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Magazine‌ is the publication that celebrates the diversity and talent that surrounds us daily from a positive perspective. Featuring the best of the best via the arts,entertainment, luxury, lifestyle of professionals and more. Reaching various consumers across the country and overseas, our editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate this ideal to the masses. For interviews, advertising or additional questions or comments: magazine@urbantmedia.com or urbantymes@hotmail.com
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INSIDE:
The Wolf Creek Funk Series Recap
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“Every time I perform or anything I would do, it would still keep that authentic sound of real R&B�
Romonta 7/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Contributing Writers: Shakeema Bouyer Felice Hightower Angela P. Moore Kisha Green GVS Michael Snell CWspeaks
ESSENTIALS 9 Editorial
Photo Credits Angela P. Moore Photography Yelp Romonta7.com Visionary Creative Group J aka Julio
10 Business
THIS MONTH
INSIDE
Let’s Talk PR w/Keema &
Raven
16 Life & Health Felice Hightower
● You’re Worth the Work!
URBANITY 22 Featured Artist
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R&B’s Newfound Hero:
●Romonta 30 Literature ● The “5” Spot ● Success in Self Publishing
37 Music ● The Wolf Creek Funk Series Recap With Angela P. Moore
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45 Fashion & Style ●Wearing Tweeds This Fall
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49 Food & Wine ● Soul Central Bringing Soul Food to Plaza Midwood
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EDITORIAL
A
s we count down to the Presidential Election of 2016, there are many who will breathe a sigh of relief at its end. Gone will be the mudslinging ads, the demand for each nominee to disclose more information. The past being drug up on each person and promises made that if elected, our country will benefit from their leadership. But it’s more to it at the end of this election…..seriously. Because of the unusual circumstances that placed a certain billionaire into the political ring, his disregard of the normal protocols of the political process (#saythatthreetimesfast) has truly reared an ugly side of America today. Individuals that were once quiet and seemingly unaffected by the current state of American affairs have somehow been transformed to voiceful, forceful, say whatever comes to mind and ignore the fallout beings. From unknown barely out of college individuals given a spotlight such as Tomi Lahren, to Diamond and Silk (Lynette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson) who gained their 5 seconds of fame by showing their unyielding support of Trump on stage at a rally in August 2016, affectionately known now as the “Stump for Trump Girls”. While in the beginning of the campaign, there was apparent humor and doubt of how long Trump would continue this path, but as he traveled throughout the USA, many jumped on board. Rallies peppered with promises of a better America lacking detail, off the cuff comments and people thrown out of the rallies that defied his dream. At some rallies, racist language by attendees, strengthen by anger and some violence, which showed the American people, especially African Americans, that the reality is albeit hidden before, is now coming to a quick boil. And the use of Social Media by some that support Trump has given a new meaning to the term “instant courage” as some have used this platform to speak hate and negative connotations to our culture and our very presence here on Earth. So we are here toward the end of a campaign that will be deemed as the most negative, most unfortunate and draining in history. But the question is, once the new President takes office, has the damage been done? Will the schism that was created during this campaign remain or can it truly be repaired? Not only that, but for those African Americans that supported Trump for President and made statements to friends and family that shocked and appalled many, how will they be treated once the smoke clears? The only answer I can give at this time, is one that a sweet, God fearing older sister that I converse with daily gave to me…. “In the end brother, my hopes, my faith and strength, comes from on high.” She then said..“He is the only leader that I can really depend on.” She’s right, because of this division that Trump has created, we need to pray for brighter days ahead!
Carey W Digsby Editor 9/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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Keema &Raven
with
Let’s Talk PR is a monthly segment on This Needs to be Said Radio. I am very excited to be able to share the interviews with the readers of Urban Tymes Magazine. This month we sit down and talk with Raven Paris Robinson, founder of PR 2 Politics and author of the e-book, Your Campaign: A Business Owner’s Guide to Understanding Public Relations. At a very young age, Raven is taking the political PR Industry by storm! She has successfully planned inaugurations for elected officials, social media campaigns and obtained various press placements for her clients ranging from print news, blogs, radio and popular political shows such as "Inside City Hall". Raven's career quickly ascended when she began handling press for a Boston based organization known as the National Dance for Obama. Videos from the brand quickly became viral and received mentions from CNN India, CBS and Fox to name a few.
is working to get smoking back in areas or around schools is in line with your mission. There are three main things that I look at: platform, budget and can we work together.
