!!!!!Music!!!!!!!!! !
Fine!Arts!!!!!!!!!!
Comedy!!!!!!!!!
Fashion!!!!!!!!!
Esthetics!!!!!!!!!!!
Literature!
!The Rhythmic Lounge Magazine !
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MARCH!2018! Volume!48!#1! !
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Chantel Sawyer (Atkins) (CEO/Owner) I started The Rhythmic Lounge in December 2010. At its start, it was a fairly simple website with the purpose of giving people a place to promote their talents and network. I had no idea that less than two years later it would transform into something much bigger. The website then underwent a complete revamp in July 2011, with a brand new look and the addition of many new features, including the creation of The Rhythmic Lounge Radio. Following suit, the radio started out as merely a 24/7 stream of hand-picked music submitted by talented musicians from the website but is now an integral part of the company. Listeners from all over the world tune in regularly to hear the wide variety of music, as well as the educational, musical and talk-radio shows that we now host. The radio’s success has only made me realize The Rhythmic Lounge could take me in new directions everyday rather than the other way around, which is why a digital magazine seemed like the next step. I’m incredibly proud to present to you hardworking artists and entertainers in this magazine and on the site, so enjoy! Be sure to go to www.therhythm iclounge.com to see the profiles for the great talent displayed in this issue and take a look at our new magazine site at http://w w w .trlm agazine.com Thanks for the support, and happy reading!
Contributors Special thanks to the individuals who have contributed to this issue of The Rhythmic Lounge Magazine! dB Hear d w ww .n o ton lystre et.com
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n oto nlystr eet ar@ g m ail.co m Am anda Craig, W riter http://w w w .snappycopyw riting.com http://w w w .m urderandintrigue.com
Ross Guity, W riter
www.facebook.com/Ross.Guity21 Aaron W ilson, W riter !!!!!!http://aaron+wilson.strikingly.com • •
W illiam Kryjak, W riter, Reviewer www.film -book.com
Patrick Ross, W riter! www.reverbnation.com /m cbigrub m cbigrub.hubpages.com
Essince, Interviewer http://w w w .Essince.com http://w w w .RoyalHeirEnt.com !
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March 2018 magazine cover photo taken by Fredrica Crawford March 2018 magazine cover Graphic Designer: The Rhythmic Lounge
**We$do$not$alter$client’s$interview$responses,$in$order$to$give$our$readers$a$true$representation$of$that$individual,$group$or$company**
The Rhythmic Lounge company is always looking to promote new talent, so don’t forget to join at www.therhythmiclounge.com and take a look at our magazine site at www.TRLmagazine.com
If you would like to be in the magazine, contact the email below.
magazine@therhythmiclounge.com
The Rhythmic Lounge Magazine
6
Persona-L
16
Iris Williams
8
Dag King
20
Kevon Pagis
10
Power Twins
24
Kimberly Kent
14
Ron Handy
27
Tre’Norman
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Persona-L
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I was born in Florence South Carolina in a small town called west Florence. Growing up the only child was a challenge for me because everyday I had to deal with constant bullying and depression because we didn't have a lot, so I was an easy target for other kids in the neighborhood that had much more than me. When I first heard my next door neighbor ICE play on the turntables I was mesmerized because it sounded so melodic and poetic, and from that day I knew music was going to be a big part of my life. At the age of 12 I was at my best friend Kabares house with my cousin Demetris and decided to rhyme, then out of the blue I wrote some bars while listening to Nas and my cousin and Kabares was like wow because they didn't know I could spit like that but little did they know that was my first time spitting a rhyme. The art of rhyme became more of a lifestyle for me writing poetry when I felt down or upset. Persona-l was just a name I chose because I took a lot of things personal when it came to my well being in a society where individuals would do dumb things just to get respect from the cool kids. I chose to stand alone than to follow a bunch of fools to jail because my leader mentality would not allow me to look at another individual as my leader just because they were the bigger troublemaker or had the most respect. Years went by and I met up with an old classmate Larry Jackson Aka demyze and found out that he was into music as well so we formed a group called Iron fist which consisted of members Pierre Aka psycho man and Kevin Aka chaos. We were a force but just didn't know the business enough therefore we didn't get anywhere with our music but still remained friends till this day. After our split I stayed doing my music but still doubted myself because of others telling me how fans wanted a certain style and how my style wasn't what the people wanted so in 2012 I decided to go to Full sail university to get my bachelor's in music production and computer science because I wanted to gain some more knowledge about mastering and production but had to leave after 2 years due to personal issues. After I stopped going to Full sail I stayed writing and making beats feeling down at times until recently I was like "I'm tired of holding myself back knowing I'm better than a lot of the trash that is playing on the radio so I dropped an album called innovation: The written scriptures dedicating it to my son who was my innovation because I have to teach him to "reach for the stars" so I have to be the example for him to look up to. Me taking that leap of faith of dropping an album has been such a blessing because I have been emails letting me know how my music means so much to them and how they log into certain websites just to listen to my music and I must say it feels good to make a difference in the lives of people that appreciate good music. God has truly guided my heart to be one of nice Emcee on the rise and there is more to come. It’s not about the money you make through artistry but it’s about the imprint you leave when it's all said and done. I do this music for ones that feel as if they don't have a voice showing them that believing in themselves is the main ingredient to success. ! !
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Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! I go by Persona-l also known as persona live which was the name I chose because I took things so serious coming up. I love Hip-hop music because it speaks to me unlike anything that I've ever witnessed coming up. What made me realized I was going to be involved in music is when I was young every song that came on the radio I memorized. Music is not just sound to me it birthed me into the positive being I am today because it gave me the necessary outlet to express my deepest thoughts without having to sell drugs or be in the streets doing crimes.
