All Entries in the "Feature" Category

23 Yr Old Brandy Lynn Talks Divas & Wildflowers Non-Profit, Fashion, & Her Plans to Change The Outlook of Black Females [Exclusive]

A lot of you may not be familiar with 23 year old Brandy Lynn, but if you’re in tuned with reality television you soon will be. She’s the adopted daughter of Nicci Gilbert, singer and R&B Diva’s star/producer.  Although we were briefly introduced to Brandy Lynn in Season 1 of R&B Divas Atlanta, we will soon see more of her this season (in Season 2 which premiered on May 1 on TV One).

After speaking with Brandy Lynn over the phone, her interview with STACKS Magazine was very professional and kind of surprising.  Not many young kids are making the business moves that she’s currently making. So it was great to hear Brandy Lynn discuss her non-profit organization Divas & Wildflowers and the impact it has had on other young women in the Atlanta area. She herself is the product of a drug addicted mother. Through God’s grace, her cousin Nicci came in to save her and raise her as her very own.

With Nicci’s guidance and own life’s experiences in the entertainment industry, Brandy Lynn is thankful.  Becoming a full-blown entrepreneur, television show producer, fashion guru, and mentor to young girls are some of Brandy Lynn  future goals. It is good to know that she’s currently making huge steps towards those. From the looks of it, the young business woman is ready and eager to take the world by storm.

What will see from Brandy Lynn on Season 2 of R&B Divas?

Brandy Lynn: In Season 2, you guys can follow me through my non-profit organization called Divas & Wallflowers. You all can visit me on www.divasandwallflowers.org. Basically, I came up with my non-profit organization last season. Talking to Monifah’s daughter, Kimmy, I came up with it for young women who need some type of motivation or who have any type of struggles in their life. Also, it is also to bring young women and their mothers closer together.

I have done a couple of events actually. So you guys get to see one event on R&B Divas. I’m so excited that Brownstone performed. That’s just so exciting…and also Keke Wyatt. But, I did a makeover for women who’ve have been through cancer and homelessness, and just different types of things. I did a total makeover for them so they could feel beautiful, outside and in. It was just awesome. It was the bomb girl.

Also, I have an online boutique coming very soon that I am so excited about. It should be out by the first [May 1], no later than the 5th of May. I sell all types of stuff. It’s so cute. A portion of the proceeds go to Divas & Wildflowers.

Being 23 years old and African-American, what are some of the things you believe are plaguing the young black females? Why is it important to have these other positive outlets?

Brandy Lynn: A lot of the young children nowadays look at these videos, listen to this music, and they want to be what they see…which is not good. I just really want to help. I just want to be able to talk to young people to tell them that’s it’s a new generation. You have to work hard. Right now, it is a good thing to work hard and try to get your own business and get mentors to talk to. I had to get a mentor to talk to. I had a lot of people to talk to and it helped me so much. It helped me so much that words can’t even explain. Young people go through a lot. They really don’t know which way to go. So it’s up to our adults right now to really teach us and point us in the right direction. We really need help right now. This generation needs help. I would say that the best thing for us young adults to do is get a good mentor. Be around positive people and listen. Like my mom say, “stop talking and listen.” I just think that it’s a great thing to have a mentor. You can’t do it by yourself. It’s teamwork and teamwork makes the dream work. I’m happy I learned that at a young age.

I also decided to do a charity event for prom makeovers. I picked two young ladies and I custom made their dresses. I totally made them over for prom from top to bottom. I help anybody that needs help.

So, do you design clothes?

Brandy Lynn: Yes, that is my passion. Helping people is my purpose in life and fashion is my passion.

With the new boutique, what exactly will you be selling? Any custom pieces?

