1/ Urban Tymes Magazine
iss m u o y Did h ’s t n o m t las issue? 2/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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
U.S. & Internationally Loved!
http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1015350 https://issuu.com/urbantymes/docs 3/ Urban Tymes Magazine
4/ Urban Tymes Magazine
5/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Feature:
23
Media’s Nu School Bringing it straight to you, these media masters know what’s happening in the industry!
6/ Urban Tymes Magazine
FEATURE
46
Media’s Nu School Leslie Monet
Her writings illuminates readers and grabs their attention. Her mission, crystal clear!
7/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Editor Carey Digsby
Contributing Writers: Shakeema Bouyer Kisha Green CWspeaks
INSIDE THIS MONTH
Photo Credits
ESSENTIALS
Rodney Nichols Julio_AKA_ J Mack Millyeleven Visionary Creative Group
Business 10 Let’s Talk PR w/Shakeema
Bouyer: PR with Anje Collins
Promotions UT Street Team
10
Life & Health 16 Felice Hightower Loving the Skin You’re In!
URBANITY
18
Literary Treasures
38 Kisha Green asks the question:
Who is Carey Digsby?
Fashion & Style 50 Sherika Staton
50
Her hustle and grind are taking her to new heights
54 8/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Artistry 54 Silvio Suarez His works crosses various platforms, And creates quite a buzz in the industry
9/ Urban Tymes Magazine
ESSENTIALS
:BUSINESS
10/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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 I spoke with Anje Collins, founder of The Luxe PR Group and PR Related – an online resource for publicists. With 30 years of Public Relations experience, Anje is a PR guru and has represented some of the top names and brands in the Entertainment, Fashion and Sports industries. This interview was very dear to me as Anje has been my mentor since I officially entered the PR world 4 years ago; so it was only right for me to bring her with me on this part of my PR journey.
The second part is having the desire to do PR. Not to get into it just because you think you’re going to meet a bunch of celebrities or get a bunch of free stuff. It’s a desire. It has to be a passion. It has to definitely be something that you want to do. K: I agree because everyone is not about this life. It’s a lot of late nights, early mornings, travel, research and you have to be ready for it all. I know for me, I graduated with a degree in Communications but it was about seven years between me graduating and actually putting my knowledge and expertise to work in the field. For someone like myself who’s not coming in the traditional way or maybe they do have a degree but it took them some years to get in … what is something you think they can do to prepare themselves to enter into the industry? A: A lot of top publicists that I know don’t have a degree … never went to college … I’m not saying don’t go to school I’m not saying that. What I’m saying is that it’s not an industry where textbooks will help you. PR is an industry where it’s about the grind, the know how, having the gift of gab and being a sales person. If you have all of those qualities about you that is what is going to make you a great publicist. Is it good to have Communications? Yes. If you’re going to go to school I would suggest majoring in communications or journalism – especially journalism be-
Anje Collins with
Topic: Are you Ready for PR? This question we looked at from two different views. As an aspiring publicist, do I have what it takes to do PR? As a business owner, am I ready to hire a publicist?
Keema: What do you think are the ideal qualities of a publicist? Anje: I’m going to answer that in two parts. Being knowledgeable about the industry is key ... whatever the industry or niche they get into. And research is my big thing. I think a lot of times these new publicists don’t do their research anymore. I think they figure that “If it’s not on Instagram or Twitter or even Facebook that I don’t have to go any further than that.”
11/ Urban Tymes Magazine
K: What would you suggest to someone who wants to come into the industry and they have a lot of different areas that they think they’ll be great in ... how would you suggest that they narrow it down and choose one area of specialty to start out? A: Well you have to figure out what area you have the most connections in and which one you have the most knowledge about. Buying media lists is expensive. If you have all of these different categories you’re going up spending $3-4,000 a month on media lists because you have so much going on. If you like beauty do beauty. If you like fashion do fashion – well beauty and fashion go together. But if you like fashion and say I’m going to also do music … well they don’t go together. Now you have two separate entities, with two separate lists and two separate costs. So you have to figure out what do you like to do, what are you interested in and what are you better at. And that’s how you break down the type of PR that you want to do.
A: I think what’s key and what a lot of young publicists are missing is connecting with other publicists. But when you connect with other publicists you cannot connect and have ulterior motives. I’ve had people work for me and intern for me and no ow they have their own companies. … And what I like about that is I have a network of people that I can work with. If I have a client in LA I have someone I can call in LA to help me out. And I don’t have to worry about them trying to steal my clients because they groomed under me and that is a no-no. (paraphrased) I hate that I had to end Women in PR because that was a great resource for people. You have to know how to connect with other publicists. You have to make relationships with them and not have them feel that you are going to come behind their back and do x-y-z. And if it’s unfortunate that these young ones don’t understand that. And they are out here doing this and that to make themselves look good but it’s not going to work out for you because at the end of the day you still need connections. You still need that person to help you. You still need a mentor. You still need all of that to be successful. I am not saying that because I’ve been doing this for a long time that I know everything because I don’t. Because a lot of times I don’t and I will depend on this younger generation to help me. For instance, it took me forever to get on social media because it wasn’t something that I wanted to do but now you can’t keep me off it! (lol) But I had to have someone in that generation bracket to teach me how it goes.
K: What advice would you give someone who is actually looking to come into the industry? For me, linking up with an organization like what was then Women in PR, was very instrumental. What would you tell somebody when they are going back and forth as to whether or not they will be a good publicist?