Who were your musical/creative influences growing up? Growing up my music influences were Gill Scott, Heroin, Nina Simone, Donnie Hathaway, Outkast, Common, Rakim, Krs-one and great poets such as Amiri Baraka Langston Hughes and Paul Laurence Dunbar because to me these were some of the voices that were very influential in the arts in general and to my life.
You mention going through some tough things during your childhood. Have those obstacles shaped your overall content and messages in your songs? My music is the representation of what I been through in my life. Every song I do has meaning and purpose to reach someone rather it’s on a small scale or large scale. The struggle can either turn your music into something positive or negative fortunately it turned my music for the positive.
Have you considered expanding your talent into other areas of music or entertainment? If so, which? To be honest i really want to expand my poetry and music into film one day to bring Urban art to the big screen in a way it can shine light on good men and women who truly rep the culture like it should.
Are there any upcoming events or projects that you’d like to mention? I am currently working on my mix tape the "experience" plus doing songs for my 2nd album mental eclipse that will drop soon. Shorty after i drop my album mental eclipse be on lookout for my you tube series “Innovation Avenue that displays my spoken word to the masses. If you haven't checked out my 1st album innovation: The written scriptures please do. The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Google play.
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@ NumberOneMusicRank #1 for Hip Hop Genre in Florence - personal Song and Video Updates at NumberOneMusic
Innovation: The Written Scriptures Innovation: The Written ScripturesInnovation: The Written Scriptures, an album by PERSONAL on Spotify
www.reverbnation.com/ personal12 personal | Hip Hop from Florence, SCHip Hop | Florence, SC
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"Innovation: The Written Scriptures" by Personal on iTunes "Innovation: The Written Scriptures" by Personal on iTunesPreview
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where creativity lives
MARCH / / 7!
Dag King Boasting A Long Career In The Vein Of Country/Americana Music, Dag King's Music Is An Illustration Of His Various Life Experiences. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Dag King became well known in the area for his unique blend of rock music and dedication to the classic country genre. Melodically complex and lyrically relevant, Dag King's unique brand of Americana helped spark a number of bands and side projects in the city of Austin. The album "Movie Music", performed by the Dag King Band and re-released earlier this year, and is the perfect blend of classic and modern country. Austin, Texas, October 2, 2014 - Created by an eclectic group of musicians and drawing from a variety of different genres, the music of Dag King is a down-to-earth presentation and beautiful representation of how to combine classic genres of American music. Heavily influenced by classic rock and blues, along with modern country, Dag King was a fountain from which many Austin, Texas-based groups sprung. Carefully crafted melodies backed by relatable lyrics created a listening experience that not only bridged the gap between rock and country, but also seamlessly blended classic and modern music sensibility. "Movie Music", Dag's most well known release, offers a glimpse into the life of each of individuals, all while creating a commentary on the past and future of American music. At times, "Movie Music" is reminiscent of country music greats, and at others, pushes the envelope of sound of music in the new millennium. Guitarist Dag King, who now plays in bands such as Neon Light Cowboys and Rare Birds in Flight, the Austin native has helped define the sound of modern country music. The sound of Dag King's playing and songwriting expresses not only in its relevance to American music, but also its incorporation of 80's European dance. In a strange blend that borders upon country/dance, Dag King remains a staple of the Austin music scene and largely responsible for its artistic evolution. Due to its versatility and sense of timeliness, Dag King's music has the ability to reach listeners of countless veins of interests and ages. As far as Dag King's future is concerned, the goal is to expand his art beyond Austin through weekly gigs. In addition to the diverse chart-topping tracks found on Movie Music, Dag King has also appears on Jango Radio and frequently graced a variety of national charts. "Movie Music" is currently available on various online music sites including CD Baby. If you want more info, (and bothered to read this far), Dag's e-mail is dag_king@hotmail.com
The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Dag King Norwegian, Texan since 2000. Singer / Songwriter Dag King Band 2002-2006 Guitarist for Keen countryband, South Texas sound and Neon light Cowboys 2006-2016 New take on songs with guest vocalists 2016Chrissy Bliss, Caleb Haynes, Stephen Foster & Howler, Tracy Matthews Songs for free on www.dagking.com
The Rhythmic Lounge: Who have been your musical influences throughout your career? Dag King: ELO, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, Pink Floyd, George Jones, Queen, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, and so many more
The Rhythmic Lounge: Have you considered expanding your talent into other areas of music or entertainment? If so, which? Dag King: No
The Rhythmic Lounge: Are there any upcoming events or projects that you’d like to mention? Dag King: New Versions of New and old songs released by Bentley records (Red) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006100216752
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Our Passion – We love helping people. We love training and empowering people to reach their financial goals. And the best vehicle to help people accomplish financial success through a spirit of working together and team building is Network Marketing. Our Mantra is: “Doing Well While Doing Good” “Help enough people get what they want, in turn you will get everything you want” 40+ years of combined Experience in Network Marketing Coach, Trainer, and Motivational Speakers Million Dollar Earners in Direct Sales & Network Marketing 30+ Years of Experience in Marketing, Internet, Social Media, Lead Generation Reach the top position with 4 companies Built teams/organizations of over 30,000 We have assembled the most powerful leadership team ever seen in the network marketing industry. Together, we have over 100 years of experience, and have earned millions of dollars helping people all over the world achieve their dreams and goals. !
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ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT CULTURAL AWARENESS
SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
T .E .A .M . S uc ce ss
www.wenowknowthetruth.com www.nowweno.net http://kevinajones.nspirenetwork.com Contact Us: 646-924-8222
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Vision Our goal is to help 1,000 families reach financial freedom. After careful research, and base on our years of experience, the company we chose to partner with to accomplish this goal is Nspire Network.
