VPR Radio

DJ FMi and Qianathegoddess, #yourfavoritelibraduo sit with corporate and celebrity Beauty, Wellness and Health Concierge, Eloria Michelle. She offers beauty and skin upkeep tips to the fellas, provides her thoughts on the pandemic- Covid 19- and how she pivoted her business during quarantine. 

www.eloriamichelle.com 

Kris Shelby sits with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess of VPR Radio to discuss his career in styling and how he works with artists on rebranding themselves through fashion. Kris also divulged his business relationship as personal stylist and image consultant to artist Jeezy and what it was like to style him for his wedding and upcoming tour. 

Namel is a bright and talented artist that became paralyzed as a teenager due to reckless behavior from his cousin, who was playing with a gun. After recovering, some years later, he partnered with another friend who also used a wheelchair due to gun violence, Ricardo. Together, they formed the rap duo 4Wheel City. The group has won a host of prestigious awards, forged powerful musical partnerships, and performed all around the nation-including at the White House- bringing awareness about violence and a message of peace and love to the masses.

An active advocate against gun violence and towards accessibility for people with disabilities, Namel also works as a mentor for others that have experienced gun violence, is a founding member of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), and most recently, was awarded a voting member of the Grammys. 

Learn more about 4Wheel City- www.4wheelcity.com 

Hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI had an open discussion with Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs about his start as a boxer as a young teenager in Brooklyn, his experiences with asthma, losing his mother at a young age, and homelessness to rising to the top as the heavyweight champion of the world. Further, he enlightened the audience as to his new Cannabis business ventures and tech start-up. 

Learn more by visiting www.shannonbriggs.com #letsgochamp

VPR Radio hosts DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess sat down with Laura Cheadle to discuss her new album, upcoming live performances, and partnerships. 

Visit www.lauracheadle.com to learn more about this captivating musician! 

On this very special episode of VPR Radio, Qianathegoddess sits down with entrepreneur extraordinaire and star of the hit reality series, Love and Marriage, Huntsville, Melody Holt. They discuss her journey on reality tv, what she has learned during the process of her divorce, and the launch of her single, Tell Tale Signs. 

Super Producer Derek Linzy, aka DLinz and Entrepreneur and Accessory Boutique Owner Velvet Lattimore of Vedazzling Accessories chop it up with Qianathegoddess and DJFMI on VPR Radio. 

www.dlnzproductions.com @dlnzmusic

www.vedazzlingaccesories.com @vedazzlingaccessories 

Jazz Singer extraordinaire Carmen Jackson stopped by VPR Radio. Topics of discussion included her introduction to performing, years ago, her upcoming album and current single.

Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI had a chance once again to interview the legendary music duo, The System. The first interview, which featured their new song "Everybody Get Up!" as a push to get American citizens to vote, was published in November 2020, just days before the presidential election in the United States. During this interview, FMI and Qianathegoddess get more into detail on Mic's upcoming album and the thought process behind it, as well as other projects featuring the group together. 

The System's greatest success came in 1987 with the release of the single "Don't Disturb This Groove," from the album of the same name and the duo achieved their biggest US Pop hit, "Don't Disturb This Groove". The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100. The follow-up single, "Nighttime Lover," was also a top 10 R&B hit, peaking at No. 7.

The duo came back together in 2000 and are in the process of crafting more projects together that will be releasing in 2020 and 2021.

Follow The System- @TheSystemMusic @Thesystemmicmurphy @davidfrankthesystem and www.thesystemmusic.com

Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer, Baby Paul sat with Qianathegodddess and DJ FMI of VPR Radio to talk everything hip hop, music, and business. 

As 1/2 of the group Xrossroads with hip hop artist Supa Emcee, Baby Paul appeared in a previous season with Supa. However, the focus of this episode was aimed on his production company, new streaming platform, Hendricks, distributed on Apple TV, Roku and Verizon, and upcoming artists that he is managing. 

