Teyana, Jazze and Sabrina Peterson, owner of the Glam Bar Salon (where the party was held). Check them out at www.theglambar.com. Vawn, Drumma & Jazze. Vawn told me that "Welcome to Dreamland 2" is set to tape Nov.'09 & air on BET Feb or March '10. I call this the "ghetto prom picture" shot where everybody and their momma jumps in. I aint even gone bother naming folks in this one... Rich Girls, etc. Sammie and me Clay Evens (Grand Hustle) was killin' me last night. Haaaa!B.Cox & Teyana Taylor catching up while Tey gets her hands done Glam Bar style. B.Cox plants one on Tey for me. Cute!
Rocawear partnered with Honey Magazine held an exclusive affair last night at Atlanta's premiere boutique beauty spot, The Glam Bar (Peter's St.) to celebrate Rocawears 10 year anniversary. And the party was definatley GlamRoc. With Grey Goose as the sponsor, the drinks rolled, hand crafted appetizers were served, the DJ kept the music live and celebrities like Teyana Taylor, Rich Girls, B.Cox, Jazze Pha, Vawn, Drumma, Sammie, DJ Trauma (Hot 107.9), Clay Evens and other "the beautiful people" (as i call them) rolled through. My favorite person of the night was definatly Clay Evens (Grand Hustle) who stayed outside for the most part (it was HOT as hades up in that spot with the crowd) clowing in between drinks. He was was my last conversation before i hit the rainy streets for home and he kept me laughing. After the event most of the stars headed to club Pure downtown for another big event joining rappers like Young Joc and JD as well as artist Meka Means. Oh and no shortage of groupies...so i heard from my friend Taylor via his Twitter. But that's the norm in ATL beeybe. Get used to it chicos...
GlamRoc rocked, very HOT event, litterally with how full it was! I had to step out for air a few times but it was well worth it. The Garner Circle did a great job.
Take into account the method of the American Black Bear. The copious animal is careful about his existence. So meticulous is the creature that by nature during a season not built to his comfort he lumbers away into his liar built around his preferences, not to show his countenance again until spring arrives. Maybe the animal would be unstable without said ritual. Possibly explosive, whatever the biology, this is how the bear lives; he is not to be disturbed. Then at the chosen time as if a god amongst beasts, all species are graced by the reintroduction of the bear’s prodigious presence.
I was reminded of the rousing character of the bear when I sat down with exploding new rapper, Maff Test aka Young Harvey one Atlanta afternoon. Even in the hot Georgia sun there was a darkness that surrounded him. Let me send your minds some ease for I’m not alluding to anything sinister when I speak of this darkness. But the kind of black that comes with inscrutability. A darkness than comes from a solid “No BS allowed around me”, attitude. Have you ever tried to boss a bear? It’s a laughable idea. And just like the bear, you will never boss Maff. Yet this lack of sunshine is okay for the poised young star who has already worked with the likes of super producer, Drumma Boy & written for several artists. Besides he’s not a meany. It’s just that this is not your “Will Smith” rapper, half rapping half singing about “getting jiggy” and the joys of summertime. That’s not what you look for in your favorite artist these days anyway is it?
I wrote about Harvey a couple months back after a brief introduction. I was immediately intrigued. He was more than familiar with the same crazy Chicago streets as me being that both our families reside in the South IL suburb of Harvey IL, also where the young man gets his moniker. You know how it is when you meet someone from your hood. You feel an instant kinship “A brother from another mother.” But I knew I needed more than a passing albeit strong meeting to really understand where he came from. Despite his attempts to hold onto a piece of his anonymity on a personal level, forces beyond nature are pushing him center stage as the talented performer he is. He wants to be known but it will be in his way. He wants to be private and that won’t be compromised. Such a paradox makes for an interesting case. Maff Test gave me his time that dark and sunny afternoon and I ran with what was allotted me.
I brought my own little sunshine. It worked out well for us. Intrigue begs you to learn more as it did for me. This is part of his journey. It’s not yet spring time… But let me reintroduce you to Maff Test because he is definitely here for all the seasons. ************************************************************************************
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Guess where I went two weeks ago?
MAFF TEST: Uh where?
SOCIAL ADDICTION: You’ve got to guess!
MAFF TEST: Ummm I don’t know…Paris?! (slight smile)
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Harvey!!
MAFF TEST: (Smiling) What?!
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Yes! Since you’re known as Young Harvey, what was it like growing up in Harvey, IL?