Nspire Network is a global company that produces amazing, high-quality products using cutting-edge technology, all while remaining committed to providing life changing opportunities for our team members, and customers and demonstrating the highest levels of integrity and character. By partnering with Nspire, our vision is to build a nationwide team of successful entrepreneurs that will expand worldwide, and become the fastest team in Network Marketing history to reach 1 million team members and customers.
Mission Our mission is to provide individuals who want a better quality of life for themselves, their families & their communities, access to a unique and powerful wealth building vehicle that will create true financial independence and time freedom. Through direct marketing, we empower others to achieve a higher level of success using integrity, honesty, compassion, accountability and ethics…values we will not compromise. Because of our unparalleled success, we are well on our way to becoming the largest and most successful organization in the world! Second, is to introduce our mission awareness campaign call NOW We No. The Campaign is to Inform, Empower, and Inspire people all over the world, to life changing information that can potentially save the life of someone we love or care about.
The Time Is Now! Bishop T.D. Jakes, in a cover story of the Summer 1999 issue of Moneywise Magazine…Smart Money Moves for African Americans, was quoted as saying, “ALL THIS SEPARATION will have to die,” declares the preacher, pacing in front of an altar. “You have to learn how to open your own business. You are supposed to have your own. Nobody gets wealthy working for somebody else. Being black is not hurting us, the lack of unity is what’s killing us.” We invite you to partner with the Power Twins and a World Class Team of Entrepreneurs, and position yourself at ground floor of a company that poised for explosive growth. In our first 12 hours of Pre-Launch we set an unprecedented record, 10,000 distributors signed up. We currently have over 65,000 (Never happened in the industry of Direct Sales) member distributors on board and still counting with a potential to hit 200,000 before our first convention in Orlando In July 2017, thus making us fastest growing team in MLM history.
We have set the groundwork for others to follow and have tremendous success. The key is timing and positioning. The fact is we are still in Pre-Launch and my brother and I, along with our leadership team, we help you secure a position of Legacy which means…you can lock in your position before it goes mainstream. !
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“Unity is the ability to work together toward a common Vision. It is the fuel that allows ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary results”
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The Power Twins Keith & Kevin Jones Visionary Leaders Million Dollar Earners in Direct Marketing
Diamond Queen Facebook: Diamond Queen Instagram: The Real Diamond Twitter. : The Real Rap Queen Snapchat. : QueenOfTransRap
Born in Montgomery County Virginia Diamond Queen has always been big into music. She’s lived many places including Giles country, Roanoke City, South Queens. She found her spot in music 6 years ago. She was a joking rapper and would make the craziest & funniest raps just to see what her friends would think during lunchtime. As time went on she really started mastering her skill and flow. She thought, Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, and Eve, etc. came up from spitting real lyrical bars. So why couldn’t she do the same? She’s good at writing her own music and raps about her life stories. Music has always been in her blood, when she was growing up her father was a break-dancer. The first Song she ever fell in love with was “Sorry Miss Jackson,” by the group Outcast she was so young when she first heard it, but remembers it like it was yesterday. Her focus for being in the music industry is to show others to be their self and to show diversity in the world. To show that anyone can accomplish their biggest goal as long as they strive hard and are dedicated. With that being said she went to HotShot 2 StarPower recording studio. She proved herself, and was offered a 3-year recording contract. She is currently in the process of recording cover songs to perfect her craft.
The Rhythmic Lounge: Can you give us a brief background of how you got started in the entertainment business? Diamond Queen: I got started about 6 years ago Writing music and free styling learning to put my thoughts and emotions into Poetry on a piece of paper during lunch at school then I actually started taken my gift seriously after practicing time after time different flows and styles going to different studios, but I was missing something important that everyone else didn't see I needed to feel good about my music not just what people said or what I heard, I wanted a real opportunity and after looking for a label that was legit I signed a 3 year Recording Contract which includes Worldwide distribution with HotShot 2 StarPower LLC. In Hagerstown, Maryland located in the center of downtown and that's where I started to come up. TRL: How would you describe your music style, for those who aren’t familiar with you? Diamond Queen: Free flowing, Energetic, and Chronological A deep heart felt feeling, Strong spoken, Facts, Life Story Telling Emotions. TRL: You write your own music and as we have all heard, everyone has their own writing style and process. What is yours? Diamond Queen: I Listen to instrumentals, gain creative flow, and freestyle into a whole song of what just comes to mind right off the top. TRL: What do we have to look forward to from you in the near future? Diamond Queen: Album dropping, Radio interviews, more promotion to put my name out, Videos, Worldwide Distribution, working on my 2 second Album, more media coverage and HotShot 2 StarPower LLC has the power to send my album to the Major Record Labels A&R’s and once I get my media attention following up HotShot will take me directly to the Major Record Labels to have a face to face with them etc. more Of Diamond Queen! !