Now for our business owners … K: How do you know as a business owner that you need PR? What’s the determining step, if there is one, to determine when it’s time to reach out to somebody? A: I recently hosted Behind Your Brand Workshop in Dallas and one of the young
cause it’s going to teach you how to write. Other than that you can’t really learn PR unless you are out in the world do it. It’s about having connections – you have to make those connections work … I’m talking about those connections with putting two and two together. Like you know how to reach out to a media person. You know how to connect with a journalist. Or who the line desk editor is at a TV station. Those kind of connections. And not only that the industry is always changing …
12/ Urban Tymes Magazine
ladies said she feels like she is doing it all and she doesn’t have enough time in the day. When you feel like that ... you are running your business, doing your PR, doing your marketing and you can’t handle it then it’s time to look for someone else to help you. The problem is that people don’t want to relinquish control of their business because they’re used to doing it themselves. But when it gets to the point that stuff starts falling through the crack and you’re missing opportunities because you are trying to do it all yourself then it is time to hire somebody. And if you are hiring a publicist do your homework. Research them. See who they represent. See if they really represent them. Look at their social media. For the publicists – please don’t have your PR stuff on the same page as your business – or at least have a business page. That way if someone is researching you they can look at your page and see who you represent or what you do. K: Other than who a publicist represents, their social media pages ... what are some other key characteristics that somebody should look for in a publicist when they are ready to take that next step? A: Listen closely to what they are saying. Do they sound like they know what they are talking about or do they sound like they know what they are talking about? There is a difference. Someone can talk to you and tell you about that what they think or what they read. And someone can talk to you and really know what they are talking about. You have to pay attention to what they are saying. If they are telling you they can get you on the cover of Vogue magazine – then they are lying because we all know that only celebrities cover Vogue magazine. If they are telling you their best friend is the works at Rolling Stone Magazine. That’s their best friend that doesn’t mean that they are going to get you in
13/ Urban Tymes Magazine
there. You have to listen to the language of what is being said. I remember a long time ago I got hired to work for Mike Jones and I told him “I don’t know nothing about ‘chopped and screwed’. I know about the music industry but I don’t know anything about that. So if you’re willing to take a chance then I am willing to try.” Always be honest about what you do because sometimes people will rock that boat with you just because. K: That is very true. I had that situation a few months ago. When it comes back – and the client questions what you can do and what you can’t and if you’re honest, like she said, about what you’re knowledgeable of or what you can’t do but “if you roll with me we can do it together”. So later on if they say you didn’t do x-y-z you can say “Listen I told you in the beginning these were my limitations”. So you have to be up front and honest. And as a business owner, you also have to be up front and honest with the person that you are reaching out to be your publicist. Don’t come with one story and then when you sign the contract the story changes. A: And on that note, if you hire a publicist please give your publicist what they need to work with. Don’t say well I paid you $xxx and you haven’t done x-y-z but you haven’t given your publicist anything to work with. If your publicist ask you to go and get a photo shoot or x-y-z … they need it. If you don’t provide it for them they can’t do anything for you. So you can’t get mad if you haven’t given them anything to work with. And another thing, pick up your phone. If you don’t pick up your phone – what are they supposed to do … be mind readers? You have to do your part as well when you are hiring a publicist. K: Absolutely. Unless you have a separate contract your publicist is not your personal assistant. There are things
that they are not going to be able to do unless they speak with you. There are limitations to the game. Last question for the business owners …. And this come up quite frequently … How much should they already have available ... how much should they be willing to invest when they reach out to the publicist? A: There is a saying that you pay for what you get. If you are paying $300 or $500 then you are going to get $300 or $500 worth of work. You should expect to pay $1000 up to 10,000 a month based on the expertise of the publicist. You should budget for at least six months of retainer fees. Don’t start something you know you can’t finish. Just like you budget for your marketing or inventory, you need to budget for your publicist. People want to ask why do I need to do that? Why do I need a publicist? We are not miracle workers. We are not social workers. Our job is to bring awareness to your brand. We’re not assistants. We’re not managers. Our job is to bring awareness to your brand. Period.
tation. We’re going to make sure there is a connection there and if there is no connection there is no love lost. Because at the end of the day we want things to run smoothly. We don’t want to be in a tug of war with want you want and what we want to get to the end goal. We have to be able to work together A: It’s a marriage! You get it bed together. You have to able to work with the person you get in bed with or you’ll end up in divorce court. And let me also say – if you got burnt by another publicist don’t try to “Jew down” the next publicist because you got burnt by somebody else because you didn’t do your homework and find out if that person did what they were really supposed to do. If you paid $2500 to publicist A and then publicist B tells you their fees are $2750, don’t say you only want to pay $1200. You can’t go to McDonalds and say I want that Big Mac, Fries and Coke but I only want to 0.99 for it. It’s not happening for you so don’t do us like that either.