Keema: Speaking to point number 2 because this comes up a lot … Often times, people forget that public relations is actually a job. Especially for most of us who don’t work for an agency. No matter what industry you are in, keep in mind that a budget is essential to making your campaign work and allows your publicist to give their best to your brand vision. There’s be a lot going on with this political year and I’m sure lots of crisis management. In the political arena, you are more likely to deal with crisis management than someone like myself in the beauty industry. If you’ve ever had to implement a crisis management strategy what are some steps that you’ve taken for corrective measures for your client? With this outrageous election year, it’s only Raven: Yes, as you can imagine there is always crisis management implementation right that we talk the Politics of PR. and that’s largely because you don’t know Keema: How do you determine the type of what the day to day will be like. We always have statements prepped and clients and campaigns that you want to in place, what are our protocols and who work on? Raven: I believe that this piece of advice is are our allies that we’ve partnered with in the past that we can garner support from. good for anyone even working outside of That’s why it’s always important before the public relations or political arena. When working on a project – just say to yourself, crisis happens, in any field, that you’re building your resources and partnerships. is this in line with my morals or what I’m about. For instance, if you don’t believe in You don’t want to be that person that smoking then working with a candidate that
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doesn’t do anything in the community and when crisis happens you’re pulling a card. Another thing about politicians is that they are personal people and their brand is who they are -things begin to surface … so the best thing is to be upfront. I had a client who was speaking about being an elected official and he was asked what was the hardest part. And before the interviewer could ask about his past, with arguments, fights and being arrested, he addressed it and said that he had grown and brought up the story to show the people how he had grown from where he was to where he is today. That was good crisis management because before the interviewer could bring it up he had already addressed it and combatted that. So it was just being upfront. Never try to throw anything out of wraps, always expose your truth and live your truth. Not just saying “This is my truth and it is what it is” but saying “This is my truth and I have moved on”. Another thing is that you are responsible on the behalf of other people. Don’t just have an apology but also have a solution. Especially in the field of politics, this candidate this person you’re representing, it’s their job to be the solution. It can never just be “Oh we’re sorry” it needs to be “We’re sorry but moving forward we are implementing X, Y and Z.” It makes you look like a leader and it helps you own up to things. It makes people more confident. Yes, this may be a personal brand that makes mistakes but they handle it. Keema: For a person who wants to become a political figure what advice would you give them? I think people enter things sometimes not realizing that they will become a public figure. What steps should they take to prepare for their platform? Raven: First, layout all of your past and then be prepared to speak to how you’ve made improvements. Be transparent with
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yourself and the executive members of your team. The second thing you want to do is go back and look at your network and see what your network is. This will be beneficial for fundraising and building partnerships for when you need volunteers and support staff. In politics, your partnerships are very important because these are people who are either going to donate money or volunteer their time. You want people who know your mission and are sharing it within their networks. Thirdly, know what your platform is. Why are you running? Why are you doing this? If you can’t answer this to yourself, you can’t communicate this to anyone else. Keema: As a business owner, they want to support a cause but are not sure of how it is going to impact their brand. What advice would you give a business owner who wants to support a candidate or cause and still protect their brand message? Raven: There are various ways to show support without throwing yourself completely out there. Do your research so that you are fully aware of the candidate, cause or organization. Have a meeting with the team to determine what is needed and make sure it’s a fair barter. Don’t just let them come in and run the show be very clear about what you need from them as well. Some examples would be placing a sign in your window or allowing the group to hold meetings in your shop instead of paying rent. It is better to show support for anything you believe in. From a PR standpoint, your customers will know what you support and your customers will know that supporting you will also support your cause. It will show that you are in the community and show that their money is going back into the community. Keema: If both of the major Presidential candidates came to you and said we want
you to run PR for our campaign, who would you choose and why? Raven: I would choose Hillary Clinton because I feel like a lot her issues are things that I believe in; such as pro-choice and education. And I think it pretty cool for me as a young woman to see another woman fun the free world.
The Charlotte, NC based agency specializes in branding and public relations for Beauty and Lifestyle Brands and Non-Profit Organizations. Let’s Talk PR airs every 2nd Wednesday at 230pm EST on This Needs to Be Said (www.blogtalkradio.com/thisneedstobesaid).