http://www.ronhandy.com0
Ron Handy Montgomery, AL
The multi-instrumentalist, Ron Handy, was born and reared in Montgomery, Alabama. He began playing guitar in grade school. In junior and senior high school, Ron began to concentrate primarily on Alto Saxophone and he participated in various county and state honor bands. During high school, Ron not only played in the marching, symphonic, and jazz bands, but he also arranged and composed music for these bands. This pivotal period in his life influenced Ron’s decision to pursue a career in music. After high school graduation, Ron enrolled in college at Alabama State University, where he earned a music degree with honors. Presently, Ron is employed at Alabama State University in the Department of Music. Ron has been the recipient of the ASU President’s Excellence Award and he was inducted into the Lanier High School Hall of Fame (his high school alma mater) for creative musicianship and service to the community. He has also received numerous other awards for music and for community service. Throughout his professional career, Ron has performed with or as the opening act for various jazz, pop/R&B and gospel stars including: Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum; Grammy Award winning vocalist Chrisette Michele; Outstanding a cappella group and 10 time Grammy Award winners Take 6;9 time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys; Platinum selling R&B vocalist Avant; jazz group Pieces of a Dream; vibraphonist Roy Ayers; vocalist Phyllis Hyman; trumpeter Tom Browne; saxophonist Najee; 9 time Grammy Award winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient Wynton Marsalis; super producer/keyboardist George Duke; saxophonist George Howard; vocalist Rachelle Ferrell; vocal sensation and 2 time Grammy Award winner Patti Labelle; jazz keyboardist Joe Sample; 5 time Grammy Award winner and pop/rock/country/gospel hit maker B.J. Thomas; producer/drummer Norman Connors; gospel vocalist Lisa McClendon; gospel/jazz guitarist Roland Grissum; smooth jazz violinist Jerald Daemyon; Hit R&B/pop vocalist Peabo Bryson; father/son recording artists Eddie Levert (O’jays) & Gerald Levert and gospel recording star John P. Kee. Ron has also performed with and composed music for actress Bernadette Stanis (formerly known as “Thelma” from the hit TV show “Good Times”), who is also skilled at writing poetry. A versatile musician with a love for different genres of music, Ron Handy has played gospel, classical, jazz and pop/R&B extensively. He has served as the musical director and/or woodwind/keyboard player for many theatrical productions including: “The Wiz”; “Dreamgirls”; “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope”; “Purlie”; “Ain’t Misbehavin’; “The Meeting” and many others. Ron has been featured on both local and national television, along with local and international radio. He has been featured on CNN and he was the “Artist of the Week” on the international radio program “Jazz From The City,” hosted by renowned jazz DJ Ken “Spider” Webb. Ron Handy has produced and performed on numerous recordings over the years. He has worked as a studio musician and engineer, as well as producer and arranger for several recording projects, including television theme songs and commercial jingles. Ron has released his own CDs, which include smooth jazz “covers” of the R&B group Jodeci’s “Forever My Lady” and jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves’ “Come In.” He has also recorded smooth jazz versions of other pop/R&B hits, including Brian McKnight’s “The Only One For Me”. Being a spiritual person who loves to give honor and praise to God, Ron released a CD of gospel favorites titled “Sign Me Up,” which has received heavy rotation and acclaim from radio stations and listeners alike. Gospel and “smooth jazz” stations also embraced a CD single titled “He’s Worthy”. Despite maintaining a demanding professional career, Ron enjoys taking the time to visit schools and churches to perform and talk to young people about music, life and career goals. Throughout the years, Ron has been blessed to perform for wide and diverse audiences. His versatility has allowed him to become one of the most sought after musicians in the southeast. Having been given the gift of music, Ron Handy thanks God and considers it a privilege and an honor to be able to share his music with others.
Christina Mims!
JJ Appleby Kingston, Jamaica!!
Winston!Fraser!,!aka!JJ!Appleby!was!born!in!!! Kingston,!Jamaica!and!later!moved!to!England.! There,!he!was!part!of!the!successful!band,! The!Equators,!who!toured!the!UK,!Spain,!and!even!!!!! went!to!New!Zealand.! ! He's!got!a!folksy,!gospel!sound,!a!unique!Reggae! twist,!love!songs,!and!a!positive!message!! ! http://www.facebook.com/iBmusic.de http://www.traxsource.com/label/19825/iBmusic http://www.beatport.com/label/iBmusic/43146 http://www.junodownload.com/labels/iBmusic/releases/ http://www.iBmusic.de/ https://www.starnow.co.uk/jjappleby/photos/8368981/ https://www.facebook.com/JJApplebyMusic/ https://www.facebook.com/jj.appleby1 https://twitter.com/kinston789 https://soundcloud.com/jj-appleby https://reggaediscography.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/jj-appleby-discography-reggae-singer.html http://jjapplebymusic.wixsite.com/sevenjj-appleby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujs4iYcLBcI&t=129s !!!!!!!Record Label - Ibiza
Management - Ibiza!
