Indie Review

Indie Review hosts Coach Raychelle and C.Truth welcomed rising singer/songwriter Sincerely Haven (@xSincerelyHaven) to their Instagram Live conversation. Haven talked about how health issues made her stronger, being a hopeless romantic, the story behind her song "How could you", the significance of her name, why moving to North Carolina was the best decision, side chicks, artists that connect to the audience, always staying in her lane, having a great supportive team, why it's ok to have feelings, doing things when the time is right, the proper energy, beginnings in the church at 3 yrs old, what music is missing today and more...

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Indie Review hosts Coach Raychelle and C.Truth welcome the Founder Felisha Booker (@gofelishago) of Breaker Nation (@1breakernation) to their Instagram Live conversation. Felisha spoke about: creating an eco-system for all who loves music most, goal for Breaker Nation, fixing the musician feedback problem, her role as a founder, engaging listeners/fans, business Internship program at Breaker Nation, access to professionals in the breaker nation rooms, changing the fragmented global music ecosystem, how she got started, Incubator program at Georgia Tech, helping artist mobilize support, supporting black women founders, venture capital, cannibalisation of creator space, being nominated for woman of the year in technology, Black future's program and more...

Isis-Imon a/k/a "Iciy Hot" has been trained in the performing arts since a youth. She writes music, sings, raps, dances, acts, and models. She has recorded through the years with seasoned artists and producers dropping her vocals on various compilation projects. She's an impactful entertainer with the intent to inspire. This ambiguous and philosophical young lady with a beautiful soul is hands-on  with every project. A professional that always works to do her best and  stays ready. This talented, musically inclined artist is steadily  heading towards worldwide recognition. Thus far, this proud Brookly-nite's accomplishments have been graduating for the NYC's  own Talented Unlimited High School along with prominent celebrity alumni  as Mos Def (hip-hop artist/actor) and Angela Bofill  (Singer/Songwriter), to name a few. She has performed side by side with  rap artist Common at Carnegie Hall. She has also made appearances on  Off-Broadway Plays with The Alpha NYC Theater Company, performed in Momma's Foundation Gospel for Teens Concert's, and honed her talent  performing at such showcases as world-renowned SOB's.

Isis is also a featured dancer at School of Blyss, a dance company founded by known choreographer Kevin "Nino Bez" Hunte, whose appearance on Fox network's own "So You Think You Can Dance" made him known throughout the entertainment industry.

Isis has also been vocally trained by industry know coaches Craig Darry and Gordan Chambers. She is cementing her foundation on her journey to stardom. This multi-talented artist is a super-star in the making. One day the world will know the name Isis-Imon. 

@isis_imon

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Monty Ross is an industry vet with 35 years of experience as an actor, producer and director. His  production experience runs the gamut from studio features to lower  budgeted independent productions shot on locations ranging from Brooklyn, NY and New Orleans, LA to Pamplona, Spain and Saudi Arabia.  After attending Clark Atlanta University, Ross starred in Spike Lee's award winning thesis film, Joe's Bed Stuy Barbershop (We cut Heads).  Moving from acting to production supervising, Ross managed day to day  operations for Spike Lee's award winning, indie blockbuster film, She's  Gotta Have it. Ross was promoted to Vice President of Production at 40  Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Inc., a production company co-founded by  with Spike Lee. As a member of Spike's production team, Ross helped turn  out such hits as: School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo Betta Blues,  Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, Crooklyn and Clockers. Ross went on to produce  former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.'s story, Keep the Faith Baby  for Showtime/Paramount Television. Most recently Ross directed the  award winning film, The Opera Game for Ken Mask Studios, and served as  producer for Love Dot Come and executive producer for 1 Angry Black Man  for Soulidify Productions. He also served as line producer for the Sweet  Unknown Studios recent release, River Runs Red, directed by Wes Miller,  starring George Lopez, Taye Diggs and John Cusack.

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Renee is a nimble results-driven communications and marketing  professional with more than 10 years of experience in performing arts,  entertainment and new media. She is a creative storyteller well versed  in virtual community management and cultural marketing, with specific  attention to tone, messaging and outcomes.

As a  Queens, New York native and a graduate of New York University’s McGhee  School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) in Digital Media  and Communications, and Tisch School of the Arts in Producing. She was  also an inaugural Edward I. Koch Fellow for the Historic House Trust New  York’s Lewis H. Latimer House. Renee has also guest lectured at NYU’s  Graduate Museum Studies division.

Currently, Renee serves as the  Chair of Communications Committee for the Universal Hip Hop Museum. As  an influencer it has always been her passion to shape conversations via  her work in not for profits whose missions have included children,  HIV/AIDS awareness, persons with disabilities and the arts. Adept at  utilizing community engagement to amplify the positive impact of  technology on a changing multicultural landscape, her goal is to have a  positive impact on communities and culture ultimately with the goal of  lifting, inspiring and empowering them. Her love of the arts was shaped  during her formative years at a time when the arts were funded in NYC’s  public schools and as a graduate of the Professional Children’s School  founded in 1914, whose credo is ‘to support the arts and to celebrate  the mind.”

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Monica is a powerhouse vocalist and one of few ‘new school’ class of female vocalists who can capture the definitive essence of traditional gospel and “church” music at its best. MONICA LISA STEVENSON is that vocalist  who provides a commanding presentation and a life impacting spiritual encounter through every song she sings.

Monica Lisa has a litany of achievements contributing to her  thriving music ministry including three Stellar Award Nominations for  Best New Artist and Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year; two Atlanta  Gospel Choice Awards for Best Female Artist and Song of the Year.   She’s appeared on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel and in Tyler Perry’s movie  Madea’s Big Happy Family and TV series The Have And The Have Nots.  She  has toured throughout Switzerland and Italy and has sang alongside such  greats as Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jason Crabb, Erica Campbell, Pastor Marvin Sapp and Tasha Cobbs. Her new album KAINOS (The Acoustic Documentary) landed at #18  on Billboard Top Gospel Sales Chart and #8 on the Heatseekers Chart.  KAINOS is released by Puretonez Production/eOne Distribution and  includes the chart topping hit single “Testimony” featuring Doobie  Powell and The Williams Singers.

Monica Lisa enjoys singing before audiences, serving her community, and being the proud mother of five children and dedicated wife to husband Derrick Stevenson, who is also her musical director and  producer. Monica Lisa has emerged as a dynamic artist and compassionate philanthropist who inspires something new and refreshing in everyone she touches

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We welcome back to the show Derek Pearson also known as Big D the Weatherman. Big D is quite the established industry executive. Here are some of the activities/accomplishments that he’s been involved with:  2015 Remy  Martin NYC Producer Series Judge, In Promotions Representative of the Year  Nominee -S.I.N. Awards, Member of the Voting Committee for the Global  Spin Awards, Derek Jeter “RE2PECT” Campaign Ambassador (with commercial  cameo), and 2015 CORE DJ Award for Excellence in Music.

Derek is currently the Sr Director of Promotions & Lifestyle Marketing at RocNation. Big D Creates national radio campaigns for the  active artists under the Roc Nation label such as: Buju Banton, The LOX,  Snoh Aalegra, and Rapsody. He works closely with the Marketing team on expansive rollout plans to create maximum campaign exposure, has  continued integration with the lifestyle outlets to increase awareness  on artist visibility, utilizes in-house brands like Paper Planes  Clothing and D'usse Cognac to create high level events, and incorporates  digital data and analytics to hone in on areas of concentration to continue to target/magnify areas that are doing well or need  improvement.

Derek’s key areas of expertise are but not limited to: Securing radio play artists, Networking with radio and entertainment executives on  behalf of artist and label, Budget management, Artist development, Leadership and mentoring of staff and Record promotions.

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On this episode we will talk about mental health, how to navigate 2021, and some strange happenings already going down this year.

Now more than ever independent artists thirst for an opportunity to be heard. Indie Review Radio is the catalyst to do just that. Each week  the show will feature the best and greatest in the world of independent  musicians artists and seasoned industry professionals. The show will  include new music by indies, the latest in industry trends by seasoned industry professionals and a wealth of information for independent artists that are looking for what's next in their careers.

