy Vidal owns this brand new loft-style venue. It's already established itself as a certified hotspot for the young & professional crowd in SF. Water runs down the rock walls & an all white upper loft room is where house heads get their groove own. The main DJ and bar is on the ground floor & you can always count on a sexy crowd moving to the latest Hip-Hop/R&B.

Message Echoing Soundz & The Birds & The Bees and tell them what you think

Perspective: Jamahl King

Jamahl King
S.T.E.P.S. Event Planning

Job History
I've been a cashier at both Wendy's and White

Jamahl King
President/CEO
S.T.E.P.S. (Striving Towards Excellence with Perfection in Sight) Event Planning
Atlanta GA


Job History
I've been a cashier at both Wendy's and White Castles.
I spent time as a sales associate at Rich's.
I interned at WSB-TV here in Atlanta.
I was in small business sales with MCI.
Then I started S.T.E.P.S.

What are you currently working on? Your day-to-day responsibilities?

My biggest project now is producing S.T.E.P.S. 8th Anniversary Tour & Gala in South Africa. Coordinating operations internationally is definitely a trying task but when I first got the idea to host our anniversary gala in South Africa I knew that whatever it took, it was going to be phenomenal in the end. I've had the pleasure of seeing, first-hand, the beauty of Africa and I would love to be able to share that experience with those that have worked so hard alongside me to make S.T.E.P.S. possible.

What inspires/motivates you?

The thing that most motivates me, is knowing that I have a responsibility to my family and my community to do the very best that I can do. Establishing and operating my own business meant showing everyone how capable and committed I was. Now, I've devoted myself to doing something positive for young people that aren't aware of just how attainable dreams are.

What are your biggest challenges or the downsides of what you do?

Thankfully, I've yet to encounter any major downfalls with my business. I experienced many of the same challenges that other small business owners are faced with when starting a company. But once S.T.E.P.S. gained ground, it's managed to maintain a reputation for excellence in service. Of course, with each event, I have to work harder to make it just a bit more creative than the last, but I enjoy doing that so I really consider it more of a test of my ingenuity than a challenge.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

Balancing my personal and professional life has turned out to be much less problematic than I thought it would be when S.T.E.P.S. was first established. I have great working relationships with my staff and other business partners so whenever work needs to be done it's the joint effort of those I consider to be like family to me now. Knowing that I've had a hand in producing a great event, I have just as much fun as the event participants. I genuinely love watching people have a good time, so being in an industry where I can serve my clients well and attend a great party at the same time, is definitely working to my advantage!

What career achievement are you most proud of?

Working with greats like Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Keith Sweat, Jagged Edge, Jamie Foster-Brown and our other well-known clients has definitely been a reward of the job. But, the fact that S.T.E.P.S. has been flourishing for 8 long years is a feat in itself that pleases me. I could have long ago relinquished myself to the fact that African American males are not expected to have the passion and instinct it takes to make an entrepreneurial business enterprise work. I love being an exception to the rule and I'm grateful that I'm in a business where I love every minute of what I do.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn from it?

With any new business, there are certain tricks of the trade that you must learn from experience. I feel stronger knowing that, though I've stumbled at times, I managed to remain committed to what I initially set out to accomplish. I'm happy that the small mistakes I've made, have allowed me to become a better businessman and more appreciative of the position that I am in.

Was there ever a time where you thought you might not succeed in what you're doing?

Early on, I was shown what a fulfilling experience owning one's own business can be. My mother, younger brother and I are all successful entrepreneurs. It was truly a blessing to be apart of such a driven family. Watching my mother set goal after goal and work to attain them let me know that it would never be a matter of whether or not I would succeed merely how I would use my success to help motivate others.

Guiding principles?

It's my company name and it's an idea that I've chosen to live my life by. I wake up every morning knowing that I'm ,b.Striving Toward Excellence with Perfection in Sight!

Birthday? Where you grew up? Where you went to school?

My birthday is December 6. I was born and raised in Hammond IN and I'm a proud Tiger after having attended Morehouse College!

Message Jamahl King and tell him what you think

Survey Says #12

Fill in the blanks
1. My favorite pop group or artist from the 80's is __________.
2. Name 3 'H.H.' (hood hits) that are constantly being played where you live: __________, ...

Fill in the blanks
1. My favorite pop group or artist from the 80's is __________.

2. Name 3 'H.H.' (hood hits) that are constantly being played where you live: __________, __________, and __________.

3. If I could have a conversation with any poliician, revolutionary, historian, or inventor, it would be __________.

4. In high school, I swore I was the %*!$ because when I wore my __________ with my __________ everybody was on me.

5. If I had to name a hip hop inspired cereal, it would be __________.

Message Terrill Joyner and The Crusade.net with your Survey Says responses

In Rotation: Sydnee Stewart

Sydnee Stewart
Clevah Ent.

My background: I'm originally from Cincinnati OH. I lived in Atlanta for about a year then moved to

Sydnee Stewart
Poet/Actress/Entreprenuer
Clevah Ent.
NYC and The Globe


My background: I'm originally from Cincinnati OH. I lived in Atlanta for about a year then moved to Brooklyn. I have a degree in Microbiology but my soul is one of an artist. I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (wassups sands and sorors!)

I have worked in various positions in the music industry for the last five years including The Hit Factory, Unique Studios, V. Brown & Co., EMI Music Publishing and BMI. My business is tho know this business inside and out. I quit my job on faith two years ago and six months later I was filming my debut role in HBO's Everyday People. I have always been somewhere, writing, performing, preparing, studying and creating my opportunity. Much love to Nelson George, Jim McKay, Effie Brown and everybody at HBO for putting me "on."

Musicians that move me: Bjork, Prince, dead prez, Stevie Wonder, Jeremy James, Bebel Gilberto, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Marvin Gaye, Tupac, Mozart to name a few.

Magazines I dig: I don't read magazines or newspapers. Only out of sheer necessity or research. I have two exceptions, Essence and Black Enterprise.

Most humbling moments: Receiving a public assistance card with my face and address on it.

Scariest moments: The day I became an entreprenuer. Realizing I was a grown ass woman. Letting go of my first love and falling in love again. Writing about love...I never do that!

Happiest moment: My first Day of filming..it was my birthday week in March 2003. Meeting Walter Mosley at Sundance 2004. Hanging out with Cicely Tyson, Getting a big hug from Maya Angelou. Getting my first puppy. I love poodles! Finishing my first album and book project (A Rock and a Hard Place). Signing with my management firm, they rep Halle Berry (and she's from Ohio too!).

Books that have changed me: The book of Psalms.

Must-see TV: HBO's Everyday People and Something the Lord Made. Mos Def stars in this..he's gifted.

And my Academy Award goes to: Best Actors-Alfre Woodard, Lynn Whitfield, Kimberly Elise, Lawrence Fishburn, Angela Bassett. Whoopi. Why are there only two main African American actors in Hollywood? I like Charlize Theron (but she won already) Matt Damon is thorough and I dig Rosario Dawson for her choices. I think Sarafina is the best movie ever made next to Everyday People of course!

My kind of folk: People who speak the truth and keep their word.

I'm a sucker for: Tall men. Rich men. Men with big hearts and well......u figure that one out. Pina Coladas, Jamaican sunsets. Scented candles, Lillies. Deep tissue messages.

Guilty pleasures: McDonald's Oreo Mcflurry's and french fries. Spa trips with my girls. Red Wine (its good for the heart!). Dulche de Leche ice cream.

Movies I'll never get tired of: Sarafina, The Color Purple, Rounders, Hoodlum, Ice Castles, and Set It Off.

Favorite Shopping spots: Soho, Rodeo Drive, 57th and Madison...I actually hate shopping and am in need of a stylist who loves to shop! I'll shop for shoes though. I have a shoe fetish.

About Men: Speaking of fetishes...uuhhmm...what can I say. I love men. Every part of them. I like white teeth and clean fingernails.

Favorite travel spots: Jamaica, Paris, Amsterdam, The Brooklyn Moon.

Websites of choice: Betteryouth.org, craigslist.org, yahoo.com, google.com, clevah.com

Food I can't live without: Shrimp even though sometimes I break out in hives when they aren't cooked properly.

Favorite Pet: My cat Taxi. She's the only cat I'll ever own. She's a superstar.

Stress Free Spots: My mind while in prayer or meditation. Any quiet park with a lake.

Favorite colors: Black, red, orange, mint green, hot pink.

What keeps me sane: God. My friends and family. Occasionally I self medicate when I get the blues.

The wackest sh*t out there: White people with locks. The current war with Iraq. Bush.