Follow and engage with Baby Paul- @babypaulpzy 

DJFMI and Qianathegoddess sat down with actress, songstress, hostess and DJ, Lauren Mayhew. Topics of discussion included being a female DJ in a male-dominated industry, using music as a pathway to expand her career into Hollywood, what it was like to open up for megastars like Justine Timberlake and Britney Spears, and her recent addition as a series regular on Hulu's animated series, Trollstopia. 

Michael Lyle Jr. joined hosts Qianathegoddess and DJFMI to discuss current events and his career in journalism and as an educator and actor. Topics of discussion included the presidential election and his involvement in politics from a journalistic perspective, COVID-19 and the vaccine, racism in media, and a plethora of other subjects. 

VPR Radio got the chance to interview the legendary, Grammy-award-winning group The System. Mic Murphy and David Frank stopped by to chop it up with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess just days before the election. The duo was promoting their new hit single- People Get Up! featuring Sandra St. Victor and hip-hop artist Melle Mel. The timely track encourages Americans of all ages, genders and belief systems to hit the polls. 

The pair told VPR how they came together in the 1980's when Mic, who was a road manager and David a keyboardist for the band Kleeer met. Later in New York City, David Frank was working on a session that evolved into a track called "It's Passion" which was to feature a pre-stardom Madonna on vocals.  However, due to creative differences, Madonna bowed out. Frank then remembered Murphy's soulful vocal ability and invited him work to on it. The results were so impressive that Atlantic Records offered Murphy and Frank a recording deal of their own. Murphy came up with the band's name, and within weeks "It's Passion" was receiving massive radio airplay in New York.

Their first two albums featured hits like  "Sweat," "I Won't Let Go" and the iconic "You Are In My System", which became a number ten R&B smash. In 1983, Mic and David also wrote and produced Pump the Nation, a one-off album for a project called Attitude. Attitude featured Khris Kellow, who worked on many of the later The System albums and appears as a member of the band in Beat Street video clip for Baptize the Beat. "Promises Can Break", "I Wanna Make You Feel Good" and "I Can't Take Losing You." The System also appeared in the 1984 breakdancing film Beat Street and the soundtrack, performing Baptize The Beat.

Their version of the Marc Benno song "Rock N' Roll Me Again" became famous in the 1984 action comedy Beverly Hills Cop with Eddie Murphy. The soundtrack album would go on to win a Grammy. They would also reach No. 23 on Billboard's R&B chart with the title track from the 1988 Eddie Murphy film Coming to America. All of this success occurred while they were contributing their talents to projects such as the Scritti Politti album Cupid & Psyche 85, Phil Collins' "Sussudio," Chaka Khan's "I Feel for You," and "This Is My Night," and Mtume's "Juicy Fruit," among many others.

The System's greatest success came in 1987 with the release of the single "Don't Disturb This Groove," from the album of the same name and the duo achieved their biggest US Pop hit, "Don't Disturb This Groove". The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 3 on the Hot 100. The follow-up single, "Nighttime Lover," was also a top 10 R&B hit, peaking at No. 7.

The duo came back together in 2000 and are in the process of crafting more projects together that will be releasing in 2020 and 2021. 

Follow The System- @TheSystemMusic @Thesystemmicmurphy @davidfrankthesystem and www.thesystemmusic.com 

Follow Hosts- @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI + @VPR_Radio

Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur and Talk Show Host (America's Next Motivator), Cedric Riley joined Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI of VPR Radio to talk about his upcoming online holiday event and what compelled him to become a motivational speaker in 2007. Topics of discussion ranged from explaining his childhood in foster care and being adopted as a teenager, to how he created a motivational soundtrack to inspire children and adults that have experienced traumatic events and childhoods. 

His upcoming event- The Pride Empowerment Network Conference- aspires to be a virtual haven for those in distress during the holidays, whether because of economic situations, or unable to travel to see their family because of the pandemic. The conference will provide a safe place for open discussion and workshops covering topics like Foster Care, Sex Education, Personal Hygiene and Financial Literacy. There will also be live entertainment. The event is open to children and adults of all ages.