Brandy Lynn: I’m definitely going to have some custom pieces with the Wildflower brand. I’m going to have custom scarves. Scarves are coming out first. I’m going to start off small, but work my way up though. I’m going to have lipsticks, lip-glosses, cute little different stuff, Wildflower stuff. I will also have a blog on the website and six different ways you can wear my scarf. I’m going to show everybody how you can wear the scarves. I’m going to do updates of makeup and fashion, and just everything that teens need. I’m going to do inspiration speaking on it. I’ll have poems. I’ll have all different kind of things on there.

Who inspired you to get into fashion and to start the non-profit organization?

Brandy Lynn: I definitely got all of my inspiration from my mom. Every since I was little, growing up and watching her get up and do her makeup and go perform, going shopping and seeing all of the different clothes, I was in love. I am in love with clothes and everything. She inspired so much with my fashion and with my business and doing my non-profit. I don’t know if you know. But last season I mentioned that she [Nikki Gilbert] is not my biological mother. I am actually adopted by Nikki. She is my biological cousin, my real cousin. But that’s my momma because she raised me as a baby. So I came up with the non-profit because I longed for my real mother. I do talk to her from time to time but she has a drug problem. I like to talk to young people to inspire them that no matter where you come from or what you been through, you can still be what you want to be in life. You can grow and bloom into this Wildflower and that you can be beautiful and do whatever you want to do.

As far as your future goals, what do you aspire to do in the next five to ten years?

Brandy Lynn: I plan on having multiple businesses. I plan on having my own TV show. By then, I may be producing. So, I’m learning from miss Nikki Gilbert. I plan on, in the next five to ten years, somewhere being married, having my businesses and being okay and good. Living life and being happy. Maybe open up a couple centers, Wildflower Centers to help the youth.

To stay updated on Brandy Lynn and the Divas & Wildflowers organization, go to www.divasandwildflowers.org.  You can also follow her on Twitter  @IAMBrandyLynn.

Shout out to Jakeem Smith for making this happen. Thanks!

New Music: Verse Simmonds – “Fully Loaded” feat. Young Jeezy

Virgin Islander, Verse Simmonds has returned with a smooth summertime groove.  The “Fully Loaded” track features Young Jeezy and is produced by Verse’s own production team, Sak Pase.  This is truly song that will maintain the mood at any pool party or night out with your boo thang. Check it out for yourself below…

No word yet on when fans can expect a new project from Verse Simmonds. But, we’ll stay tuned.

OMG! Mary J Blige Is Deep In Debt; Owes Over $4 Million In Back Taxes & Loans

Everyone that is a true fan and friend of the Queen of R&B and Hip Hop need to all get together and make a donation to this cause. According to the NY Post, Mary J Blige is currently waaayyyyy deep in debt with the IRS and several financial institutions.

The state of New Jersey has announced that the Queen refused to file taxes in 2009 ($574,907.30), 2010 ($2,203,743.53), and 2011 ($647,604.60). Also, this new revelation is ontop of an existing lien for $901,769.65, which she received back in February of this year. As of right now, Mary J Blige owes the state $4,328,025.08. Damn, Mary!!!

In early 2012, Blige’s non-profit organization SWANN was outed publicly for not filing taxes. Blige was subject to much public scrutiny for the ordeal as investigation revealed that there were thousands in donation money missing. TD Bank also expressed that the charity had defaulted on a $500,000 loan.  To save face from embarrassment, the R&B diva held a press conference in which she stated that she “didn’t have the right people in the right places, doing the right thing.”

It is clear that it is time to down-size Mary and Kendu.  The 18,000 square-foot mansion in Saddle River, NJ has been on the market since 2011 (with a price tag of $12.5 million). It is apparent that Mary J need to press the gas on that sale and any other properties she may own. What does her husband do again?!  If he is her manager, he may need to find some other work. Or it may be time for Mary to go back on tour, release an album, etc.  This debt is ridiculous and sad. Mayber her close friends Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry will loan her a few dollars. Heck, it’s not like they don’t have it!