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Jamiyl "Hellz Yea!" Adams was molded  by Brooklyn, but the world has become his stage. To date, his noteworthy  beats and lyrical craftiness has gotten head nods from many industry  notables. For well over 10 years, production and Hip-Hop artistry has  been the conduit that has ushered Hellz into life as a bourgeoning  business man. One Dynasty Entertainment has fast become a  one-stop shop for all artists, new and seasoned. Services include  distribution, production, writing and a full studio for recording,  mastering and live showcasing. Atlanta has proven to fertile ground as  the company continues to grow. Nestled in Atlanta, One Dynasty Studios has proven to be much needed and appreciated. Business has been  booming, and clients appreciate the model that eliminates hourly rates  and provides full song packages. As his love for lyrics entices him,  Hellz often finds himself back in the booth. Most recently he penned a  masterful ode to an old favorite from the south titled Moonshine, with Mississippi producer, Avevo. Other recent projects include The Essence, and Last Night at the Dojo.  Currently, Hellz is finalizing his much-anticipated album, The Last God and mixing and mastering for some of Atlanta’s finest talent at One Dynasty Studios.

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Nestled in the heart of the Historic Village of Stone Mountain you’ll  find Sweet Potato Café. The ambiance is just as delightful as the meals  and every bite is a perfect blend of seasoning and love. Since 2011 Chef  has been crafting her unique, soul fusion, farm to table meals. The  fresh vegetables are often times straight from her charming on-site  garden. Customers are more than intrigued by it all, they are smitten  and often come back for their favorites which include; Fried Green  Tomatoes, the fantastic fish on Fried Fish Fridays or the infamous  Sunday Brunch.Its popularity and exquisite cuisine have not gone  unnoticed. Sweet Potato Café has been awarded the prestigious “100  Plates Locals Love” distinction by Georgia Department of Economic  Development’s Tourism Division (GDEcD) for its Fried Green Tomatoes. It  was the first restaurant in Stone Mountain to be recognized by Atlanta  Eats, as well as highlighted on its website. In addition, Sweet Potato  Café has been featured in the AJC as a top five OTP restaurant for its  Sunday brunch. Although Chef Karen hails from a family of chefs, it was  actually preparing meals for her children that she fell head over heels  in love with cooking. So much so, that she went on to receive her  culinary training from Atlanta Technical College. Which was followed by  five years of perfecting and honing her craft while operating a  successful catering business. Chef Karen is a Georgia Grown member and  over the years has provided cooking demonstrations at Grady Memorial  Hospital for its diabetic patients. She joined First Lady Michelle  Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools initiative, working with the Drew Charter  School in Atlanta, and volunteered at Project Open Hands. She has also  partnered with Atlanta Area Schools for the deaf, providing needed  skills to students needed to work in a restaurant environment.

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You may have heard Marley Young being touted by Tech N9ne or maybe you saw the IG video of Nelly rocking out to his break out single ‘Drip Crip God’?  Although Marley is no stranger to the game, his burgeoning hip hop  career has been on the upswing in recent years. Most noted for is cool  demeanor, lack of gimmicks and raw talent, it is no wonder that he has  been deemed “next up” by industry hitters. Hailing from Kansas City,  Missouri, a young Marley was enamored by the arts and the idea of  creativity. Having entered Shakespearian competitions and written  scripts could only catapult the then young talent into the stellar  artistry that we now witness. His hometown has provided the perfect  backdrop for Marley to paint the robust and colorful pictures that so  many look forward to through his music, The Marley Experience. Marley Young has been busy. Behind the scenes he has penned for Hip Hop notables, Gucci Mane and Young Bloods. He and his team have launched, HITM Music Group,  a Kansas City based label that will nurture and develop local and  independent talent. His cup runneth over! His dues in the game have not  gone unnoticed. You can catch Marley on the Tech N9ne’s latest album as a feature titled, ‘For Ya Love’. His other break out singles, ‘Makaveli’ and ‘Drip Crip God’ can be found on Spotify and are headed to a stage near you.

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As a young Syrian Kurdish refugee washing dishes in a restaurant to  support his family, Heval Kelli could not know that many years later he  would be a distinguished fellow in cardiology at a university less than  one mile from where his journey in the United States began.  Facing a  steep language learning curve, a monthly rent payment, and mountains of  dirty dishes, Heval knew things could be much worse.  He and his family  fled persecution in Syria where his father was beaten and imprisoned by  the pol​ice. As members of the Kurdish minority, the family had few  choices and paid a smuggler to get them out.  His family arrived in  Germany in 1996 and lived in refugee camps till 2001. A circuitous route  of migration finally brought them to the United States 2 weeks after  the 9/11 where they were assisted by members of All Saints’ Episcopal  Church in their adjustment and resettlement in Clarkston, Georgia.  Through a network of caring community members, Heval was introduced to  Dr. Omar Lattouf, an Emory cardiothoracic surgeon who took an interest  in mentoring him through his undergraduate pre-med work at Georgia State  University and his admission to Morehouse School of Medicine where he  graduated cum laude and selected by his classmate as "Most Inspiring  Person" award. He finished his internal medicine residency training at  Emory University and received recognition as resident of the year as  well as honorable distinctions in social and inpatient medicine. Dr.  Kelli was awarded the Katz Foundation Fellowship in Preventative  Cardiology at Emory University where he completed his cardiology  fellowship in 2020. As a result of his life experiences, Dr. Kelli is a  steadfast advocate for serving communities in need especially immigrant,  refugee and minority communities.  He is a co-founder of several  non-profit organizations focused on medical mentorship (Young Physician  Initiative & U-Beyond) and healthcare outreach.

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Having grown up in the city of Newark, NJ, Campbell often explains that her life has been difficult. However, she maintains that the music was always there to help her cope with every hardship. Gail Campbell has a Rock-N-Roll, Blues, Hip hop vibe, and the music, paired with Campbell’s soulful voice, displays a sound that critics are comparing to the likes of such music greats as Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and even Aretha Franklin. Gail Campbell has recently released her highly anticipated debut album, "BLOODY WATERS." A beautifully heart wrenching, soul redeeming journey through Gail Campbell's heart, and it's also a feast for the ears. With her retro style and deeply personal lyrics, it’s clear that Campbell is an artist with a style all her own.

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Chris Walker of Black Nerds Club stops by to talk about the Nerdies. In honor of Black History Month, the Black Nerds Club introduces, The Nerdies. The online award show consists of 28 awards, one for each day of February, that will post on Black Nerds Club’s Instagram page, @blacknerdsclub. The Nerdies celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of black nerds and raises awareness of their contributions to culture and community through their passionate commitment to their nerdy pursuits.

This ovation is a tribute to this unique grouping and of their enrollment in black excellence in the areas of music, technology, fashion, the arts and beyond. The world is welcomed to join in this celebration of greatness. Black Nerds’ goal is to ignite a conversation about the powerful role black nerds play in culture and the need for it to be highlighted.

Black Nerds Club provides a space for interaction, conversation, and connection. The community embraces the nerdy side of black culture- smart, intellectually curious, and unabashedly geeky fun.

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Tamera Currington never imagined that her desire to create a safe place for women of color around health and wellness would result in such success. Her Vegan Soul Sistuhs Facebook and Instagram groups have exceeded her wildest expectations while creating a platform for growth and discovery. The Facebook group is a dream for anyone that is curious about a vegan, vegetarian, vegan-ish or a plant-based lifestyle. It is ripe with recipes, questions about transitioning to healthier eating, health tips, and is managed by over 100 administrators.

Vegan Soul Sistuhs was founded out of the love for Tamera’s then 20-year-old daughter that was suffering from congestive heart failure. Together they adapted a plant based, vegan diet and the results were astounding. Tamera released 60 pounds and was able to make adjustments to her medication while her overall health increased. Her daughter, after suffering two strokes, was able to double her heart function and was on the mend.  She was sure that other could benefit from this information and so began her labor of love. Two years later, Vegan Soul Sistuhs has grown to over 40,000 members, and continues to thrive. Branded merchandise includes t-shirts, hoodies, bags, and cook books. This year she is planning her first retreat in Jamaica and has launched an additional Facebook group, “VeganSoulsistuhs & the BrothasWhoLove em”, so the men can feel the love too. A new partnership finds Vegan Soul Sistuhs expanding beyond social media. You can expect to see them in your city soon conducting cooking classes, workshops and other branded events.