For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-pride-empowerment-network-conference-tickets-126277614745?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

To learn more about his motivational soundtrack: www.motivatefosterkids.com

Follow Cedric- @Cedricspeaks on Instagram + Twitter

Follow Hosts @DJFMI @Qianathgoddess + @VPR_Radio

After a feature interview during Season 1 of VPR Radio, L*A*W stopped by yet again to chop it up with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess. Topics of discussion ranged from how he's perfected his extremely energetic live performances through the years, his family history in the music industry, and tips for independent artists to become successful at their craft. 

L*A*W's new album, Mega Dope Maniac, was released the day after his live interview on VPR Radio. DJ FMI EXCLUSIVELY debuted Metal Slug and Party Like We off the new album, which is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Follow L*A*W* @Planet12law on Instagram + Twitter. 

Follow hosts @DJFMI @Qianathegoddess + VPR_Radio 

A fantastic musician with a beautiful spirit and a powerful voice, Lachi sat down with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess on VPR Radio. She caught everyone up on current projects and offered insight into what it's like working as a Grammy District and Inclusion Advocate and speaking to politicians on behalf of artists. Lachi discussed her creative process and different experiences as a signed artist and an independent one. Further, she explained how her uniqueness as a disabled black woman creating out-of-the-box music connects her with her audience on a deeper level. 

VPR Radio debuted her new song, "Bigger Plans", which is now streaming on all major platforms. 

Follow Lachi @Lachimusic www.lachimusic.com 

Follow your Hosts @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI and @VPR_Radio 

For Season 6, VPR Radio has returned to an all-new virtual platform, including full video and audio. 

Hip hop artist, writer, digital producer, and musician Emma Lee stopped by to chop it up with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess. They discussed her humble beginnings in Ghana, Africa, to coming to Harlem as a small child and absorbing the city's culture and music diversity, her upcoming projects, and her current song- Dear Corona. Her song has recently received a ton of traction after being featured on The Who's (World Health Organization) website and receiving acclaim on The State of Hip Hop website and Hype Magazine.

Follow Emma Lee @Emiliaisemmalee 

Follow your Hosts @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI and @VPR_Radio

James "Cool Breeze" Gray appeared in-person in the VPR studio as a continuation of his first interview, which took place virtually during the quarantine. Mr. Gray is a renowned actor, producer, historian, and the EVP of the Bronx Chapter of NAN.

Mr. Gray spoke on the history in America (post-slavery) of people of color and their often violent or deadly altercations with police officers. James shared how his violent encounter with the NYPD led to his passion for activism and becoming involved with the NAN organization, as well as other philanthropic-based organizations with which he lends his time and energy.

James delved into his upbringing in Mount Vernon and how he got his start in Hollywood at a very young age with the help of successful mentors. Further, he explained his upcoming documentary, which exposes police brutality and how people of color are targets. He also talks about a part he's preparing for in an upcoming film.

During quarantine, DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess spoke with the director and cast of the Film "Modern Day Slavery" on VPR Radio. Creator and Director Edwin Freeman, Criminal Defense Attorney Ikiesha Al-Shabazz, Social Justice Advocate Keston Jones and Retired NYC Parole Officer, Ronald Stewart were all part of the intense virtual roundtable discussion. 

Mr. Freeman explained his inspiration to create the documentary, "Modern Day Slavery", which explores the racial disparity and corporate exploitation of African American and Latino prisoners in the United States Justice System. Discussion from the group included how physical slavery has transferred to systemic oppression and lack of opportunities in America for people of color, the importance of the music that we listen to and the negative changes, imagery and verbiage implemented in hip hop over the last twenty years, current protests and the recent killing of George Floyd at the hands of police officers, and much more.

You can view "Modern Day Slavery" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087Q143ZB%20https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087Q143ZB

On the second in-studio show back from quarantine, Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI once again had the opportunity to chat with R & B singer and actress Olivia. Topics ranged from inquiring about how she felt about Nick Cannon's recent firing from Viacom to how she's been continuing to work through the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as some insights into an upcoming film she is featured in that is currently in post-production. 