MAFF TEST: I just wanted to get out. That was my main focus for the most par of it. Stereotypical peer pressure you know what I mean? You stay focused and get out. I guess I’m accustomed to it. It is what it is. It wasn’t so bad if you ask me. But it’s Harvey. Winning the lottery do you get a crib there? Naaaaw!
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Both of my grandmothers still stay there. One on Lincoln and one on Winchester. You know where that is? Right by Halstead, It’s like longest street in Chicago.
MAFF TEST: Yeah! Right by me.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: For real? When’s the last time you went home?
MAFF TEST: About a month ago.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: What’s the difference now when you go home seeing that you are starting to build your success and with you being in Atlanta now?
MAFF TEST: As soon as I come back everybody is ready to kick it. Yeah… yeah! They want to know the latest on what’s going on. I definitely keep them posted you know what I’m saying? I have a few main people I keep in touch with and tell them I’m on my way back home. And by the time I get there they already know. Yeah!
SOCIAL ADDICTION: So you have lots of supporters. Not hate going on?
MAFF TEST: Yep. I mean hey you’re going to get that here and there with people that feel like they should be in your place or some people just aint supportive people. Some people are not like your blood I feel like I need haters anyway.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: I want to know your direction. It’s 2009 and over the last few years you’ve had so many rappers come out and often not last. What’s your method going to be to make you stand out?
MAFF TEST: I have a purpose. As far as, I’m not just putting out music. I want to put out something where they can dance. They may not want to dance to that record so then give them something they like and keep going, be on to something.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Who do you respect in the game right now?
MAFF TEST: Right now? I like a lot of hip hop heads like Talib Kwali, Nas, of course I have much respect for Jay Z as an artist and business man but my all time favorite and this may surprise you but it is the legendary Sam Cooke. Hip Hop is not just hip hop. Rap is just not rap. You know, you’ve got your dance music and people that just cater to that and you got other situations where people are just trying to stay relevant.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: You are looking for relevancy. The guys you mentioned haven’t been on the scene for just two years.
MAFF TEST: I mean it’s not even that being the reason, I mean I like specific stuff in R&B and rap right now you know what I mean? I’m not just a rapper I’m also a writer so I appreciate both genres. So there are a lot of new cats that haven’t been in the game so long that I can appreciate. I like what Kanye is doing right now. He has great substance being relevant over a track or actually meaning something on the track. Not just like, “Why they put this guy on this song?” I like a lot of rappers like that.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Speaking of Kanye West and since he is from our home town, what do you think about him recently introducing himself as the new “King of Pop”?
MAFF TEST: You know sometimes you have to aspire to be something before it can really happen for you and I believe this is the case with Kanye. See if it’s just opinion or not. You know someone could have told him that. He might have had plenty of people tell him, “Yo I think you’re the best, you are the greatest.” He might be living up to it or starting to live up to it you know what I’m saying? So I don’t knock nobody’s hustle or what they believe. With T.I. saying he was the King, everybody at first was like, “Yeah right”, then after a while he started getting ahead in the game so I can’t knock it.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: That’s true. Being outspoken, Kanye is known for that. So what are you known for?
MAFF TEST: I’m known for giving people a sense of security, not being scared to be who you are, I would say. A lot of these new cats get caught into being what the media wants them to be and lose being themselves.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: From what I can see from your project and the buzz you are about to be a big star. So how will you deal with all the press you’ll be getting? You see certain celebrities out and maybe attention hungry. You seem rather quiet so where will we see you?
MAFF TEST: It comes with the territory and I am not saying that to be cocky but when I got into the rap game I understood it would entail being in the public eye so realizing that, I kind of was preparing for it to happen someday…better now than later. Other than that I’m real secluded. I’m a homebody from time to time because being on the run a lot you don’t get to enjoy the small things, you know being at home with your family or going to see moms, whatever the case is. So I’m a little private. But you’ll see me. You’ll see me when needed or when necessary.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Let’s talk a little about your project. First of all you’re the president of Lock Out Records and the project you recently put out is called, “Big Bizness vol. 1”. Let’s talk about a couple of songs that mean the most to you on on that record.
MAFF TEST: One of the songs off that mixtape is called, “I Know” and it’s basically about what’s going on in the world, but even more so what’s going on in my world. I see this stuff going on in other people’s worlds too, something they can relate to. It’s one of my favorites. And then there’s “Come Like That” a song about how you take something and make it into something else because it didn’t necessarily come like that. Like material things, you have a car and you customize it, throw the rims on it and put the wheels on it. It didn’t come like that. Or a female that you make your wife or put a ring on her finger, she didn’t come like that, you did that, you know what I mean? A lot of times you’ve got to mold things how you want them to be. I think people feel that.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: What’s the best and worst part of this game?