New Mixtape: Gangsta Boo – “It’s Game Involved”

Remember Triple Six Mafia…the energetic rap group from Memphis, Tenneesee that birth Juicy J, DJ Paul, and a raw and uncut female rapper name Gangsta Boo?  Well, if you do or you don’t, one third of the group is back in full effect.

Gangsta Boo made us all fall in love with the anthem “Where Dem Dollars At?”.  It was only a couple females that spit hardcore rap lyrics in the 90′s. Therefore, she had a lane that only she could maintain with the raunchy sex talk, dope boy storytelling, and empowerment for the females who kept it hood. It is evident today that her departure from the group hasn’t stopped her grind and tarnished her swag. In this new mixtape It’s Game Involved, she’s giving the fans what they’ve been waiting on…that old Gangsta Boo. The 19-track project is primarily done under the production supervision of friend and Memphis native, Drumma Boy.  Other production features include DJ Montay, Furoche, Purp Dogg, Almighty, Hank Iving, KM On Da Track, DJ London, and Eric Dingus.

As far as rap features, Big K.R.I.T., Young Buck, Bun B, Maino, 8-Ball, Don Trip, Young Turk, La Chat, and others show up and show out for the southern rap legend.  She’s definitely been missed and I think everyone that listens will be presently surprised. She hasn’t lost her mojo.  Stand out tracks are “Bodies”, “First Date”, “Bad Times”, “Talk Nasty”, “Dark Shades”, and “I’m Hustlin”.

Listen to the live stream below and download It’s Game Involved over at Livemixtapes.com!

New Vid: Beyonce’s ‘Dance For You’

Check out Beyonce’s video for ‘Dance For You’, a track from the deluxe edition of her album ’4′.

Once again she does the doggone thang!!! Kiiinggg Bey!!!

New Vid: Young Jeezy – F.A.M.E feat. T.I.

TM103 is scheduled to drop December 20. Young Jeezy and labels decision to push back the release date several times should insinuate that there’s some heat coming our way. Can’t wait to hear it!

To hold the fans over in the meantime, check out his new video for F.A.M.E featuring Tip:

New Music: B.O.B – 5 On The Kush feat. Big K.R.I.T & Bun B [Exclusive]

The good folks over in the B.o.B camp sent over this hot new track, 5 on The Kush.  As if it was on cue, this track was leaked on B.o.B’s birthday Nov 15. Last night, the 23 yr old celebrated his birthday big willie style at Wild Bills in Atlanta. We wonder if he was on that kush last night. lol

Regardless, birthdays are always worth it! Check out the hot new single which features Big K.R.I.T and Bun-B:

5 On The Kush JF 4 Leak – bob

Source: TJ Chapman

Fashion Trend: Animal Print Jeans

The jean market is taking things to the next level…and we like it! As mentioned in our last post Fashion Trend: Foil Jeans, designers are being very creative with fabrics nowadays. Women who don’t mind creating their own look and dare to be different, here’s a new look you may want to try…animal prints.  Here are a few options:

Source: Polyvore

Dewar’s Scotch Unveils “MasterBlenders” Program in New York

Dewar's MasterBlenders (L-R) DJs Anthony Rey, Small, San One, & Shadee

NEW YORK – November 2011 – DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number one-selling premium blended Scotch whisky in the United States , proudly announced the launch of DEWAR’S MasterBlenders, a unique program featuring Latin music’s hottest DJs.  The program was launched in New York at an invitation-only soiree at club PHUKET, located in Washington Heights on Monday, Nov. 7, 2011.

DEWAR’S has enlisted renowned DJs Small, San One, Anthony Rey and Shadee for the event, which also featured signature DEWAR’S cocktails – all perfectly mixed to emulate each DJs own taste and style.  More details about DEWAR’s Master Blenders are available at www.facebook.com/dewarsmasterblenders.