Follow Anje Collins on Social Media IG & Twitter: @anjemiami K: One thing that you also make sure you FB: Anje Collins IG: @luxeprgroup Twitter: @luxeprgroup do is know your industry. Like she said FB: The Luxe PR Group earlier, beauty and fashion they are kind of the same but they are different. I spoke IG: @prrelated1 Twitter: @prrelated FB: PR Related with someone a few years ago and she had a hair care line. Well, someone had her convinced that her hair care line was Keema Bouyer is the founder of The Queen's English PR fashion and I was like “Oh ... wait a minute ... you can’t wear your hair care line”. (www.queensenglishpr.com ). The She wanted it to be used behind the Charlotte, NC based agency specializes scene in fashion shows, which is great, in branding and public relations for Beauty but a hair care line is not fashion. You and Lifestyle Brands and Non-Prof have to know your industry. It’s like Anje it Organizations. said, do they sound like they know what Let’s Talk PR airs every 2nd Wednesday they are talking or do they know what they at 230pm EST on This Needs to Be Said are talking about. (www.blogtalkradio.com/thisneedstobesa You have to make sure that you’re not id). being taken advantage of because somebody wants the contract. You have to use Follow Keema Bouyer on Social Media your intuition as well when it comes to IG, Twitter & Periscope: connecting with the publicist and doing @queensenglishpr the interview. We’re going to do a consul- FB: QnsEngPR
14/ Urban Tymes Magazine
15/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Life & Health
ESSENTIALS
16/ Urban Tymes Magazine
We have all succumbed to the lie at some point in our lives and probably struggle not to give in to the steady brainwashing. So, we have a lot of work to do in accepting ourselves and loving the skin we're in. We also have to model the love and acceptance of ourselves in front of our children, girls Felice Hightower and boys alike. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were 15.9 million surgical and minimally-invasive cosSociety and media have a way of patiently and subtlety telling you what beauty is, and metic procedures performed in 2015, up 2% from 2014. Overall, since 2000, procedures that in order for you to be beautiful, you have to subscribe to it's standard of beauty. have risen 115% and becoming more comGrowing up as a dark brown girl, I struggled mon and accepted in men who are undergoing procedures to tighten and tone problem with my ability to see myself as beautiful areas. and loving myself just as I am, because I had no images to validate my beauty. To be So, how do we love the skin were in? painfully honest, I didn't know that I was half way cute until I got to college and I had * We have to learn to understand and emyoung men tell me that I was beautiful and brace the wonders of our bodies and how the very features such as my full wide lips and nose were actually attractive and sexy. much it contributes to our lives beyond just But, it wasn't just whether my face was pret- being body parts. ty but my body as well. * Recognize our body being a vessel that helps us to accomplish from the small to It was when I started looking at myself the impossible. through the eyes of God that I started to love the skin I'm in... and oh what beautiful * Look in the mirror with new eyes ( not the skin! My first discovery was that I started to eyes of society, the media, or negative really think about my body and all that it messages from your past) but with eyes of does for me so I can show up not just for fascination, appreciation, and wonderment. myself but for others as I fulfill the purpose * Transform the way you think about yourlaid out for my life. Our bodies are made up self. You are what you think you are! of tissue, organs, cells and matter that func* Speak self-affirmations everyday over tion in unison so that were allowed to do yourself such as, "I am beautiful inside and what we do on a daily basis. My heart beats out". everyday nonstop for me and how dare I break up this unified temple into mere body * Use your buying power and support parts. We compartmentalize our body by brands/companies that show images that the face, breasts, stomach, thighs and but- are more representative of real men and tocks. Next, we tell our body parts that they women. are not good enough based upon the stan* Learn to accept yourself at every stage of dard that society and media have set. We fail to see that their standard is a lie. People your life and know that the creator didn't reconstruct their faces, breasts, stomachs, make any mistakes when he created you. buttocks and even their feet to live up to a * Give yourself a big hug every now and lie, an unattainable standard. Now, please again. You deserve it! know that there are many situations that cause for assistance such as reconstructive surgery to assist with a deformity or a body If you have questions or feedback around this article feel free to reach out at part that isn't functioning the way it's suprealtalkwithfelice@gmail.com. posed to. There are always exceptions to the rule.
Loving the Skin You're In
17/ Urban Tymes Magazine
18/ Urban Tymes Magazine
19/ Urban Tymes Magazine
20/ Urban Tymes Magazine
21/ Urban Tymes Magazine
22/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Speaking their minds Setting trends Sharing the latest info to the masses They are‌‌
23/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Biggest Rap Critic On The East. Follow Me On Everything @celebritydame
24/ Urban Tymes Magazine
A leader of the New School brand of hip hop, f you were ever under the Celebrity Dame granted impression that you knew interviews to artists up exactly what Celebrity and down the Eastern Dame is capable of, you’d seaboard and, now still be off by a major nationally, you can margin. The full time “select-your-state” to see celebrity blogger, lifestyle the latest tastemakers in conveyor and journalist the game on the Pounds of Sound website has more than enough pounds of sound to which also gives viewers up-to-date intel on all hold him down. things hip hop and celebrity news. Dame’s social media presence is unprecedented; his A product of the Carolinas; before he was introduced to the world as Celebrity Dame, he fans and followers are loyal to a fault, hanging was Damian Richardson of small town Rocky on to every informative word that flows from Dame’s mouth. On Fleet DJ’s Radio, with the Mount, North Carolina. Dame’s affinity for hip founders of the Fleet DJs; Celebrity Dame hop came home honestly and he began his career as an independent hip hop artist. It was co-hosts “Pound or Drown” where artists are welcomed to submit music for all to hear and there working in the studio, Dame discovered his passion ran a bit deeper for the culture and hope for a positive critique from Celebrity he became a producer. Navigating effortlessly Dame. through his creative capacities; Dame moved Dame actively collaborates with Def Jam, from the booth, to the boards and turned his Future Star DJs and has most recently begun talents behind the camera. He was soon the working with the Fleet DJs brand in August top videographer in Eastern North Carolina, 2016. With numerous artist, entertainer and coveted by many for his discerning eye. celebrity interviews under his belt, it would appear that Celebrity Dame’s plate is full. Success did not satisfy Dame’s appetite for what he knew he was destined for. He left it all However, he finds time to host shows, events and takes time out to give back to the to chase his dreams and decided to share his passion with the world. It wasn’t long before he community by volunteering. A leader in the Independent hip hop industry and fast began the renowned urban video sharing and news website Pounds of Sound. Teaming up becoming the face behind it as well. with partner Shannon “Beast” Simmons in 2014, they designed and built the popular site Celebrity Dame has zero filters for the thin from the ground up. Their online presence took skinned and will not mince words for the faint off under the close guidance of its creators and of heart. He holds no punches and his candid approach (which garnered a direct response is currently a National brand that has worldfrom The Teacher himself, KRS-One) has only wide recognition. Nationwide, artists from contributed to his popularity amongst artists multiple genres endeavor to become a part of seeking his approval. Coming up through the the Pounds of Sound collective of online trenches, Celebrity Dame has cultivated a submissions. Soon following its launch, Dame’s, opinions, insight and seal of approval creative, journalistic force that has shaped the views of Independent Hip Hop and is also became highly sought after by entertainrunning the gambit on the industry, holding it ers nationally. If one received Celebrity down with Pounds of Sound. Dame’s co-sign that meant you’ve made a name for yourself; as so began the Celebrity http://www.poundsofsound.com Dame brand.