Iris%M.%Williams
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author%and%publisher%of%The$Butterfly$Typeface$ Publishing%is%the%author%of%15%books%including% God$is$in$The$Details,%An$Abundant$Life,%and% several%children’s%books%including%Latch$Key$ Keesha%and%Cancer,$Are$You$Listening?%Each%of% Williams’%books%represents%pieces%of%her% heart.%% Williams%founded%butterfly%typeface% publishing%in%2014%after%attempting%to%publish% her%own%books.%The%expense%and%frustration% helped%her%quickly%realize%there%had%to%be%a% better%way.%“Publishing%should%not%cost%an% exorbitant%amount%of%money,%create%anxiety%or% leave%the%author%feeling%hopeless%and% disappointed.”% Prior%to%owning%her%own%business,%Iris%worked% for%a%large%student%loan%company%in% Indianapolis%Indiana.%She%transferred%to% Arkansas%and%worked%with%another%local% student%loan%company%before%landing%a% position%with%Arkansas%Blue%Cross%and%Blue% Shield%where%she%remained%for%nearly%fifteen% years.%% Iris%earned%a%Bachelor%of%Arts%degree%in% Creative%Writing%and%English%from%Southern% New%Hampshire%University%and%is%currently% enrolled%in%a%Master’s%program%seeking%a% Master’s%degree%in%Marketing.% For%more%information%about%Iris%M.%Williams,% The%Butterfly%Typeface%Publishing%and%TBT% Books,%go%to%www.butterflytypeface.com.%% All%inquires%about%Iris%M.%Williams,%the%books% on%her%site,%speaking%or%workshop%requests,% and%upcoming%book%tours%and%events%may%be% submitted%to%butterflypublicity@gmail.com%
% % % % % % Website:%%www.butterflytypeface.com% Facebook:%www.facebook.com/butterfly.typface% Twitter:%ButterflyTypeface%(@Butterfly_Type)%|%Twitter%
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% The%Rhythmic%Lounge:%Please%introduce%yourself%and%give%the%readers%a%brief%background% for%those%who%aren’t%familiar%with%you!% Iris%Williams:%My%name%is%Iris%M%Williams.%I’m%from%a%small%town%in%Arkansas%and%the%youngest%of%my%mother’s% thirteen%children.%I’ve%always%loved%to%read%and%write.%As%a%child,%my%dream%was%to%become%a%teacher%or%a%nurse.% Ironically,%as%an%author%and%publisher,%my%need%to%‘educate’%and%‘nurture’%is%fulfilled%over%and%over%again.%It%wasn’t% until%my%brother%was%diagnosed%with%prostate%cancer,%did%it%occur%to%me%to%step%out%on%faith%and%seek%to%fulfill%a% dream%of%becoming%a%published%author.%I’m%so%glad%that%I%did%because%in%the%process%of%pursuing%a%singular%dream,%I% stumbled%upon%so%much%more.%Several%books%and%my%own%publishing%company%later,%I’ve%not%only%realized%my% dream,%but%I%also%help%others%to%realize%theirs%through%my%publishing%company,%The%Butterfly%Typeface%Publishing.%%%
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TRL:%You%are%the%author%of%15%books%and%I’m%sure%that%number%will%continue%to%climb.% What%was%the%first%book%that%you%wrote%and%what%was%the%inspiration%behind%it?%% IW:%The%first%book%I%wrote%was%a%children’s%book%titled,%Frankie%Froggy%and%The%Butterfly%Birthmark.%It’s%a%story% about%being%different.%The%inspiration%was%my%granddaughter,%Lyric.%Lyric%has%a%birthmark%on%her%face%and%was% teased%by%the%children%at%her%school.%I%know%firsthand%what%it’s%like%to%be%different%as%I%was%born%with%a%physical% handicap,%and%I%wanted%to%write%a%book%that%encouraged%my%granddaughter%to%embrace%her%difference.%I%wanted% her%to%know%that%it%is%our%differences%that%make%us%unique.%Actually,%our%differences%are%what%sets%us%apart%from% each%other%and%more%often%than%not,%they%are%what%prepares%us%for%our%purpose.%
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TRL:%There%is%an%absolute%difference%between%those%who%work%for%others%and%help%that% person/company%live%out%their%dreams%and%those%who%take%it%a%step%further%and%work%for% themselves%to%live%out%their%own%dreams.%Why%was%it%important%for%you%to%start%your%own% company?% IW:%Honestly,%I%started%my%own%company%to%help%myself.%I%had%no%idea%or%desire%towards%entrepreneurship.%If% someone%had%told%me%I%would%be%doing%what%I’m%doing,%I%would%have%fervently%denounced%it%as%absurd.%I’m%shy%by% nature%and%crave%the%background.%However,%God%had%other%plans%for%me.%I%was%looking%for%a%way%to%help%myself%and% stumbled%upon%a%way%to%help%others.%%My%own%initial%publishing%experience%was%disappointing%and%expensive.%It% wasn’t%long%before%I%realized%that%I%was%not%alone.%Authors%found%me%and%sought%my%assistance.%I%was%hesitant%at% first,%but%quickly%learned%I%had%a%‘gift’%for%it%and%now%more%than%40%authors%and%nearly%90%books%later,%I%find%myself% at%the%helm%of%a%company%that%caters%to%authors%and%writers%that%other%companies%would%either%overlook%or%take% advantage.%%As%a%fellow%author,%I%take%what%I%do%very%seriously%and%I%strive%daily%to%give%all%that%I%have%to%the%authors% who%entrust%their%stories%with%me.%This%is%more%than%a%business.%This%is%a%ministry.%God%is%using%me%and%my% company%to%help%others%in%their%attempt%to%spread%messages%of%hope.%We%here%at%Butterfly%Typeface%Publishing%aim% to%enhance%the%literary%world,%one%word%at%a%time%…%
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TRL:%Are%there%any%upcoming%events%or%projects%that%you’d%like%to%mention?%% IW:%We%have%a%myriad%of%projects%that%are%on%the%horizon%for%2017%to%include%book%releases,%book%tours%and%even% an%online%Etsy%store%featuring%Butterfly%Typeface%paraphernalia%as%well%as%customized%author%items%including% jewelry,%greeting%cards%and%journals.%However,%the%thing%we%are%most%proud%about%is%our%online%bookstore.%Selfe published%authors%have%an%unfortunate%reputation%as%not%being%‘real%writers’.%Nothing%could%be%further%from%the% truth.%The%authors%that%I%have%come%into%contact%with%have%great%stories%and%messages.%Our%online%bookstore%will% offer%these%authors%a%professional,%creative%and%effective%environment%from%whence%to%highlight%their%works.%We% anticipate%the%site’s%launch%within%the%next%few%months.%The%site%will%feature%Butterfly%Typeface%authors,%but%we% will%also%review%submissions%from%any%selfepublished%author.%%
Tidy Dillard I have a nonprofit organization called cab Comedians Against Bullying and we go to different grade schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and workplaces to talk to people about bullying. We are also booked to go and help people in the community regarding everything from “all lives matter” to bullying and they can also book C.A.B. for any event. I've been doing comedy for 20 years. I've been on BET Comic View twice, HBO's Comedy Festival, Comedy Central, Jay Leno Stars and Who's Got Talent I can also be booked to do grade schools, High School proms, all colleges and bars and am proud to say that I am a member of the Phi Beta Sigma organization! If you want to book Tidy Dillard or C.A.B. Comedians Against Bullying, please contact me at 816-210-2217 or Tidee11_2001@yahoo.com I can be searched on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook under “Tidy Dillard” or “Tiny Funny Man Dillard”
We are always looking for sponsors, investors and people that might want to join my non-forprofit organization against bullying!