DJFMI spun her new song, "One More Chance" Featuring Papa Cheche and Boy Young, as well as her single "Join Me". 

Creator of "The Hoths" series, artist and Grind Hard TV media mogul Woldarama stopped by the VPR studio to chop it up with hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI. Topics of discussion ranged from the mishandling of COVID 19 from New York government and the MTA to the importance of creating music that resonates with positivity, and the type of life you want to live. 

World also dropped an EXCLUSIVE song debuted only on VPR Radio- "Give me my Flowers", which highlights social injustices and how many people wait to celebrate others after they have passed, rather than supporting and celebrating them while they are still alive. 

Please follow us on all social media platforms!

Twitter/Instagram- @Vpr_Radio

Facebook.com/vprradio

Hosts- @Qianathegoddess @DJFMI 

We love you for listening! 

While in quarantine, renowned actor, producer, historian, and the EVP of the Bronx Chapter of NAN (National Action Network) sat with Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI. Interviewed on the heels of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, James touched on the Stand your Ground laws that push and allow civilians a level of vigilantism without justice for the deceased.

Further, Mr. Gray delved into the history in America (post-slavery) of people of color and their often violent or deadly altercations with police officers. James shared how his own violent encounter with the NYPD led to his passion for activism and becoming fully involved with the NAN organization. In reference to his acting career, talked about his upbringing in Mount Vernon and how he got his start in Hollywood at a very young age. He also discussed his upcoming documentary that exposes police brutality and how people of color are targeted by the police, as well as a part he's preparing for in an upcoming film.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Gray into the VPR studio for season 5 when we can go even deeper into the current temperature with race relations, social injustices, George Floyd's murder by the police, and the Black Lives Matter movement. 

On a multi-faceted and fast-moving show, DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess first sat down virtually with Cassidy, hip hop Artist, and producer. Conversation included how Cassidy has been able to maintain his creative control and integrity as an independent artist, marketing, and branding yourself and how he feels about battling these days.  

Next, your favorite libra duo sat with friend to the show, T-Money, one of the original hosts of Yo! MTV Raps and owner of T450 Life and Style branding and marketing firm. He spoke on some of his current clients and hinted toward some major projects he is in the process of finalizing. We will catch up with him further to get the exclusive announcements during season 5, live in the studio.  

Lastly, the hosts sat with R & B singer and reality show star, Olivia. She recently dropped her single, Join Me which will be in circulation on the VPR Radio playlist. She also talked about an upcoming film she has been working on that will drop later in 2020. Look for part 2 of this interview as well during season 5 of VPR Radio.

Bestselling author and CEO of Flights in Stilettos sat down virtually with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess. She discussed the inspiration behind her first books and how her latest book: 'Passing as Straight'- written with a group of co-authors- has helped people around the world in understanding living the stigma of a straight life while actually gay.

Further, she delved into her company Flights in Stilettos and how business women and men around the world are using a new method of branding themselves during travel. 

***Please excuse the quality of the audio during our shows recorded during quarantine. We will be returning to the studio on July 1st, 2020, so the level of professional audio quality you have come to expect from a VPR Radio episode will be back soon! 

**In response to the COVID 19 crisis, VPR Radio is live streaming every Thursday from 1-3 pm EST via DSN (Damatrix Studios Network) on Facebook. Please excuse the difference in audio quality as we are no longer live in a professional recording studio but will be again once the quarantine has been lifted. 

Illustrious hip hop artist, writer and performer Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard joined hosts Qianathegoddess and DJFMI live. Topics discussed included upcoming projects, hip hop then vs. now, the current quarantine and how it is affecting artistry, and much more! 

Geechie Dan, former battle rapper and entertainment executive sat down with Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI. Besides creating and hosting the hit online radio show- The Hip Hop Tape Show, one of his many roles in the entertainment industry is the Executive Director of the Hip Hop Museum. Geechie explained the hip hop museum in-depth, including former and upcoming events for the museum. He also discussed his start in hip hop, from battling LL Cool J in the 80's to moving his show in 2020 to Rock the Bells Radio on Sirius XM.  He also discussed how growing up as a Jehovah's Witness initially stunted his career in entertainment.