I
25/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Photographer
J_ AKA_ Julio http://twitter.com/ J_aka_Julio
26/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Bianca & Chris
BCMG A Dynamic Duo!
When you meet Bianca and Chris you never know what to expect. One thing’s for sure, once you meet them, you feel as if you have known them your entire life. With multimedia journalism, radio, and television experience under their belts; their skills, chemistry, and cultural impact makes them a phenomenal duo. Collectively, the two have contributed content for Worldstar Hiphop, CBS Sports, Def Jam, The CIAA,The Konnected Magazine, various newspapers spanning the East Coast, and FTC Publications just to name a few. Together they formed BCMG (Bianca Chris Media Group) where they team up with networks like The Konnected Enterprise to promote the independent music scene, direct and host the Konnected Experience TV show, assist artists across the US and Africa with their brand management, and work with small businesses to develop their marketing and promotion efforts.
27/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Born in the Bronx, NY and raised in Atlanta, GA, Bianca gives you the perfect combination of New York hustle and southern flare. Bianca made a name for herself at the age of 15. With the help of her parents and her uncle, St. John’s University basketball legend, Walter Berry; she began her career as a model. She worked effortlessly to set foot on her biggest stage at the Golden Scissors Awards. Then, she made a conscious decision to put her career on hold to finish high school and begin her college career at Virginia State University. While focused on her education, she wore many hats including: working on both the Virginia Statesman and the VSU Yearbook staff, being a member of the VSU Women’s Basketball team, working as the assistant Sports Information Director, serving as the journalist for the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and being crowned Miss Senior in 2009. While juggling an extremely busy schedule, she also served as a sideline reporter for CBS Sports and worked as a model for FTC Publications. Two of her biggest accomplishments were being on a television network in front of 50 million homes and being featured in the FTC Publications International Modeling Guide 6th edition. After graduating in 2010, her passion for publicizing the endeavors of studentathletes and the love of sports drove her to work in collegiate athletics. While doing so, she was honored to obtain two championship rings with the Livingstone College Men’s Basketball team. As much as she loved sports she decided to take a leap of faith and move towards her passion of music and entertainment, and since taking that leap she’s had the opportunity to interview some of her favorite entertainers in the industry including Lyfe Jennings and DJ Mannie Fresh.
28/ Urban Tymes Magazine
One of her biggest highlights was chatting with one of her favorite Nollywood actor’s Majid Michel while doing some media work in conjunction with the BET Awards. She also has been given the opportunity to work with FTC Publications in the talent operations department as an A&R representative.
with that belief, he began shedding light on police brutality while also covering community activism in the area. His love for music pushed him to want more for those around him, which led to artist management and booking those artist for shows all over NC.
This path led Chinak to meeting the right people at the right time while becoming that go-to person for interviews: his gift of gab making him the perfect person for the job. Longing for more, he auditioned for one of BET’s top TV shows, 106 & Park. He made it to the final rounds, but the love with the music and entertainment industry. Chris is an eloquent host, rapper, actor, and radio timing just wasn’t right for him. Chris took that personality. While working towards his degree in opportunity and used it to push his talents and he Mass Communications from Elizabeth City State began interviewing the top entertainers who came University he began working with the WRVS radio through NC including; Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Pam station. After graduating he teamed up with some Grier, French Montana, Future, and a host of others. of his friends to create their own radio show in Salisbury, NC where they played not only the latest hits in mainstream radio, but also independent Bianca and Chris took time away from the music from all over North Carolina. It was the first industry to bring their little queen Cyrina into the world. However, time waits for no man and this of its kind in the city. Over time he realized not team is forever grinding. They are currently only did the Salisbury independent music scene needed more exposure, but so did the other hip- working on a few projects for independent artist and in the finishing phases of launching their hop markets in NC. He became a co-founder of website www.bcmg.com. In the meanwhile follow Groundbreaking Video Productions where they shot music videos for the local rappers and boxthis dynamic duo on IG: @herimperialmagesty ing matches. He is a true believer that if you don’t and @Flygerian5 stand for something you will fall for anything, and Chris, also known as Chinaka The Flygerian, hails from Emo State, Nigeria. Chris came to the United State when he was 12 and fell in l
29/ Urban Tymes Magazine
URBANITY 30/ Urban Tymes Magazine
D Derrick Lawson known as DLaw was Born in Queens, NY in an area called Lefrak City. He is the owner of DL aw Entertainment Company based in Charlotte, NC since 2010. Dlaw specializes in: Photography, Videography, DJ Service, Booking Agent, Client Management and Promo. Derrick has held many roles but he has held title of photographer since hi s college days at Morris College in Sumter, SC.
