UGD Mag cover 8-2.pdf

Urban Grandstand
t h e d i g i t a l m a g a z i n e
Brave Williams
Fierce, Free, & Fearless
Neffe & Soullow
A Family Hustle
ugdigital.com volume 1 issue 8
Ro Brooks
Showing Why He’s Become
Television’s Leading Man
Toi & Rouvaun Walker
Showcasing “Black Love”
through Bravo’s
Newlyweds: First Year
Plus, exclusives with..
+ Marsha S. Blake, Teenear, Teedra Moses,
Antwuan Jackson, and more..
+Stay Fit with exclusive health tips from Nu Life Fitness

welcome!
welcome!
welcome!
welcome!
welcome!
welcome!

editor’s notes
Greetings everyone! It is with great pleasure we present this issue
to you. It has definitely been a long time coming. With us publishing
every other month, the time seems so long in between. That being
said, we definitely have a jam-packed issue in store for you.
You’ll notice our cover artist, Ro Brooks, for his phenomenal work on
Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots. It was an absolute honor
speaking with Mr. Brooks, and in our cover story, he definitely drops
some jewels on us. He gives us the run down on the show, as well as
the many things he has going on in his life and career. He’s also doing
some amazing things to give back to youth within the urban communities,
and we definitely talk about that.
Also making their way to cover mentions are singer and songwriter
Brave Williams who also stars on TV One’s R&B Divas: L.A., Toi
& Rouvaun Walker of the Bravo reality series Newlyweds: The First
Year, Marsha Blake of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, Author Antwuan
Jackson, the beautiful Teedra Moses, Teenear, Neffe & Soullow
of BET’s Frankie & Neffe, and Nu Life Fitness. These fatures are only
the half of it, as you’ll see as you flip the plages. We have so much
more going on with this issue in terms of features and exclusives,
and we’re so happy to bring it to you.
The one message I want to leave and impress upon our viewers is
one of following your dreams. UGD is by far a dream come true not
only for myself, but everyone involved. We work so hard to bring
our issues to you, and if nothing else, we just want to be able to
show those aspiring to do the same thing that it can be done with
hard work and dedication. Always follow your dreams, regardless of
what anyone tells you. If you can dream it, then it can surely happen.
We hope that you truly enjoy the issue, and we’ll definitely keep the
features coming your way!

CLEAN
YOUR
FITNESS
(SOURCE: SHAPEMAGAZINE.COM)
Several times
throughout the year,
it is good practice to
re-evaluate your fitness
goals, fine tune
eating habits and
make some necessary
changes to keep
yourself motivated
along this lifelong
journey of fitness.
Now that summer
has arrived, it is time
to get our ‘fitness’
life on track. As some
of our fitness activities
and regiments
may change to adjust
to more outdoor
activities, we also
have to adjust our
thing like our wardrobe,
schedules and
people and places.

TRAINING FITNESS TIP:
BUY NEW RUNNING SHOES
1
If you have been hitting the gym (and the treadmill),
all winter, chances are, you are due for a new
pair. Most running shoes last somewhere between
300 and 400 miles—but if you use them to walk
around or do other parts of your gym routine, that
wear and tear counts, too. Go to a running specialty
store to be properly fitted, and have them look at
your gait/pronation to find the best shoe for you.
TRAINING FITNESS TIP:
CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY
2
Still have that tin of popcorn from the holidays or
a box of chocolates from Valentine’s Day? Get rid
of them. And while you’re at it, throw away other
foods low in nutritional value, like chips, pretzels,
sugary cereals, white bread and, yes, even those
100 calorie snack packs (a cookies still a cookie,
even if you squash it flat and drop five in a bag).

IF AN ACTUAL PARTNER IS NOT WORKING FOR
YOU, TRY KEEPING A JOURNAL, WRITING DOWN
ALL OF YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, AND REGI-
MENS. IT WILL PROVE JUST AS EFFECTIVE WHEN
YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION TO SEE
HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME.

TRAINING FITNESS TIP:
SET A SCHEDULE, BUT BE REALISTIC
3
If you have not been working out much this spring
& winter, do not write down that you will do outdoor
cardio exercises for 30 minutes a day, six days
a week. You will only find yourself getting frustrated
and will be more likely to give up on your workout
program. Post your exercise plan in places you
will look frequently, like the calendar app on your
smartphone or at your desk at work.
TRAINING FITNESS TIP:
CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY
4
You are more likely to stick with your plan if you have
a partner in crime. Choose someone who has similar
goals and whose schedule fits with your own. Your best
bet: Get together at the same time four days a week,
whether it is before work or just before dinner. Join
your local Group Fitness Facility, YMCA, Recreation Center,
or even hit the parks and trails, where it is possible
to meet like-minded individuals with similar goals.

Back in the
village
DETROIT’S OWN
W/ SLUM VILLAGE
WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY IT WAS TO RECONNECT WITH SLUM VILLAGE! WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF RUNNING A
CAMPAIGN WITH SLUM BACK WITH THE RELEASE OF DETROIT DELI. MORE THAN TEN YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE THAT TIME,
AND THE COMMONALITY IS A LOT HAS CHANGED ON BOTH ENDS. OBVIOUSLY, WE’RE UGD NOW, AND FOLLOWING A SERIES
OF UNFORESEEABLE CHANGES, THEY HAVE RE-SCULPTED THE BRAND THAT THEY WORKED SO DILIGENTLY TO BUILD OVER THE
PAST FIFTEEN YEARS!
A LOT IS GOING ON FOR T3, YOUNG RJ & ILLA J THESE DAYS. THEY ARE ON THE HEELS OF RELEASING THEIR NEW ALBUM
“YES!”, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD IN JUST FEW SHORT DAYS. LED BY THE SINGLES “EXPRESSIVE” AND “RIGHT
BACK” WHICH FEATURES DE LA SOUL, THINGS ARE LOOKING PRETTY GOOD FOR THE TRIO.
MUCH OF OUR CONVERSATION INVOLVED US JUST CATCHING UP AND REHASHING THE LEGACY THEY’VE BUILT THROUGH-
OUT THE YEARS, BUT THEY DEFINITELY SHED LIGHT ON A FEW THINGS, INCLUDING WHY IT WAS SO IMPORTANT THAT THEY
CONTINUE TO KEEP THE LEGACY OF J DILLA ALIVE, THE CHANGES THEY’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY IN THEIR YEARS HERE, AND
JUST WHAT THEY LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NEW AGE. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THEY GIVE US THE FULL RUNDOWN ON WHAT TO
EXPECT FROM “YES!
BY JAMES JOHNSON

Urban Grandstand Digital: I really appreciate
you guys for your time today.
Obviously, we just set everything up
yesterday, and the new album is coming.
I’m loving the new single, as is
most people, but I’m grateful for you.
It’s been probably ten years since I
spoke with you guys. We did a pretty
big campaign for Detroit Deli, but this
is good. There’s been so many changes
within the group, most uncontrollable,
and J Dilla was such a huge part. He
produced the new single, right?
Slum Village: Yes, it was…
Urban Grandstand Digital: There’s a lot
to be said about that. Obviously, your
loyalty has remained strong, and you
clearly have lots of timeless material
with him. Why was it so important for
Right Back” to be out there?
Slum Village: This really is like a throwback
album. We had beats we were
working with in the past, and we felt like
it was time now. We wanted to bring it all
back full circle, with some Baatin lyrics,
and Dilla rhymes and beats, and the new
stuff with J, and mix it all together. You
know, I think good music is good music.
It still sounds like a great record. Initially,
I wrote a verse and sent it to De La, and
then Posdnuos sent his verse back. Once
I heard the verse, I wanted to tell a more in-depth story,
and that’s why we decided to do that record. Beat-wise,
it’s a classic Dilla beat that people never heard from the
archives. It was a timeless record.
“We’re
always
working
because
we do
what we
love, and
love what
we do.”
Urban Grandstand Digital: How much is left from Dilla, in
terms of archives?
Slum Village: We got some stuff. We got beats here and there
because we have so much history. We have some early slum
stuff, quite a few records.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What has kept you guys out
here? Obviously people know of you, and they’re still
checking for you, but being realistic in it all, it’s been 16
years now. Time has passed, and when that happens, people
don’t necessarily check anymore.
Slum Village: That’s true, but I think it’s because we’re consistent.
We’ve done an album almost every two years. We’re
always working because we do what we love, and love what we
do. That’s the main part of it. I think if you do that, it works. I
think sometimes people do music for the wrong reasons.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I actually want to make sure we
highlight that comment as well, because that’s something
we push and promote, which is people doing what they
love to do and following their passion and dreams. When
you do that, you can’t go wrong.
Slum Village: I don’t think you can go
wrong. People get lost in the sauce though,
and do music for the wrong reasons. This
is my passion, so I did it for that reason. It’s
hard for a lot of people to find their passion.
I was lucky enough to find mine early
in my career, and I stuck to it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of
the new material, do you sense any difficulty
in promoting, and continuing to
build the fanbase while holding on to the
original fanbase?
Slum Village: I think it’s just beginning to
merge back. We had a few situations where
we lost members, and things happened.
By continuing to put out music, we gained
new fans, and now I feel like some of the
old fans are coming back and recognizing
the consistency. The foundation hasn’t
really changed. I been there since the
beginning, and Young RJ has been there
since the beginning, but behind the scenes.
It ain’t like there’s people who was never
affiliated.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Exactly.
There’s a lot of people too who don’t realize
that Young RJ has been there since
the beginning.
Slum Village: Right, but it’s a learning process
too. Back in the day, people used to read the notes on the
album, and I think you have to purchase them now to know who
did what. Urban Grandstand Digital: Right, you don’t get the
liner notes anymore.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s crazy
though, because I was one that faithfully
read the liner notes on CDs when
I bought them.
Slum Village: I think that now, people
only know by seeing the consistency.
Sometimes, it takes some longer than
others.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You’ve
mentioned consistency more than once
now, and I think that is what has kept
you guys there. You’re doing good music
for the world, and the new single,
again, a lot of people will appreciate
the fact that you connected with De
La Soul. It’s keeping that era of good
music alive and in the forefront. So
many people don’t know they’re history.
I still play 3 feet High & Rising, so I
definitely appreciate hearing you guys
with them
Slum Village: Right, and I mean, those
are guys that we admire musically, and
of course they’re good friends. When we
get a chance to bring a record together,
we do it and it sounds good. We love
those guys.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So right
back is doing pretty good. What else
can we look for?
Slum Village: We got some more singles
dropping. Our next single will be with
Bilal, on another Dilla track.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Man, I haven’t
heard from him in a while either.
Slum Village: Right, that’s our next single.
He’s been doing his thing. He did
his thing on the Kendrick album, and he
just dropped his record. We have a video
coming for that single. We’ve got some
more records, and we’ll shoot some
videos. We’re also going to Europe next
month. We’re just working, and keeping
it moving.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Did you
guys work with Dwele at all?
Slum Village: No we didn’t, we actually
worked with BJ the Chicago Kid on this
album, but we’ve got so many records
with Dwele.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Honestly
though, that’s what a lot of people
love about your brand though.
Slum Village: Dwele is a very super talented
artist, and still our homie, but not
on this album. Maybe on a remix though.
That’s definitely our family though.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What else
is happening? Obviously, this album is
enough, but anything else?
Slum Village: RJ may drop a beat album,
and then we may do some albums next
year. We’re just working. We’re building
new groups, Rosewood 2055, a new
group we’re working with, and we’re
keeping the brand and legacy going.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What are
the biggest differences you see in the
industry now, vs. ten and fifteen years
ago?
Slum Village: It’s harder now. It’s more
music and harder to get noticed. There’s
so much riff raft before you get to the
good stuff. Back in the day, if a guy had
made it to the studio, nine times out of
ten he had worked on his craft for so
long that he was decent. Now, you wake
up today and wasn’t to rap, and you’re
on YouTube by the night.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You hit the
nail right on the head. You have a lot
of people who post a YouTube video
and it’s viral. There no longer is the
factor where you really had to bust
your ass to get a deal or get someone
to notice. People sign you just like
that now, so it becomes more difficult
to weed through the garbage.
Slum Village: It’s definitely more difficult,
but what I do like about the new age is
the business sense. People really handle
their business now so if they do pop,
they know what to do. That’s a plus for
the new generation.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final
comments at all?
Slum Village: Just expect a lot of great
things from Slum beyond music. We’re
always rapping Dilla and Baatin. We want
people to know that, and to know that
we embrace this Detroit culture that we
are a part of. +
“BACK IN THE
DAY, IF A GUY
HAD MADE IT
TO THE STUDIO,
NINE TIMES OUT
OF TEN HE HAD
WORKED ON HIS
CRAFT FOR SO
LONG THAT HE
WAS DECENT.
NOW, YOU WAKE
UP TODAY AND
WASN’T TO RAP,
AND YOU’RE ON
YOUTUBE BY THE
NIGHT.”
urban
grandstand
digital

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facebook page
facebook.com/ urbangrandstanddigitalmag

album review
!
the free weezy album

Following a few month in
obscurity, likely because of
pending troubles with Cash
Money Records, Lil’ Wayne
has resurfaced with his
latest mixtape, “Free Weezy
Album”. Released via Tidal,
the album features 15 new
tracks, and is available for
streaming via the service.
Starting off with the upbeat “I Feel Good”, which
samples James Brown’s classic of the same
title, the entire album bangs. I think in so many
ways, Wayne had grown a little complacent
throughout the years, and much of his material
began to sound the same, but he’s definitely gotten
off on a good foot with “Free Weezy Album”.
His talent has always been undeniable, and with
this album, he shows the world that despite the
troubles he may be having on the musical home
front, he can still produce a solid product,
which is only a testament to the work that also
has been done with Young Money.
The album features guest
appearances from Jake
Troth, Hoodybaby, Cory
Gunz, Junior Reed, Jeezy,
Wiz Khalifa, and a host of
others. From tracks like
Post Bail Bailin and Glory
to White Girl and Pull Up
featuring Euro, fans will
definitely be pleased with
Free Weezy Album.

album review
cuffing season
!

R&B is making quite he turn-around and it’s
definitely a good thing. Artists are actually
taking the time to put together albums that
truly feed the souls of music lovers. Sonics the
case with Eric Bellinger and his new release,
Cuffing Season.
Bellinger is part of that fresh crop of artists
taking R&B to the next level. They’re not
concerned about the current trends in music
and not trying to sound like anything else
that’s out. They’re simply following their heart
and striving to make good, timeless music. It’s
important to know Bellinger’s history when
listening to this album.
It gives you that amazing opportunity to feel
and witness his growth in song. He’s released
a string of successful albums independently,
along with writing a number of top selling
songs for numerous artists. He’s received several
Grammies for his work with Chris Brown.
Cuffing Season boasts a number of jewels
throughout. The world is singing the time of his
single “Creep”, which reworks the smash hit
“Creep” by TLC while featuring T-Boz on vocals.
“Focused on You” channels the Bravehearts’
“Oochie Wally” and featured 2Chainz & Mya while
“Text Threads” channels Montell Jordan’s “This is
How We Do It”. Other winners on Cuffing Season include
“The Summary”, “Overrated” which borrows
from the theme of “Living Single”, “iPod on Shuffle”
which is reminiscent of Silk’s “Meeting in my
Bedroom”, and “Gina”, which playfully borrows its
theme from the hit show Martin. I feel like in his
own way, he’s paying homage to what we enjoyed in
music and entertainment during the nineties. He’s
showing how his music and overall style has been
influenced by those things. Tank drops in on “Turn
Down 4 You” while Boosie adds his flair on “You Can
Have the Hoes”.
Overall, Cuffing Season is a great listen, and a
break from the norm of music.

album review
rose hall
!

I must say that I’m rather impressed with the debut
from R&B singer Natasha Mosley. Atlanta has been
a breeding ground for some of the best in hip-hop
and R&B, and that trend continues with Natasha
and her debut. On “Rose Hall”, Natasha offers
seventeen of what seem to be her best works in
song. I, for one, can be very particular about the
number of songs on a debut album, and I have my
own thoughts on marketing an album for a newcomer,
but this album is definitely well thought
out, and well crafted. What strikes me the most
about Rose Hall and the content is the fact that
Natasha sounds like someone who’s been here for
a long time. The love songs here strike me as those
from someone who has had a lifetime of heartache,
heartbreak, and pain. She pours her all into each
track, and it can be heard rather clearly as you
listen. R&B has gone through a bit of a lull; ok…a
LOT of a lull, over the past few years. There’s so
many people out there making music, particularly
R&B, and frankly, it all sounds the same. Mosley, on
the other hand, is carving her own lane,
and it’s pretty refreshing. The album kicks off
with ‘Over”, where she’s asking whether the
relationship has any chance of making it, despite
the fact she messed up. Right out the gate, she’s
showing her vocal prowess and full range. It
then leads into ‘I Want You” and “Love Me Later”,
followed by the album’s lead single, “Anything”.
Favorites on the album, for me anyway, include the
aforementioned, along with “Kiss Goodbye”, Don’t
Go”, “Never Be the Same”, and “Team Me”.
Natasha Mosley is definitely one to look out for.
The monotony in music has gotten pretty bad,
making “Rose Hall” a breath of fresh air.

album review
!Havoc & Prodigy are back with a new EP titled “Survival of the
Fittest”. So you ask, how does this album measure up? Well, I
think there’s a lot to be said about Mobb Deep. Reality is, they
are in a rebuilding stage with their career. Yes, they are legends
in hip-hop, and that can never be taken away from them,
regardless of what drama happens along the way. You can’t
hide the fact, though, that things have happened in their history
that were a little damaging. At a time when it should be
about the music, it becomes about something else that unfortunately
overshadows the talent they have.
These brothers are madd talented, and I’m sure it didn’t take
me saying that for you to know. They’ve worked with the best
of the best, and they’ve released some pure hip-hop classics
that will never die. I still play “Shook Ones”, the original ’Survival of the
Fittest”, Quiet Storm (with & without Lil’ Kim) and many of their collaborations
with artists like Raekwon & Mariah (Rooftop) regularly, so their
impression on even myself is evident. This EP, “Survival of the Fittest”,
could very well be considered classic.
On this EP, they get back to the true essence of hip-hop; the real reason
they are even here. This is what they love to do, and it shows with the
way they crafted this EP. It’s one that you can play straight through,
non-stop. “Survival of the Fittest” follows their 2014 release, ‘The
Infamous Mobb Deep”, which was their first album in nearly a decade.
Honestly, this EP should have come then. In this rebuilding stage, it’s not
about an LP full of guest appearances and whatnot. You want to be able
to fully re-establish yourself as an artist. You want to get right to the
point without all the fluff, and they do that rather well with ‘Survival
of the Fittest”.
I honestly can’t name one track as better than the other, because the
entire EP bangs! I will say that I’m really feeling “Survival of the Fittest
Pt 2, the ESPN Remix), but I reiterate that this entire EP is fire! I’m happy
for these brothers, moreso because you hear in the lyrics that they’re
having a good time and enjoying their careers. That’s what it’s all about
at this stage in the game, and more importantly this stage in life. If
you’re not enjoying it and it doesn’t make you happy, then there ain’t no
point in doing it! They’re enjoying life, and that will always exude in the
product. I recommend this EP to any hip-hop fan out there looking for
that real!

album review
Jill Scott has returned with her new release, Woman. As her first release
under a newly attained deal with Atlantic Records, saying Woman was highly
anticipated would be quite the understatement. While fans have gotten
somewhat accustomed to the long breaks between albums for Jill, it still
can seem a bit unbearable, considering the quality we’ve also grown accustomed
to. Truth is, Jill releases damned good music, and it’s only a testament
to her lengthy career. This year marks 15 years that we’ve been blessed
with her soulfulness, so it’s only right she bless us with something on this
anniversary.
So does Woman live up to expectations that have been set? I think that answer
is an emphatic yes. Fans have come to love the realness of her music
and how genuine she is in her delivery, and Jill stays true to her heart.
Woman jumps off with the Warren Campbell-Produced, spoken word-esque
Wild Cookie, and follows right into “Prepared”, which I think is one of the albums
hottest tracks. Prepared was produced by longtime Jill Scott collaborator
Andre Harris, who actually provides much of the album’s backdrop.
Other standouts on “Woman” include ‘Can’t Wait”, “Closure” which features
production from David Banner over Curtis Mayfield’s “Get Down” and Graham
Central Station’s “The Jam”, “Lighthouse”, “You Don’t Know”, and the album’s
lead single “Fool’s Gold”.
Other producer throughout woman include Andrew ‘Pop” Wansel, who has
produced in the past for the likes of Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, and
so many others, Philadelphia producer Steve Mckie, Adam Blackstone, who
his known for his work with the likes of Nicki Minaj, and Adam Levine & The
Voice, The Isley Brothers, Angie Stone, and more.
Jill definitely elevates us to the next level with Woman, providing solid production
and well-written lyrics throughout. This release is sure to be at the
top of the charts.