The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Hello world My name is Tidy Dillard i am a comedian, producer, actor and model. I am also the owner of a nonprofit organization call cab (comedian against bullies), I am also very educated I have a master degree in arts and communication, I have a bachelor in secondary education. I have been doing comedy and acting for the last 20 years with good success. Some of my greatest is as follows, BET Comic View, Jay Leno, Comedy Central, HBO Comedy Festival,Starz etc. I'm also a member of the black fraternity Phi Beta Sigma and I also writes Tv shows.
TRL: What was the main reason behind creating your organization Comedians Against Bullying? I created CAB( comedians against bullies), because I am tired of seeing people get picked on and there's no one doing nothing about it until it's too late. I just want people to know that when you get bullied or you're allowing a person to be bully, this can be the start of a person's downfall; because you never know what direction they will be going.
TRL: What has been your biggest career accomplishment thus far? Some of my biggest accomplishments are my kids, I am the first in my family to graduate from college and the first in my generation to graduate with a master's degree. All of my television debuts were done by the grace of God, I have no manager so I did all the talking myself. I have also sent many girls and guys to college either playing sports or academics, so most of all I feel blessed.
TRL: Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to mention to our readers? At this moment the only events I have coming up I have several colleges book, I'm also working on several TV shows and most of all I'm trying to get my nonprofit organization off the ground.
Kevon Pagis
was born October 6th, 1990 in Monroe, Louisiana. At the age
of two his mother moved them to Shreveport La. Where he spent his childhood into his early twenties. At the age of eight he began to rap. He grew up listening to various artist and was greatly influenced by many which include; No limit, Wayne, Lupe, Pimp C, HOV, NWA, Andre, NOS, Most Def, Kanye, ACDC and most importantly Nirvana. At the age of only nineteen he was offered several record deals with a couple mainstream labels. However, due to some unfortunate differences he stepped away from the offers and followed his dreams under his own conditions. Kevon than decided to move in with one of his uncles where he spent three years virtually not moving to profect his craft. Within that time he signed with Thug World Universal. However, shortly after, Kevon made the decision to take time off and spend the next two years raising his newborn daughter Freedom. This is when he gained knowledge of his philosophy on his music. As he states "It's therapeutic.. It's full of sound. The vibrations I send out will alter the vibrations of the listener. Which is all we have and is essentially the best form of communication." With his new and refreshed mind. Kevon took a leap of faith and moved to Houston, TX at the age of twenty-five. He there found his rhythm again and got back into his music full time. Kevon Pagis is now at the top of his game and ready to take over as he states; "My art is all over, its everything. I cover all views.. From being the shooter to the person being shot or from Gods perspective to the sinners perspective. I cultivate every emotion I ever had." This is surely what you will see and understand with his latest projects. He is the future of music!
The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! I’m Kevon Pagis. An artist originally from Shreveport, LA. I say artist and not rapper because i do more than rap. But indeed Hip-Hop is my first love, my lifestyle, my spirituality. But I wouldn't call myself spiritual by traditional standards. I kind of just do and feel what i want. And everything that i am is subject to change because of my will to live. And to me, you can't really live if you're not ever evolving.
TRL: What effect (positive or negative) did being born and raised in Louisiana have on the creative path that you chose? I guess I should start with the negative so we can end on a positive note. Growing up in Louisiana is hard. It's not just the hood; its economical structure in its entirety is rough. So that forces my side of town to have little hope when there's not much to look for in the entire city. Violence is somewhat of normality so naturally growing up we're subjected to partake in a plethora of undesirable activities. These adversities make for great motivation though. No one wants to live like that. So we work hard with the talents we're blessed with. This is where it gets positive. We want better for our kids so we work with HipHop and any other opportunities to raise awareness of our situation and promote and platform that would allow us to rise above it. The stories i tell are mostly influenced by Louisiana. I cherish my soul and passion so much because i come from a place where that can be taken in a heartbeat. Plus you can't beat the creative energy that Jazz promotes and everyone knows Louisiana culture is heavily influenced by that groove.
TRL: What would you say has been your biggest career moment so far? That question is a difficult one. I consider every move extremely important, but to date, if i had to choose I'd say performing in Atlanta. There were so many people and i gained lots of new fans. And the radio station allowed me to freestyle so my flow introduced me to newly intrigued ears.
TRL: Have you considered expanding your talent into other areas of entertainment? If so, which? Yeh like I mentioned before I’m bigger than rap. And that’s not coming from an arrogant state of mind. What i mean is I’m not confined to just one form of artistry. I’ve co-written books that are being published as we speak. I’ve also directed short films and i direct musical videos. My sister and I organize motivational events for children to become more aware of their potential and learn to focus on manifest creation also. There are plenty of avenues I’m invested in currently but i plan on a lot more also.
TRL: Are there any upcoming events or projects that you’d like to mention? I do want to talk about my album 'Best Rapper Alive Under29'. There's a single out worldwide right now I’m leading with called "Freedom". This will actually be my first album and i worked really hard on it. I don't want to spoil the messages and overall theme so just wait til you hear it and will see what synopsis you come up with. Also I will be just about everywhere during spring and summer and fall so just be on the look out for my name on a flyer near you.