MAFF TEST: The best part is living your dream. I don’t have a problem with the worst part which I would say is the stipulation of staying on top and being consistent. So it can be easy to be accepted at one point and then you’re not. So I would say that’s the worst part, being consistent. You can make a hot song and then suddenly it’s like, “Aaaaah we aint feeling that no more.”
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Well it seems stressful keeping up with everybody else in rap. How do you plan to do that?
MAFF TEST: I’m actually a songwriter so I’m good. Even right now I’m a songwriter for a lot of your favorite artists so personally I’m relevant anyway so that’s how I plan to stay relevant and consistent, just by writing.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Hey the writers make most of the money anyway! So where does your music inspiration come from?
MAFF TEST: Not only real life experiences but also my family, I’m a provider, I take care of my family. So the drive to continue comes from that. You know if it was just me alone, I might nothave the same drive to go on but I know my family depends on me and I am about family so that is really a driving force for me.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: That’s awesome. If weren’t for rap or writing, what would Maff Test be doing?
MAFF TEST: Designing properties, buying up all the properties and renting them to you, your mama, and your cousin. Man! Haha! Yeah definitely I’m into real estate so even that, it’s not before music but definitely I’d have it cover for the time being.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Well I have to ask this for the ladies…what’s going on, what’s the status? Because you know it’s going to be crazy…
MAFF TEST: You know…It’s business right now. (Smiles)
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Come on! You are young I know. So I know you’re not staying home every night by yourself! Haha! Well what are you looking for in a lady when you’re ready?
MAFF TEST: Somebody that has something going on for themselves is a major. You know what I mean? Someone who doesn’t mind being supportive of my goals but has theirs too. I don’t mind dating in the industry or out of it, it all depends on who would be more supportive or what I am doing in my career right now. So to answer your question I don’t have a particular preference as long as they meet the basic criteria.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Don’t you think it’s going to be hard to balance a family or a girlfriend in this industry because you are always on the road and there is so much temptation out there?
MAFF TEST: Yeah but not even that temptation would be an issue but just being so busy on the road! I wouldn’t want somebody to be in the position that if you aint got time for them, you aint got time for them. Hey let it be what it is and if I got time and you that one, I’ll holla at you.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: Before we go what appearances do you have coming up? Where are you going to be?
MAFF TEST: Definitely! You can log onto www.mafftestmusic.com, we keep that pretty much updated. Also www.myspace.com/mafftestmusic.com If you want to check out some of my videos you can log onto: www.youtube.com/mafftest or www.Twitter.com/MaffTest and I’ll give you what I’m doing on my daily. And also just Google me. When you’re relevant or keeping your name out there your name will pop up on the sites so hit up the search engines. How many more you need? Keep up with me, come on Social Addiction (your website), Before I forget to mention it, I am going to be in the upcoming issue of Hip Hop Weekly which that’s a real good look for me…(laughing)!
MAFF TEST: So come on and holla at ya boy! Your favorite songwriter for your favorite artist! I appreciate the love Social Addiction.
SOCIAL ADDICTION: We look forward to seeing more of you.
MAFF TEST: No doubt. Thank you.
After our interview I reflected. He may not have the bulk on a bear but he gives the presence of being serious and that much of a threat to the rap game. Yet I respected he wasn’t trying to find his way in by starting beef or claiming to be the best there ever was. His confidence didn’t have to take him there. Plus his freestyle was on point. And I dig it. You will be seeing much more of Maff Test in the years to come.
Watch above video, Maff Test freestyles for Social Addiction
Joc giving a "friendly" side eye to Frankie as she grabs him...again. Hehee! Joc at the booth looking checking out the deep crowd. Frankie giving to D.Wood's assisant, Sebastian. She's just a happy spirit yall.
Yung Joc drops his junior album, "Grind Flu" at club Utopia in Atlanta. A large crowd came to celebrate the rappers latest release. Great DJ. And the super star got lots of love.
In the very NEW music industry tradition of giving the fans free albums to download from their website...the successful southerner Joc is also paying it forward. Hmmm maybe the music industry isn't so money driven after all. Ummm naaaah. BUT double hmmm...can it really be more about the music reaching the public? And HEY, does one work just as hard on the free album as the Best Buy $13.99 special? Well one thing is for sure...this is a sure fire way for the MUSIC to reach the masses much faster. Well i listened and i likiee. With features like Chris Brown and hood hero (so i calls 'im) Gucci Mane on "Posted at the Store" and "Birds" (take a listen to that..niiiiiiice.), Joc's doing something! So i aint mad at Joc. That boy is paid anyway. Zagga Zoooow!