Keema: What advice would you give an aspiring publicist? Raven: Invest in as many business resources as you can and not just in the PR field. I see a lot of publicists who are really good at social media and interacting with the media but when it comes to other aspects of building their brand or business they kind of struggle in that area and that’s because they understand the industry of public relations but not the business side. Building your business is just as important as building our media list, if not more. Get a business mentor that can you tell you about your accounting and enforcing accountability to meet certain resources. Don’t be shy. What you don’t know you will learn. Don’t be afraid to charge what you are worth. If someone were to hire a publicist in-house they would have to pay 50-60k with benefits so don’t allow them to pay you $500 a month. Also, an in-house publicist would like work less hours because they are turning off their computer at the end of the workday. Follow Raven and connect All social media: @pr2politics Email: info@pr2politics.com Keema Bouyer is the founder of The Queen's English PR (www.queensenglishpr.com )
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Follow Keema Bouyer on Social Media Instagram, Twitter & Periscope: @queensenglishpr Request a consultation info@queensenglishpr.com
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Life & Health
ESSENTIALS
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Y
OU'RE WORTH THE WORK
You're worth the work is what I have to tell myself mentally and verbally sometimes several times a day.
WORK! And guess what? It takes even more work to maintain all of these things, but be of good cheer even God Why? Well, because there are areas in rested on the 7th day. So, we do get to my life that I wish I could coast through. rest but it is just a nap...What does this mean? Like my weight for example. I need to personally lose about 50 pounds to be Do we never get to enjoy life if we are healthy, lower my always working? blood pressure Not at all, because and just feel bethaving the life you ter, but I want to deserve means you lose the weight should also be fulwhile being able filled in all that you to eat all the fathave accomplished tening, sweet, by the fact that delicious foods working at somethat I want to eat thing makes us inwithout having to trinsically feel better exercise. Don't about ourselves. we all have this Lazy people are desire or fantamistakenly happy sy? The fantasy is beautiful but the real- and in fact miserable! Let's get real in ity is that I can't eat whatever I want and the fact that we do take time to relax I do have to exercise along with watch- and enjoy the life we have worked hard ing my food intake. Basically, it spells for but there will be plenty of time to WORK to me and for me. I have to suck sleep and I believe they call that place it up and decide that I am worth the the grave! work it is going to take to have the life I Please tell yourself everyday that you deserve, reach the goals I want to are worth the work it is going to take to achieve and to be my very best. have the life you so richly deserve. If Not only do I tell this to myself but I tell it to my clients as well because basically we are experiencing negative outcomes in our lives due to lack of effort. We have to work! Anything worth having, from your job/career, family/marriage, houses/cars...ANYTHING, TAKES
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you are having difficulty with this or anything in your life for that matter please feel free to reach out to me via this website or at realtalkwithfelice@gmail.com. I would love hearing from you and walking with you in your journey
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Photographer
J_ AKA_ Julio http://twitter.com/ J_aka_Julio
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URBANITY
R&B’s Newfound Hero…
So of course we pride ourselves in keeping the readers informed on the hottest talent and those creating that buzz. When I saw this brother Romonta Allen on Facebook at an event keeping the crowd engaged and showcasing a style merging elements of up-top and down-south, our interest was piqued! The artist Romonta was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, and from the living room of family functions to gospel group in high school, to treading a hallowed path reserved by a few at the world famous Apollo Theater, Romonta knew without a shadow of a doubt that this is where he belonged. It’s oh so evident when he talks about his music and the opportunity to do what he loves, he views it as a gift.
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CW: How are you today? R: Doing great, how are you guys? CW: Doing well brother. We keep hearing about this one brother coming out of the VA named Romonta, so we had to reach out and find about what all the buzz is about! Reading up on you, we found out that your first “stage” was at a family function, and then at every function afterwards. You gotta share with us that vivid memory! R: Oh man…you know those type of events when the family gets together and the music, and everybody’s enjoying themselves after they’ve finished eating. They call you into the room, and whoever is the funniest, or the entertainer of the group. They ask you to sing and entertain the family and have a good time. Well, that seems to be myself and some cousins. So I was asked to sing or dance, and from doing that so much, I really started gravitating to that. Being the jokester, singing acting, creating that sense of humor. That’s been my trait ever since. CW: So you got a chance to hone your craft amongst your family members. Well we also found out that you have some Gospel roots as well. How has that matured your unique sound?