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Samuel (@samalimusic) completed his first book, "Hybrid Executive,"  [The new Terminology and Responsibilities of today's artists.] In the  pages, Samuel expounds on how technology affected various roles in the  music industry, what make these roles essential and how these roles  interact with each other. Within his discussions of concepts and  principles, Samuel also adds his personal experiences, which makes  "Hybrid Executive," an exciting and informative read. Samuel considers  "Hybrid Executive," a self-empowering manual for today's indie artists. Hybrid  Executive is a terminology and title today’s Indie artists can proudly  use to define who they are. In this book, Samuel explains why it’s  essential for up and coming artists to be familiar with all sectors of  the modern music industry [such as management, artist & repertoire.  Production, distribution, marketing, and sales, etc.] combined with  understanding how each area interacts with the other. Samuel has worked with artists and groups such as B2K,  Horace Brown, 112, Courtney Fadlin, His Voice, Lovener Walcott,  Aquannette Chinnery, Delroy Souden, Miriam Corlette Williams and Nhojj  to mention a few. He has contributed music to T.V. shows - Dr. 90210,  The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, Property Ladder, How Clean Is Your  House, Millionaire Matchmaker, and many others. He has also scored for  films such as The Lockdown Club, All I Want, Moving In, Blue Suitcase,  The Documentary: On The Road to Love Pain & Redemption and more.

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Born and raised in Woodbridge, New Jersey, Ali Caldwell is a  thrilling independent artist with dynamic vocals and a contemporary  R&B sound that invokes a sense of nostalgia. Growing up, she was an  eclectic lover of music, citing influences of Brandy, Pink, Celine Dion,  Yolanda Adams, and Beyonce. Ali has provided supporting vocals for  Christina Aguilera on tour for her record breaking performance to  250,000 fans in Rabat, Morocco. She has also shared the stage with the  likes of Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, and Kevin Ross among many others.  Ali was a Semi-Finalist on Season 11 of NBC's The Voice as the last  standing member of Team Miley Cyrus. Ali now continues to make a name  for herself in the entertainment industry, traveling the world and  headlining her own tours in Europe. Ali will be joined by Divinity Roxx  and heading up the east coast for their Color Art Tour. AliKats, as Ali  affectionately refers to her fans, are in for a real treat as the  powerhouse vocalist and electrifying bass guitarist Divinity Roxx host  an intimate gathering that offers guests an up close and personal  evening with these twin talents.  Starting late August, the tour will be  making stops in Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Philadelphia, PA and  Washington, DC and more. Additional dates are still being added. While Ali is known for her awe inspiring and dynamic performances on  both The Voice and The Four, Divinity is remembered for her compelling  performances for President Barack Obama, The Grammy’s, and her  appointment as Beyonce’s bass player and assistant Musical Director. An  equal admiration brought the two together and they are equally as  excited to invite their fans to join them for this evening of  excellence. Both having toured heavily around the globe, they saw it  fitting to share more of themselves with the their fans and loved ones  in the United States.

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Derrick Muhammad native from Youngstown, Oh, is independent film producer and recently became Vice President of Programming for the all new Jam Network. As a touring stand up comedian Derrick has performed on the college circuit and comedy clubs in the Midwest, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Derrick also starred in the award winning indie suspense thriller; The Buyout,: "American Pimp- Rosebudd and Insecurity.with appearing on television, commercials and theater. In 2017 Derrick Produced, co wrote, directed and co starred with R&B legend Karyn White “Gale & Storm streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide. He has developed several projects in various stages of development for Karyn White Entertainment and his production company Mecca Don Films. Derrick is a visionary filmmaker who mission is to change the negative image of black people globally through film, television, literature, music and comedy.  “ If you do nothing, nothing will happen.”

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Kelly spent 15 yrs as a marketing executive in the entertainment industry. During that time she marketed/ promoted recording artists from obscure unknowns to popular household names. Many of them received Grammy Awards and multi-platinum status. In 2005 it all came to an end, when the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) became too much to manage in the fast paced, stressful world of entertainment. Kelly was laid off thereafter. Kelly put her years of experiences together and formed a new company, Insider Branding Secrets. She now empowers passionate but struggling solo service entrepreneurs to build powerful brands, develop magnetic, compelling marketing messages, identify that ideal target audience, attract more clients, more visibility & more money. Using the Insider Branding Secrets she's learned after yrs of marketing success, Kelly is able to provide the effective tools and easy-to-implement strategies to increase visibility and income. Some of the artists Kelly has worked with include Mary J. Blige, P.Diddy, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah. In an attempt to find alternative ways of treating MS, Kelly was introduced to a health  wellness coach and got hooked. She decided to get certified as a wellness coach and begin a new career that she blends with her branding Co. Becoming a wellness coach allowed her to live a less stressful life.

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Range Da Messenga  is an emcee, singer, songwriter, vocal coach, vocal arranger, poet and  dreadlocked philosopher, from Southwest Virginia. Range Da Messenga has  recently teamed up with Philly’s premier underground beat-maker Hezekiah  for an exclusive 6 track digital-maxi single. Warming the world up for  their upcoming EP “Battlecry”, Range & Hezekiah drop a ripple in the  placid waters of soul/R&B with a mosaic of hip-hop, soul, gospel  and world music upbringing infused in 6 songs. In the past two years, RANGE DA MESSENGA has flourished in countless popular live music venues of Philadelphia as the next soulful singer & songwriter to watch. Hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Range has been singing, songwriting, rapping, arranging, recording, and performing for over half his life, but only since he moved to Philadelphia in 2010 did he begin to grab the attention of America's soulful elite. Sharing stages with the likes of Bilal, Raheem DeVaughn, Glenn Lewis, Marsha Ambrosius, Lupe Fiasco, Syleena Johnson, Kindred the Family Soul, The Wailers and many more, RANGE DA MESSENGA is poised to be the next recognizable voice in the world of Hip Hop Soul.

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Founder of NABFEME, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc., and creator of the Women Who Jam! an all female artistic movement, Johnnie Walker holds the distinction of being named the first female Sr. Vice President of Promotion for the Island Def Jam Music Group and the only female to ever hold that position for the company. In 2005, Walker was honored with the Woman of Conscience Award from Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rainbow/PUSH. Ms Walker also received Delta Sigma Theta’s 2006 Osceola Award, the highest honor given to professionals in the arts. In 2009 Women’s eNews named Walker as one of New York's 21 Leaders for the 21st Century. In 2010, Memphis newspaper, the Tri State Defender, named Johnnie Walker a “Woman of Excellence.” Walker’s career began as a country music radio personality. She later segued to a Black music radio opportunity in Memphis, TN at KRNB. In 1989, Johnnie Walker's marketing zeal brought her to the attention of Russell Simmons at Def Jam Recordings, where he wooed her from a career in radio broadcasting to become one of the label’s regional marketing reps. Within one year she was promoted from Regional Promotions Manager, to National Director of Promotion. The Sr. National Director position soon followed and positioned Johnnie to be instrumental in launching the careers of Redman, Method Man, Onyx, Montell Jordan and Foxy Brown! In 1997, Johnnie continued her "WIN" philosophy with a move to New York City where she assumed the position of Vice President of Promotion for Def Jam Recordings, Inc. Two years later, she restructured the company’s promotions department, created their much sought after “R&B Radio Promotions Guide,” and hired the company’s first national promotions field staff. This was most significant because the staff was primarily comprised of young, inexperienced field reps that Johnnie molded into a "winning force." Together, this force successfully marketed the Def Comedy Jam, Phat Farm clothing and Russell Simmons' co-produced movies, "The Nutty Professor,” Jackie Chan’s “Rush Hour 1 and 2” plus several #1 Gold and Platinum albums from Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Sisqo, Kelly Price, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DMX, LL Cool J, Musiq Soulchild, Dru Hill and others. In 2004 after 15 years of tenure at Def Jam Recordings, Johnnie Walker moved to Los Angeles, CA and accepted the position of Head of Black Music for DreamWorks Records, handling the musical careers of The Isley Brothers, Floetry, Burt Bacharach, Jon B and many others.