Monica singing one of her classics is feeling the crowd! The Hemp Hill Kids posing (very sweet and talented) The Hemp Hill Kids dance Mr.Taylor (www.indakno.com) and myself (http://Twitter.com/SocialAddiction) I was ret ta go at this point!
Polow had to leave town but as they say, "The party must go on." and go on it did. Polow Da Don, million dollar super producer held his first annual, Foundation F.O.C.U.S event last week giving light to our youth in areas of education, and provided programs and seminars. Keep the youth motivated to succeed, that's what i'm talking about! A worthy cause.
Wednesday night the foundation held an intimate soiree at the W Hotel in Atlanta leading into Thursdays fashion show held at Club Opera, featuring designs like Sean Jean and apparel from local kick back fashions like, Sole Monkey. Stunning male and female models strutting down stages, stairs and run ways.
A highlight for me was when the teen group, The Hemp Hill Kids got up to perform a few times. They first came out signing an old Jackson 5 hit (and KILLED it...POW!!), then came back later before Atlanta's favorite, Monica (taping her reality show) got on stage. The kids can sing and dance. A very talented, young, humble and positive teen group. More please! They are gonna do some great things with the right promotion. They are sweet kids on top of all i learned sitting with them back stage.
Finally Monica got on stage to host the party part of the night. It was a little late and the crowd who had anticipated her coming earlier, had started to thin (HELLO this is the entertainment industry and celebs don't keep time yall), but the gorgeous singer, still gave her heart. Showing love to the performing kids and her die hard fans. She teased us a little with her angelic voice and rocked it out on stage to the DJ. Yes the party went on. And so did i. I was sleepy & home called.
Here is a little of Monica singing (view video). (It was dark but we got some light going soon!)
Congrats to Foundation F.O.C.U.S on a successful launch. I admire when people with heart an influence show their real strength by giving attention to something other than their career.
ABOUT: Foundation F.O.C.U.S: The mission of Foundation F.O.C.U.S. is to instill a desire for education, interpersonal skills, networking and marketability within our youth. F.O.C.U.S. will provide assistance through a variety of programs, seminars and panels to ensure success in producing educated, humble, talented and goal-oriented youth.
Thanks to Laura & Kristin at Avid Exposure PR (credentials)
p.s. A fashion show should have fashions right? Well this time my focus was on Monica and the kids performing. But you can get pictures from Freddyo.com.
Me/Social Addiction and Sean (Just adorable in person ladies!)
Sean peacing us out as he's leaving for the eveningMoses Davis, Atlantic/Warner music group sales/marketing mngr E. Coast held it down! Great artist meet event. Thanks for the invite Mo.
A great way to start a party weekend is a cocktail hour Friday. All in favor say "I!!". Soooo how 'bout a cocktail PARTY with the drinks, food, a live DJ (hittin' it by the way) and a hot artist thrown in the mix? That gives you what Atlantic records did over the weekend to celebrate the top selling Jamaican artist of all times in the U.S., Sean Paul's upcoming album release, "Imperial Blaze", his fourth album with a definate dance hall flair.
Winner of such accolades as favorite pop artist from the American Music Awards and a grammy winning album, the Kingston artist isn't comfortable living on his past success alone but is on a firey trail to build new ones with his latest installment dropping August 18th, 2009.
Sean flew into Atlanta on Friday to meet fans, media and get it in the popular city. Hitting Atlantic amongst his first stops and club Essos on the east side to end the night. I didn't bother with Essos but his stop at Atlantic was fun. Open bar (tip please!) ummm hello and i like to party so that was a given. Sean mingled (until he took a time out, LOL!) with everyone while the DJ played and remixed all of Seans known hits. Folks were dancing. We had a ball. I have to say that for me Atlantic records (at least the ATL office) rarely dissapoints in that department of throwing great artist meet events. Big up to the label for treating the media right while having fun. Thanks to Yancey Rich & Moses Davis!
Pick up Sean's new album, it will not dissapoint. If you know Sean's music, and of course you do, you already know so i aint saying anything new. Ciao.
Lisa Raye interview The second annual Fairways and Highways Celebrity Golf and Biker Weekend in awareness of domestic violence for teens and young women (as well as boys) took place this past weekend in Atlanta. American Family Insurance saw the important events took off with such recent high profile cases like that of pop music’s Chris Brown & Rihanna. The weekend events included a kick off dinner at Aqua Knox, a red carpet event party at the W Hotel Buckhead as well as a Sunday biker parade down 285 in an act against such violent crimes.