! ! ! Website: www.kevonpagis.com Twitter: www.twiiter.com/kevonpagis Instagram: www.instagram.com/indigo.khay Facebook: www.facebook.com/kevonpagis ReverbNation (#1artist) https://www.reverbnation.com/kevonpagis ! ! ! !
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1.#SMMS#Premise ! What!is!SMMS?! ! SMMS!stands!for!the!Super!Mecha!Madness! Show.#! ! The!SMMS!is!a!Sci7fi!Stop!Motion!Comedy!that!tells!the!story!of!6!robots!in!Cyberspace!known!as!the!SMT!(Super!Mecha!Team).!They! are!a!group!of!vigilantes!that!protect!the!net!from!offenders.!The!main!bad!guys!are!Spike!Cole!and!his!general!and!chief!hacker,!Akeem! Reiser.!! ! To!date!there!are!16!episodes.!Each!one!takes!a!theme!within!pop!culture!and!develops!story!around!it.!! ! 2.#About#the#Episode! ! Garrison!Lee,!leader!of!the!Super!Mecha!Team,!has!been!captured!by!Akeem!Reiser.!Traveling!through!different!servers!and!holding! Garrison!ransom!for!what!seems!like!may!be!an!eternity,!Akeem!takes!him!to!worlds!within!the!net!where!Garrison's!gadgets!don't! work.! ! Will!his!friends!find!and!rescue!Garrison!or!will!he!be!forever!lost!in!Cyberspace?! ! 3.#About#Othello#Gooden#Jr.! ! Othello!Gooden!Jr.!was!born!on!January!13,!1985!in!Cincinnati,!Ohio.!At!an!early!age!he!learned!the!basics!of!reading,!speaking,!and! writing!while!attending!ministry!school.!Throughout!his!school!years!till!now,!he!expressed!those!abilities!in!multiple!online! communities.!Upon!graduating!from!the!School!for!Creative!and!Performing!Arts,!majoring!in!instrumental!music,!Othello!enrolled!in! University!of!Cincinnati!Raymond!Walters!College's!Computer!Support!Technology!program.!While!there,!he!learned!the!basics!of!MS! Office,!Object!Programming,!and!the!fundamentals!of!animation.!Yet!his!passion!for!writing!continued!as!Othello!entertained!his!peers! and!teachers!with!his!stories.! ! After!graduating!from!RWC,!Othello!desired!to!make!videos!and!share!his!productions!with!the!world.!Therefore!in!April!2009,!he! created!his!first!YouTube!account!under!the!channel!name,!"2kReturner",!specializing!in!video!game!music!videos,!game!plays!and! commentaries.!Yet!this!wasn't!enough.!Othello!felt!that!he!was!limited!on!what!he!wanted!to!do!and!uploading!it!all!on!his!2kReturner! channel!would!make!things!too!cluttered.!Therefore,!in!Januarry!of!2010!Othello!created!a!new!channel,!"JGTraveler",!for!his!non7video! game!related!works.! ! Othello!is!most!famous!for!his!one!of!a!kind!Sci7Fi!Vlog!Series!"Memoire!de!Rayloria",!where!he!talks!about!the!elements!within!the! MDR!Universe.!It!is!based!on!his!novel!series!entitled,!"Rayloria's!Memory"!(Publisher!Pending).!Then!there!is!the!Stop! Motion/Animation!Comedy,!"the!Super!Mecha!Madness!Show"!(or!simply,!"Super!Mecha!Madness�).!The!Super!Mecha!Madness!Show!is! a!story!within!the!MDR!Universe!about!the!world!of!Cyberspace.!The!main!protagonists!are!known!as!the!"Super!Mecha!Team"!who! fight!against!an!evil!robot!known!as!Spike!Cole,!and!his!army!of!mechas!that!try!take!over!the!net.!Each!episode!experiments!with! different!scenarios,!mainly!a!parody/spoof!of!something!in!pop!and/or!internet!culture.!Currently,!SMM!and!MDR!combined!have! reached!over!100,000!people.!His!notable!non7MDR!works!include!the!Cellar!Stop!Motion!"Car!Show",!where!an!animation!of!model!car! collections!tell!a!story.!Each!"type"!of!car!in!a!group!as!a!different!story!to!tell.!(I.E:!A!set!of!race!cars!would!race!each!other!only!to!be! chased!by!a!group!of!law!enforcement!vehicles.)! ! In!January!of!2015,!Othello!migrated!all!his!videos!about!his!Anime!Series!to!"TemporalFlux",!a!channel!dedicated!to!the!TF!multiverse,! and!his!non7fictional!multiverse!videos!to!"Quantafilmationz".!On!the!Temporal!Flux!channel!he!plans!to!release!short!films!and! features,!not!just!videos.!This!will!include!story7based!music!albums!(Like!Daft!Punk's!Discovery!Album)!and!expanding!on!the!Super! Mecha!Madness!Show!in!a!2D!animated!format.! ! Today,!Othello!continues!to!write!stories!(Music,!Film,!&!New!Media!bieng!an!extention!of!that).!As!the!artist!known!as!JGTraveler,!he's! featured!on!several!mixtapes,!and!has!songs!in!major!motion!pictures!&!TV!shows!worldwide.!
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https://www.gofundme.com/smms17p5!
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www.norbertthomas.webs.com!