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Abiah spent his childhood with his single mother, an accomplished musician who accompanied the late operatic Baritone William Warfield in earlier years.  She introduced him to the singers who would become Abiah’s influences: Sarah Vaughn, Anita Baker and later Nina Simone.  “They were great singers and song interpreters,” he says. “They  were text painters and I believe that’s a lost art.” Abiah honed his  skills through the years as a background singer for artists George  Michael, Chuck Mangione, Amel Larrieux and Yolanda Adams while cutting  his chops in opera as a voice major in college.  By the time his debut  album was released in 2006, Abiah already knew exactly what he brought  to the table — a warm, engaging voice and unassailable taste in music.  His debut album was an underground smash. His video Love For a While, a duet with Shanice Wilson became a hit on VH1 Soul and BET J. Not completely vacant from the music since his debut album, Abiah got practically handed an unexpected cottage industry, when he became an in-demand vocal coach. Initial inquiries from singer-friends impressed by his sound and range has blossomed into a side-business that finds him coaching major label artists, up-and-comers, solid pros hankering to rise up to that proverbial next level, and musical game show contestants hoping to impress celebrity judges with noticeably increased prowess.  He also made an appearance on an Emmy nominated episode  of MTV's MADE. But along with his passion for coaching artists and  creating great music in the studio, performing is what Abiah loves  most. “There is nothing like feeling and seeing the atmosphere change in a room,” he says. “It’s so important to be in touch with your audience. They come to hear music but leave with their lives changed because of the music. That  is my job and calling." The new album, Life As A Ballad, boasts of gems  like the gorgeous opener,"September", a well orchestrated melange of  achingly mature lyric writing full throated, flowing and tautly controlled vocal drama, lush Beatles-esque harmonies and transcendent, transporting melodicism. There is also the poignant "Doves", a modern interpretation of a Prince classic, as well as seven other self-penned originals. But it’s hardly business as usual for this Rochester, NY native. It never is for Abiah, whose irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma once led Billboard magazine to call him “a singer with an innate ability for passionate songwriting that one cannot learn.” To help him capture the songs’ intimacy, Abiah turned to Blue Note recording artist Robert Glasper, who happens to be his cousin, guitarist/arranger Marvin Sewell, his long time collaborator, and co-producers Keith Witty and Ulysses Owens, Jr. “We definitely have a great chemistry in the studio which is why we were able to record the entire album in one day. Talk about a quick turn around," Abiah says with a laugh. “Robert added such beautiful fabric to the music. Marvin was overflowing with genius and Keith helped me to find all the "right" things like a mad scientist.”

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From  Hollis, Queens to Hollywood, Emmy award winning filmmaker, editor,  writer, visualist.  No stranger to the music and film production scene,  Bobby’s work can be seen all across the world through music videos,  television, and soon to be, the big screen.  With a gamut of work that  reflects a wide variety of genres and styles, Bobby has created his own  path in this game, positioning himself as one of the top directors to  watch. From growing up in his hometown of Hollis, Queens, to later  becoming a maverick in the New Orleans Hip Hop music scene through  producing a ground breaking local television program that literally  helped break and shift the careers of some of the biggest artists known  today, Bobby had already accomplished much in his early days.  Since  then, he has grown and developed into one of the most gifted and  talented trendsetters on the music video scene.  Fusing a highly crafted  directorial vision along with his strong background in visual effects,  Bobby’s work has set a standard for utilizing the latest in post and  digital camera technology, ushering in the new wave of today’s  burgeoning digital filmmaking scene. He recently directed a cross  promotional campaign for Ford Motors and TV One for their hit show  “Unsung”, shooting two major car spots within one year.  Stepping  forward, Bobby has recently devoted much of his efforts to one of his  personal loves, Gospel Music.  Him and his team, the Hitsquad  Collective, have single handedly become the De-facto standard and “goto”  company for top level Gospel music videos, completing music videos for  such artists as Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, and Karen  Clark Sheard.  Capturing provocative emotional moments within highly  crafted narratives, these videos reflect Bobby’s strong storytelling  abilities. Currently focusing his efforts on his first feature film  entitled, Martian, Bobby continues to refine and develop his craft as a  director.  With Faith, integrity, passion for change, and a commitment  to excellence, Bobby continues his rise as one of the new directors to  watch for on the independent filmmaker and commercial scene.

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The 23-year-old  singer, songwriter, and musician, is a spark of light for the Pop/Rock genre. Born in California, raised in Brooklyn, her bohemian east village style is subtle, fly, and relatable. Her experience growing up in a church choir, gives her music an airy and optimistic feel. Krissy Krissy’s debut single “Dream” hit iTunes on March 20 and has been making waves ever since. Debuting in the TOP 10 at Clear Channels I Heart Radio. The popularity of her debut video for “Dream” landed it a featured spot on MTV.com, and it has over 16,000 hits on YouTube.  MTVu recently featured “Dream” on its Freshman Pick of the week contest where it competed against four talented up and coming artists; Krissy Krissy won the contest. In the blog and media world, New York City tastemaker, Vashtie featured Krissy Krissy on her blog, saying, “Check out this rising star, Krissy Krissy, just some good old real music.” Along with that, popular German blog ‘Urbanista’ listed her as an inspiration, ‘Remington’s World’ blogged about her, “Creating beautiful art in the form of Pop/Rock songs,” then ‘Prepster’ choose “Dream” as a favorite of the week and, ‘Kara Ali’ blogged, “the video for the single “Dream” is off the chain!” In Krissy’s own words, “Dream Is a song that captures where I started and the determination I have to get to where I want will be. There’s nothin impossible.” W5H Media said it best, “It has been a long time since I heard a good pop rock song. The 90′s had a good share of artists that represented and gave the genre a well-deserved spot. But since then, only a hand full of individuals have managed to make an impact on the music industry. It’s said that talent sometimes skips generations and that just might be the case. Here comes Krissy Krissy.” Krissy Krissy will be opening for Kara Ali this summer on the “Cheap Red Wine” Tour, and other tour dates will be announced. Her second single “Suspicious” just made its debut on iTunes and she is finishing her first full EP “Above All.”

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Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef is a seasoned Grammy nominated singer,  songwriter, producer, and emcee. She received a Grammy nomination for  her contribution on the 2007 Roots hit, “Don’t Feel Right”, in the  category of best rap song. She has swapped musical licks with artists  such as Angelique Kidjo, Common, Nas, Dead Prez, Wilco, Zap Mama, Cody  Chesnutt, Martin Luther, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, and Talib  Kweli to name a few. As a collaborator and band member, Maimouna has  rocked the stages of many renowned venues such as Denver Colorado’s Red  Rocks Amphitheater, Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival, New York  City’s Legendary Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall. Youssef’s  musical endeavors with Grammy Award winning producer James Poyser were a  springboard for her to make her big screen debut in Dave Chappelle’s  hip hop documentary “Block Party.”After the birth of her son, she took a  short hiatus from the music business. She released her 1st solo EP  Black Magic Woman on March 1, 2011, which led her to headline 2 of  Washington DC’s most prestigious venues, The Kennedy Center and The  Carter Barron Amphitheater. In Sept 2011, she released her 1st  full-length album "The Blooming," which received The Washington Post’s  and The Washington City Paper’s votes for “Top 5 best albums released in  2011.” Later that year, she teamed up with her long-time friend Brian  Kyle Atkins, who was one of Okay Player’s pioneering forces, and the  personal videographer to rapper Common. Together they created the very  first visual for her leading single, “I Got A Man” produced by the Hip  Hop icon, Dj Jazzy Jeff. In Nov 2011, Mumu was awarded the title of  “Artist of The Year”, by the non-profit organization One Common Unity  for her dedication and commitment to empowering underserved youth.