Spokesperson, Lisa Raye helped to lead the event joined by celebs such as, Chef G.Garvin, Jacque Reid, Terance Mathis & Kenny Lofton.
As everyone knows these events also took place during the same time the annual BET Awards that go down in LA every summer so there was a bit of competition in attendees. It would have been an EVEN better attendance otherwise I’m sure. Still the positive message was delivered & a good time was had in the interim by guests.
Also look for an upcoming reality show (Of course..this is the time to do it and I KNEW IT!!) in the workings for Lisa Raye. She confirmed that taping will start in two weeks to possibly air on TV One. The new show will highlight her life as she journeys from being a first lady and married to Turks & Caicos former Prime Minister, Michael Misick. Yet in many people’s eyes her powerful presence will always have her as a first lady. After a media heavy rocky '08 it looks like 2009 is proving to be joyful for the star. Ow owwww!
Thanks to Lisa Raye, her assistant Stacy Montgomery and double thank you to The Garner Circle PR event credentials. They work hard, always a great job!
Also check out Carol Causeesto-McCollum of The Return of the Lady who holds tea party seminars to also empower young women. She's got a great program going!
I was so nervous looking out at the crowd. So many people filled the auditorium. I saw my friends, my teacher, oh okay there were mom and dad looking hopeful, smiling at me. I was gonna be okay. I looked down at my knees one last time and over to the left at my friend with me on stage. The music began and we “tap danced” to The Jackson 5’s “Torture”. I don’t know why I loved that song so much, surely my 2nd grade mind couldn't grasp the lyrical depth but when I signed up for the annual talent show I just knew it had to be a Jackson song that I danced to…me and my patent leather shoes. I wanted to be just like the stars in the music video. And back then you couldn’t have told me that they weren’t real taps on the ends of my shoes.
Like many of you, I grew up with Michael Jackson. I had the glove, I knew all the songs, I tried to moonwalk, I used to stare in wonder when a new video premiere featuring the seemingly ageless King of Pop would come on television. Who can forget, “Remember the Time” with Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan & Iman co-starring with Jackson when it premiered? I sat in anticipation until its 9 p.m. debut! The thought provoking and humble, “Man in the Mirror”, the dance classic, “Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough”, who could EVER dare to redo the creative madness of the top selling "Thriller" and so MANY more.
I’m not here to talk about his money, his allegations, or his faults, something every human can identify with. I think Mike spent enough time on this earth being judged, vilified and dehumanized (remember the infamous linking of the elephant man to our pop super star?). I want to celebrate his life, his humility and his extreme philanthropy on this earth. No doubt God blessed this man with a great spirit, an incredible voice and amazing dance flexibility that many of today’s greats willingly admit used MJ as their inspiration. May all his deeds that may come under scrutiny good or bad be accounted for and to God’s supreme judgment, not mans’. For never had a super star in American history destroyed barriers as Jackson did. He crossed color lines until in fact he was colorless. Not many out gave him in creating music to bring a torn world together, bringing awareness to the hungry and challenging people to look within themselves to help a hurting species. Not many were as gentle in greeting fans or spreading financial help to children who hoped for a meal. Never can anyone tell a story of how Jackson said an Ill word to them, was unkind, or lacked his always present grace. And what a graceful being he was. In a world where we are constantly told to be gritty & look out for self first, where many pressured celebrities become easily annoyed with fans & ungrateful for those that ultimately put money into their bank accounts, this man always had his hand reaching toward others to see how he could meet the need possibly even neglecting his own emotional suffering.
Years of Jackson being the butt of many jokes, gossip and speculation never stopped him from attempting to give love. I don’t know how his heart could stand it anymore. And maybe it couldn’t at the age of 50 so he was allowed his final day of rest on June 25th 2009. There are no mistakes, he had accomplished enough. Possibly he was tired and his heart had broken too many times beyond repair. I’m not sure but I do know that with rest comes peace. Finally! So today I encourage a celebration of his life, his legacy and the supreme genius of Michael Jackson’s iconic talent! I doubt there will be another woven of such fine cloth that could hypnotize even the most hardened of women and bring grown men to tears at his presence. Think about that…Wow!
I joyfully say, rest in peace Michael Jackson. I mourn only for his surviving young children and family & true friends that knew him the dearest and shall miss him the greatest. Peace and comfort I wish for them.
Plies putting a stamp on the city of Atlanta Some women find him very sessi (that being said pray HARD to Jesus tonight there there are no lil new Plies in the making from Bday Bash wknd! Do it! Nikki Minaj and Gucci
View Birthday Bash video above
Birthday bash started out with a bang for some…literally. Gun shots fired outside of the Phillips Arena in pure large party fashion as people continued to pile in and pack the vast arena. Recession? "You’s a lie" because there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. So here goes, Birthday Bash 2009 who was there, the good, the bad and the say what?!!