new sheriff
in town
by James Johnson

It was such an amazing opportunity to be
able to sit and chat with Marsha S. Blake
about a number of things, one of the biggest
obviously being Orange is the new
Black. The show has done so well in it’s
first two seasons on Netflix, and now with
the recent launching of the third season,
list if new characters were introduced.
Litchfield doesn’t quite know just what
they’re in for with Berdie Rogers. Without
question, she has a no nonsense type
of demeanor that you expect to see in a
prison system, yet, that same personality
is causing her to blend a little more than
what her fellow corrections officers expect,
or want to see for that matter. She
definitely gets the immediate gratification
she’s in search of, which is the respect
of the many prisoners taking part in her
drama classes, and she’s seemingly making
the difference that she set out for, but
along the way, she’s unknowingly planting
the seed that land her back on the outside
of the prison walls. It all gets pretty
deep, as we know OITNB to be.
In our two-part exclusive, Marsha gives
us the full rundown on Berdie, and why
although she’s working hard to make a
difference, she’s still having such difficulty
getting that across to her peers. Part one
is all about Orange is the New Black! In
part two, which will run in our upcoming
issue of UGDigital, hitting digital newsstands
July 25, 2015, we’ll get to know
about the other roles and projects that
Marsha is involved in. She has been working
at her craft for more than ten years
now, and finally, the demand is beginning
to catch up with her work. She has her
hand in a variety of projects, including
Happyish, and Our Nation.
for now, take a look at
part
one
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s such an
honor to talk to you today. How are
you?
Marsha S. Blake: I’m great
Urban Grandstand Digital: This season
is really good. I’m actually sitting here
watching the show right now. I find
myself rewinding back, and playing the
episodes over again to really get to
the grit of what’s going on. I was always
a fan, but there’s just something
that your character brings to the show,
and I’m just trying to figure it all out.
Marsha S. Blake: Ok, when you figure it
out, let me know (laughing)
Marsha S. Blake: Right. What I see is
a woman who’s really trying to make a
difference in that system, but you have
many who don’t see it, or don’t believe
that you’re genuine. Why do they feel this
way?
Marsh S. Blake: I liken it to working in the
education system. Sometimes I go in and
I’m a teaching artist in the high schools,
or junior high schools. This is why Birdie
relates to a lot of people. I would go into
these schools, working for this company
called the Shakespeare Society, and the
teachers would contact me because they
were having difficulties teaching Shakespeare
to their students. To facilitate the
learning through doing, as opposed to
just reading. It’s a difficult thing to just
read. So we bring in some actors, and
all of a sudden they are interested. It
works miracles. What I notice when I go
to these schools is there’s a malaise, and
I’m not bashing teachers at all because I
have an incredible amount of respect for
teachers, like more than any other profession.
After a certain amount of time, the
bureaucracy of what you’re dealing with
beats you down, and you become a part
of the system because no one survives. .
I notice the older teachers who had been
there for a while, even though they had
so much drive at the beginning of their
careers, they lose it. It’s not their fault.
You get it. The minute you walk in, the
security starts yelling at the kids, then go
down the hall and the principal is yelling,
and everything trickles down. The teachers
literally are the next in line. The bottom
of the totem pole are the kids. Then
it’s the teachers, then the administration,
and then superintendents. Everybody is
being yelled at for whatever reason, and
the teachers; on top of being yelled at, or
being told no to doing shakespeare, or
bringing actors in, or the kids cursing….
we went through that, and I’m like there’s
lots of cursing in shakespeare, and I’m
not telling these kids they can’t curse. If it
facilitates the learning, I don’t care if they
say fuck. I don’t care if they chew gum. I
understand the rules as to why they don’t
want gum everywhere, but I’m in there
once a week. If they’re listening to me
and chewing gum, I just care that they’re
listening to me. I can see how I would get
frustrated week after week. Imagine year
after year of dealing with that and being
admonished for trying to get the learning
in however it happens. You would
eventually not be able to handle it. I think
what happens with Birdie, who knows
what’s going to happen because she did
get fired (laughing). But Healy knows the
system. That’s why he survived. He’s up
in there, knows the system, and he’s an
older guy. He’s like if you want to come in
here with your new ideas that’s great, but
this is what works.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I thought
it was funny how you were setting up
the drama class, and he immediately
came in with counts to you having a
good turnout.
Marsha S. Blake: Like already, before I
had a chance to start, he didn’t think it
would work.
Urban Grandstand Digital: And Birdie
developed friendships almost immediately
with the inmates.
Marsha S. Blake: I think that’s what
Healy doesn’t like either. I see that in the
schools too. You come in, you’re in your
cute clothes, and the teachers are like
great, but you know who’s left with them
when you’re gone? I am. You can be as
chill with them and be their best friend
all you want, but at the end of the day
I’m left with them. Healy gets a bad rap
because he’s not a sympathetic character.
I understand why he would be resentful.
Immediately, I’m friends with the girls,
but I’m a black woman. Of course they’re
going to relate to me immediately. It’s not
his fault. He tries, and I think he does care
about the women, but like I said, you get
bogged down by the bureaucracy, and
eventually you just feel like you’re trying
to survive.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You feel like
it’s not going anywhere.
Marsha S. Blake: Exactly, and you’ve seen
it not go anywhere for years. Birdie is optimistic,
but she could be Healy in fifteen
years.

on the set of
orange is the new black

It would be awesome if you could do that
for fifteen years and still have that enthusiasm,
but the system makes it impossible.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Were you always
a fan to the show before becoming
involved?
Marsha S. Blake: I was, but I had not
watched it, which sounds ridiculous
(laughing). I was though, because I knew
a lot of the women. Danielle (Taystee),
literally, I called her. I knew her because I
did a play with friends of her, and she had
come to see the play a bunch of times.
We used to call her our number one fan
because she came to see our play every
week. Then we adopted her and told her
now she was in the “Hurt Village” camp,
because she showed up every week. I
called her to see if she would watch this
audition I had, and that’s who she was to
me before she was Taystee. So, I was a
fan because I love her and am so proud
of her. I know Maria Dizzia, who plays
Piper’s best friend. She’s one of my best
friends through graduate school. I knew
so many of the women already. Uzo and
I had friends in common. I would hear
about the show, but I had two kids, so to
sit down and watch a show is a big deal
to me. It takes a lot of time that I don’t
have.
“I THINK
WHAT’S GREAT
ABOUT IT ON
NETFLIX IS
ALSO WHAT’S
NOT GREAT
ABOUT IT, IN
AN INTEREST-
ING WAY, ES-
PECIALLY IF
YOU HAVE A
BUSY LIFE.”
Urban Grandstand Digital: Clearly,
there’s a huge benefit to this show
being on Netflix because it’s limitless
in the idea that you can do more than
network television allows, but on the
flip side, you get the whole season
at one time, and when you have a lot
going on, it’s easy to put it off and life
can prevent you from coming back. I
get wrapped up in that because I have
so many things going on. I had to go
backwards and watch the previous episodes
again to catch up.
Marsha S. Blake. I think what’s great
about it on Netflix is also what’s not great
about it, in an interesting way, especially
if you have a busy life. it’s all there and
you can literally watch for two days and
be all done. But also still, in the middle
of filming, I had to go back and watch because
I felt like I needed the back story.
I told myself I would watch one episode
per night. That’s what I could dedicate
and still function with my life, go shoot,
have auditions, and take care of my kids.
I would inevitably watch three episodes
and it’s 3 o’clock in the morning. It’s so
well written, and it makes you want to
keep watching. That’s what took me so
long. That actually happened with Jenji’s
other show Weeds. I remember one summer
just watching Weeds, and wondering
where did my summer go.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’ll definitely
eat up a lot of time.
Marsha S. Blake: It’s great. It’s wonderful
and so well written. There were other
things you could be doing, but you have
to commit to it. And once you commit,
it’s so wonderful.
Urban Grandstand Digital: it’s weird
because I had gotten to episode 7, and
I almost felt like I had missed something,
so I started over about three
times and watched again. I’m back to
the third episode again. I really love
your character though. What else is
there to expect with your character?
Marsha S. Blake: I have no info in terms
of casting, like literally, they keep it as
closed-lipped as they can because they’re
scared people will leak it. What I can say,
with getting frustrated and the bureaucracy
working against the things you’re
trying to do, we see some of that happening.
Resentment from Healy, and people
being confused because it is a prison,
and here I am with my drama class, and
there’s a few comments like, what does
she think she’s doing…a fucking drama
class? So being misunderstood inn a way
because I see an end goal, and I think
I’m doing some good but not necessarily
everyone agrees with it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It depicts
real life though, because with a lot that
you do, people may not feel like you’re
being genuine.
Marsha S. Blake: That’s in any office. You
come in with a certain level of enthusiasm,
and you leave with a better understanding
of how the system works. You
go to your new job with a different level
of enthusiasm. Each one takes a little bit
out of you. It’s the formidable one who
can survive when the system is constantly
beating you down. It’s a very strong
person that can maintain a certain level of
engagement.
urban
grandstand
digital

e sure to follow us
@urbangrandstanddigital

MORE
THAN EYE CANDY

One of the things we’re most proud of
here at Urban Grandstand Digital is the
content that we offer here. With each
interview we do, we want to not only
showcase the talent of that particular individual,
but also show their human side.
We want to show that they’re just like us.
That, in itself, is very much part of the
reason we chose to feature CydneiChyan
here at UGD! Surely, she was a great option
in launching our Beauty & Eye Candy
section of UGD, but she’s definitely a
great representation of what we want to
offer in our pages. CydneiChyan is working
extremely hard at building her career,
with aspirations of being a triple threat in
modeling, acting, and singing. Off to a
great start already, she recently aligned
herself with Amirakal Marketing for the
proper boost in publicity.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me
about how you got off into this business?
I know you were back and forth
between Indianapolis and Atlanta.
Cydnei Chyan: My mom had gotten a
new job, and she basically asked me if
I’d rather stay in Indianapolis and attend
the Art Institute, or move back to Atlanta.
She knew of American Idol tryouts that
were going on, and thought I should do
it. I decided to move, and actually went
through the tryouts.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Wow. What
was that experience like for you to try
out for American Idol?
Cydnei Chyan: It was really nerve-wrecking,
to say the least. A lot of people don’t
realize it’s a lot of “show” stuff. People
need to see the entertainment, so you
end up doing a lot of things over again.
I got there at 5am, and didn’t audition
until 6pm. It was nerve-wrecking, and ultimately,
I didn’t make it, but it was a good
experience. it got me out of my shell with
singing in front of crowds.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think if you
can do something of that stature, and
be rejected and deal with that, you
can deal with anything in the industry
coming your way.
Cydnei Chyan: Exactly. That’s how I feel.
I’ve been rejected a few times. I signed
up for The Voice, and they also said no.
Just because they tell you no does not
mean you’re not talented. It’s a lot of
people, and it’s all strategy. Initially, I was
a little discouraged, but I eventually came
around.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Honestly,
you’re doing good if that’s the only
rejection you’ve experienced thus far.
Cydnei Chyan: True…(laughing)
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk a little
about your direction since returning
to Atlanta. What types of other things
have you been able to get involved
with?
Cydnei Chyan: I met a lady who owned
a hair company, and began to model for
her company. That was the first thing I did
in terms of modeling. It made me realize
how much I liked being in front of the
camera, and I wanted to make it into a
career. I began looking for other photographers
for freelance work. It was good to
continue getting in front of the camera. I
go to different networking events as well.
I’ve learned so much in the two years I’ve
been here. In terms of music, my cousin
has a studio so I do a lot of work there.
I was in some groups, and they all were
moreso learning experiences. I performed
a few times at Apache cafe, but
since then, I’ve just been trying to reflect,
meet more people, and get out there as
much as I can.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms
of your music, has anything been put
together yet?
Urban Grandstand Digital: You mentioned
brand, which is so important.
Tell me what your brand is? What are
you trying to personify?
Cydnei Chyan: I’m really a peaceful
and chill person, so my brand comes
with peace. I want to be able to inspire
like-minded girls like myself. It’s hard to
be taken seriously out her, and it’s difficult
to make it without being looked at in a
certain way. I want to inspire people in a
positive way.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What do
you aspire to do moving forward to
help other models and singers?
Cydnei Chyan: I want to inspire people
through my music and performances.
I want it to be an experience for them
when listening to my music. I want them
to feel a certain way. I want it to be positive
and relatable. In terms of modeling, I
want to travel and enlighten people with
the things I’ve done. I want them to relate
to me, and I don’t want them to feel like
I’m untouchable. +
the voice of the community
Cydnei Chyan: I’m putting an EP together
now. I’m a perfectionist, and it’s difficult
being a perfectionist when you’re on a
budget. I have a lot of music recorded,
but it’s just that I’m still learning and I
want to perfect it. I know i’ll get better as
time progresses, but I want it to be the
best.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you
more driven towards modeling, or music?
What will be your defining thing?
Cydnei Chyan: I think it all rolls up into
one career. I’m a visual person, and I want
to have thousands of photos, and have
my face out there. Music is a passion of
mine but you can intertwine that with
acting and fashion. I want to do all three
and I know I can. Long term, I want to be
looked at as a singer. That’s a passion of
mine, and what I’ve wanted to do my entire
life. Modeling has become this thing
that I’m really good at. This is something I
can do to really brand myself, which is so
important. My modeling career is really
the stepping stone for it all.
urban
grandstand
digital

THE PRICE

$a ntwuan jackson
Antwuan Jackson: That’s the one thing I tried to do, moreso
Urban Grandstand Digital: What has promo been like for
you, given the fact you are self published?
than anything, was figure out what I needed to do once the
project was finished. The press releases, so on, and so forth. A
lot of times, we have good product, especially as black people,
but don’t know how to promote it. I made sure I researched
that all from day one.
Antwuan Jackson: I did a lot of reading up on it. I mailed my
books out to a lot of people. You don’t want to depend on
doing everything via email. You want to get that hard copy out.
I did both.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Has it been difficult for you, being
you’re doing it on your own?
Antwuan Jackson: In a sense of not having the connects in the
beginning, you’re hungry for it to really get out there, especially
when you know you have a really good story. The storyline for
me, I wrote from personal standpoint.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I definitely want to get more
into that personal aspect and how your life plays into the
story. One of the key things to note is that it really is a
good story. How does it all reflect on your life?
Antwuan Jackson: The reflection of it is what I saw once I was
mature enough to understand. When you’re young, you don’t
really pay attention to your girl like you should. I couldn’t tell
you birthdays, favorite colors, or anything. I didn’t pay attention
to that stuff, but one thing I saw they all have in common
was the need to vent to family and friends. They don’t realize
it makes the relationship that much more difficult. They was to
give you input even though they’re not in it. My main pet peeve
was whenever something was going on in the relationship, my
girlfriend would go back and tell family members, but then
want to invite you to family functions and it felt like an all eyes
on me situation. It was embarrassing.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s universal for a lot of guys.
Do you think it’s realistic that younger guys are going to be
that serious in a relationship anyway? Like this is all kinda
normal, unfortunately.
We recently caught up with author Antwuan Jackson to talk
about his new book, The Price. Currently broken down into
two parts, The price follows Dwight, who is questioning his
current relationship because of mounting issues related to
family, gossip, and much more. Come along as we chat with
Antwuan about this story, how it so closely relates to his
own life, and how he was able to overcome it all.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How are things going with the
book right now?
Antwuan Jackson: It’s going pretty good. I’m getting very good
feedback. I appreciate you guys for having me as well.
Antwuan Jackson: You’re right, it is normal, which is sad. The
girls mature faster than us anyway, and we’re not ready. It’s just
kinda how we’re all programmed and built, you know, from a
male vs a female. It was weird, that it was back to back girls I
was meeting, and thinking the next girl wouldn’t be like that. A
year and a half later, they would be doing the same things. As I
got older, I realized they were all alike, and I just needed to find
one I was willing to put up with.
Urban Grandstand Digital: But obviously, that’s the cycle
though. How do you escape that, or get away from that?
Antwuan Jackson: I think it’s just about finding one you love so
much that you’re willing to deal with it. Many times, you’re in a
relationship and she’s telling all the business, but she’s lacking
in other areas. It’s like you got to pick a struggle (laughing). I
based the book around a storyline that I felt was really

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think they
definitely will enjoy it. it’s something
everyone can relate to. When that’s
the case, people gravitate to it.
Antwuan Jackson: That’s what i really
wanted to do. I didn’t want to write stuff
that never happens. What are the chances
of you meeting a billionaire who puts
you in whips and chains? It’s pretty farfetched.
I wanted to write something that
actually could happen.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now from
what I understand, there’s a part 2 as
well?
Antwuan Jackson: Yes sir, and it’s already
finished. I’m just grabbing the bulls by
the horn with part 1 and promoting it.
Part 2 follows the fiance when she goes
out of town. It starts on a Friday, vs part 1
starting on a Monday. Part 1 is the foundation,
and part 2 steps it up a notch.
Depending on how everyone gets into
part 2, I’ll go ahead and do a trilogy.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So life as a
writer. Are you constantly in that mode
where you’re always writing?
Antwuan Jackson: It’s funny you ask that,
because with parts 1 and 2, I was writing
off and on for about two years. I had a
conversation with this girl, and she asked
the same thing, and then we got into
the idea of writers being loners. I can’t
lie; when I was writing, I could not have
been in a relationship where the woman
was living with me. You need to have that
time where you’re in the house alone.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny
you say that because I’ve always wanted
to write a book, but not knowing
where to start, not knowing what I
want out of it, and not knowing how
long it will take. I think from the standpoint
of doing the magazine, and it
gets difficult at times.
Antwuan Jackson: It really is, and like I
was telling one guy, I’d be up from eleven
at night until four in the morning. My
friends just got married, and they’re out
partying. I was in about two weddings at
that time, and I was writing off and on. I
would have music playing, but I couldn’t
have a woman there because your attention
would be pulled elsewhere. I can say
that for that two years, I was not in any
relationship like that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So how
does it get easier, now that the first
book is out there?
Antwuan Jackson: Having part 2 ready to
go makes it a lot easier. Everything I did
for part 1 makes it easier for part 2. Now
that I’ve done it all, I know what I need to
do. If I didn’t have part 2 ready to go, it
would throw me behind.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of
having both done, did you write them
all at one time, or had you done one
and then when to the other?
Antwuan Jackson: I had already done
part 1, and then once I wrote part 2, I
connected them together. I don’t know
if I could ever do it any other way. Part
2 flowed a lot better because I was already
into the story. As far as it being too
much, nobody really wants to read them
big 300,000 character books anymore.
They just don’t have time. You really have
to not have a life to read them books
like that. You’ll be reading on and off
for about a month. My book is 30,000+
characters. If it’s a good story, you finish
that in a 2-3 hour plane ride. Mine is an
e-book as well. It’s perfect that way with it
being the size that it is.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What’s
the advantage for you having it as an
e-book?
Antwuan Jackson: One thing is that it
helps your google presence. By being
available as an ebook, it’s available on
Amazon in Mexico, Germany, and all the
sites they have in those countries.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In the grand
scheme of it all, everybody is using
their iPhones, androids, iPads, and
tablets. They can download it to their
devices.
Antwuan Jackson: Exactly. That’s what a
lot of people have done. If you have a
smart phone, you get it right then, vs having
to wait until you get to a bookstore.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What is the
big picture you see in terms of your
books? What do you want to see happen?
Antwuan Jackson: The ultimate goal
would be for the book to be made into a
movie. That would be the ultimate goal.
If I could see something like that, it would
be all I needed. I’ll definitely do a trilogy
if the fans want it. If not, I’ll move into
another genre. All the people who read
part 1 definitely want part 2.
“You’re right,
it is normal,
which is sad.
The girls mature
faster
than us anyway,
and
we’re not
ready. It’s just
kinda how
we’re all programmed
and built, you
know, from a
male vs a female.”
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you
have the right niche, and I believe people
will flock to it. I don’t think it’s any
question as to whether they want part
2 or 3 for that matter. Obviously, it
allows you to escape the daily madness
you may be living in.
Antwuan Jackson: That’s the beauty of
books. I know with the cover, people
think it’s going to be one thing, but it’s
definitely a lot bigger than that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s cool
though, because it’s eye-catching. It
definitely pulls the audience in.