While I mostly do R&B, that foundation definitely created: 3.50 Well you can tell with your music, the Gospel is prevalent. So, I have to ask, there was a statement made: R&B’s Newfound Hero…explain! R: Right, well there was a time, not too long ago, they (people) were saying that R&B needed a hero, and that R&B was falling off. This was during the era of Hip Hop vs. R&B. Even with marketing. Hip hop became mainstream in marketing, commercials and fashion. So therefore the place for R&B was starting to dwindle, it was selling as many records. So I figured with me bringing that real culture of R&B, or actually keeping with that real culture of R&B, I considered myself to be that newfound hero, who would keep that culture. The Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, Luther Vandross, John Legend...and Joe...a lot of these people wasn’t selling records like they used to. My vibe, my focus was to carry that torch, so every time I perform or anything I would do, it would still keep that authentic sound of real R&B.
CW: You’ve performed on some very recognizable stages (Apollo, BET 106 and Park) What do you feel before you step on stage? R: Its a mixed feeling, for one excited. My R: Well I think especially when you are adrenaline is pumping, like I drank a Red dealing with R&B and Soul, a lot of that Bull (plug) But I feel excited, just that stems from our Gospel roots, and Gospel every thing is leading up to be on 106 and doesn’t necessarily mean it’s coming Park. So long watching TV and watching specifically from the church. It’s the tones other artists perform, now I’m actually on and the vibe, and with my music, being the studio set, or backstage about to born and raised in the church, it allows me perform on Apollo. So yeah, I’m excited. to create a certain vibe to where that More than anything, some people ask “do Southern feel (he hits a run during the you get scared?” Do you have butterinterview…wow!) but you can feel it. But flies?” Not necessarily, because in my not only the vibe of the voice and the tone, mind, I’ve prepared so much, so long for but the things that I would write about and that moment, that I’m not scared. I’m sing about, being raised in the church excited to be able to entertain, to perform gave me direction and a certain format.
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on a stage that I’ve been wanting to be on with the community. Please...share with us that part of your life. People see the for so long. glitz and glamour, but share that side of you. CW: Ok so, with songs such as “Slow R: I am definitely an advocate of my comMotion”, “Many Many Miles”, “Mind Sex”, “In the Bathroom” and “Turn Back” what is munity. I’ve been going to a lot of schools and youth programs within my area of VirRomonta’s inspiration? Is there a special ginia talking to kids because there are muse or element that helps you create things that I see that need to be adsuch lyrical masterpieces? dressed. I mean its already been adR: Ah...I would say everything. I listen to conversations, and social media is huge, it dressed publicly, but if I can give my input gives you so much material to write about to create some kind of inspiration amongst my community then I’m going to do so. and think about so I use that. So many And I don’t care what it takes, I want to different things that I like to write about make a difference. I think my music and and go different directions. Like the song me being an advocate work hand in hand. “Many Miles” there are so many people From my music it puts me on a stage for that love somebody that may be in the military, they can’t get to them to see them many , and puts me in a position to where everyday, so these are the conversations now, instead of just talking to 30 people, I’m able to speak to hundreds, because and situations I go to, and even myself personally. I’ve been through it, so I write now they are listening to my music, I can about it. Something that when you hear it say, “Hey, thank you for your support, now go vote.” Or hey thank you for your in the lyrics, it can be touching. support, young men we’ve got to do better.” Thank you for your support, young CW: Today artists are very involved with ladies, let be wiser in the decisions that their craft and other industry based we make with choosing your mates. endeavors, yet you are very connected 25/ Urban Tymes Magazine
CW: What can we expect from Romonta? How can our readers get to know more about you? R: Well special shout out to all the readers! And man...Urban Tymes, y’all are doing big things and I’m glad to be a part of the interview and building cycle what you guys are doing. You guys are doing a great job! We’re going to be touring, actually I’ve got some more music, I’ve got a project that you can go to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Romonta7, and my Reverbnation page at: www.reverbnation.com/romonta or just Google me. The project is called “Good Morning, Good Night” Good morning is about eight to nine songs of romance & love. Good night is eight to nine songs of sex and passion. So you get the best of both worlds, two different CDs in one project. And I’m working on a whole bunch of different stuff with new artists, traveling, as we are on this marketing promo tour hitting Atlanta, DC, Charlotte, different areas, so stay tuned, we are going to be doing some big things!