“The marrying process of our blended scotch whisky is what gives DEWAR’S its signature flavor, much like each of these amazing DJs marries Latin rhythms to create their own signature sound,” said Fannie Young, vice president, brand managing director, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky.
“The DEWAR’S Master Blenders event combined our unique heritage and tradition with modern music. It’s a celebration of sounds, style and taste.”

Celebrities, tastemakers and whisky aficionados were in attendance at this epic affair dressed in upscale attire for an evening of masterfully mixed DEWAR’s cocktails and one of a kind sounds by the DEWAR’s MasterBlenders.

“We are excited to be working with DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky,” says DJ Smalls.  “As a Dominican DJ, I can speak for myself and the other Latino DJs when I say how excited we are at the opportunity to represent the Latino music industry and showcase our talents.”

 

Division 1/Universal Republic artist - Cherlise

Dewar's Blended Scotch Whiskey

More info on the honored MasterBlender DJs…

DJ Shadee
The New York bred music spinster put his career into high gear when his growing popularity caught the attention of the City’s most celebrated Spanish-Language Radio DJ and personality DJ Alex Sensation.  Since then he has spun for La Mega Mezcla del Mediodia, along-side Alex Sensation, in several different venues where the dynamic duos mixing and record selection continued to impact the Big Apple’s nightlife scene. He recently joined the cable television network MUSIC CHOICE as a programmer and personality for their Musica Urbana & Music Choice Mixtape Channels.

DJ San One
Inspired by hip-hop legends Kid Capri, Funk Flex and Tony Touch and New York heroes Preci$e and Danny S, DJ San-One laid the foundation for his career at as a teen.   Bedroom practice led to family get-togethers and eventually into the hottest clubs in New York City.  The Harlem born DJ travels to mix for the finest venues in the United States. His mixed CDs has more than 15,000 downloads on his website.  In only eight years, DJ San-One has become one of the leading DJs in the music industry.

DJ Anthony Rey
Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Anthony Rey aka “El Chico Mezcla,” immigrated to the United States at the age of 18.  He mixes with the hottest Latino disc jockeys known in the tri-state area that host the infamous radio stations “X96.3″ and “La Mega 97.9.”  Currently he is known as one of the best DJs of the New York and New Jersey club scenes, local radios stations, and Internet shows.  DJ Anthony Rey is currently working on a project to give back to the community all the support they give him by sponsoring young deejays in his native Santo Domingo.

DJ Smalls
DJ Smalls is one of the top artists in the music industry and New York City club scene.  Born in East Harlem, New York City, DJ Smalls (Kenneth Salcedo) started his career in the music industry in 1994.  Currently a Radio DJ for the most listened to Spanish radio station in NYC, Mega 97.9 FM, he has gained an incredible following.

     For more information on the Dewar’s Scotch, go to www.bacardiusa.com or www.dewars.com.

Source: Janice Torres PR

T-Pain Preps New Album “REVOLVER” + Track Listing

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard T-Pain grace the airwaves. The multi-platinum producer/artist who just a few years ago was the number one go-to guy for a “hit”, is plotting a big return with his new album, rEVOLVEr. The new album which features Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Pitbull, and Ne-Yo, hopefully will give listeners more classic T-Pain ish.

     Here’s the track listing…

1. Bang Bang Pow Pow – feat. Lil Wayne

2. Bottlez – feat. Detail

3. It’s Not You (It’s Me) T-Pain vs. Chuckie – feat. Pitbull

4. Default Picture

5. 5 O’clock – feat. Lily Allen & Wiz Khalifa

6. Sho-Time (Pleasure Thang)

7. Rock Bottom

8. Look At Her Go – feat. Chris Brown

9. Mix’d Girl

10. I Don’t Give A F*ck

11. Drowning Again – feat. One Chance

12. When I Come Home

13. Best Love Song – feat. Chris Brown

14. Turn All The Lights On – feat. Ne-Yo

     T-Pain’s fourth studio album is scheduled to be released on December 6.