Antwuan Jackson: That’s what I was aiming
for. I wanted something to be catchy.
I thought it was different. That’s another
reason I did it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think
you’re on a good path. What else is
happening aside from the book?
Antwuan Jackson: I’m trying to promote
it as much as I can. Different magazines
and radio stations, I’ve been in a zone
promoting it. I order a number of paperbacks
to send out.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you
doing signings anywhere yet?
Antwuan Jackson: I haven’t started yet,
but I have been looking into it. I want to
do more interviews first and speak with
more people to get my name out more
before I do that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I love what
you’re doing. We push that entrepreneurial
spirit with a lot that we do, so
it’s great talking with you about the
book.
Antwuan Jackson: I was glad to speak
with you all as well. I’ve been on the site
quite a bit.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now where
can people find you online?
Antwuan Jackson: I’m on Instagram at @
AntwuanJackson, and on Twitter, I’m at @
IAmAntwuan … and I do follow back to
the people that check me out and follow.
+
urban
grandstand
digital

television’s
new
leading
man ro brooks
Ro Brooks is no stranger to the entertainment world. He’s done so much in
terms of performance, and really getting himself out there on all fronts throughout
the years. Nearly 25 years to be exact. Brooks was once a power player
within the music industry, running his own musical empire and standing strong
behind some of the biggest names to drop jewels on music lovers. For him, it
was all a stepping stone to realize the big picture, which of course was acting.
Brooks has been a part of some of the biggest movies to hit the box office, beginning
in 1993 with Robert Townsend’s Meteor Man, and also some of televisions
biggest series’, which is partly why we are here today.
Brooks has been one of the main characters on Tyler Perry’s The Have and The
Have Nots. Unearthed near the middle of season 2, his character has grown to
amazing heights in terms of popularity and the intricate storyline that Perry has
put together. To say he’s become a fan-favorite on the show is quite an understatement.
His level of acting, paired with that of every one of his castmates,
has taken this series to new and unimaginable heights.
In this feature, we were not only able to catch up with him about his role and
where things are headed, but also the other things he has on his plate, which
definitely includes a few new movies. We also talk a great deal about the ways
he’s working to give back to the urban community and show our youth that they,
too, can make it and do whatever they dream. As the article title suggests, he’s
showing why he’s television’s new leading man. It’s evident that he’s doing his
thing on screen, and that of course is all good, but in this article, you’ll learn
that he’s really doing his thing off screen, and he’s doing things that are so much
more important in the grans scheme of it all, because he’s instilling hope in
those coming behind him. He’s making a way for those who feel like there’s no
way. He’s proving that with hard work and dedication, and a firm trust in God,
that all things are possible just the way you dream it. Now that’s what being the
leading man is all about !

Urban Grandstand Digital: Of all of the
things I want us to touch on, I think
the biggest is obviously The Haves and
The Have Nots. The show has become
insanely popular, and you have a pretty
big character in the show. What’s to
expect with your character this new
season?
Ro Brooks: Basically the same thing you
expect each time. Tyler continues to
bring it and up the ante. He blows your
mind with these storylines that continue
to twist and turn. It’s never-ending with
the ideas he comes up with. The shock
factor is crazy. Without giving it away,
prepare for what you’ve seen already on
steroids. He brings that shock factor to a
higher level.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What’s new
with you and Hannah this season?
Ro Brooks: Well when we last left off, she
was saying to me that she needed some
space. She left everything on an edge
where she let’s people know she’s interested
in my character but needs to get
herself together. He’s just waiting for that
phone call.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What has
been the best thing about you being a
part of this show? Like I said, it’s insanely
popular, and every time it ends,
fans are clamoring for the return.
Ro Brooks: Normally, the way it’s done,
it’s 3-4 months before it returns. I think
there was one season where it took a
little longer for us to return.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that
Tyler does so much, and If Loving You
Is Wrong is out there too, so it kind of
plays off each other.
Ro Brooks: That’s the way television
works. It’s usually quarterly. When our
show goes off, the other show comes on.
That’s just television. When Scandal goes
off, then How to Get Away with Murder
comes on. He’s following the protocol for
television. This time, it does seem a little
earlier, but for me it’s just right. I’m glad
people think it’s a little earlier because
they are craving for it, and they lose their
minds when it’s over. Waiting for it to
come back is a headache for fans.
Urban Grandstand Digital: People love the
show, but they love your character as well. Obviously,
doing this interview gave me the time
to research the things you’ve done, and you’ve
been a part of some things that I didn’t realize.
Like for instance, the Lil’ mo video you did….
Ro Brooks: Before you get into that, I
want to backtrack to answer the question
you had asked before, about what
I’m most happy about with being on the
show…. first and foremost, I’m happy to
be working, and then after that, it’s working
with Tyler and Oprah Winfrey. That’s
the icing on the cake. Who else would
you want to work with at the top off their
games? She owns the network, and we’re
breaking a lot of ground. I’m part of a
historical movement. It’s not just a show.
This is their first drama together.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think what
makes it so good with Oprah is that
although she owns the network; she’s
not just doing it for money. She really
believes in the show and everyone
involved. Regardless of the flack she’s
gotten with running the network, she’s
worked so hard for it.
Ro Brooks: Like you said, she is a business
lady, but it’s easier to sell something
you believe in. She and Tyler both, they
really love all the shows that are new
to Own, and that includes my show,
Love Thy Neighbor, and If Loving You
is Wrong. For The Haves and The Have
Nots to be the actual anchor is something.
I think that’s what really saved the
network. The numbers were astronomical,
and I don’t think it was expected for that
kind of audience to automatically fall in
love with the show. That’s a blessing in
itself.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That goes
back to the acting though. Everybody
on that show is doing his or her
thing. I haven’t seen anyone yet that is
half-stepping.
Ro Brooks: The writing plays a big part
in the way we perform and display our
dialogue. When it’s a natural feeling, you
can’t help but perform naturally. To play
a character, you have to play outside of
yourself, but when it’s natural, it can flow
off anybody. The people truly relate to it.
My hat hoes off to Tyler for writing a great
script, and giving each and every one of
us the ability to show our chops.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Even with
the season closer, for all I expected
with Veronica, I could have never expected
all that truly happened. I think
the new season will go down in history.
Ro Brooks: Tyler knows how to leave cliffhangers.
When you think it can’t go any
higher, he comes back and shows you.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So moving
back to your other works, I never
knew you did the video with Mo, and
the video with Syleena Johnson. How
much has music play a part in your life?
Ro Brooks: Music played a great part.
Music was one of my first loves. At a
young age, I had a record label, signed
some local talent out of Baltimore, and
managed some groups. I had a chain of
music stores. I was always involved in the
musical aspect. In regard to doing videos,
as the head of my label, we released our
own videos, directed by Chris Robinson.
We did all of this in the early nineties.
With all that happening, it got me into
the videos. With me being an actor, it’s
hard to get into the business. So I tried
to use everything I had to propel me to
my next level. I tried to do more videos
so people could see my face. I knew it
would be nationally covered, so I started
doing that with independent films. Music
played a huge part in my life and business.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing
the things you’ve been involved in, and
the direction you continue to go. Did
you always intend to get into acting?
Ro Brooks: This has always been something
I wanted to do, since being a kid.
God blesses us with a lot of gifts. I used
to draw, play sports, dance, and acting
for me; I was scared of it for a while. I
didn’t understand it as a youth what it
took to be a great actor. I loved watching
kids perform on television, and wanted

to do it, but I thought you had to be a
genius to do that and remember lines in
thirty minutes. With a lack of knowledge,
I shunned away from it. Because I am who
I am, I like a challenge, and after I got to
a certain age, I felt like I still have a challenge
that I had to defeat. That’s what I
did and I’ve been going strong at it since
1993. My first film was Meteor Man.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Man, I used
to love that movie.
Ro Brooks: Yea that was a classic right
there.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You had
Marla Gibb, and so many people…
Ro Brooks: Everybody was in that movie.
Luther Vandross, Bill Cosby, Naughty
by Nature, Cypress Hill, and they had so
many other big actors in that movie.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That has to
sit heavy in your mind, for that to be
your first project.
Ro Brooks: Yea that was the icebreaker
for me. I knew from that day forward that
this was what I wanted to do. Once I submitted
my Polaroid, and I got that phone
call saying I would be a background
performer, it was crazy once I got on set. I
was like, this is it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now you’ve
also done some amazing things, giving
back to the community. Talk to me
about Men of Color?
Ro Brooks: That company was
spear-headed by a friend of mine named
John. It’s not really around much anymore.
They have a branch called Engage
the Vision. That’s what it is now, but Men
of Color was called M.O.C.I.T.I. (Men of
Color in the Industry). We would meet
once a month, and it was maybe 100 of
us. Not just black, but different minority
races. We all had different talents related
to the business, whether it was acting,
producing, writing, dancing, entertainment
lawyers, and so forth. Everybody
had a different talent to contribute, and
everybody had great skills. We would
meet up and encourage each other. We
would have speakers. Oba Babatunde
was the ambassador. Every month we
had great speakers who would come and
drop jewels on us.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s good
because it promotes that unity.
Ro Brooks: It does, and you need it. It’s
like church, like the bible. You go Monday
through Saturday fighting the world,
and Sunday you need to get that armory
touched up. This is what M.O.C.I.T.I. is
for actors. We get all these no’s. No jobs
booked, and get the doors slammed on
us all through the month. Then we go to
M.O.C.I.T.I. and get to be around people
just like us to help revive us and give us
that energy to make it another month.
Outside of that part of it, we had the
mentorship program where we went to
Martin Luther King Elementary School,
or either the Obama school, and talk to
young men and boys, and mentor them
on everything from hygiene to things
about school, etiquette, and things like
how to be respectful and respect women.
Most of them are growing up in a home
without a daddy.
Urban Grandstand Digital: This is a
perfect way to show them that somebody
cares. Tell me your dreams, and
then I can tell you how to make that
happen. They look at the things you’ve
done, your past struggles, and what
came from it. It’s awesome. You have
so many people obviously who do it,
and then many more who don’t. So it
says a lot that you take the time and
get out there. The flag football games
are huge.
Ro Brooks: I do everything I can. If I know
it has the potential to help a child, I show
up. I know just from showing up how
their faces light up. I’ve seen their grades
go from failing to passing, and not just
barely passing, but to A’s and B’s. Some
of them don’t know what they want to be
or have career ideas when they first come
to us, but when they leave, they know
what they want to be. We bring a bunch
of magazines sometimes, and have them
go through and choose who they idolize.
You’d be amazed at what they want to
be. Everybody don’t want to be actors,
rappers, dancers, and basketball players.
Some of them want to be doctors, and
lawyers, and things you just don’t expect
them to say. They start opening up to us.
We just want to provide a helping hand,
not only to single moms because some of
them do have dads, but at the same time,
they sometimes can’t talk to their parents.
They can open up to us and let us know
what’s going on, and how we can help.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You make
an interesting point too. A lot of dads
are there, but it may be a situation
where both mom and dad are working.
“If you are
a darkskinned
African
American,
and
from the
inner city,
that kid
tends to
communicate
with
you better
than someone
who
doesn’t
look like
him.”

Ug
digital
.com

Ro Brooks: Exactly, and the most important
part of that is because the school
is in an urban community, a majority of
the kids are African American. A majority
of those with M.O.C.I.T.I. are African
American. It gets so much deeper than
that too. If you are a dark-skinned African
American, and from the inner city, that
kid tends to communicate with you better
than someone who doesn’t look like him.
I think that means a lot. It’s easier to see.
They’re thinking you’re as dark as I am,
and you lived across the street, and you
made it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s unfortunate,
but a lot of what they see on
television is not images that look like
them. The more they see people who
look like them and are making it, the
more they’ll believe they can do it also.
I think it’s huge, and I know many others
feel the same way.
Ro Brooks: Thank you. I appreciate it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you
working on anything else right now?
I know The Haves and The Have Nots
are obviously back.
Ro Brooks: Like you said, The Haves and
The Have Nots is back and I had a movie
come out, called Mysterious Ways, in
May with Wendy Raquel Robinson.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I just saw
the trailer for that.
Ro Brooks: I have another film called the
Congregation, where I’m opposite Shari
Headley. Clean Up Men is another project
I have and that’s in pre-production.
I’m just trying to keep it moving. You can
get Mysterious Ways anywhere DVDs are
sold.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final
comments at all that we didn’t get to
touch on?
Ro Brooks: I just want kids, especially, to
know they can make it. Don’t accept no
from anybody. Put God first and push forward.
As long as you never give up, you
have no choice but to make it. I have a
dinner in Atlanta every year called Dinner
with Ro Brooks, information is available
on my website. Tickets are on sale, and
this year it’s September 12. My website is
www.robrooks.com, Twitter is @jeromerobrooks,
and Instagram is @robrooks_
+

Brave Williams has
definitely become
“that” girl. Her career
is the perfect example
of what an happen
when you keep your
mind fixed on achieving
your goals. Being
a part of the girl group
Rich Girl, Williams
was finally living her
dream of singing and
performing. The group
had done countless
collaborations within
the recording industry,
recorded their own
EP, and at the height
of their time together,
they performed as an
opening act on the
North American leg of
Beyonce’s “I Am…. “
tour. They were definitely
living the life and
enjoying every bit of it,
having released both
an EP, and a mixtape
for download through
their official website.
Suddenly, it all came
to an abrupt end with
the group disbanding.
That, coupled with other
life-changing events
would potentially end
it all for Williams.
brave williams
fierce, free
&
fearless

Of course, that wouldn’t be the last we would hear, or see, from Brave! Not one to
throw in the towel so easily, she took it back to the drawing board, assembling a new
team who would help in leading her greatness once again. We first saw her as she
stepped into the fold on R&B Divas: LA this past season. That would only lead up to
this very moment with he releasing her new project, Fearless. We talk with Brave in
this exclusive about her time on R&B Divas: LA, and the new album that we’ve been
waiting so long for. She also takes through the the very things that nearly devastated
her career, and how she was able to pull it all back together to follow her destiny of
becoming the powerful force that she is in entertainment today. In this feature, she’s
showing you what it is to be Fierce, Free, & Fearless!
Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you so
much for taking the time to speak with us
today. Trust and believe, it’s a big honor
for us to have this opportunity in speaking
with you. Obviously, we know your
history of being in Rich Girl, and we’ve
seen you on R&B Divas: LA. I think it
turned out really good for you. There’s always
ideas of how one should be able to
capitalize from a venture such as this, and
I never see it happen the way it should.
You’ve represented the difference in that.
Brave Williams: Wow, I appreciate that,
it’s so much love.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s no shade
whatsoever, and nothing negative to
anyone there, but I’ve followed, and I
think that for us as black entertainers, we
should be able to do certain things and
be seen in a certain light. We don’t always
do the things that put us in that expected
light, but then we complain about
how people see us. I think you’ve been
able to maneuver it and make it work for
your career, and it’s good because now
people are beginning to really see your
talent. I think people weren’t ready before.
Brave Williams: I sincerely appreciate
that, and everything you’re saying I’m
almost in complete agreement with in
terms of my personal views of reality
television. It was a tricky situation because
I’m very opinionated about it, and
how it makes women look. For me, it was
making a conscious decision and saying
if you’re doing this, you have to honestly
be true to who you are and make sure
that’s portrayed on television and offer a
different perception that not all women
are the obvious stereotype. I wanted to
show that you can be collaborative, you
can be talented, you can be beautiful,
and keep yourself worthy of respect. I
think your comment for me is further confirmation,
so thank you.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
good to stand your ground, and let people
know you’re not a joke, but you also
want to be presentable. What made you
actually go that direction, coming from
the things you had already done.
Brave Williams: After the group [Rich Girl]
disbanded, I had to take some time and
figure out what I would do creatively and
how I wanted to put my music out there.
The money that I was able to make, I invested
it back into my label. I assembled
a good team: PR, street team, and management.
I started the musical process,
releasing my first single to radio last year.
DJs were playing it, and that song was
called “Oooh (Luv Ya)”. One of the producers
from TV One heard the song, and
heard about me, and asked if I wanted to
be a part of the franchise. I felt like doing
it independently would be a great way to
further expose my music and let people
know who I am, not just as an artist, but
as a woman. I was honored because the
women on the show, their resumes are
extensive. They have albums and awards,
and I still consider myself a new artist.
To be on a platform with them, for me, I
looked at it as a blessing, and a great way
to expose the music.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
great that you recognize the big picture.
I think there was a lot of skepticism with
viewers because of the fact that you are
a new artist, and when you think of diva,
you think of someone who’s been there
for a long time. People complain so much
and a lot of times it’s really about nothing
honestly, but I think the criticism was
there though. Obviously, like you said,
the ladies there have extensive resumes.
Brave Williams: Absolutely, and that’s
why I was so humbled that they thought
enough of what I was doing independently
to put me on that same platform.
For me, I was able to learn a lot and
it validated a lot in the sense of wanting
to keep going. You never know how your
blessings will be wrapped. I never would
have thought I’d be on a reality show. It’s
been nothing but positivity on my end.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously, it’s
the end of the season now, and I know
that obviously the other franchise was
cancelled, but LA was still there. Are you
planning to come back?
Brave Williams: Honestly, we’re waiting to
get word if there will be another season.
I’m not sure yet at this point. It’s likely it
could be, but you never know in the TV
world how the chips may fall.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So your new
album, you’ve worked so hard on your album,
so can you talk about your new LP?
Brave Williams: Fearless is the name
of the album, and I just released it two
weeks ago. For me, it’s a huge deal because
I’ve never released a body of work.
With Rich Girl, we only put out singles.
When I was signed as a solo artist to Atlantic
and Columbia, I never released an
album. This is my baby. I’m super excited
to let everyone hear me rapping and
singing, and the spoken word, hip-hop,
and R&B all consolidated into this one

album. For me, it’s a taste. I wanted to
give the fans a case of who I am, so they
can download it for free on my website.
I’m gearing up to do a re-release, and
make it a full album. This was a teaser of
who I am.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s a great way
of letting people know who you are, and
what you have to offer.
Brave Williams: The response has been
good, and I appreciate that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Who were you
able to work with for the album?
Brave Williams: A lot of love came out of
Philly. There’s a single I’m gearing up to
release called OMT, which means One
More Time. That was produced by Chris
& Tee out of Philly, Tytewriter (Krystal
Oliver) is an amazing writer who is out of
Philly, Ivan Barias (of the famed production
duo Carvin & Ivan) is out of Philly,
Deezle is from New Orleans, Milk N Sizz
out of Atlanta, Candy Shields is out of
DC, Britney Barber, Ursula is dope, she
was a writer on there. It’s really my family
and the people rocking with me. I wanted
them all to be a part of the project and
they were all great and made it happen.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I love how
strong Philly stands strong, and the city
sticks together. There’s a certain quality
that comes from Philly, and Baltimore as
well.
Brave Williams: Absolutely! Philly has that
soulful sound, you know, and even with
hip-hop, my expectations were superseded
by the tracks and production and
writing. You got to listen to it. You got to
download.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What were the
things you felt like you wanted to accomplish
with this album?
Brave Williams: Just an honest look at
who I am as an artist. I started out doing
spoken word when I was younger, not
having any idea that I could sing. I was
always rapping and doing poetry. So for
me, those are my roots. When I developed
my voice and saw that I could sing,
that’s when I came up with the idea of
creating Rich Girl. For me, I wanted Fearless
to encompass everything. I love old
school hip-hop, the nostalgic drums and
how it made me feel. It was about finding
the perfect marriage of hip-hop and R&B.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What advice
do you give to people coming behind
you? We try and promote following your
passion, and showing that you can do
what you want to do and be successful.
Brave Williams: I have so much advice,
but the first thing coming to mind is you
have to be patient. If you are impatient, I
will pray for you. To do music or anything
unorthodox, you need patience. Many
times, there is no set schedule, and you
have no idea where the next check is
coming from. You have to take on the
persona of a hustler. You have to go out
there and make it happen for yourself,
but it requires patience. It’s not a sprint,
but a marathon. You really have to make
sure that you focus on your stamina and
endurance. If you want it that bad, it’s
very likely that it’s for you to have, but
you can’t quit before that moment. A lot
of times as artists, we get fed up, start to
doubt, second question ourselves, and
we give up too soon. I encourage everyone
who has it in their heart to do to be
patient.
“My most honest
response
is prayer. I
had to pray
through those
moments
where I was
in a very low
place in my
life.”