LAW
the business. Now, I’m wiser, still having fun and making money. I’ve always saw myself being in music entertainment. That was the reason for creating DLaw, which stands for Determined Leader Always Win. Determination and drive is what keeps me relevant. I have built relationships with various radio stations such as Power 98 Charlotte, Streetz 103.3 Charlotte, 92.7 The Block Charlotte, 102 Jamz in Greensboro, as well as businesses and firms such as Comedy Zone Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University. Charlotte Greek Picnic and Atlantic Records just to name a few. People always ask how do I get these companies and celebrities to work with me, I tell them I always stay prescient and consistent. Up next for DLaw is to continue the focus on our indie artist college tour to give exposure to different artists. This will be my 2nd year. Starts in October and runs until January. I want it to become big so we can travel to different coasts and have comedians on it also. Right now we are only on east coast.
I always had a good eye for art and it didn’t hurt that I always had a camera in my hand taking pics. My last year of college I took classes to sharpen my skills. My style and vision makes me unique. I have done photos of President Bill Clinton, David Mann I want DLaw to be remember as your , Arsenio Hall, K.Michele, Young Dro, entertainment source! Mindless Behavior, Chantaul Williams, Zoey Dollaz and list goes on. Contact info dlawevents@gmail.com and follow on social media I have always been in entertainment @DLawevents starting with the college parties. Back then I was having fun and didn’t know
31/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Nayomi Charnelle I was born and raised in The Bronx New York and was there to witness the birth of Hip Hop. I witnessed Everything from the beat box,the fashion trends such as big gold rope chains and shell toe Adidas with the fat laced shoe strings. I watched in awe as card board boxes were flattened on the ground so that the neighborhood kids can spin on their heads. Hip Hop became a cultural phenomenon that shocked the world. I remember walking home from school with a group of kids. Each one of us talking about the new song that came on the radio where some guys were talking and making their words rhyme and telling a story all while playing LaFreak by Chic in the background. The Sugar Hill Gang introduced the world to rap music and changed music forever. I grew up in a household that lived and breathed music. R&B was played ever single day of my life. We weren't rich by no means but Mama always made sure we had a place to sleep, food to eat and the hottest record at the time. I even remember dancing with Mama as she played Patti Labelle's "Lady Marmalade"and singing along to the O'Jays "Back Stabbers". Music has been a part of me just like the air I breath. I need music like I need air! I love writing also So... it was only natural that I jumped at the opportunity to express my views of music through critique writing. There are soooo many artist that need and should be heard and I'm going to make sure that happens. I am so proud and excited to be the New Music Critic for Musiek Magazine! naychar27@gmail.com
32/ Urban Tymes Magazine
URBANITY
33/ Urban Tymes Magazine
34/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Your StyleGame
“L”VATED
3010 Monroe Rd Charlotte NC 28205 www.thehouseoflemond.bigcartel.com
35/ Urban Tymes Magazine
36/ Urban Tymes Magazine
WWW.ELIAHSOUL.COM
37/ Urban Tymes Magazine
38/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Literary Treasures with Kisha Green
URBANITY
Who…… is
Carey Digsby? of his highly recognized Urban Tymes Magazine in 2008. Available digitally and print, Urban Tymes originally came to Carey as a blog, which grew beyond itself due to the Carey Digsby embodies versatility in several great response received. Urban Tymes is now facets of his life. An accomplished Magazine nationally and Internationally one of the most Publisher, Author, Businessman and Family man are just to name a few of his many talents. popular and diverse online and print With a belief that “There’s a wonderful light out publications gaining widespread attention with its cultural friendly flare. there, and we can accomplish so much if we With the massive response of his Urban Tymes believe in it,” has guided Carey not only in his multiple successes in life, but the need to help Magazine; Carey turned to a new chapter in life others along the way. Carey’s family relocated and penned “This Tree Can Bear Fruit”. A compilation of poems, artwork and scripture from Long Island NY to Charlotte NC to help care for his Paternal grandmother, who was a tied together with his life experiences from working closely within the community. The huge supporter, and one of the biggest book captures various areas in life all can believers in his future successes. After graduating from Garinger Senior High School, relate to giving voice and vision to its readers. Carey was accepted to several universities for He continuously cultivates his passion for leadership and community spending free time his academics. He made the decision to mentoring youth and being a motivational remain close to his family after the birth of his first son and later graduated from college with speaker, which has now led him to his next endeavor, CWspeaks. His thought behind the degrees in Business Management and concept: Marketing. Who is Carey Digsby? Well I can tell you he is more than a published author. Allow me to introduce you to this amazing man.