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WWW.ELIAHSOUL.COM
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THE These are some buzz worthy books! Each month I will feature 5 books (1 will always be a nonfiction plus one children's book) so it will be a total of 6 books monthly. 1. The Journey of Ruthie Belle by Imani Wisdom 2. A Hustler By Nature 2 by Cornell Amir Garvin 3. Family Ties by Perri Forrest 4. I'm Free: A Single's Mother Guide to Happiness by Tee Renee 5. Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion: Prayers for the Creative Christian & Entrepreneur by Nigeria Lockley Children's Pick: Rudy's Night Out by Steven Van Patten 30/ Urban Tymes Magazine
5 TOP
URBANITY
success in self-publishing "In order to succeed in Self-Publishing you must have thick skin and ultimately patience. It can be hard at times but it is also very rewarding."-Donneil D. Jackson, SelfPublished Author of Chante's Song & Foolish When a writer types THE END upon completion of their manuscript there are a lot of emotions that go through that writer’s mind. Do they dare and attempt to selfpublish? Can they afford to? Can they even really do it? Do they seek out a literary agent and hope that agent can shop their manuscript around to potential publishers? Will their manuscript be worth someone even taking a look at? These are all of the questions that cross a writer's mind and then some and it is a scary moment since the writer does not know which route they should travel. Many have always wanted to write a book but do not know what it takes to successfully publish a book. With any decision that is needed to be made the first rule of thumb is research so, you can make a choice that will be beneficial to you and your ultimate literary goals. I recently talked with authors, Brian Smith, Shaun Sinclair, Marie Antionette and Blacc Topp who have found success in self-publishing as well as signing with a major publisher. These authors were very generous with their experiences and their honesty as they have given me an up close and personal look into their literary journey. I appreciate them for being so open with me and hope upon reading this if you were serious about publishing, you now have a better insight because they shared their experiences so that any writers and aspiring authors know what it all entails. research and learned the percentages of advances and royalties that are given to Literary Agents. I also learned how much control the author is forced to BS: I first selfrelinquish when a book deal is signed published in (i.e., cover design, release date, etc.). I 2005. didn't seek a Literary Agent until 2010 KG: Why did you (after my 7th novel) because I felt that decide to selfI'd maxed out my distribution capabilipublish and not ties. I also felt that my "Literary Resume" seek representa- was at a point where publishers would tion from a literary consider me a safer risk. My approach agent and have was proven correct because in 2011, I you book signed with an agent and she was able shopped to the to negotiate a deal with a Simon and majors? Schuster subsidiary for a novel that I'd written in 2008. That novel was reBS: I chose to released in 2012 by Simon and Schuster self-publish because I did my KG: What year did you decide to self-publish?
Brian Smith
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URBANITY and became an Amazon and Black Expres- - Invest in a good editor. If you can't afford to pay for a Copy Editor then your novel is sions best seller. not ready for publishing. If you are reading KG: What was your initial investment? this and you don't know the difference BS: When I took the literary plunge in between Copy, Line, and Developmental 2005, I opened a small publishing house. Editing, then you're proving the point that I To get things started I invested three made in bullet #1...you need to take thousand dollars of my own money and Creative Writing classes. borrowed six thousand dollars from a few - Get thick skin. If you only want people to family members and friends. I used the stroke ego and you have a problem money to set up my company and publish five books (2 for myself and 3 for authors I handling criticism - constructive and mean spirited - then this is the wrong business for signed). Within twelve months, I was able you. to repay the loans...the rest is history. - It takes ten years to become an overnight KG: What was the best advice you success. Those authors who are fortunate received being self-published and why? to write debut novels that land on the NY Times Bestsellers list and are optioned for BS: I didn't receive much advice - at least any that I can recall. I came in the industry motion picture are few and far between. They are "outliers". Your patience will be when most authors were still lobbying for book deals. I had NO desire to sign a book tested. If you have a history of quitting before you accomplish your goals then deal when I started and I didn't find the authors who were running small publishing you'll probably "tap out" as an author. This is a marathon, not a sprint. It's my companies to be that accommodating experience that eighty percent of the many of them treated newbies like authors who start this journey are on to nuisances. Even though I didn't have a something new before their third year bementor, I had something many authors I cause they got into this thinking that they encountered didn't have...a business were going to be overnight successes. background. I have three degrees (to include an MBA); therefore, I used my education, street smarts, business books I www.authorbriansmith.com got from the library and store and followed business models used by many Hip-Hop moguls. Eleven years and 16 novels later, I now teach Creative Writing at the college level and often give self-published authors the following advice: - Learn how to write! There are FAR TOO MANY people calling themselves writers, but don't have an understanding of the most basic writing principles and their ignorance shows in their work. Improve your skills by investing in Creative Writing classes. Just because you read a few novels a year that doesn't mean you have the skills to write a novel. 32/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Shaun Sinclair
URBANITY
KG: What year did you decide to selfpublish? SS: 2012 KG: Why did you decide to self-publish and not seek representation from a literary agent and have you book shopped to the majors? SS: I decided to self-publish because I want to receive the maximum benefit for my talent. With today's resources, there was no reason why I couldn't learn the things I needed to learn to effectively launch a literary career. Ultimately, I felt as if no one could have had more faith in pushing my product than me. KG: What was your initial investment? Have you made that back? SS: There were two investments. Lol. When I put the first book out I threw away approximately $2,000 on design and inventory. When I relaunched the book in 2014, I spent about $3,000. (However, I edit my own books - which reduces a substantial amount of the budget. I wouldn't recommend that.) Yes, I have definitely made that back.