Urban Grandstand Digital: So what gave
you that strength to keep going?
Brave Williams: My most honest response
is prayer. I had to pray through those
moments where I was in a very low place
in my life. I had to surrender and cry out
like I need help. I don’t know how to do
this and get back in it. Everything that
was accosted to me is literally gone. I had
to dig into my faith. That’s the only thing I
can attest it to.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there
any regrets at all, or anything you would
change?
Brave Williams: I would have to say no.
Even in those moments where I questioned
the process, I look back now and
know that those things were needed
because that was God stretching me and
preparing me for what it took as a solo
artist to do this and make a living. Even
in the most awkward or difficult times, I
can’t say I would change anything.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m a firm
believer that everything happens for a
reason and growth comes from it.
Brave Williams: Absolutely.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In terms of
shows, what can we look for?
Brave Williams: I’m currently on my promo
run. I’m just really promoting the new
single OMT, and gearing up to shoot
the video. I’m looking forward to that. I
just did an amazing partnership with a
fragrance that I really believe in, and it’s
called Embellish. I’m all about women
empowerment, and that’s what that fragrance
represents. It’s about celebrating
yourself and your strength as a woman.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s another
reason I love what you’re doing. You’re
not just sitting and growing complacent.
You’re spreading yourself out there and
opening other doors, traveling other
avenues, and doing this to extend that
longevity.
Brave Williams: I appreciate that. I’m
humbled to be given these opportunities.
I’m so appreciative of that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final comments
at all?
Brave Williams: I’m very active on social
media. Have your readers to hit me on
my social media, my Instagram and Twitter
at @BMoreBrave. To anyone pursuing
something that is not the norm, keep
your head down and keep working and
don’t quit. As cliche as it sounds, what’s
in your heart could very well be your destiny.
Just don’t quit before it happens.
+
urban
grandstand
digital

step
into the
wonder
world
of

Many will remember Bryce Vine from his time with the Glee Project. While that time
was short-lived, he managed to make a solid impact on the world, and the rest has
been history since then. He had the opportunity to put together a solid LP titled
“Lazy Fair”, which literally has him sitting on top of the world right now. Sit back and
relax as we take you into the world of Bryce Vine!
There’s a lot of young people who want to do the things you’re blessed to do, but
they don’t really know how to make it happen. Of course, things take time and it
doesn’t happen overnight, but you’re able to show them that it can happen.
Urban Grandstand Digital: There’s a lot of
young people who want to do the things
you’re blessed to do, but they don’t really
know how to make it happen. Of course,
things take time and it doesn’t happen
overnight, but you’re able to show them
that it can happen.
Bryce Vine: It definitely can. It’s about
timing, working, and figuring out your
style.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Take us back
to the moment of you doing the Glee
Project. Looking back, I think things were
actually really good for you.
Bryce Vine: That was a funny thing because
when I auditioned, I had never
watched Glee before. I was in college
in Boston at Berkeley, and everyone
was talking about this show. It’s a music
school so everyone, or at least a lot of
people, will audition for these types of
opportunities. A bunch of friends of mine
were doing their audition videos, and I
had no interest. I even helped a friend by
filming his, and I think the night before
the cut-off, my mom asked me if I had
heard about it. She asked if I was auditioning,
and suggested I make a tape. I
didn’t plan on doing it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Why did you
not want to audition?
Bryce Vine: It wasn’t that I was trying to
make a point. I just didn’t have any interest
in being on a show that I had not
watched. It just wasn’t how I imagined by
career taking off.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I can understand
that though. I think the same way
sometimes. You want to be careful what
you get involved in, and you don’t want
to be caught in the middle of something
you don’t know.
Bryce Vine: Wow, that’s a better answer
(laughing). Honestly, I was taking classes,
and whenever I wasn’t doing music,
I didn’t want to do music. It was part
laziness. I just didn’t have an interest. If it
was a competition for up and coming
pop and rap artists, giving you the opportunity
to tour with Lupe Fiasco, I’d be
on it. So I decided, since my mom talked
me into, that night my roommate filmed
me singing Golddigger by Kanye West. I
had to learn the words first, and even had
the words on the screen when I recorded
the video. Instead of rapping it, I decided
to sing the verse to do something a little
different. That was it man. I got the message
in November that said I was one of
the 16,000 selected for the semi-finals. I
figured that didn’t mean anything. Then
when I was back in L.A., I got pulled into
Robert Overture’s office to do a video
singing one of my own songs. That’s was
it. They called like 200 kids to come and
stay at a hotel in L.A., and then they kept
basically cutting down people until there
was like 24 of us. I went back to Boston,
and that was when they skyped us to say
we had made it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So to look at
that, I look back and say that it led up to
you putting together your album. What
are your thoughts in terms of how things
ultimately turned out?
Bryce Vine: It’s true what they say. Sometimes,
you just don’t know when something
seems bad but it’s really good.
When I was the first one off the project,
I was embarrassed. I liked everyone, but
I felt so out of place. I knew that singing
Katy Perry and Bruno Mars songs wasn’t
for me, but I still was enjoying what I was
doing, and the idea of being on the show
was fun. It was embarrassing. Then I was
really lost. I went back home and felt
really lost for a bit. Then I realized, you’re
going to be on TV in a few months and
you’re only on one episode.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I can see how
that could eat at you though…
Bryce Vine: It totally did, but then I had to
turn it into an opportunity to work in my
favor. I am on at least one episode, and I
have to make songs and put them out. So
when the show comes out, they’ll be the
first thing people find.

Urban Grandstand Digital: Did you
have a team behind you, like PR, management?
Bryce Vine: I had nothing. Being the first
one off the project, even after it came
out, not many people showed interest in
managing me. I wasn’t one of the people
getting offers. I was just like, this sucks.
But the thing I owe to the Glee Project
is it helped me build a fanbase. It really
gave me a big boost.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what was
the turning point that put you in hustle
mode? You were able to put together
an awesome album. Hip-hop sucks in
the sense that someone can put together
a really solid album, but it gets
slept on.
Bryce Vine: I don’t think it gets slept on,
there’s just nobody pushing it besides
you. The fact that it has done as well as it
has is awesome. I didn’t expect it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
done pretty well though. Number
22 on hip-hop charts, 3 million plays
son Spotify, Sour Patch Kids did well.
That’s all huge in itself. Not to mention
who you have opened up for. It’s really
huge.
Bryce Vine: Thank you so much. I guess
I forget to think about that sometimes
(laughing).
Urban Grandstand Digital: Well you
don’t want to come off conceited either,
but still. It’s a good thing.
Bryce Vine: Yea, I mean, Lazy Fair didn’t
happen until two years afterwards. I was
writing songs with a friend of mine from
Berkeley, because we had been working
together for a while. My other friend,
Nolan, he’s like a hitmaker now. He made
Jealous by Nick Jonas, and Good For You
by Selena Gomez. He’s making hits now.
When we started working together, we
clicked into the next phase of my music,
and that’s when we started working on
Lazy Fair. It took a while. Nothing in my
career has moved quickly. Not one thing
(laughing).
Urban Grandstand Digital: In a way,
that’s good. I don’t know if you agree,
but when things don’t move as quickly,
you appreciate it a little more because
of how hard you worked to get it.
Bryce Vine: Yes, absolutely.

“YEA, IT
STILL SUCKS
TO SLOW
DOWN. IT’S
LIKE, WHAT’S
NEXT?”

Urban Grandstand Digital: Vs things
blowing up immediately. Then when
things slow down, it’s hard to handle.
Bryce Vine: Yea, it still sucks to slow
down. It’s like, what’s next.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what are
you most proud of with Lazy Fair?
Bryce Vine: My favorite song is Guilty
Pleasure, which is ironic. I wrote it as an
anthem for me and my best friend. Kind
of a happy song and a sad song at the
same time. I love the melody and the lyrics
that we wrote. It’s probably the closest
to my heart.
Urban Grandstand Digital: People are still
getting a feel for the album, but what are
you working on now?
Bryce Vine: I’m working on the next
group of songs I would like to put out. I
think end of summer is when we’re trying
to release like 4 new songs. it’s the next
phase man. I’m trying out new things and
having fun making the songs. We have
one that has more of a punk type of vibe.
That’s my favorite one. There’s a couple
different things for people to grasp. I
have shows lined up now. I’m playing at a
number of colleges.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How is that
doing the college circuit? I would think it
would be more difficult.
Bryce Vine: I thought it would be too, but
they really get it. I haven’t had one bad
show. You can tell they’ve been craving
the music. I get snapchats everyday of
kids playing my music. That’s where my
audience really is, and it’s how I’m making
a living right now. A lot of that is thanks
to my agent, but it’s one step at a time.
I’ll be headlining a show in November,
and I’m hoping to sell that out. I got requested
to play at this venue I’ve always
wanted to play at called Webster Hall in
New York. I’m just keeping it moving writing
and playing shows. Trying to come up
with ideas for new things.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think everything
has worked out well for you. The
Thug Song, it’s been a few weeks now
since that has been out and I laugh every
time I hear it. What was the idea behind
the video?
Bryce Vine: I wanted to do something
visually entertaining. I really love Wes Anderson
movies and the way they are shot.
I wanted to come up with something that
was a little out there, using all the weird
things I could come up with in one sit
down, and throw them into one video.
I wrote the entire treatment before we
knew what we would do. I knew I wanted
hands painting my face all over, and I
wanted someone dressed as a devil, and
smoking a joint. Just “out there” shit. I’ve
never done a hallucinogen, but I wanted
people to think maybe I had when I came
up with it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m sure they
did when they saw it man (laughing)
Bryce Vine: That was it. I just wanted to
do something that would grab you visually.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s cool.
Urban music in general has gone in a different
direction than many expected. Like
15 years ago, there was this unspeakable
monotony, where people just didn’t want
to venture out in fear of losing their fanbase.
Bryce Vine: Yes, rappers are definitely
taking more chances these days. I like
what some rappers are doing. Even the
ASAP Rocky album. There’s a lot of cool
stuff going on, and experimentation. The
song LSD is so dope. I’ve never heard a
rapper do something like that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s ironic you
mention ASAP. I think a lot of people
sleep on what he has to offer as well.
Bryce Vine: The bandwagon takes time. I
think his next record will do big things.
The more you put out, people have the
opportunity to hear different sides of you.
They may not like ten of the songs on the
old record, but like three on the next.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what advice
do you offer to those coming behind
you?
Bryce Vine: You can’t just listen to one
thing. You don’t have to listen to everything.
Listen to what you like. I grew up
on Punk Rock, and that’s a lot of influence.
It never hurts to learn an instrument.
I’m glad I learned guitar, and took
lessons, and understood how drums
work, and started a band and performed
and sang. It’s so many things to do to
add to your resume. It’s never bad to play
an instrument.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Where can
everyone find you online?
Bryce Vine: Everything is @BryceVine, my
website is www.brycevine.com, I’m most
active on Instagram and Twitter.

listen now at
www.brycevine.com

just deion
We’re proud to bring you this new feature
in our Artist Watch series with Deion
Gill. It’s always good to support those
who work hard, but Deion’s story is a
special one. At just 19, he’s been striving
for success in this industry for nearly ten
years. He’s the perfect example of someone
wanting something, and working
hard to make it happen. He’s that perfect
example for our kids to see, of someone
who the negativity of the world hold him
back. He’s doing big things, and he’s got
a hit single to prove it. His single “Show
Me” is doing amazing things out in the
music world, and after talking to Deion,
the best is yet to come. The coolest thing
about Deion is that through it all, he’s
more humble than ever. He’s not affected
by the success that he’s had thus far, and
at the end of it all, he’s letting the world
know that he’s just Deion! Take a moment
and check out our exclusive below!
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me
about the things you have going on
right now. I think you’ve gotten to a
point where people are starting to recognize
your talent
Deion Gill: It’s really about me maturing
into the adult I am, and the type of artist
I’ll be the rest of my career. I’m becoming
a full grown artist, and I’m ready to share
everything I’m doing with the world. I just
released my official single a month ago,
titled ‘Show Me”, and it’s gotten pretty
good recognition. I’ve gained about
16,000 plays so far.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think when
you build your career properly, and it’s
not fabricated and forced, as well as
being respectable, people pay attention
to that.
Deion Gill: It’s always been work for me.
I’ve never been the one to really even try
to abuse the opportunities or power I’ve
had. I didn’t have much, but I’ve always
been appreciative.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s good
because obviously, with people looking
at what you do, they’re seeing someone
who hasn’t become arrogant with
it. A lot of people get into this, and it’s
almost inevitable that they go down
that path of entitlement, and just being
all-out arrogant.
Deion Gill: Exactly, and really, that all
came from me being exposed to so much
at a young age. I came to L.A. at age
15 by myself, and was in full-time career
mode. Everyone I was surrounded by was
over 21. My youngest friend was 22, and
my oldest was like 35.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s a lot
to absorb, especially being a minor.
To be somewhere, and not necessarily
have your family with you, it’s difficult.

Deion Gill: It takes a lot of maturity. That
was something to use to my advantage
in my coming of age. It wasn’t necessarily
learning from others’ mistakes, but it was
moreso learning from their experiences
to be sure I would not make mistakes of
my own. i’ve always taken that into consideration
and become a spirit of life. I’m
just thankful.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what
kept you humble?
Deion Gill: A majority has been having
good friends around me, and people who
keep me that way. I’m from Boston. When
I go home, I have friends who treat me
like a regular person, like I’m just Deion
from high school. They don’t look at my
like I’m in the business. It’s a way for me
to feel like no time has passed. It puts
things in perspective for me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What keeps
you at the point, or how do you keep
from getting to the level of other
artists out there now? Like you have
those like the Chris Browns, and so
on, who came into this as a teen, and
the first thing a lot of young artists
speak of is how humble they are, and
the things they want to do, but then
you fast-forward, and they’re at that
point where things are somewhat out
of control.
Deion Gill: I can’t personally relate to his
story because it’s a completely different
walk of life than my own, but for me, it’s
about who you surround yourself with.
When you keep your circle tight with
people who want to see you succeed,
it makes things a lot more wholesome
There’s more values instilled into your life.
i keep a close circle of friends and artists
that I work with and associate with on a
personal level. I call these guys my brothers.
My collective from Boston, as well as
two of my best friends here in L.A., Major
Myjah and Eric Ray, who are insanely talented
songwriters and singers, as well as
people I’ve known since I was a kid and
ended up in the same walk of life as me.
That’s what keeps you grounded. I think
it makes sense and you hit the nail on the
head.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You are
who you hang out with. Many people
disagree with that, but you ultimately
become the same way. I think people
can appreciate that you’re ten years
into this, and so many people at the
same time don’t realize that. How have
you been able to maneuver this so
well? You’ve recently worked with Lil’
Wayne, and in terms of music, that’s
like the top of the chain right now.
Deion Gill: It’s about just following your
gut feeling with what feels right, and
feels the most right for you, based on not
just how you assess things, but what you
feel is the most relevant in your life to do
something for. I don’t know how else to
describe it. It’s about your heart and soul
honestly.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I get it
though. I think the vagueness comes
from you still being grounded, and
sometimes, it’s hard to dote on yourself
or talk about things you’ve done
when you’re so thankful and grounded.
Deion Gill: I appreciate it. I’m thankful
everyday for the experiences I’ve had. I
haven’t reached that point of celebrity
where I’m getting endorsements, but
I’ve been on tour, and done things I have
literally dreamed of. I have no choice but
to be thankful.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what advice
do you give to someone who has
worked just as hard, or they’re wanting
to do this, and it hasn’t happened
for them
Deion Gill: A couple things. Don’t let
anyone tell you no. You can do whatever
you want, within the means of being reasonable.
You can use social media to your
advantage. Put yourself out there, and
don’t be afraid of what anyone has to say.
Tweet out as many songs. Give the music
to the people. Honestly, that’s what
Apple Music is doing. They’re giving the
music straight to the people.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So do you
prefer Apple Music, or Tidal?
Deion Gill: The thing is, I haven’t even
used Tidal yet. I mean, I have Spotify on
my phone, I’m not even going to lie. I
can’t even decipher until I try it first.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I like Apple
Music a lot. The downside is everything
is not there yet, but I think it’s
still in the beginning stages though. I
spend a ridiculous amount of money on
music though. Then I invest in iTunes
Match so I can stream to all my devices.
Deion Gill: That’s good. Not a lot of people
buy albums anymore though.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Yea, I think
that honestly, as someone who loves
music so much, you have to be at the
place of supporting the music. I bought
Jill Scott today, and absolutely love
her. I’ve gotten probably ten new
albums in the past week. I like to support
the artists though. I think you’ll
be one of those artists that people truly
support because people can relate.
Deion Gill: I appreciate that. I’m really
trying to give the music to the people.
That’s my job.

Urban Grandstand Digital: But the
good thing is it’s not like a job though
because you have fun with it. It’s like
our magazine. I could do it for free and
be just as happy.
Deion Gill: There’s a difference between a
job and a purpose.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Exactly, and
what you do is your purpose.
Deion Gill: It’s a beautiful thing to find
that purpose.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now your
single has been out for a month. What
are your plans now that steam is building.
Deion Gill: Honestly, the next thing will
be to give more content. I have a bunch
of videos coming. I have a video for a
song called “You Know”. I think people
will like it more than the original.
I have a video coming with these two
kids from my Boston Collective, they’re
called Wood & Grain films. They are so,
so talented. It was such a natural thing
and the song is so real to me. The video
just helps me put my vision for how I
felt when I wrote the song onto film. I’m
really excited about it. I have a treatment
done for the video for ‘Show Me’.
Deion Gill: I’m at a stage where I really
want to work with the people I’ve always
looked up to, like James Fauntleroy, and
Pharrell Williams, and people who have
influenced me in music so much that I can
say they are the reason I started. Frank
Ocean is another one, and I had the
chance to meet him.
Urban Grandstand Digital: He’s a cool
dude
Deion Gill: He’s so humble and low key.
No ego at all. He’s a simple soul.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Everything
you’re doing is so good. We want
to make sure we keep up with you
moving forward. Are there any final
thoughts or comments at all?
Deion Gill: For social media, everything is
@Deiongill, that being Instagram, Snapchat,
Periscope, and my tumblr is actually
@ImNotDeionGill. As far as final words,
I’m grateful for everyone to be supporting
me like this, and to see the reaction
I’ve been seeing. I just want to say thank
you to everyone. +
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there
people you still want to work with?
urban
grandstand
digital

