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Culture, Entertainment, Music, My Writings
Earlier this month, Casey Gane-McCalla, a journalist, rapper, comedian and Facebook friend, declared on his FB status: "I am an Ivy league college educated journalist with no criminal background...still when I hear this song...I think I'm Big Meech." The song that Gane-McCalla refers to is B.M.F, a single from Rick Ross's fourth album, Teflon Don which dropped Tuesday. The song's considered a heater. The summer's hip-hop anthem.
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Bigger Than Hip-Hop, Entertainment, Film/TV, Interviews
I arrived in LA about five years ago. I thought I had a strategy but it didn't go the way I wanted it to. Yet, it worked out better than I thought. I thought "Puss" was going to get made and that I'd just be in LA taking meetings. Luckily, some of the scripts that I was working on started receiving attention and somehow I started writing professionally. If I would have just came out here to direct, I would have stopped writing. I've been so successful with writing that it should have been part of the original plan.
There are several substantial film festivals in Washington, D.C., but none of them seem to have ignited the fire and excitement as the 1st annual DMVIFF (DC, MD, and VA International Film Festival). There's no doubt that the enthusiasm and passion of its creator, Tanecia Britt, is contagious. Tanecia is not only a "homegirl"-born in D.C., and raised in Maryland, she's an experienced filmmaker with a Master's in Film, Video, and New Screen from the University of East London. Yes, London.
Hip-Hop, Publishing/Literary
"Although they had many financial perks," King shares about the wives she interviewed, "quite a few of them were downright miserable and would trade their husband's fame and fortune for the simple lives they once had."
Culture, Entertainment, Film/TV, My Writings
Recently, the Los Angeles Times, published a somewhat grim article suggesting that black-oriented films without Tyler Perry attached will struggle harder these days to find a studio home. Centered on the success (or lack thereof) of Fox Searchlight, an outlet known for "urban" films like Notorious and I Think I Love My Wife, the article reasons that the weak box office performance of these movies and the recently-released Just Wright is pushing the studio (with the implication that other studios have or will follow) to abandon black-themed films.
Bigger Than Hip-Hop, Culture, Entertainment, Interviews
Andre Torres doesn't have a background in publishing. But he has passion and perseverance. So much so that he eventually learned how to run a magazine and evolved into the guy at Wax Poetics "who tells people what to do." Translation: He ensures that the Brooklyn-based Wax Poetics brand is fully enforced across everything that the company does.
Entertainment, Interviews, Publishing/Literary
Ray Charles Robinson, Jr. describes his childhood as a Norman Rockwell painting with African-American faces. As the eldest son of iconic musician, Ray Charles, Robinson Jr. lived a life of privilege. One that was also marred by struggle--his father's drug abuse and extramarital affairs, and Robinson Jr.'s subsequent turn to drugs to escape reality. All the while, a son yearned for a relationship and acceptance from his famous father who died six years ago this month.
Poor Usher?
Entertainment
What's a thirty-one-year-old to do when his sound outgrows an emerging fan base of texters? Does he compete with the Next Big Thing--a younger, flashier, cuter version of himself (currently: Trey Songz) or does he create quality music that reflects his own place in life?
Entertainment, Film/TV
If Ashley Grayson ever gets to "Tyler Perry's level," she vows never to deal with talent again. There are the colorful personalities, the insecurities, the emerging egos, and the conflicting schedules, she explains in the conference room of cable network TV One's Silver Spring office.
BackLister, Culture, Hip-Hop, Music, Publishing/Literary
We're thrilled to launch a new series of interviews featuring creative visionaries talking about, well, stuff. Why box it? Our inaugural interview is with Thembisa S. Mshaka, an entertainment powerhouse who's been in the business for more than fifteen years. And she ain't stopping anytime soon. We thought she'd have a thing or two to say about staying power.
Mid-Year Crisis
Author's Hustle, On the BackList, Random
See I've been becoming way too complacent. Comfortable. And this crisis kicked me into gear. Granted, I could have achieved this jumpstart in more productive ways--such as an inspirational day spent with creative mentors, focused meditation, or an honest evaluation of what I've done this year so that I know what I need to do for the rest of it.
DC: Book Publishing Seminar in July
Publishing/Literary
If you are a writer, you are not only in the business of writing, you are in the business of publishing. The most successful writers understand how the book publishing industry works and know how to navigate the complex waters of the industry.
Education, Publishing/Literary
The Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Workshop for Teens provides new opportunities for students who are interested in creative writing to develop their writing and reading skills in a nurturing group setting that celebrates Black literature. Most importantly, this tuition-free creative writing workshop will enable students to become effective communicators, a skill which will benefit them throughout their educational, and occupational careers.
BackList
BackList, a multimedia production company founded by writer/creator Felicia Pride, needs a marketing and outreach guru to assist with marketing, branding, social media and business development activities
Using Music & Lyrics to Enlighten
Education, Felicia's News, Hip-Hop, The Message
It's the beginning of the spring season in March on the City College campus, as students prepare for the final week of school before spring break. Adam Freas -- or Freas as he's known by most -- leans back in his office chair while Phonte from the rap group Little Brother is heard faintly in the background.
BackList Shop
Resources to inspire your inner creative (that includes you too, educators!)... (read more)
Creative Entreprenuers! Spark Your Fire
THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS is: an e-book meets video transmission of acumen and love. You: are likely sitting on an empir... (read more)
THE MESSAGE Hip-Hop & Literarcy Enrichment Program
Order Your Signed Copy of THE MESSAGE today! Educational institutions around the country--including high schools, out-of... (read more)
Want Felicia Pride at Your Engagement or Event?
Now Booking for Fall and Spring Appearances and Speaking Engagements!... (read more)
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