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Human Beatboxer, MC, Host, Lecturer, Ambassador, These are only a few  words to describe a True Talent. Originally from the City of Brotherly  Love, Philadelphia D.R.E.S currently resides in Atlanta, GA, and has  been described as a multi-talented phenomenon. His name is an acronym  for the Divine Real Essence of Sound (D.R.E.S.). D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik  has been compared to artists such as Rahzel the Godfather of Noize,  Bobby McFerrin, Doug E. Fresh, and Biz Markie. In addition to the  artists mentioned, D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik has also taken the stage with  Black Eyed Peas, KRS-One, MF Doom, Busta Rhymes, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slick  Rick, Mos Def, Jurassic5, Dilated Peoples, Public Enemy, Talib Kweli, De  La Soul, Rakim, Del the Funkee Homosapien, DJ Krush, Massinfluence, the  Roots, Kanye West, DJ Green Lantern, Common, and Erykah Badu. D.R.E.S.  tha BEATnik also lent his talents to Open Transport, a  nationally-distributed video compilation featuring Pharoahe Monch,  Reflection Eternal, and many other underground hip-hop artists. Always  embarking on new adventures, in 2006, D.R.E.S. toured the People’s  Republic of China alongside Public Enemy’s Own DJ Lord. The 6-Week  experience placed D.R.E.S. in front of Thousands of Fans who had only  heard of Him on record. While in China, D.R.E.S. also made time to host a  number of Hip Hop Clinics in which he educated the Youth of China on  the Culture of Hip Hop, as well as, the responsibility of keeping the  Culture of Hip Hop alive. He also took the time to film his accounts in  China for a documentary called “The Beatnik Chronicles”. “I wanted to do  this so that the world can see for itself what its like to live in  China... I’m always looking to make a mark in the world and I believe  that Hip Hop is the key to communicating with the Youth”, D.R.E.S. said  in a recent interview. “The Role or Responsibility of an Artist is to  advance civilization, as we know it.”

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Jamaal  "Reality" Meeks strives for perfection when it comes to multi-tasking.  He is CEO of Future History LLC, Co-CEO of Faces In The Crowd Industry  Showcase, Producer, Artist Manager, Blogger, and Entrepreneur. He has  over 6 years of Music Industry Experience working as an A&R for SRC/  Universal Records working with the likes of Akon, David Banner, Asher  Roth, Melanie Fiona, Wu-Tang, Pharoahe Monch, Camp Lo, and many more. He  has also produced music for many of the shows you see on MTV, VH1 and  Bravo Channels (TRL, Direct Effect, Cribs, Real World, VH1 Hip Hop  Honors, Made, Sweet 16, 50 cent House Party, Shady National Convention,  to name a few. He recently released a compilation album entitled “Future  History LLC”. It was release digitally threw one of the top blogs  www.2dopeboyz.com. He produced all the beats on the album and it  features appearances from Bishop Lamont, Mistah Fab, Crooked I, Camp Lo,  Emilio Rojas, Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Lot-A-Nerv, Donny Goines and many  more. He also has a popular online lifestyle blog called  www.futurehistoryllc.com that generates a lot of traffic and gives him  an outlet to promote. He is also part of a great team called All Is One  Entertainment that puts on monthly showcases called “Faces In The Crowd”  for the unsigned community. So far they have helped 4 artist get major  label deals. One of the most notable artist they helped was "Chrisette  Michelle". Jamaal “Reality” Meeks is a name to know for the future. He  has an incredible passion for music and it can be heard in his music.  Get ready world this is FUTURE HISTORY LLC. Jamal will inform us on the  upcoming Faces showcase at the infamous SOB's in NY and more.

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Gordon Chambers is a Grammy winning singer-songwriter, record  producer who has written songs for over 75 recording artists including  Angie Stone, Yolanda Adams, The Isley Brothers, Brandy, Trey Songz,  Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Usher, Marc Anthony, Jamie Foxx, Aretha  Franklin, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé Knowles. His #1 hits as lyricist  include Anita Baker's hit "I Apologize", Brownstone's Grammy nominated  hit "If You Love Me", Angie Stone's "No More Rain (In This Cloud)", the  Grammy nominated theme of Set It Off "Missing You" (performed by Brandy,  Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan) and Yolanda Adams "Someone  Watching Over Me". He is the winner of 8 awards from ASCAP, has 4 Dove  Award nominations, and has been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, winning  for the song "I Apologize" that he wrote for Anita Baker. His songs have  been performed at the ESSENCE Awards, AMA's, The Goodwill Games and the  White House. His prestigious appearances, in addition to acclaimed  European and Japanese tours, have included The Congressional Black  Caucus, The Apollo Theater, Constitution Hall, B. B King's and the  Kennedy Center. While working as entertainment editor for Essence mag in  93, an interview with Queen Latifah led to the opportunity to write the  song "Winki's Theme" that appeared on her 1993 album Black Reign. His  solo albums have been nominated for Independent Soul Album of the Year  by Soultracks.com and have been among CDBaby's top R&B sellers. His  first solo album "Introducing Gordon Chambers" was released in 2005. The  debut featured special guests Carl Thomas, Glenn Lewis, Sara Devine,  Roy Hargrove and Mike Phillips. His 2nd album, Love Stories, was  released in 2007 and features soul artist Ledisi. Gordon Chambers  upcoming album titled "Sincere" features duets with Sara Devine and  Candace Coles.

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Born in Richmond, VA Jarrard Anthony was best known as a 3yr old Chuck  Berry impersonator. Demonstrating an early aptitude for writing songs to  video game melodies, Anthony caressed his 1st keyboard on Christmas at  age 10. By HS, he’d made a commitment to share his gifts and seriously  study his craft, learning from influences as varied as Maurice White of  Earth Wind and Fire, Sting, Jodeci, and the bright-voiced Corey Day from  Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band. While in school, Anthony joined  an R&B group, Personal Preference, learning the art of compromise  and collaboration that would later inform his writing for artists like  Howard Hewitt, Franklin Roberts, Bobby Lyle, Tonia Woods and being  sought after for studio work with Levi Little of Blackstreet, Tim  Dillinger, CJ Lewis, and producer Joshua Thompson. Refinement in dance,  voice, and performance came through 10,000 gladwell hrs of group  rehearsals, lessons, talent show and local radio showcases, before  eventually wowing the Apollo audience in NY, ultimately taking the  Amateur night win. At 19 Anthony decided to step out on his own,  releasing a single “So D-vine”. His indie EP debut, The Dream, soon  followed as did a #2 spot on the UK charts. Anthony’s early recording  success overseas opened the doors for relationships with famed producers  Nate Smith, Bob Baldwin, Nolan Doran, and Joe McMinn, who worked for 2  yrs with Anthony on Don’t Sleep Just Dream. An international “Don’t  Sleep Just Dream” tour followed, taking Anthony around the globe  subsequently turning down financially dubious major label deals, earning  the moniker, Mr. Independent. Over the next 5 yrs, Mr. Independent  would launch a label, JAP Music Ent Group, and a major distribution deal  with Bungalo/Universal. With the NIA/Purpose Music Group distributed  Ready to Live, Jarrard lyrically/musically demonstrates a marked  evolution from a carnal, young R&B lothario to growing man.

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Jennifer Cruté started writing comics in 2003. She is featured in a Current TV  segment about women in comics called "Kapow! The New Comic Book  Heroines." At the East Coast Black Age of Comics convention (ECBACC),  her strips were nominated for "Best Rising Star" in it's Glyph Comic  Awards (GCA) category. Her cartoons were featured in "Bitch" magazine's  2009 winter issue. She was a finalist in Lambda Legal's "Life Without  Fair Courts" contest and was also a speaker on the "Dark As Ink" panel  at Skidmore College. Jennifer is also a painter and studies at the Art  Students League of New York. She continues to develop a body of work in  oil and mixed media. She has shown her work at the Museum of  Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) museum in Brooklyn; The  Limner Gallery in Hudson, N.Y.; And the Ocean Hill Arts Sanctuary in  Brooklyn. She also works as a freelance illustrator  (www.jennifercrute.com), and her clients include Merck, Tanqueray,  Nabisco, and Sony. Jenn recently completed a comic for adults entitled,  “Jennifer's Journal The Life of a SubUrban Girl Vol 1.” It’s the first  book in a series that chronicles the life of this quirky and  freckle-face, African American illustrator and artist. Pages from actual  journals illustrate this misfit’s upbringing in the suburbs of New  Jersey and her daily interactions as an adult in New York City.  She  introduces several colorful characters which include a host of grumpy  family members, schoolmates that tease and gossip, and her close friends  Josephine and Maryland’s own awkward experiences. Jennifer’s imaginary  companions also influence her actions; they range from the meditative  "Miss Buddha Bear" to her nemesis "Sister Sympathy" and her gang. Each  accompanies Jennifer as she tries to maintain a positive outlook and  peace of mind while battling the insanity of popular culture.