in the
spotlight
james worthy
When it comes to power players in the industry, there’s a lot of
people who come to mind. You have your Sean Combs’, your
Russell Simmons’, and so on. These are people who have made
tremendous impacts in the entertainment world. James Worthy
is one who needs to be on that list. He’s another powerful figure
in the entertainment business, and he’s making a pretty indelible
mark right now with his own brand, Dream Musik.
We first touched bases with Dream Music earlier this year in our
exclusive with Sara Stokes, who most will remember from P Diddy’s
Making Da Band, as well as the many other ventures she has
popping off. He definitely has a lot more brewing for the world to
partake in. He’s got a roster that also includes Truth Hurts, Dave
Tolliver, Men At Large, and a list of others, as well as a number of
other ventures that is sure to make him a permanent fixture in this
business.
James speaks candidly with us about Dream Musik and everything
he has going on, as well as what we can be looking out for as the
weeks roll by.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate
your time today Mr Worthy. You have so
much going on right now. I want to definitely
talk about Dream Musik.
James Worthy: We’re doing a number of
things as far as music. I’m producing on a
number of albums. We have a few singles
releasing very soon. I have producers and
songwriters who are signed to me, and
are collaborating on different projects.
I model and act as well, so I do a lot of
work in other areas of entertainment.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How did
Dream Musik actually come about? You’re
the epitome of time management given
the things you’re doing.
James Johnson: It started out as a team
of people as far as songwriters, producers,
and artists. I finally made a decision
that I needed my own imprint. I have a
few people I started with in the beginning
who are signed to me now.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You’re working
with Sara Stokes I know, but you also
have Truth Hurts?
James Worthy: Yes
Urban Grandstand Digital: OK. Talk to me
about your formula, and what you have
that allows you to be in a position of revitalizing
their careers? Most of the artists
you have are artists who have been away
for some time.
James Worthy: Definitely. It’s been my
focus since the beginning of my career.
Not just about revitalizing careers, but I
want to work with artists who are not only
household names, but they have classic
material and they’re known for that
material. So artists like Sara Stokes and
Truth Hurts, they both have done great
things, and people know them for those
things. It’s really no formula, it’s just that
we’re all fans of music and making something
great. I think with me coming in the
picture, we understand the goal, and it’s
creativity at it’s finest.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How difficult
has it been in terms of helping to hone
in on what they really want to do. As you
said, there’s an end goal, but Sara for
instance, had her hand in so many things.
What is that like in terms of development?
Even with Truth, we haven’t heard
from her in so long that I would imagine
she has other things going on.
James Worthy: The great things about
these two women is they branched off
into different things, which is good. You
may not hear them musically, but they
have their hands in different pots. Now
they are coming back to where they started,
and they’re revisiting what the fans
want. They’re reintroducing themselves
as artists. Truth Hurts is always touring.
She’s in Bulgaria now, and Sara Stokes is
doing her own hair line.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’m glad truth
Hurts is back out there. So many people
have been wondering where she’s been.
Are there issues in terms of the artists not
trusting, or difficulties due to past things
in their careers?
James Worthy: I haven’t had that issue.
I’ve gained a lot of respect in this industry
to where if I bring on someone of that
caliber, I can deliver. That’s a bold thing
to say sometimes because a lot of people
drop the ball, or don’t know how to
handle an artist like that. I’m a go-getter,
and more of a rebel in this game. I have
no set boundaries or genre goals. We just
create something great, and if it comes
out perfect, let’s go with it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You’ve definitely
built a solid reputation in this industry.
A lot of people are eager to work with
you. I see the messages, even on your
social media, where people are shouting
you out. So how do you choose who you
work with?
James Worthy: I remember back in the
day it was more about if we could build
something cool, or make cool records,
it was always great. Now, we have to be
on the same page. I’m not a big fan of
doing stuff and then we don’t do anything
with it. Now when I’m working with
anyone, I check out the background, and
the style, if it works for them, if they need
to revamp, and does it coincide with our
brands. If it’s right, we make it happen.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You seem
pretty approachable, and you’re very
responsive to people. A lot of producers
become somewhat untouchable in that
aspect, and I think that’s good about you.
James Worthy: It’s always great to be
humble. I like to work with pretty much
anyone. It’s not about what you’ve done,
but what you can do. I like to see people
win and succeed, and it’s room for everybody.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What are your
plans moving forward?
James Worthy: It’s really about expanding
the brand. This year is a branding
year. People know me through name and
product, but they don’t know what I look
like. That’s more of the brand strategy
we’re taking on this year. TV and film
work is always good, but we’re growing,
expanding, and signing new talent. We’re
expanding into business ventures, maybe
with a major label, and if not, then with
an entertainment company. Gaining new
endorsements and sponsorships.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk about
some of the other things you have going
on.
James Worthy: I’ll be on a reality show,
called From the Bottom Up. Sara Stokes
will be on there as well.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s what
she was talking about when we talked
earlier this year.
James Worthy: Yes. Then following up,
I’ll be on another show towards the end
of the year on Bravo. I have a couple ad
campaigns overseas for a couple clothing
lines that I’m working on. I’m working on
some things for Calvin Klein as well.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You are really
keeping things going man.
James Worthy: Oh yea,
Urban Grandstand Digital: So the reality
show. Can you talk about it at all at this
point?

James Worthy: The show has been
picked up by BET. The executive producers
are Nicci Gilbert and Queen Latifah.
It’s an all female cast. They’re discussing
these ladies who have been through so
much. They went from the top to the
bottom, and now they’re coming back
strong. You don’t see that much on mainstream
TV these days. It’s been all about
the drama.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s good because
it ushers in some positivity, but how
do you think it’ll be received, given that
drama has become the norm.
James Worthy: I’ve noticed with the reality
shows lately that it’s so much drama
that it overshadows the real message of
the show. People are catching on, and
they’re get sick of it. It’s only so much
drama that you can take with every show.
I think things like Love & Hip Hop will
fade away in time. I think people are getting
over it, and it’s getting to that point.
It needs to be better script writing, storylines,
and better casting. A lot of times,
the casts are people who really don’t represent
the show that it needs to be. With
a show like ours, it shows the authenticity,
the realness, and a real storyline. When
people see that, it brings more attention
to it, and they’ll say that this is what the
rest of the shows need to follow.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What’s happening
in your acting career?
James Worthy: I’m working on a couple
of indie films, and a lot of commercials as
well. I’m also doing film scoring.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s huge
man,
James Worthy: It’s great man. It’s a different
level of creativity when you’re crafting
a piece for a film. It’s more emotion than
anything. It’s very dramatic sometimes,
but it’s a great emotional thing.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think back to
when RZA got into scoring, and I thought
then that it was awesome.
James Worthy: It’s something else. It pulls
a lot of creativity out of you. It’s like a climax.
Some scenes may be sad, then they
climax to somebody fighting. The scoring
may go up to a higher level than what
it started with. You can’t do that with a
song.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what are
things looking like in terms of projects
being released?
James Worthy: I have three producers
and two songwriters signed with me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What words of
encouragement would you offer to someone
looking to get established with this?
James Johnson: I always say make sure
you perfect your craft. I see a lot of people
who want to be producers, but they
don’t know the necessary steps. They
also confuse being a producer with being
a beat maker. There’s a huge difference.
Make sure you know the difference. Never
sell your integrity. Never step outside
the box to what someone else tells you
that you need to be. Always follow your
mind and heart and do what you want
to do because that sets you apart from
being a follower or a trendsetter.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Any final comments
at all?
James Worthy: I know Sara Stokes has
her new single out with Babs called Sneak
Peek. It’s on iTunes, and YouTube. Truth
Hurts has a new single coming out called
Fight for Love. I have Dave Tolliver releasing
a single September 4 called titled
Concert. We’re also working on a new
Men at Large album. We have some real
R&B coming back. +

don’t miss out!

anais?
Who jilly
This Houston-bred rising Pop sensation is well on her way
to becoming that next household name. Silly Anais has
already began making her mark in entertainment, and
from the sounds of things, she definitely won’t be going
anywhere any time soon. Her infectious single “Afterparty’
has been heating up the charts, and that’s only the beginning.
She’s working on an album that’s sure to set the
industry on fire. Take a moment and get to know who Jilly
Anais Is!

Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you
so much for your time today. I think it’s
awesome, and what you’re doing is awesome.
Jilly Anais: Thank you for having me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Talk to me
about how you got your start in this business?
Jilly Anais: Since I was young, I’ve been
doing all types of things having to do
with entertainment. I did competitive
dance and cheer, and I was dancing since
I was two. I’ve always been a performer.
I also did pageants as a child. I did my
first pageant in 2011, Miss Teen Houston,
and I always knew the stage was what I
wanted to do. At age 14, I started doing
cover videos, remixing the songs to
fit me. After a while, I decided to begin
doing original music and becoming my
own artist
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing
how much doing cover songs and videos
can really get you out there, and not
just for the up and coming artist either.
It’s good for those who are established
as well. We connected with Tahj Mowry
a few months ago, and he was also performing
cover songs, and that worked
well for him. What type of response have
you gotten?
Jilly Anais: I got very positive responses. I
got a lot of things that were uplifting, and
it made me want to do my own music.
People loved my voice and sound, and
that was encouraging. I felt like now was
a great time to get started. After high
school, I moved to L.A. on a whim.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what was it
like being in Texas and wanting to pursue
music and entertainment?
Jilly Anais: Texas inspired me. I love
home, but I knew that for my career
choice, I couldn’t do too much in Houston
and I needed to move. I knew L.A.
and Hollywood was the place to make my
dreams come true.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So how long
now have you been in the L.A. area?
Jilly Anais: It’s been for about nine
months now.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How have
things gone since moving and making
that transition?
Jilly Anais: Absolutely amazing. I didn’t
know a single soul moving here. I literally
moved on faith, and knew that this was
the place for me to be. When I got here,
it’s been nothing but a blessing. I made
connections by networking on my own.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s really
good, and it’s a testament to your hard
work, being able to follow your dreams.
We push that a lot with the magazine,
and if it’s meant to be, it will definitely
happen.
Jilly Anais: Absolutely.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So your single
that’s out there, it’s doing very well. Talk
about that.
Jilly Anais: My new single is “AfterParty”.
I released it on soundcloud a few months
ago, and it did much better than I expected.
I got a really good response from
fans, and they were requesting it to be
on iTunes. I never had music on iTunes,
but I was like wow. They started their
own hashtag. We ended up getting it on
iTunes, and once I tweeted it out, I got
so much support. About two weeks ago,
I released the video on Vevo. It’s really
exciting because it’s also on apps like
Spotify and Pandora. It’s been playing on
radio, and that’s so cool.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You seem to
be doing so well as a new artist.
Jilly Anais: I appreciate that, thank you.
Urban grandstand Digital: Talk to me
about the Juice.
Jilly Anais: That was a 5-song EP that I recorded
last summer. I put out a single in
the summer of 2014, and following that I
released a video. I got requests from fans
for that as well, so in February, I released
the entire EP. It was my first EP.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You’re growing
at a rate where it’s not too fast, and not
too slow. You should be able to sustain a
lot easier that way.
Jilly Anais: Right. This is definitely not
overnight. I know I’m young, but I’ve
been working hard for quite some time
now.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s good that
people see that. They always have the
idea that it’s an overnight success, but
they see the work you’re putting in. I like
the fact that you have a good knowledge
of what’s going on in the background.
Jilly Anais: Another thing with that also is
that people think I’m new at it, but then
when they research, they see a lot of my
work.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What has been
the biggest misconception that you’ve
fought in your career so far?
Jilly Anais: Definitely no matter what,
you have to work for yourself. Nobody
will work as hard for you as you will. I’ve
learned that moving here. Always knowing
that, I feel unstoppable. I know that
as long as I have me, I’m good. I won’t
let anyone else take control of my career.
Working with different people,m they
try to change your style and sound and
artistry. I stay true to who I am. I know
who I am as an artist and person. I vowed
to never let anyone change that. That has
been the biggest misconception. People
will try to change you.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What timeline
are you working with in terms of an album
now?
Jilly Anais: Actually, I’m releasing another
song in August, and I hope to have a full
album by the end of the year.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there people
you’ve started working with already
for you album?
Jilly Anais: Yes, I’ve worked with several
people. I worked with Irv, who is a part
of the Aristocrats, and they have worked
with several artists, including Rihanna,
Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and I’ve worked
with Vanity who have worked with several
people as well. I’ve worked with a number
of amazing producers.

Urban Grandstand Digital: It has to be
awesome working with the aristocrats.
They’ve done some amazing work
Jilly Anais: Yes, it was awesome, and of
course, they produced After Party.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Where would
you like to see yourself go as an artist?
Jilly Anais: I envision myself touring. I
have a lot of people who reach out to me
from around the world. it’s so amazing.
People in Nigeria, and places I’ve never
heard of. I see myself touring. I’m a performer,
and I love performing.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You have the
best energy. I can tell from your enthusiasm
that this is something you love doing.
Jilly Anais: It definitely is. It’s something I
love to do.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Where can we
find you online?
Jilly Anais: My website is www.jillyanais.
com, and my social media is all @jillyanais
Urban Grandstand Digital: Your website
is cool. One thing I really love with your
site is that you have lyrics there. I think
it’s awesome, and it takes me back to the
day when we had cassettes, and even cds
where the artist included lyrics. Sometimes
it’s the simple things.
Jilly Anais: I appreciate that. That was
actually a fan request. It was a fan from
Brazil who said she wasn’t good at English,
and she wanted to know the words.
I love talking to my fans and she asked
me to do that.
Urban Grandstand Digital:
Jilly Anais: Follow me on my social media
and stay tuned. I have a number of projects
coming up, as well as things beyond
music with acting and modeling. I want
to expand my horizons. As long as they
follow me, they’ll see what’s coming next.
+
urban
grandstand
digital

neffe
&
soullow
a family
hustle

We were blessed with an opportunity
to catch up with Neffe &
Soullow of the hit series “Frankie
& Neffe”. After a lengthy
hiatus, and just when the world
counted them out, they’re back
to show the world that despite
the trials you may be going
through in life and with family,
there’s always a light at the
end of the tunnel. That lesson
they’re giving us surely doesn’t
come without a few bumps in
the road. In this two part series,
they both break it down for us
in their own perspectives. Neffe
takes us on a trip of how she
survived the effects of rape,
divorce, alcoholism, and depression.
Soullow then gives us
a play-by-play of the things he
has going on, the power moves
he’s making, and the struggles
that go along with making those
moves. Through it all, both
Neffe & Soullow show the world
that no matter what, it’s really
all about family, and it is indeed
a family hustle.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s a
great thing. I’ve followed both of you,
and obviously the shows over the years.
For things to come together for you, this
is awesome. Where did the idea come for
you to come back and do this show after
being away for a while?
Neffe: That’s for my husband to tell you.
He was the guy to step up and say that
we needed to see therapy with Frankie
and her children. That brought BET to the
table along with Keyshia Cole, and ultimately
the Frankie & Neffe Show.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Was there any
hesitation in you doing this again?
Neffe: None at all. As entertainers and
public figures, you don’t want to stay
in the same lane. I’ve always wanted to
branch out, outside of being in my sister’s
shadow, who is amazing and beautiful,
talented, and I’m so grateful to carry her
platform. As a woman though, I needed
to branch out on my own. I thank God for
that, my husband’s support, and my kid’s
support. I also thank God for Frankie,
Elite, and Keyshia being supportive, as
well as BET. I’m very grateful.
Urban Grandstand Digital: In what ways
do you feel like reality television has
helped with growth in your family? I see
a lot of differences since the beginning,
in terms of responsibility, and how you
live your life, and the way you deal with
things. We see it from the outside, but
how do you feel like it’s helped you?
Neffe: It has helped me in many ways. I
had to take a five year break of course, to
get my thoughts together so that I could
recapture where my life was growing. I
prayed about it, and went into a depressive
state. I had become a drinker. I was
angry and bitter, distant from my family,
and we went through a trial and error period,
which most definitely educated me
on where my life is today. Living my life in
front of the world was a lot. I take it as a
blessing and a curse. The blessing is from
God, and the curse is that when you live
your life in front of the world, you can’t
escape it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s a lot living
your life in front of the world. Do you feel
like this will affect the kids at all?
Neffe: Yes, and that was my thing about
changing my outlook. I do have four
daughters and an amazing son. They
watch the show, look at me, and look at
my husband, and they look at us like a
family. I wanted to be better. I didn’t
want to be the problem. I wanted to be
the solution. Having children definitely
changed my outlook on reality television.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think a lot
of people can commend you because
they see the growth. You put your life out
there along with the things that have hurt
you up until now, and it can be difficult
getting through that. A lot of times in reality
television, you only see the negative,
but you’ve been able to show how things
can turn positive.
Neffe: …and I’m grateful for it. Had it not
been for God, we would not have made
it through. People ask me why I chose
to put everything out there. I said that
somebody needs to hear it. I too have
been a victim of a violent crime. I was
raped at nine years old. I battled alcoholism.
I went through a bitter divorce. I
was angry, depressed, emotionally, mentally,
and physically. As a woman and as
a mother, it can take a toll on your life.
I felt like, I can share this with the world
and show that yes I did go through it, but
I’m standing today to say that I made it
through, and so can you. I needed to put
that out there, and God needed to use
my voice. I’m OK with that. I’m OK with
my struggles. I’m OK with my faults. I’m
OK with who I am, where I was, where
I’ve been and who I am today. I want
people to feel the same way and believe
in themselves. Pray until something happens.
Change is right around the corner.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Like you said,
the beauty is that there are people who
experience the same thing, and everything
you talk about on Frankie & Neffe
is something that people go through.
You have people who still deal with those
harsh realities. For them to see how you
deal with it, and that you have survived
and come out on top, that is one of the
best things people get from it.
Neffe: I will keep going too. Life is limitless.
Put God first, You don’t have to be
perfect. You just have to keep pushing
yourself. I thank God for the opportunity.
and I thank you guys for being a huge
support, even after me being away for so
long. It’s amazing how I can get out here
in these streets and people still show
love, and watch the show every week. It’s
crazy bananas to see the support. I love
my supporters and fans. You guys are the
reason we continue to do this.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate
the fact that you’re out there. It’s almost
a catch 22, because regardless of the
things you see, there’s often an ulterior
motive or a hidden agenda. Your motive
is to push the positivity. The reality in that
reality is that you have a lot of people
who follow because they’re nosey, but
once they see what you have to offer,
they get more than they ever could imagine.
Neffe: You’re absolutely right. It is a catch
22, because people ask if it’s scripted,
and do we plan it out. Absolutely not.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Well people
like to see the drama though. You’ll
always have those that want that drama,
but they’re getting so much more, which
is good.
Neffe: Well don’t get it twisted, the
drama is there, especially when you got
Frankie at the table (laughing). As far as
her involvement, you just have to sit back
and keep your eyes open. Mom is exactly
who she is going to be and she brings it.
What you see is what you get.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s a testament
though to meeting people where they
are in life. We often have expectations
of people, but you have to meet them
where they are sometimes.
Neffe: You can’t teach an old dog new
tricks. Mom is mom. She is almost 60
years old. She’s living her life. Let her
live, and let God handle the rest. I’m not
writing her off. I love my mother. I support
her, and I love her. I thank God that
she can be exactly who she is. I have to
sit back and let him work. I love him first,
and he gave me the ability to love her the
same. No matter what she does, I honor,
respect, and love her just the same,
good, bad, or indifferent.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Can you talk
about the book that you worked so hard
to put together?
Neffe: Yes, a lot of people ask me about
My Happiness, My Sanity, and where they
can get it from. It was just me looking in
the mirror, basically saying what do you
want to do, how do you get there, who
do you want to love, how do you love,
and do you want to remain in the things
you’re in. I went to Soullow and said I
want to write a book. He asked what
about, and I said I wanted to share my life
with the world. He came up with the title
because he said I was trying so hard to
be happy, but can’t remain sane. I was really
surprised at the reviews when I put it
out there. I received 4.5 stars out of 5. I’m
striving to reach best seller. Aside from
that, I’m looking forward to go into