MTV2′s “Guy Code” (Official Trailer)

As we mentioned last earlier, here, MTV2 will premier its new show “Guy Code” tomorrow at 11PM EST. Check out the trailer below:

Source: Annick Muller/ID-PR

Morgan Freeman To Be Honored w/Lifetime Achievement Award

     A true professor of acting, a legend in his own right and already having set an iconic trail, actor Morgan Freeman is set to be honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the 69^th annual Golden Globe Awards.

     Freeman who jumpstarted his career back in 1965 as an extra in “The Pawnbroker” has now worked his way to being a five-time Oscar nominee, an Oscar winner, a Screen Actors Guild awardee and a Golden Globe great for best actor. Over the years, his magnitude of talent has landed him in box office hits galore such as Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Glory, Seven, The Bucket List, Unforgiven, Invictus, and Million Dollar Baby.

     Being honored with this award puts Freeman among the likes of other industry greats such as Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, Barbara Streisand and Stephen Spielberg.

LL Cool J & the Mrs. Raise $100K+ For Cancer

LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith recently hosted a charity event in an effort to raise money to support the ongoing war against cancer. The event, “Why Fashion Matters” brought in over $100k which will be used to help fund cancer research and the efforts of the American Cancer Society. Mrs. Smith who happens to be a cancer survivor herself says about the event, “I knew I wanted to do something to help. Cancer affects too many people and so many families.”  The Mrs. also auctioned off items from her recently launched jewelry line SIS raising more than an additional $100K.

Mixtape Review: 2 Chainz – T.R.U. REALigion

     2 Chainz (Tity Boi or Teta Chico) has been on a tear as of late. For anyone that has been paying attention, he has been garnering a lot of attention. Being such a polarizing figure, many celebrated while others sighed and grunted in disgust. Plenty of people send him praise for his tangible lyrics and accessible style. Others, however, think of him to be a 3^rd tier rhymer that has over-extended his stay in the game. Regardless of how anyone feels, T.R.U. Realigion is out for mass consumption.

     To be frank about 2 Chainz, he isn’t going to win many hip hop enthusiasts/purists over. He isn’t going to be using a bunch of flows and cadences no one cares about. Nor is he going to try and construct choruses aligned with poet laureates. Hip hop quotables isn’t even on 2 Chainz’s mind. In the end, the man has little care for being looked at as a “savior of hip hop”.

     2 Chainz is here to make typical street music in a grand and notable fashion. If that is his goal, he is effective to say the least; hilariously remarkable to say the most.

     Throughout the mixtape, Teta Chico gives you nothing short of relished street lore. ”Addicted To Rubberbands” rides thumping bass, synths and piano keys that allows Chainz to spit his version of comeuppance/luxury rap. “Stunt” catches Chainz, with Meek Mill in tow, going in about showing off what they got. Hysterically, on “Viagra” Chainz keeps it moving with references to his Polo addiction, Jodeci and Floetry. Even if street music isn’t the choice of champions, 2 Chainz still entertains.

     Do not be fooled, though; 2 Chainz does take the time to get introspective and/or tell a story. “Letter to the Rap Game” uses a M-16 produced sample molester to give hip hop an open view of his approach and mentality. It does help that he is assisted by Dolla Boy and Raekwon to round out this song. “Kesha” is the common hood love song done the 2Chainz way: big song, big sample, simple and catchy lyrics. Even through the grimey hood songs come certain aspects that allow people to see some sort of “vulnerability”.

     2 Chainz feels he went from “the hottest artist in the streets without a Gangsta Grillz” to “the hottest artist in the streets”. With this mixtape, he gets to flex his muscle. For the most part, it stays consistent and entertaining. This won’t be world changing material. However, if you are looking for some street music to nourish your faith in the conviction of the streets, then this is the mixtape for you. Conclusively, keeping it real for the hood is the T.R.U. Realigion for 2 Chainz.

Article written by Mark A. Harris, contributing writer for STACKS Magazine