Things I obsess about: I'm too blessed to obsess.

My motto: "The hustle is within and the grind is global. It's up to you. What you gonna do?" and WWJD

Future Plans: To change the world. Find my fairytale and live it.

For more info, visit Sydnee Stewart at Clevah.com or
"Help a child smile and feel worthwhile" by donating your time/resources to her Betteryouth.org

Message Sydnee Stewart and tell her what you think

Perspective: Beverly Smith

Beverly Smith
Rolling Stone

Job History
Receptionist and Media Planner at Peter Rogers

Beverly Smith
Senior Director of Fashion Advertising
Rolling Stone
NYC


Job History
Receptionist and Media Planner at Peter Rogers Associates, an advertising agency
Media Supervisor and Media Director at Jeff McKay, an advertising agency
Fashion and Beauty Advertising Director at Vibe Magazine
Senior Director of Fashion Advertising at Rolling Stone magazine.

Three words to describe yourself.

Vivacious, intelligent, real!

What are you currently working on? What is your day-to-day responsibilities?

I'm currently working on developing Rolling Stone's list of fashion clients. Day to day, I meet with various clients ranging from urban fashion accounts to designer fashion brands and their respective agencies. Lots of lunches, dinners and getting to know clients, this is important to establish a mutual level of trust and respect.

What made you decide to pursue this career?

I didn't pursue my career, my career choose me. My innate people skills, interest in fashion, love of negotiating and pragmatic way of looking at business made me ideal to be a fashion rep.

What inspires/motivates you?

Smart, kind and adventurous people inspire me. My desire to face my fears and to achieve dreams of all kinds motivates me.

At what point did you decide to make this career choice?

I made a conscious choice to marry my knowledge of "high end" fashion and my respect for urban culture, when I took my position at Vibe.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I try to do no more than 3 "work events" at night per week. To decompress from my "high drama" work schedule, I travel extensively and I tend to gravitate toward destinations that wearing the "right" outfit or eating at the "in" restaurants is not important. This is extremely important since image and being cool is paramount to being successful in fashion.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

The year that Vibe had Gucci, Prada, Dior, D&G and various other luxury brands all running in the magazine. No other music or urban magazine has been able to achieve this since.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn form the experience?

Underestimating the importance of staying in touch with people that you meet along the way in your professional career. What I learned from that mistake is, that the more people you know the bigger your "network" of contacts are and that's how you get jobs!

How did you overcome any roadblocks?

By being myself, working in an almost entirely white industry (designer fashion) I realized early on that they didn't need another "white" girl or wanna-be. I've distinguished myself by being a Black woman from Harlem that's proud of herself and her culture. Real always wins!

Was there ever a time where you thought you would not succeed? Please explain.

There was a huge learning curve when I went to Vibe. Having been a Media Director, I was used to being the person that people courted, as a sales rep you have to court people and put yourself in a position daily to be rejected.

Is there a down side to your position?

The down side is having to be self motivated at all times. Most sales reps are motivated only by money; I'm more motivated by wanting to help my clients find creative solutions to their marketing problems, basically work that I can be proud of. It's lonely being the only one with that outlook.

What are your Guiding principles?

Honesty, graciousness, recognizing that everyday is a blessing!

What were/are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge was not believing the hype, European travel, discounts at the best designer boutiques, designer gifts at Christmas, appearing in magazines and on TV, you can start to think you have all that because you are a star! Invalid, "chicken today, feather tomorrow", all that stuff can go away in a heartbeat! I'm blessed to have friends that never let me forget that.

What are the personality traits you think a successful person in this industry should have?

Tenacity, when they tell you no, that's when the game really begins.
Integrity, don't lie, the world is too small, everybody knows somebody that you know and you will eventually be busted.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?

Many people don't understand how to network, what I always tell young people is, the first level of networking that you should do, is among your peer group. It's great to have a chat with the president of the company, but your fellow interns, assistants, coordinators; you guys are going through the ranks together. If they have a measure of respect for you and what you are trying to achieve, they are the ones that will recommend you for things once they get plugged in. A lot of people look at folks that the "come up" with as competition, in a short sighted way they are, but the big picture is they are allies. That's why fraternities and sororities are founded, you need family to achieve.

When is your Birthday? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

I'm a Scorpio, my birthday is Election Day, November 2 (don't forget to vote). I was born and raised in Harlem and I attended NYU.

Message Beverly Smith and tell her what you think

AAPRC Weekly: Les Payne

Les Payne
New York Newsday

As the first person in his family to go to college, Les Payne felt an obligation to make the most of the

Les Payne
Syndicated Columnist
New York Newsday
NYC


As the first person in his family to go to college, Les Payne felt an obligation to make the most of the opportunity. Though he’d wanted to be a writer since the tenth grade, he thought it more important that he choose a career in which he could make a living. He began his education at the University of Connecticut as an engineering major, not finding the courage to follow his passion and switch to English until his junior year. It broke his parents’ hearts but turns out it was a good move.

Armed with his English degree and his love of writing, Payne would go on to become one of the most formidable journalists of his generation. Right out of college, though, it was unclear how the Connecticut native would even manage to get his first job. “Newspapers were essentially closed to Black folks when I graduated in 1964,” says Payne. “I was in Hartford, Connecticut and there were two newspapers and neither one had ever hired a Black reporter…There were some 1800 daily [mainstream] newspapers at that time, and I’d never seen a black reporter.”

Faced with a closed door to his chosen career, Payne did what a lot of Black men of his era did––he joined the Army. During his five years in the military, Payne rose to the rank of captain and commanded an anti-aircraft missile battery. He also found his way into the Army’s version of journalism, serving two years as an information officer. During Vietnam he ran a newspaper and wrote speeches for General William C. Westmoreland.

As an information officer, Payne also interacted with civilian journalists and developed a network of contacts among U.S. newspapers. Still, it wasn’t his contacts so much that helped Payne with his first civilian job. It was the Watts riots of 1965. The aftermath of that turmoil had cracked open the doors of mainstream papers. “The riots were covered so poorly that the official report said that newspapers--if they expected to cover urban America--would have to do something about its lack of Black reporters,” Payne recalls.

So newspapers began hiring Black reporters, and in 1969, Payne was hired at New York’s Newsday. To say that Payne made the most of this opportunity would be an understatement. Just five years into his career at Newsday, Payne was part of a team of reporters who put together the 1974 special report, “The Heroin Trail.'' The 33-part series traced the flow of heroin from the poppy fields of Turkey to the veins of drug addicts in metro New York. Payne spent more than six months in Europe on the story, reporting from ten cities across the continent. “The Heroin Trail” won a Pulitzer and was published in book form.

Payne’s impressive list of journalistic milestones went on to include investigative reports on Long Island migrant farm workers, involuntary sterilization, illegal immigrants, The Black Panther Party, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Payne wrote on the Symbionese Liberation Army and the kidnapping of heiress Patricia Hearst, eventually authoring The Life and Death of the SLA, a book about his investigative account of the revolutionary band that terrorized the West Coast.

As a foreign correspondent, he reported extensively from Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. He came within a hair’s breadth of winning his second Pulitzer––the 1978 prize for foreign reporting––for his 11-part series on the aftermath of the 1976 Soweto, South Africa uprisings. Payne’s writing was so powerful the apartheid government in Pretoria barred him from returning to the country. Still, Payne went back in 1985 and again in 1990, upon the release of Nelson Mandela, each time writing about the political and social changes in that nation. In 1978, 1979 and 1980, Payne traveled to Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) to report on the military and political developments there, becoming the first American journalist to visit areas held by guerrillas. He has returned to Africa again and again, to more than a dozen countries including Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique and Kenya.

In 1980, Payne added editorial writing to his already impressive portfolio. Like everything else that he’s attempted, Payne excelled as a columnist, earning a raft of awards, including the 1984 UPI Award for Best Commentary, the 1986 ASNE Citation for Column Writing, the 1987 and 1988 Commentary Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and several Associated Press Awards for column writing. Payne’s column has been syndicated by Tribune Media Services since 1985.

In addition to his awards for editorial writing, Payne’s other honors include the $10,000 World Hunger Media Award from the United Nations, the Howard University Journalism Prize, and scores of other prizes. In short, Payne and his news staffs at Newsday––where he is now associate managing editor for national, science, and international news, and manager of the paper’s Queens edition––have won every major award in journalism, including three recent Pulitzer Prizes.