Urban Grandstand Digital: Looking at all
you’ve done and been through to get
to this point, what do you define as your
happiness and your sanity?
Neffe: Being able to wake up and say
thank you Lord. Looking at my children’s
eyes in the morning when they get ready
for school, and being able to fix them
breakfast. Looking at my pets, waking up
and rolling over to see the man I love on
my side. He don’t stay out all night. He’s
a family man, and a God-fearing man.
He don’t cheat. He loves his wife and his
family. Being able to live with basic things
in life that people take for granted every
day. That is my happiness, which in turn
keeps me sane. Being able to say Thank
you Jesus for the favor in my life, and
seeing the sun rise and set. It’s a lot of
people out here who didn’t make it. A lot
of people in my circle have gone on to
see the Lord, but here I am, married with
5 children. It’s a beautiful thing. I thank
God for it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You and
Soullow have built a really strong relationship.
The level of support we see between
you two is awesome. The way you
support him on his music career is great.
A lot of people don’t have that in their
relationships.
Neffe: I swear, I am his number one fan. I
think I go more crazy over his music than
he does himself. This has been for years.
I said man, if you don’t give me just one
album. You are doper than some of the
people who have made millions of dollars.
What are you doing?
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s the
thing with music though. Some of the
hottest talent will struggle the most. He’s
blessed to have you, and the people who
are now recognizing his talent, but a lot
of talented artists don’t see the light of
day.
Neffe: If you have not heard that dope
track “Last Night”, you are missing out.
And I’m not saying it because I’m his
wife. I am a fan! People are sleeping on
him. I’m not though (laughing).
At this point, Soullow joins in to continue
on with our interview…..
Urban Grandstand Digital: Thanks so
much for going in with us man. I was just
telling Neffe that I love the fact that you
two really support each other, and I think
the support from you is really awesome
for her.
Soullow: It goes without saying. She’s a
brilliant woman with a lot of talent. That’s
who she is. She’s the most honest person
I know, and she’s a special individual.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How much of
your music career will we continue to see
in the show?
Soullow: When we came back this year,
we ended up by the grace of God being
able for Neffe and Frankie to be
there. Things didn’t necessarily work out
as planned. Frankie got fired the third
day of production. She made a couple
episodes, but it ended up with me and
Neffe and her sister having to take on the
show. This was an opportunity for me to
display what I do. It looks like I’m all over
the place on the show, but I’m not. I do
everything I say I do. It’s not made up. I
shoot videos, and I produce music. I’m
not limited to just one thing.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I didn’t really
get the idea that you were all over the
place though. I can see that you’re really
doing some big things. Again though, I
really like the support that you two offer
each other with it all. You had good
material, and there’s people you’re really
killing in music.
Soullow: I mean, just to stay focused on
TV for minute, being a producer, and the
press release goes out national that says
I’m all over the place, it puts that in the
fans’ minds already. I’m not complaining
though. I get it. I’m a producer. At the
same time, knowing those are things I did
through the show, I just want to give the
most respect, on my craft and what I do,
and how I do. When I see BET producers,
I respect them. They’re doing their thing,
and I’m doing my thing to. You may have
the network behind you, but I have the
streets behind me. I have fans behind
me. I have a following. Shout out to BET
definitely, and Stephen Hill, and everybody
for giving us the opportunity. I don’t
agree with a lot of things. The promotion
on the show has been awful, and I’m not
doing that to shoot down the network,
because I love them. I’m just saying, you
got a Nelly, who is not doing good in
his numbers, but you’re steadily pushing
him. No disrespect to Nelly either. You
push him like it’s a hot commodity. We’re
not made up. We’re not trying to make
nothing up. They shot us in 22 days.
That’s unheard of. We shoot the show in
22 days, everyday. 16 hour days. I know
it’s summertime, but give us the same respect.
My wife and her family started this
reality thing, and they had tremendous
numbers. They say it’s different times, but
times don’t change. They stayed relevant
for 5 years with no promotion. All
the networks are competing with each
other. Like, I heard you say that people
love drama. Nothing about us is made
up. You just caught us at a time in our
lives where we were hurting and going
through things. Dealing with a woman
scorned is a tough thing for a man, because
anything that happens to Neffe, it
came back to me. A lot of men have hurt
her. It was tough for me. I got exhausted,
and the kids began to see it. Ten years
later, we’re still here. Good or bad, we’re
still here. We still have a family. That’s the
difference with us. We’re not doing publicity
stunts and acting tough.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that’s
the beauty in what you have to offer
with doing the show. You’re looking to
get somewhere out of it, so it’s about
family, and foundation. I can hear that
there are things you want to push, and
stuff you don’t want to push. That, obviously,
doesn’t always coincide with the
network and the ones pushing the show.
You won’t necessarily get the support
you want because you don’t push what
they want. When you only push a certain
thing, that doesn’t always get supported.
I think that’s why people love what you
have to offer.
Soullow: I get it, but at the same time,
when you have something that’s organic,
all natural, why would the network try to
manufacture something that is already
there. You don’t have to manufacture a
TV show if you put the right production
dollars in the right places, and the right
people. I watched BET from the Bob
Johnson days to the Debra Lee days.
Debra took a chance on this whole thing,
and that brought the network back. BET,
to me, is in a transition to where they may
have fired half of the staff, and we got
caught in the politics. Maybe that’s it. I’m
not making excuses for BET. What I do
know is we have a quality show, because
it’s a real show. It’s not made up. We’re
not fighting in the streets. It’s none of
that. That’s not reality TV. Reality TV is me
getting up, kissing my wife, having breakfast
with my wife, going out in the streets
and doing what I have to do, she doing
what she has to do. The kids go through
problems and I go through problems,
that’s what makes it organic. To see a
lot of this stuff, I’d rather watch the food
network honestly (laughing).
Urban Grandstand Digital: What you guys
have to offer is something that a lot of
people have been looking for.

Urban Grandstand Digital: What you guys
have to offer is something that a lot of
people have been looking for.
Soullow: And you know what? Just so you
know what I have going on, I’m a person
of music. I never wanted to be an artist.
I have a gift of writing and delivering
rhythms. A lot of great artists have the
same gift. My death wish was never to
be as big as Michael Jackson and Jay-Z.
I just have some of the gifts. Neffe looks
at it like I’m just as big as them, if not
better. You have to understand my craft.
I feed them creativity. That’s why I do so
good at putting a good story together, as
you’ll see on the next episode, called The
Mitchells. They’re a family out of Kansas
City. Shout out to them. You hear my music,
and you hear casualty, but maybe it’s
an hour or two later. everything in music
changes because of social media, and
what’s hot. You can be anything on the
internet, but in person you’re nothing. A
lot of people have absolutely no talent.
No gifts. It’s like, Worldstarhiphop putting
stuff out there and calling it Hip-Hop.
Come on now. Just change the name
to Shade 32 or something. That’s all we
doing is promoting things that’s shady.
That’s what gravitates to the people, and
the kids. They’re in single parent homes
right now. Ain’t no dad, or ain’t no mom.
Just a woman that think she want a whole
bunch of money, and a man that don’t
care about the kid. The kids look at what
they can. Parents not home and ain’t
paying attention. They want to go on to
see something to make them laugh, cry,
and dream. If it works, and you getting
money over there at Love and H…yea,
I said Love & Hip-Hop (laughing). Shout
out to Mona. If it works, get your money,
I’m not no hater. At least make it real.
Make it something I can believe when I
see you in person. If you catch me being
quiet, that’s me. I’m not going to go all
out and try to get attention. I don’t feel
like that’s man or woman at all. Everybody
is not going to be a star. That’s why
a lot of these relationships don’t work.
They’re all made up for TV. Neffe wanted
to get married on TV. I was like no. Everybody
else is doing that. We’ll do something
very intimate, and invite people
that we know and trust. We don’t need
the whole world watching for a spectacle,
for ratings, and to make myself relevant. I
cherish what marriage is. My parents have
been married for more than 40 years. It’s
not a game. For these people to play it,
it’s irritating.
“A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T UN-
DERSTAND. STARTING A BUSI-
NESS FROM THE GROUND
UP IS ONE OF THE HARDEST
THINGS TO DO. I GOT A CALL
FROM SOMEONE ABOUT A
WEEK AGO FROM A LADY
WHO NEEDED SOME INFOR-
MATION FROM ME. SHE SAID
SHE STARTED A LABEL, SO I
ASKED HOW SHE PAID FOR
IT. SHE SAID THE PAPERWORK
WASN’T QUITE DONE YET.
THAT’S NOT A LABEL. I SAID
YOU DON’T HAVE A LABEL.
YOU’RE JUST SAYING SOME-
THING. JUST BECAUSE YOU
HAVE A HOT RAPPER AND
A CLIQUE, DOESN’T MEAN
YOU HAVE A RECORD LABEL.
YOU HAVE A STREET GANG.
RECORD LABELS ARE STRUC-
TURED. IF IT COMES OUT
STRUCTURED IN THE BEGIN-
NING, YOU WIN IN THE END.”
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s definitely
a different world in television, but we appreciate
that you guys do what’s true

to your heart. There really are people that
want to see that. You’ve worked really
hard to get to this point of producing,
and you built your company from the
ground up. Neffe is doing her lipstick
line, and you guys are really doing it.
Soullow: With 5 kids, and a million other
things we’re doing. Taking the kids to the
doctor. Taking care of ourselves. All that
extra stuff people are doing, it means
nothing. It’s the simple things in life. Having
a family is priceless. I don’t care if it’s
a single home. But everybody is out there
fighting. That’s what they’re programming
us with. I just hope that with these
interviews, people really hear what we’re
trying to do. Put God first, then your
family. Stop being thirsty for a few dollars
that you can’t even manage. Most of us
can’t even manage it. Educate yourself.
Tom Joyner say it all the time. Education
is very important, and that’s what we lack.
That’s why we act the way we do. That’s
why we’re killing each other. I have no
gripes against nobody. You can say whatever
you want to say, as long as you don’t
get in my face. I’m cool. That’s the kind of
respect we lack for each other. It’s a platform
out there for our voices to be heard
and we’re going to keep doing what we
do. This is not an easy process. Starting
a lipstick line, and a production company
with no budget, is not an easy process.
My company has been out here for three
years, and I’m just now starting to make a
profit.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s where
education comes in. I’m glad you quote
Tom Joyner, because education really
is everything. That’s the thing people
don’t know about being an entrepreneur.
Starting something with no budget, most
people would go under. The power is in
the fact that you are able to sustain, and
you’re still out there living and breathing
to tell. You two are doing really big
things. Even the catering company. That’s
huge.
Soullow: I appreciate that. A lot of people
don’t understand. Starting a business
from the ground up is one of the hardest
things to do. I got a call from someone
about a week ago from a lady who needed
some information from me. She said
she started a label, so I asked how she
paid for it. She said the paperwork wasn’t
quite done yet. That’s not a label. I said
you don’t have a label. You’re just saying
something. Just because you have a hot
rapper and a clique, doesn’t mean you
have a record label. You have a street
gang. Record labels are structured. If it
comes out structured in the beginning,
you win in the end.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You’re definitely
setting the tone and laying the
proper foundation. In years to come,
people will be on that right page. That
has to do with what you two are doing
right now. Keep doing what you’re doing,
as you say. You’re not the norm right now,
but the more you stick with it, it will become
the norm and you’ll have far more
supporters.
Soullow: I receive that. I got through that
everyday. I go work out, and go to work.
I still work a regular job, while being on
TV. They won’t show that though. Follow
me in my everyday life, and you’ll see the
things I’m doing.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I definitely will
make sure we keep up with you two. This
was definitely amazing, and what you
have is something that will help people
get to that next level, and mature. I truly
appreciate you two.
Soullow: I appreciate you man. Shout out
to your entire company. We feel blessed
to be a part of this.
Catch both Neffe & Soullow on the hit reality
series, “Frankie & Neffe”, each and
every Wednesday evening. Check your
local listings for times and schedule.
Also, keep up with them online at www.
bet.com/shows/frankie-and-neffe.html,
and at the following links:
http://www.LaCoraMonet.com
https://twitter.com/IAmNeffeteria
https://instagram.com/TheRealNeffeteria
https://twitter.com/SoullowDolo
https://instagram.com/TheRealSoullow
+
be sure
to follow
us on
twitter
@grandstandurban

noel

gourdin
exclusive
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with
Independent Soul Artist Noel Gourdin, and what
a great conversation we had. As an avid music
follower, I’ve paid attention to a lot, not just with
Noel, but music and artists in general. He’s released
arguably some of the best albums music
has seen in years, yet, we don’t necessarily hear
very much about that. In my mind, that puts him
in a very “elite” class with a list of other artists,
and we talk a little about that. He’s done some
powerful things in music with his releases, and this
interview gives us the opportunity to spotlight that
like never before. He has a great story in the fact
that his road has been bumpy along the way, but
he has managed to see his way through it while
doing something that he absolutely loves. We talk
a lot about following your passions, and in talking
to Gourdin, it’s clear that he’s indeed following his
passion. He’s living proof that you can follow your
dreams and come out on top just by believing in
yourself. Gourdin talks to us about everything from
his start in music nearly 15 years ago, to the things
he currently has going on, including his latest release
“City Heart, Southern Soul”, touring, the
new project he has in the works, and his new radio
show.

Urban Grandstand Digital: First and
foremost, I offer a heartfelt thanks to you.
There’s a lot that you have to offer, obviously
in music with what we hear, and
there’s a lot I want to cover. I think you’re
one of the types of artists we truly love to
promote. I’m grateful to you.
Noel Gourdin: Thanks a lot. I really appreciate
your words. That’s a lot of encouragement
and praise. I appreciate that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously, being
part of the industry, I know you take
witness to the many things we see, some
good, and some bad. You release great
music, music that’s heartfelt, and we can
see that you’re following your passions.
That doesn’t always get the recognition it
deserves, and we’ll talk a little about that.
But ultimately, it’s been a decade, and
you’ve been working hard. The fact that
you’re still pushing, despite the setbacks,
it’s a real testament to your hard work.
Noel Gourdin: That’s the mission, you
know, to try and have that longevity. It’s
unfortunate that we don’t get that light
of day that we should. I think that artists
with the likes of me, with the same similar
principles, moving forward and making
music, all we can do is make the best
music we can, and pray that things turn
around.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think they
are turning around. The more that people
like yourself continue to put it out,
and stand by it, I think more people will
follow.
Noel Gourdin: Let’s hope (laughing). Let’s
hope that, because we’ve been treading
water for as long as we can (laughing).
Urban Grandstand Digital: Definitely. I
see a lot of it with what you’re trying to
do with your music, and we’re along the
same lines. Obviously, you’re trying to
change the way music is received, and
I’m along those same lines in journalism
and the things we promote with UGD. I
opted to launch my own because I don’t
care for a lot of what is put out by media.
I think media gets a bad name, and surely
because of what has been done over the
years, but on the same token, I felt like
why not do my own. I like the fact that
you’re independent, and doing what you
really want to do.
Noel Gourdin: I commend you for doing
that. It’s almost the same as an artist
and going independent. Standing firm
on what you put out, and what you want
your name on. That’s a beautiful thing
when you step out on a ledge and live
on faith, move forward, and believe in
what you do. You hope that it’s really
time for people to grasp it and support
it. That’s a beautiful thing. That’s what
we do as indie artists and hope that they
are ready for it. There’s a lot of music out
there that you can’t believe gets the love
that it does. That’s what it is.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I know man.
Some of the things I see, it’s like really?
Noel Gourdin: Yea, but look at the award
shows. It’s all over the place.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I know man. I
know. But like I said, it’s great talking to
you. Looking at the road you’ve traveled,
you’ve worked hard at doing what you
love. You never want to feel trapped in
doing what you don’t want to do just for
money. But when it doesn’t work out as
planned, however, it can be devastating
to a lot of people, especially in an industry
where you’re seemingly backed by a
label who may not get the picture, and
don’t know the way they want to go, or it
can be a variety of reasons. There’s a lot
of disappointment with that. Things may
not sale how they want. You may push
250,000 copies, and for them, it may not
be enough, but reality says that is a lot of
people. It can push an artist to not wanting
to do it anymore. How have you been
able to push through that sort of thing?
Noel Gourdin: It definitely can be devastating.
You think in your eyes that it’s
a clear victory, but in other eyes, at the
bottom line, it’s not. It can be crushing. It
can crush a person, and as artists, we’re
already sensitive anyway (laughing). I
think it’s instrumental to be able to pick
yourself up. You have to be able to take
criticism and grow a thick skin. When
I started this, I really started doing my
music hard in 2000 or so. I wasn’t doing
it full time, but when I really started to
make trips to New York from Boston, and
sleeping in cars to try and get opportunities
to speak with people walking in
and out of buildings, it was a hustle. That
was around 2003 and 2004. That’s when
I jumped into it full time, and got a deal
with Sony in 2005. When things don’t
seem to pan out, it’s always important to
pick yourself up. That’s to the young artists
out there listening. It’s always important
to pick yourself up. You get all these
no’s, and things don’t pan out the way
you envision, but it’s that one yes, or that
one piece of good news.
For me, it was Steve Harvey, putting in
calls to labels. He wanted to play the
record, and things changed. I remember
where I was and everything. I was back
in Boston Massachusetts, and I had just
had a long night. I was in the bed when
I got the call about that. You just have
to remain optimistic, keep a clear head,
and stay focused on what you want and
what your vision is for yourself. You have
to form a thick skin. Emotions get thrown
around, and it can be a harsh industry.
You have to be ready for anything. One
day you can be riding high, and the next
day, you know.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Looking back,
what would you say, for those up-andcoming
artists listening now, was the
hardest part of getting your deal?
Noel Gourdin: I would say self-doubt.
You start to question yourself and your
abilities, and whether you are worthy
to be in this industry. You start to doubt
yourself, but you have to think back and
know in your head that you’ve already
had your validation moments, and it’s
time to move forward with the confidence
you had when you were traveling to have
that meeting. It’s about staying true to
yourself. Don’t let that doubt creep in,
because that is just the devil trying to
steer you clear of what is written for you.
You have to be there to be in the game
of winning. That was happening to me.
I had all these moments of validation. I
was out with Dr. Dre in L.A. in his studio
for about a month and almost got to a
point of a deal, and with Kay Gee in New
Jersey. Before I was signed, I was on the
soundtrack and at the beginning of the
movie “The Cookout”. There’s moments
where doubt crept into my mind. I said
now, I deserve this. I’ve worked so hard
and devoted myself, and sacrificed. I
didn’t want to let them down. So I always
kept it in my head.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
great advice. It’s also good to point out
people and recognize those who also
sacrifice to help you along the way. People
like Steve, and the way he pushed
“The River”, how did that come about?
Was it expected?
Noel Gourdin: It came out of nowhere. I
did not expect it. It was crazy, getting to
know him afterwards, he said he was in
his car and the song was playing. He said
he had always heard it, but never knew
who it was. He said he got a chance to
hear it from the beginning, and he found
out who I was. That was the day that he
had played it maybe 5 or 6 times.

I think my phone was dead, and I
had gotten like 30 messages from my
then-manager. Each message got louder,
and more profane (laughing). I didn’t expect
it at all. That’s what I mean though,
with keeping your eyes on the prize. Stay
focused and grow that thick skin, enough
to keep you in the game. To have your
life changed like that by Steve Harvey on
his syndicated show, I was blessed. I’m
fortunate that I was still in the game, and
had enough to keep me alive for that
long, fighting the good fight.
Urban Grandstand Digital: There has to
be something satisfying in knowing that
when people speak your name, they
know the music is good, and it’s quality.
I think of so many people, a long list of
artists who have been working hard, and
they may not seem as popular, but when
you hear their name, people just know!
Like Bilal, Rahsaan Patterson, and you’re
in that bunch.
Noel Gourdin: I appreciate you saying
that. Yes, there is a prestigious group of
people making music, and I mean the
under-appreciated artists, like Rahsaan,
Dwele, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine,
and all of these people. They are leading
artists in the industry, putting out some
of the best music, and they’re not getting
the light of day. That’s the mission for me.
Quality control. I’ve always been listening
to albums, and you have to skip around.
Where’s the quality control? You actually
sat at a round-table and said this whole
album is right. I take pride in that, and
the people I trust who i can work with
and ask how they feel about it. I want the
entire album to scream quality. I believe
in that, and try to make every record on
my projects part of a continuous thread.
I want to be sure it’s quality. I try not to
use profanity. I want everyone from age
2 through 92 to be able to listen. That’s
beautiful the way you put it. When people
hear the names of the people you
spoke of, they know it’s quality.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You mentioned
Calvin Richardson. I spoke to him
about the same things, and a collaboration
he did with Angie Stone and Raphael
Saadiq almost 15 years ago, and the fact
that I can still listen to it like it came out
today. It’s unfortunate that a lot of that is
overlooked.
Noel Gordon: Absolutely. Like I said,
these artists are making that timeless music,
and I call if retro-relevant. It’s got that
throwback feel, but it’s still relevant and
it stays fresh. That’s where you cross lines
with age. That’s why it’s called timeless.
People will enjoy it thirty years from now.
Can you say that about today’s music?
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny that
I was just talking to someone a couple
days ago, and saying that today’s generation,
they won’t have what we have in
terms of music of the past. They just have
the “Nay-Nay” (laughing). We had the
Temptations, and the O’Jays, and people
who were out when we were younger.
Noel Gourdin: That’s another thing. We
have those infomercials at 2 and 3 in the
morning. You actually stay up when you
can’t sleep and watch about these albums
and compilations. Think 20 and 30
years down the line with today’s popular
music. I know I won’t be watching (laughing).
It doesn’t have that staying power,
or that ability to captivate the way music
did before. That’s what today’s artists
are trying to do. We’re following suit in
a sense, but staying true to what made
you feel so good about listening to the
O’Jays, to Marvin Gaye, to Sam Cooke,
to the Temptations, to Blue Magic. That
feel that you had, that’s what we do, but
still keep it relevant. You get the best of
both worlds. you get the classics, and the
oldies but goodies, and you get today’s
music. I appreciate that you put me in
that distinguished group. I feel like we’re
bringing you the best of both worlds.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You’ve been
blessed to collaborate with some amazing
people. There’s a song with you and
Avery Sunshine, and oh my god, it’s
amazing. I would love to hear you with
people like Algebra Blessett, people like
Jill Scott! Are there people you want to
work with still?
Noel Gourdin: Well this next project, I
do have something like that in the pipeline.
It’s interesting that you said Algebra,
because we were on the road, and spoke
about doing something. I also wrote
something with Calvin Richardson and
Conya Doss, and Eric Roberson, David
Hollister… I have something in the pipeline.
Just make sure you keep your ear to
the ground. That’s where I’m at right now.
I’ve had a lot of opportunity, but hadn’t
moved forward because I want people to
get to know me. For that reason, there
haven’t been a lot of guests. Aside from
Avery Sunshine, I did a record with Latrese
Bush, who is a wonderful independent
soul artist. On my second album,
I had Courtney Harrell. So with my next
album, I’m looking to rub elbows with
these artists that I happen to be friends
with and have in my phone (laughing).
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
awesome. I’m excited, as I’m sure so
many others are too. I question whether
I’m getting old, or is it just that my taste
of music has changed. What you’re giving
us is something I look forward to in what
I purchase. I’m just getting back to that
point where I buy music again. Nobody
was really worth me spending the $20.
That’s a lot of money for some people,
especially if it isn’t quality.
Noel Gourdin: Well, I appreciate that. I
always try to put a great deal of effort
into messages and stories. It’s funny that
Tonya Simpson called me a southern fried
soul singer. She loves the stories that I
tell.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s true life
though. I look at the videos and what
you’re saying, and it’s the same thing
everyone out here is going through. It’s
true to life.
Noel Gourdin: That’s what’s real important
to me as well. That speaks to the
quality, and those human qualities and
instances that everyone goes through.
That’s what I try to do with every project,
is speak to hearts and souls. Whether it’s
in a certain way, that’s the thing is coming
up with new ways. Coming up with
slick ways and fun ways that make you
shut your eyes a little and smile. That’s
what I do when I listen to old music that
makes me feel good. I grew up on the
oldies that my pop loved so much. That’s
what I try to do when I make music. I try
to make music that has a great message,
something with substance, but still make
you move and think about that first love,
or first breakup. Something to put you in
a different space.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Do you feel
like you were able to accomplish your
goals with your latest album?
Noel Gourdin: City Heart, Southern Soul,
was me paying homage to all the inspirations
I’ve had since a little boy, growing
to love soul music and what it did for me.
I feel like I met all the criteria in making
that, and having it represent me as an artist
and as a man. There’s a lot of records
on there that I adore. “Photography”.
“Adore”. They are records that people
enjoy. I worked on them with a few people.
We all envisioned the same thing,
and I feel good about it. A lot of people
feel it’s my best work. It was with a tightknit
group. A lot of people that should
have more notoriety.