SS: Concentrate on building my brand one book at a time. Focus on that and everything else will fall into place. The reason why that was important is KG: What was the best advice you received being self-published and why? because it put things in perspective, and helped to focus on being patient. It reiterated the importance of strategy. www.shaunsinclair.com 33/ Urban Tymes Magazine
KG: What year did you decide to self-publish? MA: I believe it was in 2007. Shortly after my first release with a vanity press publisher blew up in my face in 2006. I wasn't happy with the results, royalties or process. I used 2008 to do my homework after I pulled the book from that publisher and realized I could do exactly what they had and more with greater long-term benefits to myself and my brand. It was March 2009 when I re-published my first title A Girl Named Job under my own imprint and I haven't had a single regret since. KG: Why did you decide to self-publish and not seek representation from a literary agent and have you book shopped to the majors? MA: Can I be honest? (Of course, I can) I have never been one to want to deal with a middle man, have anyone represent me or felt anyone could represent me and my talent better than me. It all sounds good. Having an agent and being with a big name publisher where people get to notice you more because you are associated with old or long money. Though that would have become old to me real quick because I don't like to answer to anyone and I like to do what I want to do, the way I want to do it when I want to do it. That was the initial reason. Secondly, R.O.I., Return on Investment. The rapper, Jadakiss said it best, "If you spend three your guaranteed to make back six." When you are the boss, that's exactly how it goes. You can ensure you will gain your maximum return on your investment when you run the show. When you let someone else be the boss, you take a cut. I don't like taking cuts. Plus, although I did research many different agents who were free of charge, they all come with their set of standards and each may cater to a specific or particular groups of readers or audiences. I didn't want to brand myself as a
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fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poet, street lit or any other type of author and I didn't want to have to sign with different publishers to show my multiple creative sides. I just wanted to write and let my writing speak for itself. So basically, it was because I wanted to do things my way and again, I have no regrets about it yet. I feel it just takes that one person to read your work for you to the next level. I believe if you believe in your work and promote it the way you want others to receive it, you will make it there, learn valuable lessons that only experience can teach you, maximize your profits and meet some great people along the way. When you work for someone else, everything is limited...
Marie Antionette www.cauzingelevation.com
representation, but majors didn’t want to deal with a non-agented author. Self-Publishing has been somewhat lucrative for me so I have yet to submit to any majors. KG: What was your initial investment? Have you made that back?