Eye'z Radiating out of the USA is Eye'z, a dynamic singer, pianist and actress with versatility, flair and finesse. Versed in the genre of Pop she began her musical journey at the tender age of 4. Influenced by artistes like Aaliyah, Pebbles, Fats Waller, Little Richard, Judy Garland and Michael Jackson, Eye'z crafted her own unique style. Motivated to attain success, she refined her skills by studying music, piano and acting at fine art schools across the San Francisco bay area. Eye'z went on to release a number of tracks including, “Go for it” and “Levitating” (remix) which was featured on Bogo Boy Records compilation and “Dedicated” on Vol. XI. Her diverse artistry of staying true to her roots and embracing the modernity of music landed her a record deal with Bentley Records. Unabatedly, Eye'z compelling persona trickles through her music and forms a deep long lasting connection with the audience. ! The Rhythmic Lounge: Please introduce yourself and give the readers a brief background for those who aren’t familiar with you! Hello everyone my name is Eye'z I am a singer songwriter. I compose most of my songs at my piano. I’ve been performing for a while and was in the hit musical the Barbary Coast Revue in 2015. My song; Dedicated... is out now online and is featured on Bongo boy hits compilation volume XI TRL: If you could describe your musical style in only 1 word, what would it be? Perfect! But, it’s really hard to describe something like that in one word. But if I could use more than one word it would be; perfectly composed popmelodies. I could also go on about that too... Because I don't want you to forget about the chords! TRL: What has been your greatest career accomplishment thus far? My biggest accomplishment so far is performing last month and the month before with Sceneca St. James in Oakland CA to help raise money for Cross Roads homeless shelter in east Oakland. We performed twice at the 18th annual shake 'n bake and we raised over 11 hundred dollars then the following month we had a personal care drive I brought bags of toiletries to be donated and so did all of the other performers. It was fun because I got to donate stuff That people could really use outside of soap I brought them some; make up perfumes and even make up brushes and some real lotion like; coco butter, Jergens , Avon ('cause you know I got the hook up) and you know that real creamy dry skin type of lotion. To top it all off we raised an additional thousand dollars. It was an absolute fun night! People from all over California came to support. TRL: Are there any upcoming events or projects that you’d like to mention? Yes, I'm going to be doing several performances including hosting a show for the chief Charles Williams 12 9 17 at the Oakland octopus 2101 Webster. I co host his radio show thoughts of a common man at radio Valencia so we are having this all ages event before Christmas so its fun for the whole family every one is welcome!
Album Reviews Sonny Dumarsais – Transition by Ross Guity
(http://www.facebook.com/Ross.Guity21; www.instagram.com/R.G.Major)
Rating:
★★★★
Super-talented musician/songwriter/vocalist Sonny Dumarsais powerfully brings it throughout his well-done EP release 'Transition' with a nice throwback Neo-Soul flavor that will without question score a ton of points with the 'grown & sexy' demographic of listeners globe wide. Tracks like the funkysmooth, intoxicating groove of 'Love Changes' as well as the sexy vibe of 'Days & Nights' and the no-nonsense lyrical tale of a love gone wrong in 'Fool Me Once,' Dumarsais flexed his incredible creativity armed with an unorthodox, yet enjoyableto-listen-to baritone vocal delivery and soulfully slick live instrumentation production. With this collective work, New Jersey native Sonny D. will literally quench the thirst of 'Real' Soul music enthusiasts and I feel will successfully 'transition' into a well-respected, more well known recording artist in the very near future. www.SonnyDumarsais.com
Tre’Norman
By Ross Guity
(www.facebook.com/Ross.Guity21)
With an abundance of uncertainty occurring on life's various platforms in America at this current time, one talented, intelligent and emerging voice in the landscape of Rap music is truly bringing it with positively inspiring and difference-making songs and messages of hope for our teens and young adults. Tre' Norman's sound definitely stands out, but he does remind me of creatives the likes of Chicago, Illinois native sons Kanye West, Common and Chance The Rapper in the fact that they all understand how impactful lyrics can be in the shaping of young, precocious minds - despite it not being the 'in' thing on the radio airwaves, unfortunately. Regardless, Tre' will be a young man that will be heard from and be a sonic force in the game for years and years and years to come! I caught up with Norman for a quick chat to share with the TRL community. Ross Guity (The Rhythmic Lounge): Where were you born and raised, and where do you currently call home? Tre’Norman: I was originally born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, but I currently call Las Vegas, Nevada home. I moved to Las Vegas for college, and I haven't left since I got my Bachelor's degree.
Ross Guity (The Rhythmic Lounge): Who is Tre' Norman in a nutshell? TN: Tre' Norman is an upcoming Hip-Hop/R&B artist who loves performing and motivating listeners with his music. He makes diverse music that serves different environments - from the clubs to the community.
Ross Guity (The Rhythmic Lounge): As a UNLV college grad, how important is a continuing education in general from your perspective? TN: I view continuing education as an important life activity. I believe that being educated is not a destination that one reaches, but it can be better understood as a process. I feel that after college when the textbooks start to close, other books should start to open. Every time I read a different book, I learn something new that I didn't know before, so for myself, I'm making the effort to continue educating myself through reading more in my leisure time than I have in the past when my reading was forced.
Ross Guity (The Rhythmic Lounge): What keeps you spiritually afloat and positively inspired on a daily? TN: What keeps me going is my perspective that if I want to see a change in the world, I cannot expect anyone else to do it.
Ross Guity (The Rhythmic Lounge): When can fans anticipate a new full-length album from you? TN: I always have a ton of music that I'm working on, but my next, fresh full-length album is on the way. Sample clearances are the biggest hold-up at this point, but in the meantime, fans can definitely check out my recent album release titled UNLV on iTunes, Spotify, and other online stores where you download and stream music.
Ross Guity (The Rhythmic Lounge): The art of RHYTHM is TN: Multi-faceted movement - from the superficial realms of physical movement where dancing occurs, to the deepest realms of emotional movement where paradigm shifts occur.
www.TreNorman.com !
www.therhythmiclounge.com