Journalists are typically journeymen, changing news organizations when new opportunities present themselves. In this area, as in so many others, Payne is a notable exception. He’s been at Newsday for nearly 35 years and counting and the reason is simple. Every time he got ready to leave he got a more interesting job in the newsroom. Outside of the paper, Payne has explored television and radio with numerous appearances on shows ranging from “Nightline” to “Meet the Press.” In 1981, 1982 and 1996, he served as a judge on the panel that selected the News and Documentary Emmys for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He has served as a member of the Pulitzer Prize selection committee, and is the Inaugural Professor for the David Laventhol Chair at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

What’s next for Newsday’s uberjournalist? “The next challenge is, I guess, books,” Payne muses. “I’m finishing a biography of Malcolm X that I’ve been working on for some time.”

When he’s not working, Payne, who lives with his wife, Violet, in Huntington, NY, collects art and first edition books, but mostly, it seems, Payne loves to travel. He has spent extensive amounts of time in China and Africa. “I’ve been to 25 countries in Africa,” says Payne. “I like South Africa. I like Zimbabwe. I like Kenya. I like Senegal. My travel in Africa I find rewarding in just about all quadrants, both in terms of learning and enjoyment.”

In part of an outcropping of his experiences as a journalist, Payne and his wife, Violet, did what they could to shape their three nowgrown children into citizens of the world. “My wife was pregnant with our second child when we were traveling to Turkey, Africa, the Caribbean,” Payne recalls. “We spent a Christmas in Jamaica. Spring in Senegal. They’ve seen Kenya, China and Russia…I think that’s one of the things parents should do for children, give them a world view.”

This year is a particularly heavy news cycle–-scandals, elections, war, economic turmoil. Are there any issues that you think aren't getting enough coverage and that you hope to address?

In the news cycles you mentioned there are spokes, and critical ones, that just don't get enough sustained attention. We do drive-bys that don't drive home to the public the truth at the root of the matter. Despite coverage, for example, many still believe, falsely, that Iraq was linked to Al Qaeda and events of September 11; that President Bush's WMD [weapons of mass destruction] claims somehow constituted a credible trigger for war; that the U.S. economy is rebounding despite historic––and willful––deficits; that Bush/Cheney won the 2000 election fair and square. This goes to the point of insufficient committed coverage. As for omission, the sustained attack against Black men in America tops the list of issues that are not covered save in an indirect, anecdotal, piecemeal way. This is shameful and tragic stuff.

I think it's safe to say that you are, arguably, one of the most accomplished journalists of your generation. In the wake of your success, what do you see as your responsibility to the profession? To readers?

My responsibility to the profession is to help prepare the generations behind me to make a better mess of things than we have managed to do. As for readers, my responsibility is to ferret out relevant information from sources no matter how secretive, test it factually and pass it along within context. In short, to tell readers the truth.

Is there any work that you're most proud of, that you consider especially significant?

Good fortunes--and my mother’s prayers--have allowed me to witness significant events all over the world. I'm most proud of the times when, by some stroke of luck, I got the story right. It clicked with my coverage of South Africa, starting with the 1976 Soweto uprising running through Nelson Mandela's ost-prison years as president and beyond. In the steel jaws of an apartheid state the Boers said would last 1,000 years, I learned that history is a living organism ever changing. Other high points include: an investigation of the assassination of Martin Luther King; my book on the Symbionese Liberation Army; the investigation of the illicit global flow of heroin, but why go on.

Have you ever expressed an opinion in your editorial writing that you came to regret?

Yes. I called George C. Wallace, the former governor of my home state, an Alabama "snake" upon his death. I should have called him a gutless scoundrel of an S.O.B. Snakes serve a useful purpose on this planet.

You started your career in journalism in the 1960s, when it was next to impossible for African-Americans to get hired in mainstream news outlets (until the aftermath of the Watts riots). From your perspective as a veteran journalist and a news manager, are you optimistic about diversity in American journalism?

In journalism, as in life, Blacks will achieve what they demand without compromise. Once we understand how vital journalism is to our interests, indeed our survival, we will walk hard and fear no goddamn evil. This seizing of the time, as Frederick Douglass promised, will demand struggle, a struggle that will alter the power equation in this republic. Those now in power are mere creatures of survival; they will do anything to survive. They will even do right if they're forced to. Doing right by Blacks must be made a condition of survival. My optimism springs eternal at the precise moment Blacks come to this realization.

Over the past several years, a number of high profile journalists have been caught in startling deceptions. Have these incidents affected the way you manage your news staff?

No. Good management will continue to weed out the Jack Kellys and the excesses of the Judy Millers. The mistakes and misdeeds of these white journalists need not stigmatize other journalists of their race.

What's the single best piece of advice you have for young journalists?

Work smart.

Do you have a journalistic idol? Is there anyone after whom you model yourself?

Yes. William Monroe Trotter. However, I must say that I greatly admire the dogged honesty of I. F. Stone, the style of Murray Kempton and the "slapstick vigor" of H. L. Mencken.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Manning the burners on an eight-burner stove.

Tell us one thing people might be surprised to know about you.

I'm basically shy and straight as an arrow.


AAPRC's Mission
The African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC) is an assemblage of professionals who provide communication conduits among clients, journalists, media and our communities. We come together as a collective because we recognize the importance of building those same conduits amongst ourselves.

A great deal of what we do is professional development––updating our skills, keeping pace with technology, refining and streamlining processes, providing a forum to tackle the issues that impact our work environment––but we believe our professional lives benefit most from the forging of effective alliances. Connected to one another, we possess the power of a nationwide body of committed, knowledgeable practitioners with an eye on the future.

As we move into the 21st century at lightning speed, mass media and its potent messages occupy an ever-larger part of our daily lives and our collective psyche. The AAPRC is focused on helping our members gain a deeper understanding of media's force and supporting their growth as powerful participants in the global communications network.

AAPRC's Contact
GQ Media & Public Relations
1650 Broadway Suite 1011
New York NY 10019
1212 765 7910
1212 765 7905
aapublicistcoll@aol.com

Message Les Payne and the AAPRC and tell them what you think

Spotlight: Yusef H. Shabazz and Magnatar Records

On The Verge Of A Very Bright, Musical Future
It isn't often that you get to sit down with dedicated music people. They are always on the go--setting up deals, hitting the road or living in an office or recording studio

On The Verge Of A Very Bright, Musical Future
It isn't often that you get to sit down with dedicated music people. They are always on the go--setting up deals, hitting the road or living in an office or recording studio.

Yusef H. Shabazz often referred to as "The Godfather" met up with me to talk about his love and enthusiasm for "real R&B music."

That's where I learned that Mr. Shabazz is such a music aficionado that he founded his own independent record company, Magnatar Records.

How did it all come about? "Through a friendship with music producer and original Main Ingredient member Tony Silvester," Mr. Shabazz replies, when asked. We're sitting down in front of one another, wining and dining, during an informal dinner he's hosting for his staff at Houston's Park Avenue South nestled in the east Chelsea section of New York City.

Mr. Shabazz is a dapper and reserved, mature gentleman that is neatly dressed in very fine attire. He seems to have a flair for the finer things in life. He brings the spirit of legendary music mogul Clarence Avant to mind, when he speaks.

A few years ago, he collaborated with the Panama-born Mr. Silvester on The Main Ingredient's last album Pure Magic, which garnered rave reviews. It was only natural that a record label was formed to house the legendary R&B group--who gave R&B music lovers such timeless hits as "Everybody Plays The Fool," and "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely."

After teaming with Mr. Silvester, the Savannah, Georgia native was intent on finding a name for their new company. When Look Out Records did not make the grade, and Up-Right Records wasn't available, an associate came up with "magnatar." Mr. Shabazz liked the one-of-a-kind moniker, but didn't necessarily know what it meant.

"It meant the brightest star in the universe," he continues, "and when I presented that name to some prospective investors on Wall Street, they fell in love with it. They thought that Magnatar Records was a very unique name. As did I."

Mr. Shabazz has a firm belief in God and, he strongly believes in his product. As a Black business owner, he has to. "There are faithful record buyers who still go to the record stores. I love the music that we're doing. It is the return of the real R&B."

"When you put out a product, you have to put out a great product because of the competition," he says describing his approach to music and business. "If you put out the right music with the right artist who has the right personality and the right attitude... including the right team around you to promote that product, you will be successful."

Future aspiring music moguls, I invite you to take careful notes.

Mr. Shabazz has assembled a great team at Magnatar Records. The label's headquarters are located on Broadway in the Winter Garden Theater building, just north of Times Square in New York City. ("We have to be where the action is," he states.) It's there where the day-to-day operations are handled. Mr. Shabazz resides in Yonkers, New York with his family but clocks many hours in the Magnatar offices. He points out music veteran Maurice Bernard Dixon, and his younger brother Tyrone Shabazz as his backbone. "These two are the ones who keep the dream alive," he confides. "They share the same vision and commitment as I do for good music."