Blacc Topp KG: What year did you decide to selfpublish? BT: Initially I published my first novel entitled Portrait of a Hustla in 2009, but there were so many editing errors that I scrapped the first 300 copies that I’d purchased and started from scratch. My next release didn’t come until 3 years later. KG: Why did you decide to self-publish and not seek representation from a literary agent and have you book shopped to the majors? BT: My mother was a writer and her dream was to become a published author. Rejection letter after rejection letter led her to self-publish with a vanity press and she got royally screwed over and then she passed. When I decided to publish, I joined a Facebook group called All4One, where the objective was to help up and coming, hungry authors find their way in the publishing industry. While in the group the key theme that was continually hammered into us was research, research, research, so I began to research and what I discovered was that not only was it incredibly difficult to get
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BT: As I said before, my initial invest in Portrait of a Hustla was $1100 for 300 copies. All of which I lost because I jumped the gun. Fast forward 3 years later to The Hustle Chronicles, my initial investment was $2500 for 1000 copies and I’ve made that back, 10 times over. Remember the mantra, research? Better printing options with a solid plan for distribution and things took off better. KG: What was the best advice you received being self-published and why? BT: The best advice that I’ve ever received was from my brother and I quote “Let the people that are good at what they do, do what they do!” That really resonated with me because at the beginning, I wanted to create my own covers, do my own graphics, write the books, do the editing, the marketing, promotions, and etc. What I found was that at the end of the day, I was spreading myself thin and I couldn’t concentrate on perfecting the art of storytelling. So regardless of what road you seek on self publishing you must first research and ask questions. Even if you decide to publish the traditional route make sure you research the agent you are considering using along with the publisher. Knowledge is power! www.novelistblacctopp.com If you still have questions please contact me for a literary consultation to discuss your options at www.divabooksinconline.com
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URBANITY
MUSIC
The Wolf Creek Funk Series Recap By Angela P. Moore Photos by Angela P. Moore Photography
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The Wolf Creek Funk Series in Atlanta, GA., concluded its summer-long musical journey with Cherrelle, Klymaxx, The S.O.S. Band, and Cameo. Once again, concert Promoter Jeremy JD Hill hit a home run. Cherrelle and all of the groups were considered successful in the 80s, and today, they all still perform in the U.S. and around the world. I had the opportunity to see these groups perform several times over the years and it was great seeing them perform again, decades later.
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Cherrelle
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Soul singer Cherrelle kicked off the Wolf Creek Funk Series performing her popular hits that put her on the charts back in the day. From "Saturday Love", "Every Thing I Miss at Home", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" and others kept the crowd happy. Cherrelle skyrocketed to fame, as one of the top female R&B singers of the mid-to-late 80s, and she has had consistent success with back-to-back hits, charting R&B singles and albums in the 1980s, along with a few duets with Alexander O'Neal. She also had several albums to go gold. Cherrelle is a product of producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. I had the opportunity to talk to Cherrelle on the red carpet and she was friendly and down to earth.
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KLYMAXX
U
p next was the popular all-female funk band, Klymaxx. Not only did they perform, the beautiful group played their own instruments. They performed their hit songs, "Meeting in The Ladies Room", "I Miss You", "The Men All Paused" and many more. Back in the day, Klymaxx was often referred to as the female version of "The Time". Guitarist Cheryl Cooley, and other original members mesmerized the audience. Also, Joyce "Fenderella" Irby, best known as the bassist and co-lead vocalist of the group performed. Klymaxx was recently inducted into the Funk Music Hall of Fame & Exhibition Center.
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ext up was Atlanta's own funk/soul musical ensemble, The S.O.S. Band (stands for Sounds of Success). I clearly remember the S.O.S. Band exploding on the music scene in 1980 with their first hit single, "Take Your Time" (Do it Right). Their debut album went gold. The hit was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and would initially make them famous, and they would go on to sell over 2 million copies. They would also score several gold albums. Mary Davis and the band also performed "Just Be Good to Me", "Tell Me If You Care", "Weekend Girl" and many others. The band still has their original members. After all of these years, the group still sounded great and they could definitely cut a rug.
S.O.S Band
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CAMEO
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nd, the finale was CAMEO, with their deep funk sounds. These cats have been around since 1974 and they are still great. From excellent showmanship, to their funky sound and stage presence, they took their fans for a serious ride with hits such as "Candy", "Word Up", "Back and Forth" and few of their other hits. The crowd stayed on their feet jamming to Cameo's funky sounds. Cameo reached the height of their career in the 1980s when "Word Up" and "Candy" were released. Writers, Larry Ernest Blackmon (founder and front man) and Thomas Michael Jenkins (member of the group), wrote "Word Up", Cameo's biggest hit. The "Word Up" album turned Cameo into superstars. Needless to say, this was a great night of entertainment.