Who: Jerimih, Young Dro, Young LA, Shop Boys, Hurricane Chris, Sean Garrett, Plies, Fabulous, Young Jezzy, Mary J Blige, Trey Songz, Gorilla Zoe, Nikki Minaj, Pleasure P, O.J. Da Juice Man (name to doggon long!) Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, Players Circle, Weezy and more.
Good: Trey Songz, Gorilla Zoe, Plies took over the stage (and I’m not even a fan), Weezy showed, MJB got on stage
Bad: *O.J. the Juiceman’s set was way too long. I almost thought it was the O.J. show… *Radio One said no media this year due to “legal reasons” and that only MTV could cover the event and get exclusives. I think I broke that rule just a teeny tiny but much more could have been done with the access I had last year. *The show didn’t end until half past midnight.
Super Bad (added this because my pain is real): I lost my new favorite ring. POOOO! :(
Say What a.k.a. Whachu Talking Bout Willis: *So tell me why did Jeezy bring his surprise guest out, Mary J. Blige who we LOVE but didn’t have her sing a song, or even a hook? Who da who??!! *Rioters, Picketers were outside the arena marching along not so merily with signs ranging from women’s rights all the way to Iran. Now large crowds are a great way to get attention and this would have been good for the “Rainbow People” (do gooders, Peta types, rioters) if it were any other place but birthday bash. I mean Birthday Bash? Did the Rainbows not do their research to know who would be there? There were more people holding up Plies and Rick Ross promotion signs for the ancy kids attending the concert to much care. There were some worthy causes being stood for in that hot sun so I sure hope the rioters efforts weren’t wasted any more than trying to teach a new born to do Halle Berry…I’m just sayin’…
Final Verdict: Birthday Bash 2008 was much better. Better performances, better access for media and I miss T.I.
Watch the Video above for Birthday Bash EXCLUSIVE footage of Plies, Hurricane Chris, Sean Garrett & more…
Thanks to Dennis Byron (pictures & video capture) for his help and for capturing the “unlawful”. LOL!
Men of Honor! Happy birthday love! Vawn & Jazze staying fresh (Welcome to Dreamland on BET)Dennis Byon (Management) & Maff Test in the building Don Cannon (That kat is funny...) Friend & Ray Daniels (Rock City's Manager) Drumma Boy (Welcome to Dreamland BET)Packed like sardines...smh but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (unless they were stabbed)
And not DJ Drama…well actually he was there too with his lady Summer Walker. But the kind of drama I’m talking about is the kind that sadly seems to erupt when you have too much testosterone in a packed place. The celebrity DJ of Hot 107.9 radio’s birthday ended with several men being involved in an altercation ending in 3 men being stabbed (via AJC). The first reports on the popular social network Twitter from some of the urban community were reports of gun shots and a shooting. The truth revealed the stabbing that took place right as Atlanta’s Luckie Lounge, the spot where the festivities were held, was shutting down for the night/day.
Well besides that I’m sure Trauma had a great time partying with his celebrity friends: Estelle, DJ Drama, Summer Walker, Drumma Boy, Vawn, Jazze Pha, Maff Test, Lil Duval, MLK, JD, Don Cannon, Ludacris (who kept a low profile…nothing new), Chaka and more. For me the party was just decent…nothing I hadn’t seen before in Atlanta, same ol. However lots of excited guests who wanted to be around celebrities (and pay $200 vip fees…WTH?!) showed out till there was no room to find your own face. It was hotter than Hades in that joint. Anyway happy birthday again to an obviously beloved DJ.
Greg Street, model Angela Buggs, DJ Judgemental, Dennis Byron (manegement) Maff Test & DJ Judgemental
Well not really. No sex (Not directly. Hmm..not that i know of). No lies. (Not today anyway).
There is something overtly illicit and indulging about pool parties. The secret taste of forbidden seems to stir the air. There is something openly sensual about water, warm bodies, beer, swim caps & loose lips that sink ships. You don’t have to say this out loud. It’s just known. You know what I mean? Yea you do. So what happens when Greg Street, Dennis Byron, DJ Judgmental and sexy singles from the A town meet on a Saturday afternoon? Well that I’m not telling. These lips are not loose. No ships will sink…not on my watch.