Good music indeed.

Carlton Blount is the newest artist to be released on the label. A native of Richmond, Virginia, he has done everything with his silky smooth vocals--from singing with legends such as Patti LaBelle, Roberta Flack and Al Green to being lauded as the winner of the nationally syndicated variety show "Showtime At The Apollo."

Soon after, he became lead vocalist of the Main Ingredient, filling in the shoes of the legendary crooner Cuba Gooding. And if Carlton Blount can stand in for Cuba, he has to have a mighty impressive voice.

His solo debut album (From) A Man's Point of View is set to drop next month. The first single, "Acting Like You're Free" encompasses the sizzling soul that brings to mind such great male R&B legends as Teddy Pendergrass, Dennis Edwards (of The Temptations fame) and even Luther Vandross.

These new guys on the scene can't touch Mr. Blount. His music is proof positive that you don't have to be packaged as a hip-hop homey in order to bring good new soul music to the masses. Simply put, Carlton Blount can sing Jaheim under the table. It's grown and sexy R&B music that is radio ready. The track should find a great home on play-lists like New York City's adult urban stations WBLS-FM and Kiss-FM.

Mr. Shabazz is happy with the process of breaking Carlton Blount's latest endeavor. "Carlton has a dynamic voice, a nice personality and he's very soulful. I think that he's going to be very successful. Make room for Carlton Blount. This record is a launching pad for more great things to come."

And the buzz is building. Billboard, Upscale and Right On magazines have already showed early support for the project. And that is nothing to shake a stick at for an artist releasing a new record on a Black-owned independent record label. It's remarkable.

"The early support is warmly welcomed, and appreciated," adds Mr. Shabazz. "My new team really is putting the work in."

After several attempts at hand picking a solid staff, Magnatar has set up an official re-launch of the company with a new team that is effectively overseeing promotions, marketing and media. A distribution pact is in the final stages of negotiations at press time. Their former distribution deal was with Chic front-man Nile Rodgers' Sumthing Distribution.

Forthcoming plans are underway to reunite Cuba Gooding with The Main Ingredient, and to release albums by chanteuse Natasha Coward and the sexy, chocolate and chiseled crooner Jeffrey Spence. "Magnatar Records is hitting the ground running with great music," concludes Mr. Shabazz.

With a slogan of being "The Brightest Expression In Music," the Black-owned Magnatar Records seems to be on the right track. We just have to be on the look out for it.

Message Yusef H. Shabazz or Margot Jordan and tell them what think

The Ru Report #141

In This Week's Report
BET Veteran Stephanie Frederic Is Making Moves, Martell Honors Lee Daniels and Spike Lee & Co. To Deliver Miracle's & More

Making Moves
The always lovely Stephanie Frederic isn't resting on her laurels. She's making some major moves.

The veteran Black Entertainment Television correspondent is stepping away from the spotlight and into the background--and calling all the shots for a change--with her directorial debut, From Darkness To Light…The Donnie McClurkin Story, which will hit the masses in late October.


"This chapter of my life is so new and exciting," revealed Ms. Frederic, who is also an Emmy Award winning producer and the owner of FGW Productions--a full service TV production company based in Los Angeles.

FGW produced Black Entertainment TV's award winning biography series, "Journeys in Black" as well as behind-the-scenes movie specials and one-hour network TV specials for NBC, HGTV and BET.

"Donnie McClurkin has a story that everyone needs to hear," she added. "I honestly believe this film will inspire many people. We plan to take it around the world."

The "enlightening" documentary chronicling the life and times of the now- "delivered" Grammy Award winning gospel superstar will become available on home video formats via Image Entertainment. As the only film authorized by Mr. McClurkin and his family, the music takes on a new significance as he talks about his tumultuous childhood, including twenty years of struggling with his homosexuality. His family, friends and other gospel greats, such as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Marvin Winans, Andrae Crouch and Kirk Franklin share their insights into his world throughout the flick.

"This project was two years in the making," the Alexandria, Louisiana native told "The Ru Report" earlier this week. "He gave us unprecedented access--we literally followed him and his family everywhere. I'm sure [they] were happy when we stopped following them," she quipped, then added, "They were fantastic to work with and quite candid."

Undeniably candid.

Before he reached adolescence, Mr. McClurkin's childhood was mentally ravaged by the tragic death of a younger sibling and the subsequent eternal heartbreak of his mother. He was then molested by several male relatives and later witnessed the debilitating drug abuse of family members. This was all before he became the singing and swinging "tall skinny boy" who wound up being mentored and later kicked out of the house by Marvin Winans. Such a harrowing tale. It's a story of true fortitude, from tragedy to triumph, indeed.

"I've always wanted to be a documentary filmmaker," the director continued. "Working years as a news reporter, I have met some great people with great stories that need more time than one minute and thirty seconds--the average time of a news story."

"Watching fabulous documentaries is a passion of mine and quite frankly--it gives me great joy to produce them and own them."

Ms. Frederic, who is an esteemed founding member of the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), has also been honored five times by the National Association of Black Journalists with a first place Salute to Excellence Awards. Other professional commendations have come from the Radio-TV News Directors Association, The Houston Press Club, the Houston International Film Festival and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.

"I love covering news from a Black perspective--stories about us and for us--so I've always worked overtime to bring those stories to BET," she said. Over the years, the former "Inside Edition" correspondent has covered the death of Black Panther Party Leader Huey Newton, the first Democratic Elections in South Africa, earthquakes in Nicaragua, San Francisco and Los Angeles, drug dealing in America's inner cities, savings and loan failures throughout the South, South African President Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson, O.J. Simpson, President Clinton and the first interview with Deathrow Records CEO Suge Knight following the death of Tupac Shakur, among other "gets."

Although a major marketing initiative is being mounted to get the church community involved in the release of the DVD, there are still bigger and bolder ideas for the "…Story." "We're actually pushing for theatrical distribution," the University of Oklahoma alum revealed. "Considering the success of other spiritual films like The Passion [Of The Christ] and documentaries like Fahrenheit 9/11, we believe we're a combination of the two and there's a mega-audience that Hollywood is missing and not serving. Sometimes I call this film, The Passion of Donnie McClurkin--when you consider everything this man has been through.

"Hollywood now understands what movies like 'The Passion' can mean--thanks to Mel Gibson. But remember--Mel had to put out his own money and he proved audiences will support this genre of films."

Good point.

"As for home video DVD's are big business now--so eventually The Donnie McClurkin Story will be on DVD."

"I just want the world to see it"

Film File
During this year's American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Martell Cognac hosted an invitation-only event at the ultra chic Sagamore Hotel in Miami honoring Lee Daniels, best known for producing the critically acclaimed film Monster's Ball, which netted Halle Berry the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002. Drawing celebrity notables including Rosario Dawson, Farnsworth Bentley, Boris Kodjoe and Mo'Nique, guests at the event enjoyed poolside cocktails, delicious delicacies and danced the night away to the infectious grooves spun by New York's popular DJ Goldfinger. The ambiance of the entire event (which took over the hotel's entire ground floor--from front to back) was very elegant. Outfitted with placards of Mr. Daniels' work, accentuated with crafty lighting and an ice sculpture that sat in the pool and reflected the titles of his works (the upcoming The Woodsman and the forthcoming Shadowboxer). It was decadent. This isn't the first time that the French fine Cognac brand has gotten into bed with the bold and unconventional filmmaker. Last fall, Martell honored Mr. Daniels, along with others, at a fab New York reception launching its well received "Rise Above" campaign, which celebrates African Americans who achieve success independently and who always rise above the competition, any obstacles and most importantly one's own expectations.

Filmmakers Spike Lee, Bill Duke, Ernest Dickerson and actor LeVar Burton will direct one or more episodes of the forthcoming six-episode mini-series, "Miracle's Boys," which will debut in February 2005, on The N network. Based on the novel, The Miracle Boys, by award-winning, young adult author Jacqueline Woodson, the series will be shot entirely on location in the Big Apple through September 24. The half-hour, character-driven series revolves around three half- Puerto Rican, half-African-American, orphaned teenage brothers living in Harlem and their struggle to hold their family together."Miracle's Boys" will be executive produced by Nikki Silver, Orly Wiseman and David C. McCourt for On Screen Entertainment in conjunction with Spike's gorgeous wife Tonya Lewis Lee--who's also a lawyer, an author and producer. The N, the nighttime network for tweens and teens, is a programming arm of MTV Networks and is currently available in 41 million households via cable, digital cable and satellite television. The N's mission is said to be the authentic voice for teens and help them figure out their lives with relevant, topical programming on-air and online at the network's web site The-n.com. The N airs everyday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (ET).