They’ve worked with a lot of big names
in the industry, but have not gotten their
names to the top of the list. It was great
to work on that project and I love the way
it came out. “Heaven Knows”, “Spotlight
Loving”, “Foxy”, “Patience”. I was able
to pay homage to the music of the past,
but keep it retro-relevant.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you’ve
been able to change lives with it. Sure,
people rate each album amongst each
other, but I don’t look at sales. I look at
what people gain from it. Are they able
to learn and grow from the album? Can
they apply it to their lives? It’s not about
the sales. That comes and goes. The idea
of anyone being an artist is to be able
to change lives. That’s why some of my
questions, I use as a way to get out to
people that you are human too, or you
might have slept in your car, or this happened,
or that happened! People coming
behind you need to see that because
they are dealing with a lot of the same
things. It only helps to know that someone
else experienced it. Sometimes, it’s
the very thing that gives somebody the
spirit to keep pushing. Also, I mention
Steve Harvey a lot, but it’s monumental
to have someone on his level and it’s not
forced. You didn’t call him and say “hey,
can you push my music”. He did it on
the strength of you being a good artist.
I had a similar story, and like you said,
you hear a lot of no’s, or people flat out
ignore you, and it can be discouraging. I
wanted to work in radio, and was literally
being ignored, but my person to help me
was Russ Parr. He doesn’t know me from
a hole in the wall, but one email to him,
and he spoke to the right person to get
me in. That’s why say it’s good to look
back and thank those who help.
Urban grandstand Digital Are there any
final comments at all?
Noel Gourdin: I just want to say I appreciate
my supporters and fans alike who
have been there. It all means a tremendous
amount to me. I put my love, heart,
and soul into everything I do. Hit me on
all of my social media accounts, @noelgourdin,
and on Facebook it’s facebook.
com/therealnoelgourdin
Check out my radio show on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/soulnbrevival
and on twitter its @soulnbrevival
+
Noel Gourdin: Absolutely. If you’re not
there, you can be in the game, if you’re
not in the game, you can’t win.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Exactly. Now
what other things are on the horizon,
aside from shows?
Noel Gordon: I have a number of shows
coming up. Chicago, Los Angeles.
Everyone can stay up on dates through
my website. www.noelgourdin.com
I’m working on a new project. I’m still on
the road to promote City Heart, Southern
Soul. A few more singles will be released.
People are sending scripts for plays and
shows. I’m busy with that as well. I also
have a radio show, The Soul and B Revival.

usiness spotlight:
Sharice Johnson
We literally stumbled upon some of the best artwork that we’ve seen in a long time, and we felt we needed to spotlight it with
this issue! Meet Sharice Johnson, someone I’d like to think of as the ‘Artist for the Stars”. Sharice has been working to get her
graphic design business off there ground, and she’s been doing a fantastic job at it thus far. The very thing that has drawn an
enormous amount of attention to her is her cartoon artwork. She literally takes a picture, and in a short period of time, she’s put
together a piece of artwork that many are ready to drop big bucks on. Take a few moments to get to know Sharice Johnson in
our feature below, and by all means, check out her website to see the amazing artwork herself. All appropriate links to her sites,
as well as social media, are linked at the close of the feature!
Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you so
much for granting us this amazing opportunity.
I feel like I just stumbled upon your
work. What caught my attention was the
photo you did of Mimi Faust’s daughter.
You were able to do something amazing,
and your artistic capability really shines
through. Talk to me about how you got
started.
Sharice Johnson: I’ve had a lot of ventures
creatively. I started out with Cosmetology
but it wasn’t fulfilling to me.
I would think of ways I could do something
creative and fulfilling. I’ve always
done graphic design as a child, just not
as extensively as now. I started out taking
a few classes at a community college,
and then went to the International
Academy of Design and Technology. I
earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts
and Graphic Design back in 2012. From
there, I started out looking for a job with
a company doing design, but could not
get my foot in the door without experience.
I would try to teach myself different
things and stay up to date on things like
Creative Adobe Suite. As time went on,
I had more children, and I felt it would
be easier to go into business of myself.
I used social media as my platform to
get my work out there and gain clientele.
Basically, it has grown from there. I
use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to
expand my brand. That’s how I’ve gained
my clientele and paying my bills.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think you’re
doing it perfectly. It makes perfect sense
to use these avenues. That’s perfect using
social media because you never know
who will see it. I love the fact that you
started doing one thing, realized it wasn’t
fulfilling, and you went to something else.
It takes a lot of guts to step out there on
faith and do something you want. I think
it’s much easier for you to get out there
and do things for yourself.
Sharice Johnson: Right.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now I saw a
comment you posted on your Instagram,
and it said “People will laugh at your
dreams and hate you when you make
them come true”. Have you experienced
that?
Sharice Johnson: I have. I’ve always had
people who doubt me, but it was just
motivation for me. I know what I’m capable
of, so I’ll do it on my own. The 9 to 5,
the one thing I did not like was that they
can get rid of you at any time. As a mother,
I can’t handle that. I wanted something
I could be in control of, and there
was no limit to income earned.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So in terms
of the art that you have put together,
have you just done this to get yourself
out there, or have you gotten to a point
where the celebrities are your clientele?
Sharice Johnson: I haven’t had any celebrity
clients as of yet, however, they have
the largest following. That was another
way of gaining followers and validation.
Some of them give a like or comment,
and that of course brings attention. I want
their validation because that will bring
business and grow my following. I started
out doing the artwork of celebrities.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What kind of
feedback have you gained?
Sharice Johnson: Sometimes they repost
it, and other times they give a smile,
or some type of emoji to acknowledge
they’ve seen it. That’s good enough for
me, but a step further would be gaining
their business. As time goes on, if they
did need a designer, they may take me
up on that and visit my site.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think one of
the other photos I enjoyed was Janelle
Monae. I thought you did an awesome
job with it. How do you decide who you
want to do a rendition of?
Sharice Johnson: I follow a lot of artists
who have a large following, and they also
do artwork of celebrities. I have a personal
page on Facebook, and I pay attention
to the people that trend, and the ones
who have popular music and use social
media. That determines a lot of times
who I do renditions of. I try to touch bases
on different artists and models, reality
stars, and anyone who has a large following
and can bring business.
Urban Grandstand Digital: For someone
wanting to get your artwork, how can
they do that?
Sharice Johnson: Underneath my artwork,
and on my file section in Instagram and
Facebook, I have my email address and
my website. They can go onto the website
and gain more knowledge of who I
am. I also do business cards, branding,
and anything graphically. The cartoon
artwork grabs business though. They can
view my portfolio, and my services. They
can complete the form on my contact
page and I will reply from there.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what about
someone from far away wanting cartoon
work? Do they send pictures?
Sharice Johnson: Yes. When they contact
me, I give them the price, and if they
choose to proceed, they just send me a
photo, and my turn-around time is about

two days. If they prefer the art file, they
can take that and have it printed, or I can
print as well and ship it out.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I love it, and I
love to see people succeeding with their
passion. In terms of social media, can you
plug it all in addition to your website?
Definitely. It’s facebook.com/designedbysharice,
Twitter is @Sharice_Omari, and
Instagram is @ShariceOmari. My website
is www.dujourfilms.com/designsbysharice
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there any
final comments at all?
Sharice Johnson: I basically enjoy what
I do, and like to inspire others. Being
recognized for my passion and inspiring
others to follow theirs is the icing on the
cake for me. +

Teedra Moses
cognac
& conversation

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Teedra Moses, and the conversation
was nothing less than amazing. Many will remember Teedra from her days with
TVT, and many have also followed the last decade, during which she has released a
number of independent mixtapes. She’s finally blessing us with her new studio release,
Cognac & Conversation. We chat with Ms. Moses about her new album and it’s
direction. We also get into everything that has been going on over the past decade,
and why it took so long for us to get this official follow-up to her 2004 debut, and
why it has been so important for her to connect with you: the audience!
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s awesome
to sit down and catch up with you. I’ve
followed you for so long, and love what
you’re doing. People love what you’re
doing in this industry. It’s been a long
time in terms of major releases. You’ve
had a number of mixtape releases, but
why is this new album considered your
follow-up to the 2004 release?
Teedra Moses: It’s my first mixed and
mastered project since that time, so it’s
the official sophomore project.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously
you’ve worked with so many people, but
what took so long to get to this point?
Teedra Moses: Well TVT went bankrupt
and it doesn’t exist anymore. I wasn’t in
a rush to find a new label. My experience
wasn’t horribly bad, but it didn’t pan out
the way I wanted. I don’t know how to
deal with labels. My management does
more of that. People think I’m stand-offish
because I don’t handle the business
side. I’m definitely an intelligent person
and I know what’s going on, but I prefer
to stick more to the music. After that, I
focused on the people. It was easier for
me to go straight to the people. After my
label fell apart, social networking became
more prevalent. I was able to tap into
going straight to the people. That’s what
I did. It didn’t sell mass numbers, but it
was the perfect thing for me. The internet
and downloads became prevalent
and helped me to build a fanbase. For
a while I wrote for people, but it wasn’t
really my passion to give everybody else
songs. I wanted the opportunity for people
to hear my music the way I intended,
whether it was on every radio station or
in somebody’s home and they pass it on.
I just wanted to connect to the people.
That’s what I’ve been doing.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s ironic that
you say it wasn’t your thing to give away
your songs because you’ve provided
some really good songs to others.
Teedra Moses: …and I’m all for it. I just
don’t want to go through the hoops. Artists
are cool because we speak the same
language. It’s the A&R and the management
that messes it all up. They want to
get into this process, and I don’t have
time for that. It’s not to sound arrogant,
but life is short. I don’t want to deal with
all that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’ve never
been an artist, but witnessing what you
go through, I get it. Listening to what
you’ve been saying, and your desire to
deal with the people, the key is making
sure you have good management so you
don’t get jerked in the process.
Teedra Moses: That’s a major part to me.
Any success you see from me is a partnership.
I have lots of people who help,
including band members, but the main
partnership is my sister and I. I get the
opportunity to be an artist because I have
someone that I can trust with my life. It’s
just as important to her as it is to me. I’m
the spokesperson, but it’s our thing. I can
trust that she’s going to do what’s best
for me because it’s our thing. We both do
this equally. I think that’s something I truly
understand. You can have a big manager
who doesn’t give two craps about
you. They can have all the connects and
don’t even connect you with any of them.
When you have people who believe in
you, it works.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You hit the nail
right on the head, and it’s a testament to
why you have been around so long.
Teedra Moses: Everybody gave up on me
(laughing). They’re like “girl you’ve been
doing this too long”, but we have the
vision though. We share the vision.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s so
much better with you being independent.
I think you being with Shanachie is a
good marriage. What took you there?
Teedra Moses: I think it’s a good marriage
too, because it’s still indie. The difference
between…and my sister tells me Tamar
says this, and I love Tamar, if you don’t
love Tamar you’re a hater (laughing), but
the difference between a major and indie
is the coin.
You have a little more support. If my
sister and I can push along these ten
years and keep growing our brand, then
to amalgamate with someone else, another
smaller label who won’t come and
take this and that, it works out well. I was
going to put out California Vibes last
year. I’ve just been sitting around waiting
to see what things were going to happen
with things that were on the table. People
have been asking me about putting
out music. It’s never that I don’t have it. I
write songs and write music that is timeless
and I don’t have to rush it. Whenever
I put it out it’s always OK. I was going to
put it out last year and she suggested we
get some help. She has to maneuver the
money because my coins are really small.
So, she was like you can’t keep doing
things at the same level like you don’t
have the money. I get it because she’s the
business person. I just want to make the
music available. She decided to offer it to
the label we’re with now, and they didn’t
want an EP. They wanted a full album, so
we ended up releasing the EP, and now
we’re doing a full album for them.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It was really
good though. 5 songs was perfect.
Teedra Moses: Thank you. I don’t intend
to do ratchet (laughing). I don’t have any
intentions to be like Oh this is just an
EP. Anything I do, I try to do it as good
as possible to rock myself. When I can
rock myself, I’m happy because I’m really
hard on myself. . I don’t look at myself
as though this is all I can do. I have to
do as good as the person with a million
dollar budget because I have God, which
means I have a million dollars. I have all
the promo I need. When you stand with
God, you have to stand in abundance.

I’ve never been one to compete with
anyone except myself. I never felt like I
was competing with anyone else, but I
always looked at budget. Last year, i just
got to this place where I realized I have
talent. I have my sister who has been
down forever, and a team of producers
and musicians. I have so much that I was
overlooking. That’s how California Vibes
came about. We did not pay for one mix
or song. It was family and friends saying
we love you, keep doing what you’re doing.
I’m grateful for this new mind state,
and I feel like I can’t lose.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I really like Get
it Right. I’ve listened so many times, and
for a while, I thought i heard something
else, almost as though there was a sample.
Teedra Moses: Praise God because
there’s no sample on there. Them samples
be wearing me out. It’s no sample
in that. People sample my vocals, and I
don’t make it a big deal because it’s all
love. Shout out to Nate Locksmith. He
did not sample anything on there. That’s
just raw talent.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I love that
song. Talk to me about the song?
Teedra Moses: Get it Right is conducive
to how I feel about us as a people. I don’t
know what happened, and I’m not talking
about black people. I’m talking about
people in general. I don’t know what
happened or what’s going on. I’m a
grown woman so I’ve been around a
while. When I was young, people just
loved a little differently, romantically.
They loved different. They had their trials
and tribulations but they took a shot.
They tried. I don’t see a lot of that going
on. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m
the only one doing it, but I don’t see my
friends doing it. it has nothing to do with
the soul, the soul is sustainable. Soul to
soul relationships will never die. When
you connect to someone, that does not
die. It could be two or three years later.
That person may not see you until you’re
laying in your casket, but they never lose
that feeling. They feel the same way.
That’s what I’m speaking about. I’d rather
be your queen than your bad bitch. All
this stuff people make a big deal about
means nothing. All these things, trinkets,
and all his flossing, it means nothing.
That’s what people put their value in,
but it can be taken away. What do you
have that’s sustainable. Even though I am
speaking from a place of romantic love,
and at the time, I was looking around
because I wrote the song four years ago,
I was thinking that this is wild, and I’m not
with it. I believe in a man being a leader.
That’s probably why I’m single because I
need a very strong man to follow. I don’t
mean with our heads down and with no
voice. He’s the protector. you’re behind
him as support. That record means so
much to me because it’s where I am in
life.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That record
will take this album very far. What else is
there to expect?
Teedra Moses: All I ever Wanted is on the
album, and it speaks to there being real
people out here who are concerned with
the real things in life. I have a record with
Anthony Hamilton called That One. It’s
the same theme. It’s all about love. We
have sweet sexy songs. With Rick Ross, I
have the title track, which is about vibing
out with somebody around the world.
Let’s go around the world, get this money,
and have fun. it’s feel good music, and
the album goes into a zone. I have Rick
Ross, Anthony Hamilton, and 3D Na’Tee
on the album. 3D Na’tee is from New
Orleans. She spits on this track called
“Only U”, and she does a great job.
Speaking from the mind of a real woman.
The whole project is sensual, but it comes
from the mind of a real woman.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now you’re
from New orleans, right?
Teedra Moses: Yes…
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s wonderful
that you’re bringing someone from
your hometown into the fold.
Teedra Moses: Yes, and she’s dope. I’m
going to start working with more New
Orleans artists. I’m staying a few weeks
beyond Essence Fest. I want to work
more with artists there. I have a national