Carey’s talents aren’t focused solely in one singular area of his life, nor are his successes. While in school, Carey honed his skills in art and designed most of the art for his senior class. His desire for being creative is evident in all of his endeavors. After working for different companies in the corporate sector, Carey’s affinity for the arts manifested itself in the form 39/ Urban Tymes Magazine
” CWspeaks will be a voice for those that need a voice to get out to others, and a voice to bring forth ideas in a positive light. We will enjoy a multi-faceted lifestyle that encourages others to reach beyond the mark, and really love who you are destined to be”
Carey Digsby is the epitome of a well-rounded individual. His career focused passions intertwined intricately with his passions in life. His wife Renee and three sons Carey III, Marquis, and Kierian, all jewels in his crown of dedication. Carey loves fashion and is an experienced Chef; which melds easily in his desire to create new things. His role as not only a husband, Father, Entrepreneur, and Community Leader shows all, Carey isn’t afraid of takings risks, confronting issues and working hard to be successful. He strongly believes that we do not live in just the negatives or in the dark, but that we should encourage and help each other. An Author, Businessman, Community Leader & Family man; Carey Digsby lets his light shine, and encourages other to do the same.
KG: Did you ever want to hire a literary agent and have your manuscript shopped to the majors? Why or why not? CD: I thought about it at one time, but I’ve seen the success of those that have not taken that path and the literary control per se it gives you. Plus, the opportunity to meet other authors that are “independent” and network with them and share common setbacks and successes, it’s been great. KG: What is your biggest obstacle being a self-published author? CD: I would say the ability to really market your work. But over time with networking, learning the different avenues available for self-published authors to promote their work, one can become successful. KG: What is one word to best describe your writing style?
KG:What is your favorite genre and why?
CD: Honest
CD: My favorite would have to be Inspirational. Reason being is that I think it’s great to hear and read the thoughts and perspectives from others that are not held back by the negatives that surround us. Also, their testimony and passion for helping others encourages me to do more.
KG: Describe your writing life
CD: It was around four years ago, after doing so many interviews for Urban Tymes Magazine. Over time I was putting together my thoughts for my first book, but placed it on hold. Then I was encouraged by a certain sister to move forward. And I’ve been writing ever since!
KG: What does Urban Tymes mean to you?
CD: Each day is an opportunity to see the world in another perspective. Again, the way media portrays certain facets of life, we as individuals need to know that it’s not always doom and gloom. We need to know that there are possibilities out there for everyone. And we need to take acKG: How many books do you read a count of our lives and know that just bemonth? cause something bad happens to you, CD: Honestly, about one a month. I’m so you can still turn it around! History has busy with the publications, interviews and shown us that those that face adversity guest speaking at events, it hinders me at can overcome and be an inspiration to time to get my reading in. But I do steal others. I’ve seen it personally in my life, away in between to get my spirit fed! the life of my loved ones. So I try to encourage others of that as well, especially KG: When did you decide to write our young people. professionally?
40/ Urban Tymes Magazine
CD: Urban Tymes means so much to me. It has been my baby for over eight years. All the while being a vehicle to promote positive media. To allow our readers to know more about the talented individuals
of the world via many genres, as well as promoting that talent daily.
KG: Tell me something about you that many do not know.
KG: What made you want to start a magazine?
CD: I trained as a Sous Chef while I was in college. I come from a family well versed in culinary arts, I’m fourth generation. So I love to cook and host parties at home that allow me to share that gift with others and for us to connect.
CD: Well (laughing) In Charlotte, I would always have friends contact me en route to the city and wanting to know about the happenings and restaurants here. So it went from phone calls to a blog. Then several sisters brought it to my attention that if it was in a magazine format, they could have it on hand and share with others. So from a blog to a magazine. Now, we are looking at a fully digital magazine. Progression and promotion! KG: What has been one of the biggest obstacles you have encountered since launching the magazine? CD: Hmm...honestly, advertising I would say. We had some of the most affordable ad rates in comparison to the big magazines such as Uptown and Ebony, and we have thousands of people each month that read the magazine digitally and share with others as well. Our mag has been picked up in Canada, South Africa, and even in Alaska, so if someone advertises with us, believe me, the masses are seeing your brand for sure!
41/ Urban Tymes Magazine
KG: What's next for you? CD: Next…. I’m working on getting our second publication Musiek Magazine really rolling. We are into issue number 5 and the response from indie artists and those that support them has been amazing! Urban Tymes will be introducing some new sections for our readers and I’m giving two amazing people that have been with me on this ride total control of those areas. Because they are incredible at what they do and I trust them totally. Also, I want to really build a team of those in the media realm so we can pool our ideas, dreams and abilities together to help uplift and support each other. I can see the plan coming together, and I’m waiting for God to bring forth several key people that will really solidify this endeavor. Once that happens...watch out! Didn't I tell you he was amazing????
42/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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. Heartless by Al-Saadiq Banks 2. Love, Drugs & Hip Hop by Aaron Bebo 3. Gage by BlaccTop 4. The Knife That Kills The Heart by H.M. Trey 5. I'm Free! 30 Days to a Stress Free Life by Tee Renee Children's Choice: The Hair Adventures of Princess Lindsey Sidney by Eartha Dunston
43/ Urban Tymes Magazine
5 TOP
44/ Urban Tymes Magazine
45/ Urban Tymes Magazine
URBANITY SPOTLIGHT on….