The name of Mo'Nique's Beauty Shop project has been re-weaved into Hair Show and will have a limited theatrical release on October 1. According to Los Angeles-based independent Black film publicist Ava Duvernay, the film is produced by Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Jeff Clanagan of Urbanworks Entertainment, and stars Kellita Williams, Taraji Henson, Joe Torrey, along with Serena Williams and Vivica A. Fox. Ms. Duvernay also handled media chores for the straight-to-video Norah's Beauty Salon, starring Tatiyana Ali, Bobby Brown, Jennifer Lewis and Tamala Jones, which retailed in May.

Pages
BET Books celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the birth of Arabesque, its popular line of African American-themed romance novels, last week at New York City's swanky PM lounge. Darrin DeWitt Henson, a star of the critically-acclaimed dramatic series "Soul Food," hosted the invitation-only event, which featured special honorees Walter Zacharius, founder and chairman of Kensington Publishing, and Monica Harris, the exceptional editor that launched the imprint.

With a wide distribution to independent African-American bookstores, along with major booksellers, including Walden Books, Barnes & Noble, and Wal-Mart and Target stores, BET Books have published more than 450 titles in the past decade. The imprint also boasts production of 13 Arabesque Book titles as made-for-TV movies for the BET network, including 10 in 1999 – the largest single slate of African-American films ever produced. These movies are now available on VHS and DVD.

"To say it has been a wonderful ride so far is only a mild descriptor at best," proclaimed Linda Gill, Vice President and Publisher of BET Books. "The success of the Arabesque imprint has been nothing short of amazing. When BET Books purchased the imprint in 1998 from Kensington Publishing, we knew we had the opportunity to continue building something special." William Cox, founder and publisher of "Black Issues Book Review," and industry insiders such as "106th & Park" Talent Executive and Industry Everywoman Kimberly Cooper and marketing maven Tamara Francois, were also be in attendance. The Legendary Chris Washington spun on the wheels of steel.

"No, no regrets …No, let there be no regrets."

©2003 The Ru Report™. All Rights Reserved~~P.O. Box #25 Bushkill PA 18324

Message Karu F Daniels or email him directly at therureport@aol.com

Echoing The Birds & The Bees (West Coast) #5

Soundz Like
Check out profiles on Summer, P. Frank Williams, and Adell Henderson.

Also check out more Places To Fly By Listings

Summer
Event Planner
Los Angeles CA



What is the best thing about the west coast?

The cute men.

What is the one thing that the west coast has that no other region has?

Food variety.

What west coast artist do you have bumping in your CD right now?

No Doubt.

Favorite west coast hot spot/nightclub?

Mayan and Avalon.

West coast eatery that everyone must check out soon?

Water Grill.

West coast hidden secret?

Dim sum.

What would you take with you if LA separated from the mainland and became and Island?

An Asian market.




P. Frank Williams
Freelance journalist/producer
Los Angeles CA




What is the best thing about the west coast?

Since I grew and got all my game in Oakland, I'm addicted to this lovely California lifestyle that I dig. Like Pac: "Up early in the morning. Breath stinking and I'm yawning. Just another sunny day in California." Whether it's the all-out grinding and nonconformist mentality of my hometown, the laidback and chill vibe of Los Angeles, Seattle's crispy clean air or Las Vegas' shiny lights and excess, the West has so all you can ask for.

What west coast artist do you have bumping in your CD right now?

I'm feeling Guerilla Black, The Federation, 213, Houston, 4^th Avenue Jones, Hieroglyphics, Jurassic 5, Medusa, The Coup and some of that old Ice Cube is always on repeat.

Favorite west coast Hot spot/nightclub?

When I'm in Las Vegas it's the Mandalay Bay's Rum Jungle restaurant, the MGM buffet and P.F. Chang's at the Aladdin. In LA, I like Pearl, the Highlands, Cabo Cantina, The Standard downtown, House of Blues or Key Club for a show.

West coast eatery that everyone must check out soon?

G. Garvin's, Serving Spoon, Dolce, Balboa at The Grafton on Sunset Blvd, Versaille's Cuban Restaurant, Magic Johnson's Friday's and Angelina's Soul Food in North Hollywood.

Occupation?

How do I pay the bills?! "I'm a hustler baby!" I write magazine pieces on pop luminaries like Ludacris, Amerie, Suge Knight and Jon Favreau for America, King, Complex, Vibe and other publications. I also write and produce TV shows like Showtime At The Apollo on NBC, VIBE Awards, FAME on NBC and the NAACP Image Awards on FOX. I'm currently producing and writing the documentary Fight For Power: The National Hip-Hop Political Convention, which will air this October right before the election. And I will be in Athens, Greece this August working as a writer and producer for NBC Sports and Pat' O Brien. But my most important job is making sure I play my part in training the next generation of young hip-hop entrepreneurs and activists.




Adell Henderson
West Coast Editor
King Magazine
Los Angeles CA



What do you love about the west coast?

The fact that its filled with an endless amount of hot model chicks who came out here to do they thang.

What do you hate about LA?

The fact that its filled with an endless amount of hot model chicks who came out here to do they thang.




Places To Fly By--Calendar Listing
Wed (08/04): (LA) Private--Oakley & Blender Magazine Summer X Games
Wed (08/04): (LA) Ivar--Heat's X-Games Kick Off Party
Wed (08/04): (LA) Level 3--HeavyHitters Lounge and DJ Felli Fel's Official MixTape Pre-Party

Thu (08/05): (LA) Larry Flynnt's Supper Club--Club 424 every Thursday Nite
Thu (08/05): (LA) Key Club--Cypress Hill Concert
Thu (08/05): (LA) Manhattan Beach Marriott--3rd Annual USA & World Hip-Hop Championship Competitions/Qualifying Rounds

Fri (08/06): (LA) Manhattan Beach Marriott--3rd Annual USA & World Hip-Hop Championship Competitions/Qualifying Rounds
Fri (08/06): (LA) White Lotus--UPN Network Celeb Cast Party
Fri (08/06): (LA) Moonbar--Party/Casting call for the Magic Show
Sat (08/07): (LA) Manhattan Beach Marriott--3rd Annual USA & World Hip-Hop Championship Competitions/Qualifying Rounds
Sat (08/07): (LA) The Vine Bar--Pause Every 1st Saturday
Sat (08/07): (LA) Henry Fonda Theater--DMC/Technics 2004 US Finals
Sat (08/07): (LA) 50/50 @ The Fenix Lounge--Official Album Release Party for Spontaneous
Sat (08/07): (LA) Universal CityWalk--NBA Rythm 'n Rims (basketball & music tour)

Sun (08/07): (LA) Manhattan Beach Marriott--3rd Annual USA & World Hip-Hop Championship Competitions/Qualifying Rounds
Sun (08/08): (LA) Universal Ampitheatre--2004 Teen Choice Awards
Sun (08/08): (LA) Redondo Beach Performing--3rd Annual USA & World Hip-Hop Championship Arts Center Competition Finals

Message Echoing Soundz and The Birds & The Bees and tell them what you think

The Herbert Holla

Herbert's Hot Picks
thu(05): guernica - blessed/selly/qool marv/monica pineda - soul/funk/house/hiphop
thu(05): table 50 - q tip on the set - hiphop/rock/soul/funk/classics