platform so I want to spread the word.
We have lots of talent there.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I’ve only
been there once, but I was able to see
so much, and yes, there’s so much talent
there.
Teedra Moses: …and it’s unfiltered. There
ain’t nothing Hollywood about New Orleans.
You’re getting it raw and real.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Have you
started looking at touring and doing
shows?
Teedra Moses: Definitely. We’re looking
at Cognac sponsorship for the fall.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What else is
going on in light of this project?
Teedra Moses: I work on the music more
than anything. I’ve already started the
next album. It’s time for me to hit you
with more commercial albums. My objective
is to never make you wait this long
for an album. I’ve given away music, done
mixtape, and paid my dues. I’m also
working on a project with my alter ego.
Her name is Shanita Sheik. She is more of
an alternative R&B girl. Her subject matter
may sound a little trappy at times. My
audience may not take to that. They may
think I’m going in a new direction. I won’t
stifle myself, but I won’t lose my audience
either. I just have things inside that don’t
stick to what Teedra Moses does. I’m not
speaking that way for that reason, I’m
just speaking that way because Im talking
about alter egos. it will be a 5-song EP.
When I go into New orleans, I’ll be shooting
in July, then go back in September or
October, and then again in February. The
object is to shoot a documentary called I
Miss My Momma. What I want to show is
the celebratory party culture of the black
people of New Orleans and how they get
over and mourn pain. Somebody dies,
and we party. People take their last money
and don’t pay the bills to buy fish to
boil. They have block parties annually. We
have second lines weekly. You can find
out on the radio station where it’s going
to be. We have a culture of partying. We
have lots of pain. New Orleans is a city
like the Caribbean. It’s very poor. I call it I
Miss My momma because overtime I go
home, I feel so close to her. I feel that is
the only home I have where I remember
my home and my mom before everything
turned to the way it is today.
Urban Grandstand Digital: That will be so
good to see. That’s how you come together.
Teedra Moses: That’s the culture of it. Every
weekend, there was crawfish boiled,
my auntie was selling plates, and we
always were together. All this stuff I want
to create comes from a nostalgia I have
when society was not so individualistic.
The word God has been giving me is that
we have to join together to create beautiful
things. i have to put in my heart to
show the culture of black people where
we come together to love each other.
We’re losing that unity, and I take as
many opportunities with my art to show
how we can get back to that.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I know people
will love to see that, and with your new
album, people are really craving this new
material. Are there any final comments at
all?
Teedra Moses: I always day I am grateful.
I’m thankful to the people who have been
rocking with me for the past ten and
eleven years. You could have given up on
me, but you didn’t. I’m appreciative and
grateful. If you have dreams and goals,
stick to that and do it. What you need
more than anything is God. When you
walk with God, you can’t lose.
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artist watch
New artist Teenear is well on her way to
being a force in the entertainment world.
As one of the newest signees to Miami-based
Slip-N-Slide, she’s tearing the
charts up with her Sage the Gemini-assisted
gin, “Friday Night”, We caught up
with Teenear as she’s out promoting that
new single, and continuing to work on
her debut album.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Thank you for
your time today.
Teenear: Thank you for wanting to talk to
me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Urban Grandstand
Digital: How does it feel to be out
there doing press and doing what you
love?
Teenear: It’s amazing. To be able to do all
I’ve done, performing and everything, it’s
been an exciting experience.
Urban Grandstand Digital: You have to be
having a lot of fun out there.
Teenear: I am having so much fun.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I can imagine
working so hard, and obviously this was
not an overnight success, but to see it all
come together, it’s a testament to your
team and your hard work.
Teenear: I’m so happy with the way God
has blessed me so far. I’m eager to see
what the future looks like.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Your song with
Sage the Gemini, Friday Night, talk to me
about the message behind it.
Teenear: That song, it wasn’t supposed
to happen. We were in the studio recording
another song, and afterwards, we
were contemplating on whether we liked
what we had just recorded, and Anthony
had already sent me some beats. I really
enjoyed them, and he suggested I write
to it right then. We just came up with this
idea, and it turned into this song. I don’t
have a story that really made it come
Teenear
about, but it’s a
song that a lot
of girls can truly
relate to. I know there are girls who have
Teenear: Thank you so much. I don’t want
been through that situation. I’m so happy
to be stuck in a box. I want everyone to
that I was able to write this song.
be able to listen to me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How easy, or
difficult, is it to write to something on the
spot like that?
Teenear: Honestly, in that moment I was
literally scared. I usually write by myself
and there’s no pressure. It wasn’t so bad,
though. We have this relationship and I
feel like he’s my older brother now. It was
a great experience.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So talk to me
about what’s next to come? Are you still
working on the album?
Teenear: We are still working on it. I have
my second single, but it’s not coming
out yet. I love that song also, but we’re
not sure about the album yet. Right now,
we’re just trying to find good songs that I
can relate to that show who I am.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I had a chance
to browse through your sites, and I get
the sense that you listen to multiple
genres. I noticed you had done covers of
songs by Ed Sheeran, and One in a Million.
Who else are you listening to?
Teenear: I listen to every kind of music
there is. It’s weird became my mom will
listen to some of my music and ask what
the heck it is. I love music in general. I
love Lana Del Ray to death, but I also
love Beyonce. I just love music. When
I hear an artist that I like, I stick to it.
There’s no need to stay in a box or just
do R&B. As an artist, I can take my career
anyway I want. I want to be very broad.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Urban Grandstand
Digital: I love artists like yourself
that listen to a variety of music and blend
different genres together. There’s so
many artists who have ventured out and
one this and broken barriers, and then it
shows your versatility. I think you’re doing
Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there
people you still want to work with for the
album?
Teenear: Right now, since we just started,
when it comes to writing I love the connection
in writing with Anthony. I recently
worked with Jim Jonsin, and it’s crazy. I
was in awe seeing him start off with his
creativity. I plan to work with others as
well, but right now, I’ve just been working
primarily with Anthony.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What else can
we look out for with your and your music?
Is your album coming this year?
Teenear: I don’t think it will be this year.
It sucks that putting out albums isn’t as
effective as it used to be. I’m trying to
have Friday Night be the main thing and
let everyone hook onto that as much as
they can. Then I’ll put out my next single
and we’ll see how it does. The album will
come once I feel like I should put it out. I
want to work my hardest and have people
really want to go and get the album.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I hope people
are taking notes from you, because that’s
the mentality that artists should really
have. You have so many people who
throw so much material out there that
it doesn’t get recognized the way you
want. When you work hard enough and
you have the right people behind you, it
works really well. It becomes possible to
get to the level that Beyonce is at.
Teenear: I know, getting there is my goal.
She has built a brand that is unbelievable.
She can push a button and say her album
is out, and it reaches millions. She is my
biggest inspiration because she has built
this amazing thing for her self. No one
can take it away from her.
Urban Grandstand Digital: She’s a good

example for self confidence, self esteem,
and so on.
Teenear: Exactly. She’s not raunchy, and
she’s very classy. The last album was
whatever, but she’s able to do that now.
It wasn’t crazy to the point you couldn’t
watch her.
Urban Grandstand Digital: The people
who complained about it were the first
ones to buy it (laughing).
Teenear: She’s married and has a kid. You
can’t take it away from her.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think that in
terms of persevering and following your
dreams, and doing the things you want to
do regardless of what someone tells you,
you just have to keep doing it.
Teenear: Exactly.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So what else
is there that we should know about you
right now?
Teenear: I’ve just been performing. I
have two other singles that aren’t out yet.
When people see me, they’ll see more of
what is to come. I have a few
performances coming up. Everyday
something new comes up. That’s where
my focus is now.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What do you
see long-term for your career? Do you
feel like you want to go into the business
side more?
Teenear: I want to make sure that wherever
it takes me, I just want to stay true
to myself. I plan to make sure I do that,
regardless of where God leads me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I appreciate
you so much. You’re very down to earth,
and I can tell that you enjoy what you do.
That’s when you excel the most. I think
you’re doing awesome, and I want to see
more. Are there any final thoughts at all?
Teenear: I am a God-fearing woman, and
when you see me, the things I’m doing
are a reflection of God. I put God first in
everything that I do.
+
keep
an eye
out
for
her

Toi &
Rouvaun Walker

Baring
it
all
We recently had the opportunity to catch
up with Toi Troutman-Walker of the Bravo
Reality series, Newlyweds: The First
Year. the show chronicles the first year of
marriage, which anyone who is married
can attest to being treacherous at times.
It can be a lot when you’re merging
your lives, moving in with someone for
the first time, and learning live together
as one. For Toi, given the story of their
union, is was a no-brainer in doing the
series. As an entertainment publicist, and
as the daughter of the late Roger Troutman,
she was used to the hard work and
the rigors of entertainment. The story is
a little different for Rouvaun, however,
someone who had no previous ties to
entertainment, and work in the financial
world. As you’ll find out in our feature,
he was dead set against it. So how did it
all come together? Toi opens up about
her experiences with the series, and exactly
how it all played out for her and her
husband. She also talks openly about her
father, his influence, and the legacy that
he has left behind. With this show, they
are baring it all when it comes to their
lives and their union.

Urban Grandstand Digital: I must start
by saying it is an amazing honor to be
able to speak with you regarding the
show. Thank you so much for allowing
me into your life.
Toi Troutman-Walker: Thank you for having
me.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Most definitely.
I want to begin by saying I
believe it’s awesome you decided to
spotlight the first year of your marriage.
There’s so much negativity in
reality television and we’re not always
shown in the best light. I think that
what you have is showcasing black
love at it’s finest, and what it takes to
get through that first year. I can personally
attest to the first year being
rough, or at least it was a little rough
for me (laughing). Why did you opt to
go this route?
Toi Troutman-Walker: It wasn’t an immediate
decision or situation. I had to persuade
my husband. He wasn’t on board
at all.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think I
would get that sense because you have
that entertainment background, but he
has been a business man.
Toi Troutman-Walker: I thought it would
be nice to show the women who have
reach their 40th birthday without finding
Mr Right that it doesn’t mean they won’t.
Who would think that your second time
could be your fairytale marriage. I was
hellbent on showing the story because
I thought it was so fascinating. Also, the
part about us meeting in 1996 on AOL,
back in the day when all you had was
dial-up. Then to basically be apart all that
time, and reunited with social media. I
thought the story was relatable, and I
wanted to tell it. I had to persuade him to
agree with me and he finally did.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Well a lot of
times, we have no choice (laughing)
Toi Troutman-Walker: Basically (laughing)
Urban Grandstand Digital: The other
powerful piece is that social media
brought you together, AOL first, then
Facebook this time. You have a lot of
people into internet dating, but there’s
a lot of negativity even in that because
of certain things that come along with
it. Your story shows that it works.
Toi Troutman-Walker: It can work. I feel
like if you bring an open mind to the table,
and I’m not saying run and date
everyone you meet online - absolutely
not - because there’s a lot of crazy people
online. But, if you come into the situation
with an open mind, and honestly, and
not show a baby picture when you really
don’t look like that anymore, or a size 2
and now you’re a 22 (laughing). Put that
22 out there and say this is who I fabulously
am. If you love it, this is what you
get. You’ll be surprised to find that people
are refreshingly pleased by honesty.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now regardless
of being an adult, you always
have family who get in your business
and have opinions. So what were the
thoughts of family in regards to online
dating?
Toi Troutman-Walker: Back then, we had
one date, so it was cool. I’m dating myself,
but not everyone had a computer.
Only the cool people had computers.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I certainly
wasn’t the cool one. I did not have a
computer in 1996. I was in the computer
lab at the University of Akron
(laughing).
Toi Troutman-Walker: That’s right! So it
was only certain people who had computers.
If you had one, and was chatting
in Black Voices and went out, that was
cool. Nobody was really saying anything
except you met a person, that’s awesome.
As the years went on, we didn’t
speak at all. This is a sidebar: the reason
I love and trust him so much, or at least
one of the reasons, is at the time, he was
married to someone else. I never once
heard from this man. There was no poke!
There was no instant message!. That’s
what was awesome about it. So once we
did reconnect on Facebook, I haven’t
had anything negative, at least not to
my face. Once people see us together,
they’re just so amazed and they feel our
genuine love.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
awesome, and I think back to that
time. Black Planet was the thing at the
time (laughing)
Toi Troutman-Walker: Yes (laughing)
Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s
so cool though. Were there limits that
you had in filming? Or certain things
you did not want to reveal?
Toi Troutman-Walker: They had a sleep
cam, and my husband snores. He did not
want the world to hear him snore. I do
not know what that was about.
He cooperated with everything else, but
he did not want to deal with that sleep
cam. The night we had that sleep cam, I
don’t think either one of us slept (laughing).
Other than than that, we were just so
proud of who we were that we thought
we would be boring. People like drama
and filth and foolishness. Let’s be real. All
these shows we talk about are so negative
and people love them. They’re so
popular.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny
you say that because I realize that, but
I think things are turning around. I believe
there are people that really want
to see positive faces. You have T.I. and
Tiny, and you have Nellyville. These
shows are doing well.
Toi Troutman-Walker: I do think they
are choking us with the negativity. Ratings
don’t lie. When you’re in front of
that camera, there’s a tiny piece of you
that doesn’t want to be boring. If being
respectful, upstanding black people is
boring, then we just will be boring. We
get both. Some say that we’re boring,
and some love us. You can’t please everybody.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I love the
fact that if people say you’re boring,
it is what it is because I like the positivity.
I joke because at the end of the
day, I love the Housewives of Atlanta
(laughing), but I do want to see more
positivity. Your husband is doing amazing
things on the mortgaging side, and
that is awesome for our kids to see
that.
Toi Troutman-Walker: There’s not a lot of
us in that industry. That’s another reason
he didn’t want to be on television. He’s
got employees. He didn’t want anybody
to know how he kisses his wife (laughing).
Urban Grandstand Digital: I believe the
two of you have an immense amount
of power in your portrayal. Does it
bother you being the only black couple
on the show?
Toi Troutman-Walker: Honestly, what’s
cool about the show is we’re all so different.
None of the couples met each other,
by the way. It films for a year, and we never
meet. The purpose of that is to show
that no matter what walk of life you come
from, what race, or sexual orientation, if
you’re in your first year of marriage you
will experience these things. Let’s look at
four couples and find out how they are all
in the same place without ever knowing

“HONESTLY, WHAT’S COOL ABOUT
THE SHOW IS WE’RE ALL SO DIF-
FERENT. NONE OF THE COUPLES
MET EACH OTHER, BY THE WAY. IT
FILMS FOR A YEAR, AND WE NEV-
ER MEET. THE PURPOSE OF THAT
IS TO SHOW THAT NO MATTER
WHAT WALK OF LIFE YOU COME
FROM, WHAT RACE, OR SEXUAL
ORIENTATION, IF YOU’RE IN YOUR
FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE YOU
WILL EXPERIENCE THESE THINGS.
LET’S LOOK AT FOUR COUPLES
AND FIND OUT HOW THEY ARE
ALL IN THE SAME PLACE WITHOUT
EVER KNOWING EACH OTHER. SO
I DIDN’T THINK ABOUT BEING THE
ONLY BLACK COUPLE.”
I just said I’m going to be positive and be
myself. I’m going to be the best me that I
can be, regardless of being black. I wasn’t
holding the whole black race on my
shoulders, but I also don’t want to embarrass
my momma. My mom is watching,
and her friends are watching. When she
goes to church, I don’t want her friends
talking behind her back.
Urban Grandstand Digital: I have to
say I can relate because when we post
things for the magazine on social media,
I have to consider the fact that my
mother is on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram.
Toi Troutman-Walker: They’re going to
show whatever you write. So you have to
be careful.
Urban Grandstand Digital: The platform
you have is amazing because you
also spotlight your fight with lupus.
Was it difficult to put that in the spotlight?
Toi Troutman-Walker: It was a no-brainer
for me. I’ve been an advocate of lupus
awareness for quite a while. I did a You-
Tube video one day when I was sick in
bed, and for some reason, it got 40,000
hits. That’s when I realized there were
people who wanted a voice. It’s one of
those invisible diseases, and people say
she’s so glamorous
and tall, and you
don’t look sick. All
disabilities are not
visible. It affects so
many black women.
That’s another part
of it. There was no
question for me. It
is intrinsically a part
of my story. I can’t
be genuine without
it being out there.
As far as if it helps,
I got responses
from many lupus
patients. people
have written me
for guidance and
inspiration, I participated
in lupus walk
in L.A., and I’m
active in some of
the lupus charities
and groups. There
are a few more
people now who
are aware that we
need to start directing
some dollars
to finding a cure. No matter how many
people get diagnosed, the treatments
haven’t changed in 70 years.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s great to
see another face attached to it, especially
on the celebrity side. You have
people who have looked at individuals
like Toni Braxton who speak about it a
lot, and now to have you makes it even
better.
Toi Troutman-Walker: We have to do it.
I hope they start to direct some of those
research dollars to things that will help
this disease.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How do
you two balance everything? You have
your hair business, and was a publicist.
Toi Troutman-Walker: I couldn’t bring the
publicity business to Northern California
because there’s no celebrities here. The
hair business was born out of necessity.
I went to find hair and wasn’t happy with
the quality I experienced in L.A.. My husband
suggested I bring it to the Bay area,
and that’s how that was born. When I was
filming the show, it was a juggle, being a
new wife, new step mother, dealing with
my hair business, and being a television
personality.
Urban Grandstand Digital: So how do
you balance it?
Toi Troutman-Walker: You just do. You
decide which is not going to happen and
let it go (laughing). And you have to be
OK with your decision. You have to say
“I can’t do it all, and I’m not going to
pretend to”. What happens is you start
half-doing everything, and the quality
level goes down. Even having lupus, that
has to be my philosophy. When I run out
of spoons, that’s it. They say we wake
up with ten spoons, and we use them
throughout the day for various things.
Something as simple as taking a shower
may take three spoons on any given day.
If I’m out of spoons, I’m out of spoons. It
is what it is.
Urban Grandstand Digital: What is the
one thing you want everyone to gain
from the show?
Toi Troutman-Walker: If I had to say one
thing, I hope they’re entertained. I think
from a PR standpoint, I hope they want
to find some hair (laughing). I hope they
love my hair in every single scene and run
to my website and buy hair. Run to my
store, which actually has happened. And
on a serious note, I hope they see there
are black people who respect and love
each other, and are OK with that being
our definition.
Urban Grandstand Digital: How important
has it been for you to keep the
legacy that your father and uncle built
alive?
Toi Troutman-Walker: I can’t even say that
I put myself in that space. I’m not even
worthy of that space. I know nothing
but hard work and tenacity. Behind all of
that was me hanging dry wall, helping
build houses, singing background vocals,
doing arrangements, cleaning the bathroom,
and helping in the studio. That’s all
I know. I don’t even look at it like maintaining
a legacy. It’s already in me. That’s
what I’m made of. I don’t know what a
sick day is. I remember i told my dad I
was sick and I didn’t go to school. So the
next day was Saturday, and I felt better.
I said I was going out with my friends to
the mall, and he said no no no! You’re
too sick to go to school, so you’re took
sick to do anything. So you, young lady,
are sick until you’re ready to go to school.
After that, if I said I was sick, I was hospital-bound
(laughing). He wasn’t about
that. Everybody’s back and knee is hurting,
but you better get your job done.
I don’t know anything but that. So the
legacy is built in.
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing
to think of the ground they laid. Two

weeks ago, I saw a video of your dad
on Video Soul with Donnie Simpson,
talking about the vocoder, and it was
amazing to see his humor and the fun
he was having.
Toi Troutman-Walker: It was second nature.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Do you
every have difficulty in hearing the
music?
Toi Troutman-Walker: You know, it’s like
yesterday to me still. I can’t turn on the
radio without hearing Zapp & Roger. I
hear a record everyday. It used to be
hard for me, but now it’s awesome. Now
I listen to the artistry and I’m amazed
and entertained, even beyond people
who weren’t there. I used to feel like “Oh
God”, but I’m good with it now. I feel like
when the songs come on, they’re supposed
to because it’s their way of saying
I’m still with you.
Toi Troutman-Walker: I’ve done a few
interviews, and everyone asks me that, so
I’ll say what I always say. Just be yourself.
If you’re a belcher, you need to belch.
He needs to know that. Don’t turn into a
belcher after 6 months. Don’t decide not
to wear your spanx anymore (laughing). If
you have cellulite, you need to show that
after two weeks. You have no idea how
many people send their representatives
for the first 90 days and then don’t like
each other, and wonder why the relationships
don’t work. Go in there and be
yourself. If it’s not the right person, then
it’s just not the right person. +
Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s amazing
they inspire so many age ranges.
Toi Troutman-Walker: There’s little kids
who love Zapp & Roger. A lady interviewed
me yesterday and said her son is
two and is in love with it.
Urban Grandstand Digital: My son is
one of them. And he’s into older music
in general, so last week, he was playing
and singing Earth, Wind, and Fire.
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Toi Troutman-Walker: Is he playing instruments
at all?
Urban Grandstand Digital: Not yet. I’m
considering getting him into it.
Toi Troutman-Walker: Yes, you need to let
him explore that. If they love it that early,
there’s a reason.
Urban Grandstand Digital: But they’ve
inspired so many. I remember being
10, and running to the store to get
their music. It’s great music.
Toi Troutman-Walker: It is, and it was so
ground-breaking at the time. Everyone
does their imitation, and their T-Pain and
use vocoders now, but at the time, it was
ground-breaking stuff, and that’s what
made it so incredible.
Urban Grandstand Digital: Now are
there any final comments at all?

album review
I can’t help but grow excited for the future of R&B and urban music
with each listen of Victoria Monet’s Nightmare & Lullabies Act 2. Released
just a few weeks ago, she’s making a considerable amount of
noise in the industry with this release, and rightfully so. Boundaries
are definitely being pushed and stretched, and what she has to offer
is rather far from the norm. To say it’s alternative R&B would be quite
a disservice, yet, she’s definitely on her own page. On this second
release in her Nightmare & Lullabies series, standouts include 90’s
Babies, Cupid, See the Light, and the T.I. - assisted Mad Generation.
I like to think of this as her coming of age, and this series isn’t her
first foray in music. She has collaborated with numerous acts, and at
one point was signed to Rodney Jerkins and Motown as a member
of the group Purple Reign. With Nightmare & Lullabies, she’s grown
into an entirely different person, and that growth is definitely reflected.
The world is in store for great things from Victoria Monet.
album review
With such a beautiful voice,
good, relevant lyrics, and hot
production, Janine and the
Mixtape is definitely that next
big thing to hit the music scene.
She gave us Dark Mind in 2013,
and that was then re-issued last
year. Now, she’s surfaced again,
this time with XXEP, a 6-song EP
offering what I consider to be
some of her best music to date.
The mood is still dark with this
album, and the tracks are mostly
filled with pain and heartache.
I’ve said before that she reminded
me a little of Aaliyah, and I
hear it more in her style and delivery with XXEP, but it’s honestly a good thing. It
definitely isn’t at a level where you feel she’s trying to emulate. It’s evident that
there’s a lot of influence in general, and it comes out in the music. Nevertheless,
Janine and the Mixtape is an artist all her own, and is destined for great things.
urban
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See you next issue!

www.ugdigital.com