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Your StyleGame
“L”VATED The House of LeMond
3010 Monroe Rd Charlotte NC 28205 www.thehouseoflemond.bigcartel.com
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By Antiq Hawk
Wearing Tweeds This Fall By GvS -Michael Snell Clothier 45/ Urban Tymes Magazine
What once fell out of fashion due to its rather aged appearance is making a comeback. Tweeds, unfinished wool that’s known for its rather coarse texture and hardy appearance, is becoming quite popular once again thanks to its versatility and acceptance amongst fashion icons and celebrities. However, what should wearers know before going out to buy tweed for the upcoming season? Let’s take a look.
sumer. It is important to consider this if wearers are planning on taking their tweed jacket into wet environments. An original 100% wool jacket will provide very high levels of water resistance that simply can’t be matched by tweed blends. Colorful Tweeds
Thanks to modern fashion ideas in menswear over the past few years, there are a wide variety of different tweeds that have quite funky and viWeight brant color patterns at various price points. Unfortunately, the different levels of availability of Tweed is a lightweight material, which doesn’t certain colors and patterns has made this a bit of always make it suitable for the coolest of conditions. When the temperatures drop into the neg- a snag point when it comes to looking for a single tweed outfit that will serve a variety of purposes. ative digits, then it is high time to abandon a tweed jacket in favor of something warmer as it is While tweed should always be seen as a dressier unlikely to provide enough insulation against the casual option, that doesn’t mean men can’t wear elements. Where tweed does shine, though, is in tweed to formal events. slightly moderate conditions as it is light enough For men wanting an all-purpose tweed outfit, to be a full-length outer garment without becom- then it’s hard to go wrong with a standard grey ing overly uncomfortable for wearers. three-piece tweed suit. This will allow seamless transitions between offices and nights out on the town without looking completely out of place as Tweed was traditionally used for upper class country clothing. Shooting jackets, hunting vests, wearers are free to remove pieces or suit up to and equestrian outfits were often made of tweed adapt to changing environments. Regardless of where men find themselves, a grey tweed suit as it offered excellent water resistance and genwill always be seen as appropriate. eral protection against damp conditions. This is still true today, but many tweed blends have sac- https://www.gvsclothiers.com rificed this quality for a lower end cost to the conWater Resistance
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By Angela P. Moore Photos By Angela Moore
http://www.tattedcroc.com https://www.facebook.com/TattedCroc 48/ Urban Tymes Magazine
There’s Soul Food in Plaza Midwood Ya’ll!
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Food Wine
TYME
Charlotte, I would walk with several colleagues to Lola’s on Brevard. You remember Lola’s, that spot that stayed packed with everyone in there for the delicious soul food and great customer service. When word got out that Lola’s was closing, we were stunned, as it was so abrupt, and in all those loyal customers’ minds was “are you going to reopen?” “Where are we going to get that type of good soul food again?” Well, after almost ten years at the popular Lola's on Brevard, Chef David Ragoonath and his business partner Joe Mahaboob took the plunge and created Soul Central in Plaza Midwood. While Chef David has been cooking for past twenty five years with experience with traditional West Indian dishes from Trinidad to Delis of New York finally to Charlotte BBQ restaurants and then Soul Food from Lola’s and now Soul Central, the dishes did not disappoint! We found them on Central Avenue, and was surprised to see that all too familiar face. Chef David smiled when we walked in, and after catching up on what happened after Lola’s closing, we got the meat of the matter…literally! The spot is small and comfortable, allowing two to three spots to sit at inside and two outside, but the main focus is on the food that Soul Central serves,
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which is cafeteria style, laid out for you to choose.
So during my stint in Uptown
With a special that consists of meat, two sides, corn bread and sweet tea for just $9.00, customers and friends visiting can choose from Baked Chicken, Meatloaf, Pork Chops just to name a few of the meats, and mouth drooling sides such as sweet potatoes, green beans, collards, mashed potatoes, dirty rice mac and cheese, yams and some melt in your mouth cornbread (regular & jalapeno) then grab a tea or lemonade you will step back for a minute and ask yourself “should I get one plate or two?” Chef David stated “our mission is to bring excellent tasting Southern Food to Charlotteans at a reasonable cost.” I can honestly say that this new spot nestled on Central Avenue will become so popular and give consistently great food that they will have to open another one! So go check them out. I give them a 5 out of 5. Tell em Urban Tymes sent you! Http://soulcentralfood.com/ 2903 Central Avenue Charlotte, NC, 28205 Phone: 980-349-4015 Hours of Operation: Tue-Sat: 11-8pm Mon: 11-6pm Sun: Closed
(360) 281-9866
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