Herbert's Hot Picks
wed(04): cielo - frankie feliciano/louie vega/kevin hedge - soulful house - BBQ!
wed(04): apt - rich medina - soul/afrobeat/old school/funk/classics
wed(04): angel bar - scratch famous/teflon - reggae
wed(04): bOb - rholi rho/5th platoon - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
wed(04): shelter - kayo/tyrone francis - house music all night long say word
wed(04): lotus - ani quinn - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
wed(04): aubette - qool marv - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world
wed(04): suede - frank delour - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s/house
wed(04): madame x - jon oliver - soul/rock/rare grooves/rare sounds - 8pm to 1am
wed(04): nuyorican cafe - live poetry/hiphop/jazz/open mic - 9:30pm
wed(04): pravda - dj obah - afrobeat/soul/funk/old school - 9 to 1
wed(04): 17 - ody rock - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/rock/80s
wed(04): delancey lounge - low budget/cosmo baker/kesto/ayres/guests - soul/booty
wed(04): lion's den - heltah skeltah/orphanfam - 10pm
wed(04): joe's pub - camp lo/jazmine sullivan/dj tech - live soul/hiphop/r&b
wed(04): afterwork/rumor - snatch 1/m.o.s./self/kaos - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

thu(05): guernica - blessed/selly/qool marv/monica pineda - soul/funk/house/hiphop
thu(05): table 50 - q tip on the set - hiphop/rock/soul/funk/classics
thu(05): canal room - cipha sounds/mad linx (b.e.t.) - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
thu(05): ruby falls - big guest djs - hiphop/r&b/rock/80s
thu(05): joe's pub - guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(05): suede - ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
thu(05): viscaya - d nice/dana dane/eddie f - old school, and you know this!!!!
thu(05): black betty/bk - monk one/emskee/cosmo baker - soul/funk/classics/disco
thu(05): pier 63/basketball city - rob flow - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/old school
thu(05): spirit - dj kid capri - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(05): demerara's - shan s/p funk/doc - house/hiphop/funk/breaks - dance conf.
thu(05): suite 16 - sussone - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
thu(05): crobar - larry tee/jon jon battles/optigrab - rock/80s/electro/weird ish
thu(05): show - ody roc - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/old school
thu(05): sob's - rekha/eddie stats - bhangra booty music all night long, shun!
thu(05): sweet rhythm - kim thompson quartet - live jazz - 2122553626
thu(05): metrotech commons - ohio players live - www.bam.org
thu(05): afterwork/rare - red rokk the rabble rouser - 80s/hiphop/rock - 4:30 - 12
thu(05): afterwork/kanvas - dj sweets - hiphop/70s/80s - 6PM
thu(05): afterwork/manhatta - dj eleven/mOma - soul/hiphop/classics
thu(05): afterwork/ole/pavonia/nj - dj mark. t/aldo - house/80s/dance classics - 5
thu(05): afterwork/jade terrace - guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin
thu(05): afterwork/strata - goldfinger/snatch - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics - 6-4

fri(06): starfoods - thank god it's freedom - the illest - see gigs below!
fri(06): frying pan - nickodemus/mariano/bruce tantum - house
fri(06): mouton lounge/510 laguardia place - carol c - brazilian/afro - live drums
fri(06): ruby falls - mark ronson - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
fri(06): lot 61 - dj soul - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(06): union square lounge - marlon d - deep house
fri(06): ruby lounge - dj ola - hiphop/funk/reggae/classics/80s/r&b
fri(06): flow - slynkee/cel/supakraze/mary mac - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
fri(06): joe's pub - snatch one - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(06): hue - dj reach - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
fri(06): spirit - the riddler/big ben/lucho - ktu house/hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin
fri(06): the city/old mumbai - bobby konders/jabba - reggae/reggae/reggae/reggae
fri(06): negril village/rhum lounge - obah - soul/funk/classics/afrobeat/hiphop
fri(06): vue - first fridays party/guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
fri(06): viscaya - ody roc - hiphop/rock/r&b/old school
fri(06): crobar - stephan luke/ivan bellino - hard house/techno
fri(06): copacabana/grand opening - camilo/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin
fri(06): apt - dj spinna - old school/soul/house/funk
fri(06): piano's - small change/gerald mcboing boing - crazy vinyl/rarities/soul
fri(06): vela - guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock - models/bottles/etc
fri(06): table 50 - qool marv - soul/funk/classics/house/old school/disco/etc.
fri(06): mission - danny o/jimmy ponzio - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
fri(06): afterwork/gramercy park hotel roof - deepa - house - 5:30pm
fri(06): afterwork/sequoia's - willie rodriguez/john sciascia - hiphop/r&b/latin
fri(06): afterwork/ellie lounge - daddy dre/black label - hiphop/r&b/reggae - 6-4
fri(06): afterwork/open air - mondee/synapse/chasekillz - soul/rap/funk - 6pm

sat(07): social club - cosi/slynkee/cel - hiphop/r&b/reggae/rock/80s/house
sat(07): rehab - stimulus/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(07): ruby falls - dj soul - hiphop/rock
sat(07): mission - stormin normin - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(07): 40/40 - rahlo/k.o. - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/80s
sat(07): shelter - timmy regisford/ambrosia project live - house!
sat(07): chetty red - van vader/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics/old school/80s
sat(07): sapphire lounge - jazzy nice - hiphop/soul/old school/funk/breaks/house
sat(07): ida mae - guest djs - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(07): viscaya - reach/ani - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock
sat(07): coral room - sureshot - hiphop/r&b/80s/rock
sat(07): deep - self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(07): long meadow field/prospect park - soleil bbq - dj stimulus - 1 to 9
sat(07): crobar - david waxman/guests - house/hiphop/rock/80s
sat(07): mars 2112 - ty boogie/s&s/legend sound - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
sat(07): ps 1/moma - dj synapse/breez evahflowin/guests - hiphop/soul/jungle
sat(07): SUBWAY PARTY - 9:18pm - q platform - NUTS!!!!!! - www.styleaholics.com
sat(07): satalla - caribbean music dance party - www.satalla.com
sat(07): etoile - goldfinger/precise - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics

sun(08): fez uptown - marc smooth/guests - rare groove/soul/hiphop/reggae/classics
sun(08): bb king's - talib kweli/ded prez/jean gray/guests - www.blackaugust.com
sun(08): joe's pub - evil d/lord sear/butta l/rocksteady!!!! - classics/old school
sun(08): lotus - goldfinger - hiphop/80s/r&b/rock/old school
sun(08): blvd/crash mansion - reggae riddims sundays - guest live show
sun(08): 32 newark st/hoboken - lou gorbea/peter reyes - house music
sun(08): deep - camillo/guests - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin - dominican celebration

mon(09): apt - cucumber slice - soul/funk/rare grooves/latin/uprock/old school
mon(09): cielo - francois k - future dub/space vibes/abstract grooves (aka house)
mon(09): sweet rhythm - oskar cartaya & the enclave - afrocarib jazz - 2122553626
mon(09): crobar - mada/moody/finesse - hiphop/rock/house/whatever - industry night
mon(09): tavern on the green - johnny famolari/norty cotto - salsa - 7:30pm
mon(09): afterwork/justin's - dj commish - hiphop/reggae/r&b/classics - 6pm

tue(10): joe's pub - guest djs/live performances - soul/funk/classics/hiphop
tue(10): sapphire lounge - eman/lola - house/deep grooves
tue(10): lobby - will/self - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(10): mission - d-nice/dj hud/mc frank jugga - hiphop/r&b/reggae/classics
tue(10): the park - dj stu bronze - rock - free BBQ from 10 to 11:30
tue(10): belmont lounge - qool marv - soul/funk/r&b/old school/house/afro/world
tue(10): hiro/maritime hotel - guest djs - rock/hiphop/whatever - uber trendy
tue(10): table 50 - swamy/john creamer/david vasquez/dope guests - house
tue(10): suite 16 - big ben - hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s
tue(10): afterwork/strata - derrick spaulding/lucho - hiphop/r&b/reggae/latin - 6
tue(10): afterwork/aubette - snatch 1 - hiphop/r&b/reggae/soul/classics - 6:30PM

Herbert's Heard
"Bad Girl" -- Usher
"Thief's Theme" -- Nas
"Godfather" -- Shyne
"Conversation" -- Prince
"U Saved Me" -- R Kelly
"Diary" -- Alicia Keys feat. Tony Toni Tone
That Colt 45 radio jingle ("Colt 40 fu*kin' 5!")

Word As Bond
I don't feel like talking much. And I hate being forced to talk. If any of y'all seen "The Village," and you remember that Joacquin Pheonix scene on the porch when the gal asks him why he doesn't talk much, then you know how I feel sometimes.

"Are you feeling okay?"
"Is everything alright?"
"Why so glum?"
"What's wrong?"

Nothing, g-ddammit. Sometimes I just don't feel like saying much.

Except ... don't forget about Freedom every friday 'cuz it's the illest and you've honestly not been to a "party" till you've been to Freedom, and you simply haven't experienced music and dancing till you've been to Freedom. For real. Where else do 300 people dance and sing along with a Nas track, and then dance and sing along to Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" the very next song?

Nowhere else. Stop fronting. See you Friday.

Love, good health and much nachas ("luck" in Jewish),

P.S. -- Mazel Tov to Jonathan and Kim, my brother and his new wifey. I think your "first-dance" should be to Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire."