Photos by: Mack Millyeleven
46/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Leslie Monet, is a budding black entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger native to New Haven, Connecticut. Her style, commercially, domestically and online, is filled with charisma and a pinch of mystery. Grasping attention of hometown fans to the most remote viewers internationally, she demonstrates with much humility the prototype of a successful black millennial in America. Leslie’s love for media arts was birthed in high school when she was introduced to their television studio program and shortly afterwards taking role as an anchor on the daily news broadcasting to the entire campus before first period. As a high school scholar, discipline and unmatched work ethics came to her naturally. Leslie played volleyball in the fall, basketball in winter and participated in track & field during the spring months; all while holding a part-time job after school starting at the age of fourteen. In May 2009, Leslie completed her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. Here she continued her studies as a collegiate athlete and award-winning reporter within the university’s bracket. Leslie was recognized amongst the most elite scholars as the best new reporter for the university’s newspaper. Additionally, her senior investigative dissertation, inspired by Tyler Perry’s portrayal of African Americans comparable to the contemporary American black film movement, was published in the university’s journal of for superior original content and composition.
47/ Urban Tymes Magazine
After exploring the field in Charlotte, NC forced Leslie to take her dreams of becoming a renowned journalist and public relations specialist into her own hands. In 2011, she founded Pink Illuminance Blog to help highlight news that would otherwise go unnoticed in mainstream media. Leslie connected with the movers and shakers in the area and created a nifty portfolio of written pieces that opened doors into other regions of entertainment and gained momentum for her brand. She has interviewed Tionna Smalls of Vh1’s hit show What Chili Wants, Carolina Panther’s captain Thomas Davis and a plethora of artists and models alike including Money Jay of Akon’s record label Konvict Muzik. With a candid goal to distribute underground news to the urban communities globally, Leslie’s passion for the black community transcends words and inventive aesthetics through the web. More so, she wishes to stimulate a movement of millennials and generations thereafter to chase their dreams to no end. Leslie Monet is on a non-stop mission to invade her reader’s online library with raw , uncut news and unfiltered messages from the greatest artistry around the world. Leslie credits her unmovable drive and vvvvvvvvvvfocus to her now four-year-old twins who singularly inspire her work as she desires to demonstrate the silver-lining in single parenthood as a blessing in disguise.
http://www.pinkilluminance.com/ IG: @pink_i_blog
48/ Urban Tymes Magazine
49/ Urban Tymes Magazine
SherikaStaton Creating Her Hustle, Living Her Dream, Inspiring Others! By #cwspeaks
We are sitting here with lovely and talented Sherika Staton. Sis, how are you doing? SS: I’m good! I’m blessed, I feel great!
Photos by Rodney Nichols
upcoming Charlotte reality show created by Peter Thomas( of Uptown Mag and RHOA fame) Can you tell us more about that?
SS: Yes, yes, the Hustle and Grind TV show. Actually I was CW: Well we appreciate you taking recommended by someone going time out to interview with us and our out there, at Club One. So I came Urban Tymes family as well. One of for the interview/audition and I was the questions that I have, I really chosen for it. It’s a Hustle and Grind had a chance to review you, and of situation, basically its pertaining to course our readers don’t know you working, but I take it as but..who is Sherika Staton? business women, or anybody that is in business that’s trying to get to the SS: Sherika is a very friendly next level. Doing whatever you got person, a loving person, a real to do, because it might not be one person! So what you see of me is hustle, it might be two or three what you get: honesty, loyalty and hustles at one time. So doing that to reality is very important to me. get to the next level, to where you want to be, it takes many occupations at least, which will CW: Let me ask you this then….it seems to be those attributes that got make it a hustle! you on the latest, greatest, 50/ Urban Tymes Magazine
51/ Urban Tymes Magazine
CW: And you have several occupations: a hair stylist. SS: Yes, and I promote parties, for anyone that would like to have me. I also give back, we’re doing a back to school event at the barber shop that I work at. I have my own business, but I work at the barbershop also, so it’s another hustle. Giving back is something I appreciate doing.