I can share some jewels though. Come closer to your screen here...closer...closer. Okay. Here it goes. I love a good party. Yes i do. And while that's not a jewel to all that's a perfect preface for the bauble i'm divulging. And that's that you should have been there. It was what you would call, good times. New artist Maff Test had his listening session with photographs snapping and video rolling (so yes the video part is true), Dj Judgemental did his thing, Greg Street played the primo host, people ate, folks drank, a few cuties swam and the rest i'll keep to myself as i often do quite a many things. I'm not the kid who used to share her toys. In fact i never had them. Don't ask me about now...
Maff Test...i wasn't so sure about him at first, that's the truth. There are so many rappers or would be's out here that it's a task for me to get excited about a new claimant. I met Maff last weekend at a Greg Street (V103 radio Atlanta) and Dennis Byron (Hip Hop Weekly contributor) hosted pool party/Maff Test album listening event at the Block Lofts in Atlanta. Things were swinging and the day was winding down with the sun in a race close behind. And in he walks. The young Illinois (raised close to my hometown = brownie points) bred rapper sauntered into the room followed by a few of what i would guess to be his entourage. He was clean from head to toe. All eyes and cameras were immediately on him. Talk about making an entrance. Yet with all the hooha that followed him walking into the room and making such the fuss...he had a certain controlled poise about him that can be respected by the young and desperates trying to still cling to youth in an unfriendly industry. I hate the word swag (ugh too overused!) but as i dig into my "sometimes" bag full of rejected vocabulary words i pull out "swag" for Maff Test, Young Harvey born Jason D. Frazier.
So a strong presence is nice but not good enough for me. So what challenged me? I heard the music. And it's not that i like every song that Maff is delivering, not everything is always a winner with even the best of artists. It's his sound. It's his story. Meaning that he is telling a story with a great sound. Weaving a tale while sounding off is something that i miss in hip hop so when such is encountered my attention is captured. Plus he's a bit of an enigma. Somebody wise must have told a young Maff not to "throw his pearls to swine". Maff abided not one to over share or give all of his inner secrets away he remains a bit of a mystery fueling the curious to find out more on this new up and coming rap superstar. So meet Maff Test, a young man with a remarkable inner strength who is steady working his craft to become musically yours.
Thanks to Dennis Byron for the party invite, a journalist, a photographer and truly one of the most eloquent men in hip hop. His wisdom is appreciated.
Rock City,Timothy & Theron Thomas at Artist Factory studio
...And if the brother rap, reggae, pop (yes they CAN do it all) duo had the a dollar for every time someone asked them that question...well they'd just have a lot of dollars. Not that they need them because trust my dudes have been in the game longer than your favorite popcorn candy rapper who stumbled onto the scene bringing mediocre music to the offended ears of the public. They've put in their time. So basically they are doing aight ya dig? Yet aight and even very aight is not enough for them. They are pushing for a monster success and courageously taking matters musically until their own hands despite the labels' (Interscope) hold on the album release. How? MIXTAPES & heavy personal Internet marketing! Don't you just love Twitter?
Since i think these guys damn rock (you get it ROCK City?? Ehh?!!) it's my job to tell yall why you need to go to their myspace and download their mixtapes and join the PTFAO movement. Most who follow the talented brothers know what PTFAO means but for those that don't google it and you will understand how that acronym is becoming a phenomenon within itself.
The attached video here is a little freestyle action i got Timothy & Theron to give me. I'm tellin you...Dem bowyz they serious dae mon! Wow...ummm yea so maybe like i shouldn't try to do that again...i'll stick to my good ol' English. Anyway enjoy, support, rock to them...you will love them. If you don't you're probably just a bum and that's cool. We need all types in this world for balance.
Thanks to Rock City manager Ray Daniels (dude you remind me of Irv Gotti mane...for really though. But don't be mad...Irv is paid!) for the interview set up. Every time i see Ray he is serving up a smile and i love to see it. Thanks to Sabrina Montgomery of Dream Catchers Entertainment, also part of the Rock City team. You hooked me up on the singles i needed, one that i attached to the end of the video ("They the effin BEST!", a Drake remake but dare i say better...) here. I will put out 3 other singles from the Sneak Peak mix tape next week on this site just because i can. :)
These men (and lady) are champions. Rocky City has wisely surrounded themselves with a team full of great energy & I enjoyed chopping it up & just chillin'. Sincerely to true artists, much success...
Chopped it up at Justin's restaurant with Vawn & Drumma Boy (Jazze Pha was mia), creator and super producer team of welcome to Dreamland, a reality TV show competition to find a female winner with the best overall musical package. Welcome to Dreamland isn't a stranger to television. The show got it's successful start on Atlanta's own local, Peachtree TV. Due to the shows success it was picked up to be re-run on BET for national viewing. Loving the good news.