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Born on Valentine’s Day, this Arizona-born songstress, songwriter & producer had sounds of soul music flowing through her veins at an early age. While voice training in those days started at her grandmother’s church, her professional singing career began as a child when she was chosen to sing background vocals for the legendary Jeffrey Osborne, and for the Rock Band Yes. The former beauty pageant winner decided long ago that music was her true passion and has set her sights on her dream ever since.  While studying classical voice at Howard University, Tobin gained stage experiences performing with the school’s Chorale in which during President Clinton’s Inaugural Gala on the National Mall, performing background for Diana Ross, Whitley Phipps, and shared the stage with Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Shai and many others.  Having performed demos and background vocals for artists such as Joe, Chico DeBarge, Coolio, Chante Moore, Korea-based Uptown, Coco Lee and Mica Paris has prepared her for her moment to shine as a solo artist.  Although most of her influences are male singers like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Donny Hathaway, Tobin is reminiscent of the sultry sounds and richness of R&B or Jazz singers of yesterday. Teri Tobin independently released her critically acclaimed debut LP, LOVE INFINITY, spring 2011. Since then, she has released her first Christmas EP, CHRISTMAS CHILD. Tobin's music can be heard on radio stations worldwide as well as countless podcasts, DirecTV, and on select airlines In-Flight. Her international hit-single "Free" remained at the #1-spot for continuous weeks on various charts in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Tobin, SoulTracks 2011 Readers' Choice Awards and Independent Music Awards Nominee, is currently touring select cities in the U.S. with her "Love&Sōl LIVE" concert series which kicked-off at the legendary Roxy Theatre in December. On Valentine's Day 2012, she released the title track and first single "So Good to Me" feat. Morris Alan from her forthcoming sophomore full-length album entitled, SO GOOD TO ME scheduled for release June 2012. Tobin punctuates each line with heart and soul, speaking to every generation with each melodic phrase. 

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CILLA K.  is a producer, singer and songwriter based in New York. Her music  brings Jazz, Alternative Rock, Hip Hop Soul and Funk music influences  together. She was first noticed for her collaborations with Junius  Bervine (early N.E.R.D team), Jneiro Jarel and for producing her debut  album "Fine Line" released in April 2010. Born in the French Caribbean  (Guadeloupe), Cilla was accepted by Sarah Lawrence College where she  studied History. On her way to a casting call in Chelsea, she ran into  David Pattillo, a producer/writer in Nyc, The 2 worked together over a  period of 3 years, brought on board other artists such as Clay Sears and  Mr. Khaliyl of 'Da Bush Babees'. Cilla K. also produced her 2nd album  "New World Lullabies" released in February 2012, featuring  collaborations with Chicago based producers Tensei, U.K producer Sid  Mercutio. 

Carmen Rodgers: The Bitter  Suite, part-one of Carmen Rodgers’ newest project after a 5 yr Hiatus,  was released worldwide Summer 2010 to critical-acclaim. On May 2, 2011  “The Bitter Suite – Deluxe Edition” released featuring 3 additional  tracks including house remixes by International House DJ & Producer  Salah Ananse. The New Year brought in several unique opportunities including an exclusive Indie artist feature on BET.com, Centric.com and  Soul Train. Intermission, part-two of the sophomore project will drop  Fall, 2012 which includes a duet with rising Soul Star, Anthony  David. Singing background with various artists, including Stax recording  artist N’Dambi, allowed her to develop a unique style. Owning and  operating Candigirl Music with partner Michael Reimonenq of Acoustical  Endeavors Ent. has given Carmen the ability to have free range in her  creativity and business decisions. Fans can look forward to a  sensational album fusing musicality, melody and lyrics. 

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Kangol is being honored by the American Cancer Society on May 17th at their annual Pink and Black Tie Gala in Brooklyn for the work he has  done raising funds and awareness for Breast Cancer with the Mama Luke  Movement, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner  Shaunda Lumpkin. In May 2010, Shaunda's mother Gay Frances Lucas aka  Mama Luke lost her 3 year battle with breast cancer 2 weeks after  enjoying a cruise of a lifetime when she joined Kangol and Shaunda on  the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage. Mama Luke had the pleasure of meeting  many classic Hip Hop artists on this cruise and, in hearing of her  passing, many of them have joined Kangol to be part of Team Mama Luke's  fundraising efforts. "After years of watching the Jackson Five, Sylvers,  Osmond Brothers and Tom Jones and deciding he wanted to be an  entertainer, Kangol was asked to join rap group UTFO as a breakdancer.  While "Roxanne, Roxanne", their phenomenal top 10 single screamed up the  charts, U.T.F.O. were voted best rap group, at the Urban Music Awards,  had featured spots on Don Cornelius' Soul Train, Phil Donahue Show and  performed live for actors like Dustin Hoffman, Tony Danza and was the  first rap group to perform at Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater as  they opened for Hall & Oates and Temptation's Eddie Kendricks and  David Ruffin. Kangol acquired his nickname from neighborhood friends,  because of the many Kangol hats he owns and wears. He is also officially  sponsored by Kangol Headwear, Inc. He balances his time between  Producer, Composer, Performer, Artist Manager, Songwriter, President of  his music production company, Kangol's Kreations, Inc., and CEO of his  Public Relations firm, Kreative Media Group. His lecturing at High  Schools and Colleges nationwide (including Harvard) on today's business  of music has led this Brooklynite to receiving a proclamation from NYC  for being the first Haitian in Hip-Hop Music.  

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Yewande returns to talk to us about her upcoming excursion to the motherland. Yewande has been recognized as one of the most sought after independent  artists in the world. After nearly a 5 yr hiatus from the recording  industry, she is back to finish telling her story on her highly  anticipated album, “Rebirth.”  Blessed with a voice “heard only once in a  lifetime”, her message is unapologetically the same - to speak  universal truths about issues that many artists shy away from – poverty,  war, religion, love – but while she still proudly rocks the unique  brand of Alternative Soul that first captivated fans and critics alike,  something is profoundly different. With original songs that include  titles like “Tomorrow”, “Skin”, “Cold” and “Criminal”, her sound is  bigger, bolder, and if at all possible even more confident than her  early award-winning songwriting. “Rebirth” reflects the journey of a  lioness who’s been patiently waiting to capture her prey. Her target is  squarely aimed at your heart and based on insider response, will  undoubtedly land in heavy rotation on your mP3. Much like her  progressive contemporaries - Lenny Kravitz, BOB, Outkast, Black Eyed  Peas, Meshell N'degeocello - Yewande's music continues to defy  boundaries. She shares, "my music is written from the rollercoaster  called life, colored with shades of joy, loss, struggle and triumph. In  an industry where image and formula driven artistry have so often  trumped talent, listeners may be wondering if this new sound was  inspired by her abrupt departure. Or is it simply her birth name, which  in the Yoruba dialect of Africa means “reincarnation of mother”, that  predicted her inevitable return to finish what she started

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This Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/producer helped cultivate  the nu-soul scene in that city more than ten years ago, a scene which  now easily boasts some of the most progressive artists of that genre  to date, some of whom came directly from Sy’s own band line-ups. With 3  albums, 2 EPs, 1 greatest hits collection, and a live DVD already under  her belt, Sy is set to release her fourth studio project ‚ Fast And  Curious‚ in 2012. Her past projects usually include contributions from  numerous producers, including James Poyser, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Dre  King, Nicolay, and Ty Macklin. With Fast And Curious‚ the entire  production is aptly handled by jazz musician, electronic remixer, and  deejay Mark de Clive-Lowe (aka MdCL). Many fans are aware of Sy’s  previous work providing supporting vocals for the likes of Meshell  NdegeOcello, Usher, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Macy Gray, The Rickey  Minor Band (as seen on American Idol for six seasons), and quite  notably, Chris Botti (her performance of‚ Look Of Love‚ on his  Grammy-nominated live DVD, but Sy continues to gain new fans in the  trenches of the underground scene touring with acts like The Foreign  Exchange and Orgone. And even more recently, she’s teamed up with Sheila  E. and the Escovedo Family, providing them with her well-known  supportive vocals and vibrant energy. Sy has been a featured guest  and/or co-star on The Monique Show, The Tonight Show, DC’s Fox Morning  News, Chicago’s WGN Midday Show, and even on CBS’ HowI Met Your  Mother. She was a special guest performer at Constitution Hall for the  Horatio Algers Awards with a full orchestra mass choir backing her as she awed the audience with stunning gowns and a level of extravaganza  that had yet been unseen in that annual gala.  