that as an adult, it will pretty much help you figure out if that’s your passion, if that’s your gift, your creativity , your talent, your occupation. CW: Okay, that’s powerful sis! I can see why they chose you to be on Hustle and Grind! Okay so Sherika…. SS: Yes
CW: Sherika- 2016, Sherika-2020. Where do you see yourself? CW: Now with your experience in the hair SS: I see myself still being a Hair Stylist, game, it allows you a lot of opportunities to because I’m not going to retire. I’m going to meet different people, hear different things. continue to keep myself healthy and be that Will you bring that element into the Hustle Celebrity Hair Stylist. I’m going to change and Grind show? lives, especially women. It’s not just about SS: Yes, because that’s the main hustle. I have to, because it’s what I was born to do. making a woman look good, it’s about women that have a hard time looking good. That’s what I’ve been doing for 11 years Some women don’t have hair, so to help now. make them look natural and presentable to their husbands and to the world, is CW: Wow something that makes me happy! To help SS: Yes, licensed for 11 years and doing children, that’s one of the biggest things I hair since I was 10 years old. That’s when I found the love for it, doing hair, watching my think that God needs us to do, to help them see what their dreams are. If there’s aunt do hair. Actually, when I finished high anything else that God has planned for me, school, I went straight to hair school, because I knew what I wanted to do. It didn’t I’ll do. But as far as being an actress or anything else, that’s not anything that I’m make sense to me to go to the four year college, because it was going to be a waste really interested in. I’m really interested in (to me) I already knew what exactly I wanted being a hair stylist, a licensed cosmetologist, a professional with that. I’m trying to be the to do, since middle school. best at it, I’m going to be the best at it! It’s CW: That’s powerful, because a lot of young something that I knew I was born to do. people today don’t have that opportunity to CW: So for our readers, and those that have already know their love, know their passion yet to meet Shericka Staton, how can they and jump right into it, and utilize that follow you? throughout their lifetime. What words of SS: They can follow me on Instagram: advice would you give young people, that 30SS_lady. I’m on StyleSeat if they want to may not have been blessed or fortunate as book me: Hair by Sherika. My FaceBook is you to know this is my passion, this is my Sherika Staton, or you can Google me or dream, my season. What would you tell Gmail me at sherika31@gmail.com and I’ll them? SS: To think about what they wanted to do reach back out to them! as a child, what they loved as a child. Because every child is very innocent at that CW: Thank you for sharing with our readers time. Whatever you liked to do or loved to your love and your passion and the destiny do, there is something there in your childthat you have for yourself! hood that shows that. So if you can think of 52/ Urban Tymes Magazine
53/ Urban Tymes Magazine
ARTISTRY
S
ilvio uarez
54/ Urban Tymes Magazine
By: #cwspeaks
a warm afternoon, I got a chance to sit and talk to Silvio Suarez. Now you may ask why this was so special, and my answer to you….I’ts not just because his name is synonymous with photography , as he is one of the most sought after photographers in the QC. Or that he is multi talented and has experiences that he loves to impart to up and coming artists in this game called the industry. It was special because to know Silvio is to know he is a quiet and reserved individual who’s focus is always on his art, whether its photography, as an MUA, or his music.
UT: With your work, I see there’s a lot of fashion and flair. Do you tend to lean toward more fashion?
So sitting at Amelie’s sampling various items from their bakery, Silvio walks into the atrium, with motorcycle helmet in had and smile on his face. He sits and starts to share with me how he came to be that sought out individual, a triple threat to many, but a humble artist nonetheless….
UT: So like a vintage, early “Harlem Renaissance” type of shoot?
Silvio: I do whatever! I do weddings, various events. I just did a wedding this past Sunday. I’ll do everything. From kid’s portraits to family portraits, high scale events, oh yeah! UT: Well let me say, your work is high class! I’ve been told by many to seek you out for your photography skills! Silvio: Thank you. We should do a black and white shoot of you. Like a shadowy, not so bright set of photos of you.
Silvio: Yes! UT: Now that would be dope!
So what about make up artistry? I saw what you did for our photo shoot with the #CharlottePRQueens you did some of UT: Basically if you think about it, with ev- the makeup there. What lead you to pick erything that you do, you’re a triple threat up that craft as well? when it comes to being involved in the areas of the entertainment realm. How did you start with photography? Silvio: Let me tell you how I started, I was walking by a pawn shop and I had my high school ring, and I said to myself, “what am I going to do with a high school ring?” and I went into the pawn shop and traded it in for a camera. And that’s it! UT: And that was it? I mean, I’ve seen your work in various magazines and events, incredible work! But that’s how it began? Silvio: Yes, that’s how I started taking pictures.
55/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Silvio: Well because a couple of times a makeup artist would cancel on me, so I was like “I’ll do it myself!” And then sometimes when a woman would go to the M.A.C. counter for makeup, M.A.C. does good makeup, but M.A.C doesn’t know the type of light that I’m using for a photo shoot. So when you come to me for the shoot, it doesn’t look right on my pictures, so I have to do it over so it would look right on my camera. So that’s why I like to do it, so it looks good on the camera, not when you go home or just in the mirror, but in the pictures. UT: So you approach it like a painting? Silvio: Exactly! UT: So you go from Photography, to MUA, to DJ. Don’t tell me you just “picked” that up! Silvio: Yes UT: Man, get out of here Silvio: Hmm… when did I start that? When LL Cool J and Run DMC first came out. I had got some Adidas and a Kangol hat back in the day and started Deejaying…..been doing it ever since.
UT: So do you prefer vinyl records vs the digital of today. Being able to pull from the world wide web vs digging in the crates? Silvio: Digital. You have to because you have more variety. You don’t have to carry a thousand records. And you don’t even know what they (the listeners) are going to ask for. People sometimes ask for crazy songs, and if you are not ready for them, they’ll question your ability as a DJ. UT: Well, since you do all three, if you had the chance to provide makeup for a celebrity, photo shoot a celebrity, or DJ for a celebrity at an event, who would it be? Silvio: Sade UT: Across all three? Silvio: I would do Sade’s photography. Yes, it would be nice photographs! Who would I DJ for...hmm..Anthony Hamilton. He’s a cool guy! UT: You would rock everything on his album! It’s nice! Silvio: Oh yeah! Well, we can’t wait to see that collab happen. Very soon Silvio. Brother, thank you for taking time to chat with us man! You are indeed an man of multiple talents, but with one goal, the art! As you see….a triple threat indeed!
UT: So you started off on the wax (vinyl records)….not the digital like today. Silvio: Yes
56/ Urban Tymes Magazine
https://www.facebook.com/silvio.suarez.
http://www.tattedcroc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TattedCroc
57/ Urban Tymes Magazine
(360) 281-9866
www.justrightcocktails.com 58/ Urban Tymes Magazine
59/ Urban Tymes Magazine
60/ Urban Tymes Magazine