A better judging team couldn't have been put together for the show. Drumma Boy, the cool, hit winning producer who keeps turning out hit after hit for major artists battles his team against the equally award winning, world famous and energetic Jazze Pha. The two producers have two different styles as they put these girls to the test in a boot-camp like tough love fashion at times but they both have the same goal, make a star!
Catch the show Tuesday nights at 10:30 p.m. on BET. If you missed it last season or even a few episodes...here is your chance. If you have already seen it, you can look for season two coming soon to BET. Either way, show support.
Watch the video attached above to find out more about the show as well as what Drumma Boy has been up to musically. He also has some GREAT guidance for the up and coming producers. He gave major love with this one, many thanks.
Rock City, Ray (manager), Denise & friend Yung LA and Jason Geter Yung LA and Young Joc with guests Jay Carter (right) Slim DJ Don Cannon keeping it movin' Yung LA performing, "Aint I" Julie Dexter rocking Rudy Clarence (very friendly)
Kalene, Mz.Smith (sweet girls/group) and the host with the most, Kenny Burns
People that know me know that EVEN though i'm a social addict i at times struggle between going to events and being a complete homebody nerd. It's comical really...the battlefield of the mind, the imposing display of the two powers that go on in my brain. Anyway not to bore you with the inner workings of my mental, the moral of the story is that the social addict always over powers the homebody. I guess she is stronger. And that's a GOOD thing.
I'm glad i went to participate in Vibe's VSessions, a concert series featuring several up and coming artists that perform live in front of a sometimes non cooperative audience. It just depends. The popular urban magazine teamed up with Heineken deciding to bring their party to Atlanta's Loft in midtown providing beer for all who were thirsty. Kenny Burns made an impressive host and the fabulous DJ Don Cannon kept everyone on the floor entertained in between sets.
Performing artists to look for: DTP's Rudy Clarence, Julie Dexter, Warner Records’ Teairra Mari, and Grand Hustle’s Yung LA. They all did an impressive job! Rudy and Julie were very soulful, while Yung LA drew the most positive feedback and attention from the crowd. I definitely think he is the break out artist that Grand Hustle NEEDS right now. He's got...IT.
Popular artists like Ludacris, Young Joc, Slim (formerly of 112), and one half of the multi talented duo Rock City came to show support along with label execs and other personalities like, Jason Geter, Chaka Zulu and Jay Carter of Soul Fusion. New artists Mz. Smith and Kalene, teaming up with Diddy & Dawn Richard (formerly of Danity Kane) making the group Dirty Money dropping their 1st album this fall, greeted media and guests in the VIP suite taking pictures and generating the excitement that comes with new talent.
Thank you to 135th Street Agency's Saptosa Foster for the access and of course to Vibe for hosting a great event. I didn't just come to cover the event and take pictures but i had fun. Woohooo!!
p.s. Yall who know Luda know that your man is in and out. I wouldn't call him a social butterfly by any means...and that's okay. That being said there are some pictures here that are missing however if you look up this event you will be able to see more pictures!
Do you search the web for entertainment news, know what's going on with so and so and who's dating so and so and the momment that so and so broke up with so and so? Leave comments, read entertainment stories, exclusive interviews, buy tickets for movies, concerts, sports & other events anywhere in the U.S. & find places to go for entertainment in the city of Atlanta on the home page of the website- http://www.findentertainmentnow.com/ ...a little bit of entertainment news with a lotta bit of personality. "And if ya don't know...now ya know..." Welcome to your peek inside the "fabulous" life Or is it really so fabulous...? Miesha, The Juice Reporter
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Teyana, Jazze and Sabrina Peterson, owner of the Glam Bar Salon (where the party was held). Check them out at www.theglambar.com.
Vawn, Drumma & Jazze. Vawn told me that "Welcome to Dreamland 2" is set to tape Nov.'09 & air on BET Feb or March '10.
I call this the "ghetto prom picture" shot where everybody and their momma jumps in. I aint even gone bother naming folks in this one...
Rich Girls, etc.
Sammie and me
Clay Evens (Grand Hustle) was killin' me last night. Haaaa!
B.Cox & Teyana Taylor catching up while Tey gets her hands done Glam Bar style.
B.Cox plants one on Tey for me. Cute!
Moses Davis, Atlantic/Warner music group sales/marketing mngr E. Coast held it down! Great artist meet event. Thanks for the invite Mo.
Men of Honor! Happy birthday love!
Dennis Byon (Management) & Maff Test in the building
Packed like sardines...smh but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (unless they were stabbed)