Herbert's Gigs
tonight - umbrella new york - 440 w. 202nd (crnr of 10th ave)
a brand new hiphop party at a brand new spot! herbert's comin uptown!
hip-hop/r&b/reggae/reggaeton by dj herbertowitz all night long!
ladies free b4 12/$10 after - guys $15 - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

every friday - freedom - starfoods (64 e. 1st b/w 1st+2nd aves)
#1 funnest friday night dance party in nyc, son-n-n-n!
classic hiphop/soul/dancehall/80s/house/classic r&b/funk
$6 peach punch - food till 2am - dancing - come as you are!!
$5 on my list - warning: come b4 1am! - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

this saturday - social club (14 e. 27th st b/w 5th + madison)
the hot hot hot new saturday weekly - no more Lot 61!!!
hiphop/r&b/reggae/80s/rock/house/classics by COSI - main floor
a mix of the same sort of music downstairs by slynkee and cel
look sharp - ladies free b4 12 - $15 - rsvp djherbert@earthlink.net

Message DJ Herbert and tell him what you think

Tech Sessions #11

It's A Party Thing
Someone asked me 'do you get high when you do your beats?' Now, I could get down on some just say no…yada, yada, yada but I get the feeling somebody out there would know better. The truth is

It's A Party Thing
I got hit up with a really interesting message on AIM the other day and I figured it would make a good if not not-so-technical topic. The question was 'do you get high when you do your beats?' Now, I could get down on some just say no…yada, yada, yada but I get the feeling somebody out there would know better. The truth is there is no real answer because everybody is different.

Like in any mindset, I've had slamming days and whack days working with dro on my mind; it really can depend. So it really just comes down to you getting to know yourself. Like, if it's a pressure filled day then that is definitely something that helps relieve tension.

But on the other hand, there's no way I could write a song or flip a beat if I've been drinking heavy because I know how I get. My mind will be more on trying to get to where my people are at than coming up with some hot shit so that's no good.

Now when tracking with artists, you have to be mindful of what their limits are as well. Some artists can only track with 20 people around blowing trees and raising hell and others get so caught up in it that they end up hanging out more than they do working.

There are no rules for us outside of do what's best for the song. It's a fine line way of living life too because common sense says keep things orderly and on-point but sometimes that is the worst thing you can do,because if handled the wrong way, then people get all kinds of stressed out.

Plus, in situations like club/party joints you can actually put the crew to work by having them on gang vocals or call-out hooks and what not. The bottom line is the song is getting done and is hot. Obviously, flipping a deeper track that calls for somebody to go inside of themselves more might not lend itself to the crew hanging out but again you have to ask yourself before you clean house 'will the artist perform better without all these people?'

Now, most of the time, I tend to say they will because people can get kinda testy about taking direction in front of people that will not hesitate to clown them. Plus, extra people usually make for extra comments that do not do that much more than make things take longer than they need to.

So it really comes down to one question, whether in your own personal use or others, is can it be flipped to an advantage?

You gotta stay open because just like some people can not work under the influence, some can not work without being under the influence. And while maybe a bit harsh, it's the cold facts of the business we work in.

Glover is one half of the Atlanta, GA based production squad The Audio Assassins which are founding members of The Elements. You can find them both at Audioassassins.com and theelementsinc.com

Message Glover with your take on being under the influence and creating music!

Perspective: David Moze Baptiste

David Moze Baptiste
SMOOTH Magazine

Job History
Father, bouncer, electrician, party promoter, your

David Moze Baptiste
Director of Promotions
SMOOTH Magazine
NYC


Job History
Father
Bouncer
Electrician
Party Promoter, your regular neighborhood hustler/go to guy
Director of Promotions, SMOOTH

Three words to describe yourself.

Father, unpredictable, and determined.

What are you currently working on? What is your day- to- day responsibilities?

Besides promoting for Smooth magazine, I own a promotions & artist management company based in Brooklyn. I'm also VP of Igloo Ent. which is owned & operated by Kool G Rap.

I currently manage a rapper named Saint from Flatbush, Brooklyn and singer/songwriter Lee Carr from Westchester NY.

My day to day consists of constant emails and phone calls from promoters, publicists, program directors, photographers, DJ's, reviewing or sending off proposals. I'm basically creating and maintaining a steady buzz for all of my projects.

What made you decide to pursue this career?

I actually got started in this industry by accident. I always hung with people older than me so I had a few friends that worked for an independent record label at the time. They asked me to help them promote a few of their artists along with some side projects by putting together a street team.

What inspires/motivates you?

My motivation are my two kids. They're my greatest inspiration.

At what point did you decide to make this career choice?

It was around the early 90's. One of my projects was "O.P.P." and that record got so big. I felt like this is where I belong, I was hooked. I started meeting so many different people and got so excited by it I started interning at more established labels. From there I started getting involved in different projects. As time went on, I bounced to Roc-a-fella, then Polygram, then Universal, and then to Frontline Marketing. While at Frontline I began meeting even more people and made sure I was exposed to and involved in even bigger and better things because I wasn't just promoting music anymore.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

There's been many times I have to be separated from my family due to all of my traveling. Anytime I get to spend with my kids I take it, or if I can have them with me, they're with me.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I would say my reputation. I don't like confusion. Anyone who's dealt with me in the past knows I gives it to 'em straight up and down.

What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn form the experience?

I think my worst career mistake was thinking I can't make it in this industry. I've helped many people become millionaires or at least be able to live comfortably. Whether it was directly or indirectly, people will be people and they forget easily. You have to position yourself where you benefit out the deal some way. I learned early not to think I was going to see money every time I do business. Step up your game buddy...period.

How did you overcome any roadblocks?

My Roadblock has been not being able to find anyone to work as hard as me. There are so many jealous motherf*****s out here and for no reason. For this, I have to look deeper into people and be very selective who I get involved with.

Was there ever a time where you thought you would not succeed? Please explain.

There's been many times where I just wanted to stop everything. I'm not a quitter. I'm to hard headed for that. People said I wouldn't get anywhere with SMOOTH because of one thing or another. Now we're on our third year and looked at as a credible magazine.

Is there a down side to your position?

Sometimes you have to do things to move your project. Things you really dread doing. I could get into somethings but I can't divulge that information :-)

It's sad people don't realize how critical promotions are to a project. It surprises me to see how many people run these corporations and totally shit on their promotion department. It's common sense that if your not keeping yourself visible to your target audience they will never respond. Out of sight, out of mind. It's that simple.

Another down side is you have a lot of "record label owners" who hire a promotions company. These "labels" are trying to do lobster & shrimp on a peanut butter and jelly budget. Then you have to get ignorant with them because they could've just kept it real with you from the start and explain their situation to you.

What are your Guiding principles?

I try to be as fair as possible.
Keep it real, Keep it right.
Respect those who show you respect.

What were/are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is being able to have the strength to just walk away from a lot of the negative bullshit this industry throws my way.

What personality traits do you think a successful person in this industry should have?

I think anyone looking to become successful in this industry should be excellent at networking, have common sense, and surround yourself with positive people.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out?

If there is someone you're dealing with and you can't gain from them some kind of way, whether it's monetary or knowledge, don't fux wit'em!

When is your Birthday? Where you grew up?

I was born November 5, 1976. I was raised between Brooklyn and Hollis Queens.

Message David Moze Baptiste and tell him what you think

AAPRC Weekly: Clarence Page

Clarence Page
The Chicago Tribune

When Clarence Page was a 16-year-old high school student in Middleton, Ohio, the world he knew began

Clarence Page
Syndicated Columnist
The Chicago Tribune, Washington DC bureau
Washington DC


When Clarence Page was a 16-year-old high school student in Middleton, Ohio, the world he knew began to change. He watched it happen every night on the evening news. President Kennedy had just been assassinated. Martin Luther King, Jr. marched on Washington. The Civil Rights revolution was going full throttle. The Beatles were en route to "The Ed Sullivan Show." Page wanted to be a part of it all. "I thought journalism would be a great way to be an eyewitness to history," Page remembers. "After some talking to people, I realized I could make a career out of it."

He got started on that career right away. In the winter of 1963 his first editorial writings debuted in his high school newspaper, a column he dubbed "Page's Page." From high school, Page went on to Ohio University, where, in 1969, he received a bachelor's degree in journalism. His post-college years brought him to Chicago where he went about the business of becoming an overnight success. Sort of.

"It took me 20 years to become an overnight success," says Page. "I was 16 when I decided I wanted to do this and I was 36 by the time I actually got a column, in 1984."