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Jillian  was born to be a sweet inspiration. She could've become a really  inspiring lawyer, professor or heart surgeon, but the stage is her  medium of choice. Her debut EP album Searching For Home (The Urban Gypsy  EP) is heavily influenced by her Motown roots. “A few years ago, I sang  inside of Studio A at Hitsville USA. The famous Studio A!!! While I was  in that room, I did everything I could to soak up all of the hit-making  karma and the mojo from the ones who did it best. Marvin. Stevie. The  Temps. And of course, Ms. Ross.  I want to make music that means  something to people. And write songs that grow with you as you grow.”  Her writing is heavily influenced by those greats as well as her degree  in English Lit. and Afro-American Studies from The University of  Michigan. “I’ve studied the best writers who’ve ever lived. I’ve  analyzed Shakespeare’s wordplay and Frederick Douglass’ rhetoric. These  things definitely creep into my writing style and hopefully will develop  over the coming years.” The day after her UofM graduation, Jillian  embarked on her professional performing career by auditioning for Aretha  Franklin. Now living in New York City, she has already graced the stage  at the infamous Village Underground, Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar  and has held regular gigs at restaurants from Harlem to the West  Village. Also a classically-trained actress, Ms. Walker has appeared in  the off-broadway and National Black Theater Festival hit All American  Girls: A Negro League of Their Own, played Edmund in King Lear, Olivia  in Twelfth Night, Tituba in The Crucible, and Marvel Ann in Psycho Beach  Party.  Earlier this month she was seen playing the ingénue/budding  pop-star Angelique in a New York premiere adaptation of Moliere's  Imaginary Invalid and recently revisited the role of Tituba in The  Crucible at The New Ohio Theater.  She is not a stranger to film either,  and has starred in short films and appeared in small roles on Law &  Order: SVU. While no longer in Detroit, Jillian is staying close to her  Motown roots as a member of the well-known Inspirational Ensemble of  Convent Ave Baptist Church in Harlem, singing the gospel that formed the  basis of R&B.  While Searching for Home is available online,  selling copies in the UK, Japan and the US she has begun writing  material for the follow up album. More inspiration from the Urban Gypsy is on the way. Don’t wander too far.

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The music producer Self will join us on the show. Who is he? Well in his own words:  My  music can be described as soft, aggressive, manipulative, powerful, and  sometimes unbelievable. Mix these attributes with the ability to take  my interpretation of sound and create a masterpiece, you have  encountered a true craftsman in the world of music. Providing hits for  the likes of JAY-Z, DMX, JA RULE, DIPSET, MUSIQ SOUL CHILD just to name a  few. I have worked in my field with a passion and desire second to none  which has made me one of the most sought after producers of my era.  Supplying the music industry with some of the best music of our time, I  have managed to earn over 18 platinum plaques along with 20+ years of  experience in the music industry.  Specialties: Executive Producing, Producing, Consulting, Negotiating

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 Stacey  Muhammad is an award winning filmmaker who has written, directed and  produced a series of award winning short films of both the narrative and  documentary genres. She  has given presentations, lectures and participated in panel discussions  in both the academic and non academic setting on a broad range of  topics including independent filmmaking, hip hop culture and social  issues. Ms. Muhammad served on the national staff for the planning of  the Million Man March which served as inspiration for her first  documentary film, "A Glimpse of Heaven, the Legacy of the Million Man  March", released in 2005 to rave reviews. Since that time, the New  Orleans native has begun the work of documenting and preserving Hip Hop  culture through film and digital media and the creation of several award  winning short films. Her work includes multi-media projects, music  videos and short form films including, the award winning "I AM SEAN  BELL, black boys speak", which made its film festival premier at the  PATOIS, New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival. An  official selection to the HBO/Media that Matters Film Festival, where it  was awarded the "Speaking Out Award", this film has received national  acclaim and toured internationally, screening before audiences worldwide  as part of the HBO / Media that Matters one year film festival tour.  Her documentary film, "Out of our Right Minds, Trauma, Depression and  the Black Woman" was released in March 2010 and has already received  rave reviews. The film premiered at the PATOIS International Human  Rights Film Festival in New Orleans, LA. Her latest project, (short  narrative film) "FOR COLORED BOYS, REDEMPTION, starring Julito McCullum  (The Wire) and Rob Morgan (Pariah) is currently on the festival circuit.  As co-founder of Intelligent Seedz with activist / artist, Wise  Intelligent, Stacey is committed to teaching youth the art of filmmaking  and equipping them with the necessary tools to tell their stories. She  currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and serves as Assistant Film Festival  Director of the REEL SISTERS of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture  Series. She is currently penning her first feature script. 

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 Pezo Johnson  founder and executive director of the P.O.P program will fill us in on  the details and current efforts of this alternative to violence  organization targeted at teens. Here is an overview of P.O.P: The P.O.P  Program will first open the minds of the teens to give them a sense of  where their anger is rooted from. Then, it teaches them creative methods  to redirect their anger when in a verbal altercation before it becomes  physical. There are 7 methods of the P.O.P. program and it will teach  kids to use these methods to turn their pain and anger into song, poem,  or rap.  POP methods include the POP Lock, Remote Control, Sponging,  Baseline, Silent Chant, Creative Control, and Spray It. The POP Program  feature poetry, rapping, singing, acting and short stories during the  session. Some of the biggest rap superstars, like Jay-Z and Lil Wayne,  use one of the methods of creating and retaining songs in their head.  P.O.P is effective with all kids regardless of their background or race  because this program has music involved in every POP method. Please join  the movement and help bring POP to your city or country because we got  to help the youth make better decision instead of resorting to violence. 

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Ethiopian-born,  singer/songwriter Wayna possesses a voice that is as sweet and pure as  it is honest and passionate. This young talent’s love for music started  as a child, when she starred in theater productions like “Annie,” and  “Damn Yankees” and toured with a children’s musical review company.  Wayna went on to hone her vocal talents as a young adult by absorbing  the works of her favorite artists, including Minnie Riperton, Billie  Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. While  in college, Wayna was crowned Miss Black Unity of the University of  Maryland in 1995, earning a one year tuition scholarship and special  honors for “Best Talent” and “Best Response to Question” at the 17th  annual pageant. The following year, she founded a gospel quartet and  performed with the group at the World Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem,  NY, where they placed as finalists in the Amateur Night competition. She  traveled with the critically acclaimed University of Maryland Gospel  Choir and regularly performed at churches and gospel showcases  throughout the East coast. After earning a Bachelor’s degree with a  double major in English and Speech Communication from the University of  Maryland, Wayna began her professional career as a Writer in the White  House for the Clinton administration. But soon, the pull to realize her  dream as a recording artist would prove too great. She left to  concentrate on her music full-time. Since then, Wayna has collaborated  with legendary studio icon/producer Bill Laswell, with critically and  comercially hailed producer Eran Tabib, Jive Records producer, Veit  Renn, and former Touch of Jazz standout, Kev Brown. She is a featured  vocalist/co-writer on on the Sly and Robbie album, Version Born released  by Palm Pictures and also featuring contributions from Killah Priest,  Black Thought, and N’dea Davenport. She’s also served as a featured  vocalist and writer on a number of independent projects for artists,  including W. Ellington Felton, Kenn Starr, Kev Brown, Cy Young, and  Tamara Wellons. Wayna has recently opened for a number of  internationally recognized artists on the DC leg of their respective  tours, including Fantasia, Amerie, Common, Bobby Valentino, Jaguar  Wright, Kindred, and Chuck Brown. She’s performed and headlined at  renown venues such as the White House (DC), the Temple Bar (CA), the  Apollo Theater (NY), the Lincoln Theater (DC), Joe’s Pub (NY), Dream  Nightclub (DC), the Black Cat (DC), the 9:30 club (DC), Bohemian Caverns  (DC), Takoma Station (DC), the Ashford and Simpson Sugar Bar (NY), and  the Georgia Dome (GA). 