Page spent most of the intervening years at the Chicago Tribune. During his 11 years there, from 1969 to 1980, the young journalist tested his mettle throughout the Tribune newsroom as a neighborhood news reporter, a general assignment reporter, an assistant city editor and, perhaps most notably, a task force investigative reporter. In 1973, Page was part of the Tribune team that worked on a series on voter fraud. The project brought Page his first taste of journalism's highest honor –– the Pulitzer Prize. Clarence Page had, apparently, hit his stride. Following the 1973 Pulitzer, his 1976 series on political upheaval in South Africa earned Page the Edward Scott Beck Award for overseas reporting, and his investigative series, "The Black Tax," brought a 1980 Illinois UPI award for community service.

Then, in 1980, Page made a leap, briefly, from the Tribune to the world of television news. During his four years at WBBM-TV, Chicago's CBS affiliate, Page worked as an onair reporter and the station's community affairs director. The versatile Page also lent his pen to local and national publications, area publications such as Chicago Magazine, The Chicago Reader, Washington Monthly, The New Republic, The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, and Emerge. In fact, it was a magazine piece that led to Page's biggest leap ever.

In 1984, Page wrote a profile of the controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. The piece ran in Chicago Magazine, and soon after its publication, a young woman approached Page at a party to compliment him on the work. "This sweet young lady comes over and said: 'are you Clarence Page?' and I was just smitten," Page recalls. "I asked her out to lunch, which surprised her…That was the beginning of something." The woman, Lisa, became Page's wife.

The year Page met Lisa, was also the year the journalist stepped into the fulfillment of the dream he first had as a teenager. The Tribune lured him back from WBBM-TV with a seat on the paper's editorial board and Page's very own twice-weekly column. In just three short years he was syndicated. The Pulitzer Prize for commentary came two years after that, in 1989.

"When I was six years old the preacher at our church said: 'this boy's going to be a preacher some day,'" says Page. "I guess it happened, but I like this better 'cause I don't have to face my audience and I get to write two sermons a week instead of just one."

In his "editorial ministry," Page galvanizes readers in more than 200 newspapers nationwide with fiery sermons on the hot button social and political issues of contemporary American life –– from crime and education to racism and war. In 1987, Page's columns on constitutional rights earned him the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) James P. McGuire Award, and in 1992 he was inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame. He has gone on to publish collections of his writings with books such as Showing My Color: Impolite Essays on Race and Identity (1996, HarperCollins).

When Page returned to the Tribune, he didn't leave broadcasting behind completely. He does a twice-weekly commentary on WGN-TV, Chicago, and lends his voice as a panelist on some of the nation's top news programs, including "The McLaughlin Group," ABC's "This Week," and National Public Radio's "Weekend Sunday." He has also appeared on Black Entertainment Television's (BET) former political show "Lead Story." Page has also hosted several PBS documentaries.

Through it all, he stays focused on what he sees as the essential role of editorial columnists, recalling the words of a former colleague. "He used to say that we columnists don't have enough space to do any real reporting and we don't have the time to do any real investigating. The best thing we can do is explain things to people," Page says. "I think that's a very important role that we play because there's so much information that people have access to, but they have a hard time figuring it out. We help to give them a perspective. They know that in the 700 or so words that we write they will get a capsule view, a window into these much larger issues of the world…We don't tell people what to think, but we help to tell them what to think about."

A self-confessed news junkie who keeps his weekends as news-free as possible, Page and his wife live in Washington, DC. The couple's son, Brady, is now 15, and perhaps following in his father's footsteps. "In the sixth grade he wrote a column in the grade school newspaper," says Page. "He called it 'Page's Page…' He stole my title."

As an editorial writer it's your job to voice your opinion -- your readers don't expect "unbiased" writing. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, however, opinions deemed "unpatriotic" or too far off the prevailing viewpoint were sometimes dealt with rather harshly. Did you find this to be the case? How did that atmosphere affect your writing?

My writing did not change, although my concern for national security and civil liberties has faced new challenges. Some people, reacting out of fear, have tried to call me unpatriotic. As a Vietnam-era Army veteran, I shrug off those jabs as poorly informed. I feel obliged to help people in this atmosphere seriously consider what "patriotism" means. It is not, contrary to the beliefs of some, blind allegiance to whoever happens to be in power. It means serious no-spin examinations of how well our institutions are doing their job of protecting national security and our rights against all enemies, including our benighted fellow Americans who think they have to destroy democracy to save it.

The September 11 attacks prompted many journalists to proclaim that on that day life in the U.S. "was changed forever." Do you think this is true? If so, what do you see as the role/responsibility of journalists in post-September 11 America?

A columnist's job is to help explain the issues and events about which reporters report. That job has taken on a new seriousness in a post-9-11 era in which many new questions trouble Americans about a seemingly hostile world and precarious national security. African-Americans have long been familiar with questions of fear and security. As an African-American, I hope I can offer a perspective based on my experiences that can help others to understand the depth and breadth of meaning in the old anthem, "We Shall Overcome."

This year is a particularly heavy news cycle -- scandals, elections, war, economic turmoil. Are there any issues that you think aren't getting enough coverage and that you hope to address?

Yes. More needs to be said about the lagging performance of Black school children, including those of middle- and upper-class Black students, compared to the White and Asian-American peers of comparable income levels. Education is the main liberation tool for the next stage of Black advancement in America. We need to focus on it more seriously.

Have you ever expressed an opinion in your column that you came to regret?

Yes, I once made fun of new airline regulations that banned peanuts in flight. I thought it was an easy springboard for some light-hearted humor about busybody bureaucrats. My mind was changed forever by a letter I received from a parent and fellow journalist whose little girl had a serious peanut allergy. I went so far as to write a second column retracting and apologizing for the earlier one. The result: an outpouring of letters and e-mails from grateful readers, many of whom were merely astonished and grateful to find a journalist who admitted he made a mistake. I also was invited to speak to a conference of people who work with children who have disabilities. I recommend a little contrition, from time to time, to all of my colleagues.

Is there any work that you're most proud of, that you consider especially significant?

That's a tough one. From what my readers tell me, my calm and insightful "voice of reason" during various crises and cultural clashes, ranging from 9-11 to the bitter aftermath of the first O. J. Simpson trial verdict, have been most welcome.

How, if at all, did winning the Pulitzer change things for you as a journalist?

The title "Pulitzer Prize winner" seems to have a bracing effect on people who previously did not pay much attention to what I had to say. On the down side, it's surprisingly intimidating. After the celebrating fades and you wash the champagne out of your hair, you still have to go back and write your next column -- except now you feel like everybody in the world is going to expect it to be worthy of a "Pulitzer Prize winner." That's a heavy burden that can give you one heck of a case of writer's block. But you must persevere or you don't eat.

In terms of your career, what's been your greatest challenge?

Writing my next column. I've been doing it for 20 years and still every one feels like the first. I don't have trouble starting. I have trouble finishing, for it means I must show my work to other human beings. As a result, I still have trouble making deadlines, as my frustrated editors will confirm.

From your perspective as an observer of this country's cultural and political landscape, about what are you most optimistic?

As a Black man who remembers vividly the horrors and degradation of Jim Crow segregation, I am most optimistic about what Martin Luther King saw as the redemptive nature of the American people -- our basic fairness and decency and our ability to learn from our mistakes. Unfortunately, we don't always learn quickly enough to avoid tragedies, but we can learn and improve, when we work at it.

As a nationally syndicated editorial writer, obviously you keep a close eye on national and international news. Which news outlets do you depend on most?

I read major newspapers and surf reputable websites and knowledgeable bloggers every day. I am a captive of the Web. It's amazing. I can even read the Zimbabwe Daily News, which is a courageously independent newspaper whenever the country's President-for-Life is not throwing its editors in jail.

Tell us one thing people might be surprised to know about you.

I like rap music.


AAPRC's Mission
The African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC) is an assemblage of professionals who provide communication conduits among clients, journalists, media and our communities. We come together as a collective because we recognize the importance of building those same conduits amongst ourselves.

A great deal of what we do is professional development––updating our skills, keeping pace with technology, refining and streamlining processes, providing a forum to tackle the issues that impact our work environment––but we believe our professional lives benefit most from the forging of effective alliances. Connected to one another, we possess the power of a nationwide body of committed, knowledgeable practitioners with an eye on the future.

As we move into the 21st century at lightning speed, mass media and its potent messages occupy an ever-larger part of our daily lives and our collective psyche. The AAPRC is focused on helping our members gain a deeper understanding of media's force and supporting their growth as powerful participants in the global communications network.

AAPRC's Contact
GQ Media & Public Relations
1650 Broadway Suite 1011
New York NY 10019
1212 765 7910
1212 765 7905
aapublicistcoll@aol.com

Message Clarence Page and the AAPRC and tell them what you think