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Henry  himself is perhaps best recognized around the world as the sweet toned  trombonist featured in the Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, and trumpeter  Kermit Ruffins’ band, The Barbecue Swingers.  He has also recorded and  played with the Dirty Dozen, Treme and New Birth Brass Bands. He has  imparted his fiery melodies on stages everywhere from New Orleans  neighborhood barrooms to far away festivals before hundreds of thousands  in Canada, Japan Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Spain and Thailand and  command performances for the ambassadors of Senegal, Morocco, Egypt and  Kuwait. Long  before teaming up with any these vanguard ensembles however, Henry, now  36, had been leading his own band for over twenty years.   Like so many  other eager young musicians in the Crescent City, he hung around older  musicians to build his skills and develop his style.  In 1985, the  legendary musician, Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen, encouraged the  10-year-old prodigy, suggesting he put a band together.  The Lil’  Rascals Brass Band has been together now for 26 years, still challenging  second liners and rival bands with its hot beats.  The ensemble has  released two fine, very diverse albums.  In 1998, they demonstrated  their respect for traditional brass band music on We Shall Walk Through  the Streets of the City  which includes such classic numbers as “Paul  Barbarin’s Second Line.” And in 2001 they released Buck It Like a Horse,  a disc filled with sizzling original material, redefining a new era of  brass band music. Since  2008, Henry has been touring with Galactic and has recorded 3 albums  with them.In 2011, Henry started a new venture, establishing the Treme  Funktet. It’s a funky sextet that’s comfortable moving from jazz to  R&B and hip-hop, with an occasional visit to the second-line brass  band style.  “I wanted to explore something different—do some of my own  material and share some of my own ideas,” Henry says of the freedoms  offered by Treme Funktet. In 2012, Henry is a Grammy Winner with the  Rebirth Brass Band for the album Rebirth of New Orleans in the Best  Regional Roots Category. Now  working on his solo album, Corey Henry plans to pay tribute to all the  veteran New Orleans musicians from whom he learned his craft, absorbing  all they had to offer.  As a kid, he’d spend hours listening to  trombonists like Trummy Young, J.J. Johnson, Al Grey and Jack Teagarden.   He hails Fred Wesley as being especially influential to his musical  approach.  But no matter their style, these masters remain with Henry  contributing to his wonderfully uncommon sophistication and tone. 

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When you're first introduced to the soulful and artistic sound of *B~Free*, it is but a mere taste of all that this young lady is capable of. From the pureness of her voice to the depth of her lyrics, there is no doubt that the 24 year old singer, songwriter, producer and musician is sure to leave her mark on music scenes throughout the Midwest and beyond. Born in Chicago and raised in Milwaukee the inheritance of a musical family lead her to discover her love for the art form by the age of 2. She began singing and playing piano in her early years and has been writing and composing music since the age of 13. She majored in music throughout high school and college and has been thoroughly trained in a multitude of genres including jazz and classical flute, voice and piano. Since then, she has been able to hone her craft and develop a multifaceted sound. Now armed with a B.A. in Music Performance and working towards a Masters in Music Education, her main purpose is to share her gift with the world. She's performed in a number of venues throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including the Kennedy Center, Pabst and Riverside Theaters, The Metro, etc. She recently opened at the Double Door in Chicago for Slum Village and Dwele alongside Lili K. and The Secret Garden (which she is a notable member of.) March 1st 2012 marks the release her first independent project "Open Mic, Open Heart." It is a seven track studio album compiled of all original material composed, produced and performed by *B~Free* herself (along with a bonus track featuring production by Peter Cottontale.) Infused with traces of past and present generations of Soul, Hip Hop and R&B, It is an honest and passionate representation of all that is soon to come from the up and coming songstress.

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Every  so often a light shines into the darkness of musical mediocrity and  from the shadows emerges a fresh new artist with a gift that brings  illumination and perspective to their listeners. Born and raised in the  Bronx, New York, Colette Williams (affectionately known to her friends  as Colie) took the stage after her junior high school teacher recognized  her vocal talent. She encouraged Colie to attend Music & Arts High  School in Harlem where she majored in vocal studies. After graduation,  Colie continued her studies at Syracuse University where she  participated in their musical theatre program. Although an education  major, performing piqued Williams’ inherent love for music and provided  her with a restorative experience that she would be unable to deny.  Colie’s devotion to music and theatre led her to Washington, D.C. There  she began touring and performing with various professional theatre  productions, most notably, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  After concluding her theatre work, Colie turned her focus to developing  her own distinctive sound. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to  legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Donny  Hathaway, Roberta Flack and Sade.” Spirited by the influence of these  legendary greats, Colie began honing a melodious style all her own. With  an established vision for her sound and a new band, Colie Williams  featuring Soul For A New Day, naturally complement each other with  seamless precision during their performances of timeless covers and  enticing originals. Though often compared to songstresses like Jill  Scott and Teena Marie, Colie’s musical style uniquely blends sounds of  sultry jazz and classic R&B with therapeutic elements that speak to  the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her listeners. This  singer/songwriter creates music to lift, inspire and share her truth.  Colie's performances intentionally set out to create intimate landscapes  where she connects and shares her vision with the audience. Since  arriving to the District, Colie continues to gain popularity by  frequently appearing in famous U Street corridor venues that include,  Bus Boys and Poets, The Islander, and Jo-Jo’s. Colie’s audiences  frequently request her original material during her performances.  Melodic originals such as "Angel" and "All You Need" embody a balance of  spirit, melody and rhythms. Co-written with producers The Crank Bros.,  her style fuses Go-Go, Latin, Classic R&B and Jazz to create a  breath of fresh air to the urban adult contemporary music scene. As  Williams reaches back to call upon the classic styles of Ella, Sarah and  Billy to inspire her music, her message reaches forward towards today’s  audiences. 

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Slakah  the Beatchild; a highly sought after performing producer who has  produced for Canadian artists Justin Nozuka, Drake, Glenn Lewis, Divine  Brown, Ayah, Ebrahim and Melanie Durrant. He was nominated for a JUNO  Award for his work as a producer with artists Shad, Ebrahim &  Arabesque. In 2009 he was awarded a JUNO Award for the Divine Brown  album Love Chronicles. Member of hiphop duo the mighty “Art of Fresh”,  solo artist and creator of “The Slakadeliqs”. Slakah the Beatchild’s  fresh and unique solo material caught the attention of the legendary BBE  label in Europe (J-Dilla, Wil.i.Am, Pete Rock & Dj Jazzy Jeff). He  released a solo album entitled “Soul Movement Vol.I”, the first  installment of many. This album was met with international critical  acclaim. Videos from this album get considerable play on BETJ, VH1 Soul,  MTV, MuchMusic and MuchVibe. In addition to this project, he formed the  house-hop group Art of Fresh with long time friend D.O., a Guinness  World Record holder for longest freestyle. In 2008 they released an  album entitled “Back to the Earth” which earned a 4 star review in Eye  Weekly and Charted at #1 on the National College Charts. The group made  URB’s Next 1000 list. They have videos in rotation on MuchMusic, have  appeared on MTV Live and have had MySpace and YouTube features. The Art  of Fresh continue to build on their solid fan base and entertain crowds  across the globe. The Beatchild recently formed “The Slakadeliqs”.  Inspired by classic rock, reggae and pop influences such as: Tingsek,  Neil Young, The Guess Who, The Zombies, The B-52’s, UB40, Jimmy Cliff,  Bob Marley, The Beatles and Lenny Kravitz. The unconventional sound of  The Slakadeliqs highlights musical diversity. From his Hip Hop/soul that  he is most famous for to an eclectic, thoughtful sound that touches the  hearts of his listeners individually, Beatchild keeps us listening.  

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