Classically trained, award-winning producer Mr. Fingaz stopped by the VPR Radio studio to sit down with Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI. Mr. Fingaz has worked with commercial artists like Jay Z, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes and a bevy of other, widely recognized hip-hop artists. Discussions ranged from studying and perfecting your craft, to how current hip-hop artists sounding alike today share similarities with the Mozart music movement in the 1700's.  Mr. Fingaz shared stories of charlatans in the music industry, how he earned the respect of publishing company Ascap behind-the-scenes through his work, and much more!

Two phenomenal women in business stopped by the VPR Radio studio to chat it up with hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI. Larissa Lozada, CEO of youth organization Ground Up Youth Work explained in detail how homelessness and displacement is affecting much of our youth and how she teaches acceptance of diversity in race and gender to organizations that work directly with at-risk youth. 

Tonya Torres of Sea Moss Bullies, Inc. bullied us into understanding how health equates to wealth and why she ventured into living a plant-based lifestyle. She explained wild crafted sea moss and its multitude of health benefits and how she’s used it instead of medical prescriptions to overcome diabetes and thyroid issues.

Hip hop emcee SNS- formerly known as Lil SNS of Icy Gang and son of famed hip hop DJ, DJ SNS- stopped by VPR Radio with his manager, the always funny and wise Jakk Doe in tow. Conversation ranged from the differences between a rapper and an emcee to what it means to step out and create your own brand when you have a legendary father in hip hop, and some of SNS' inspirations. We also discussed his short movie project, "Luv me Now b4 they all Love me" which is streaming on Youtube now.  VPR Radio played some of his music, including his latest hit- Shakin' which has received much acclaim and local, and national radio play. 

Pop music artist, Tanay Jackson discussed some of the hardships associated with being an independent artist as well as some upcoming projects and shows. 

Super producer Haas G- whom has worked with legendary hip-hop artists like Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, 50 Cent, Lil' Kim and others- sat down with Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI of VPR Radio. Artist Rhyme Rcka was also in the building and their featured song together was played on air. Topics of discussion ranged from production styles to finding longevity in the entertainment industry and segueing from a regular, stable job to being a full-time producer. 

An energizing and intense show, Baby Paul and Supa Emcee sat down with Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI of VPR Radio. Conversation included the bastardizing of hip-hop, how some DJ's and producers have sold out for money vs. quality in music, the role Detroit and the midwest have played in hip-hop and much more. Supa Emcee dropped an exclusive, off-the-top-of-the-head freestyle for VPR Radio. 

DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess set off the show straight to hot topics of discussion that they wanted to speak on. Later in the show, Pudgee tha Phat Bastard called in to discuss his new and upcoming projects and live performances, hip hop music, the business behind the music and much more! 

VPR Radio hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI spoke with Coke Horner and Charl Washington, creators of Urban Envy, the movie, famed hip hop artist Cassidy and hip hop artist, DJ and Flip Mode squad member, Rampage. Topics of discussion were centered around staying positive, reframing the way the black community is viewed, the music and entertainment industries, creating a film from scratch, quitting a job to pursue your dreams and much more! 

Urban Magazine creator Be'N Original and Dakari Ali- Editor in Chief- sat down with DJ FMI of VPR Radio and special guest co-host Marcus of RTM Entertainment. Topics of discussion ranged from thoughts and feedback on current hip hop artists, hip hop culture, ideas being stolen in the publishing world, upcoming features and magazine covers, relationships and dating and much more!

Author, creator of non-profit organization "That Suits You" and youth advocate PK Kersey came to join hosts Qianathegoddess and DJFMI on VPR Radio. Topics of discussion included educating youth on how to feel confident and empowered, PK's upcoming collaborative book and book tour with other notable black male authors, a current workshop with Queens Public Library and much more!

Deejay TDubb of Spin Syndicate DJ's and the creator of the underground "The Commission" hip-hop albums sat down with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess of VPR Radio. Topics ranged in discussion from the presidential impending impeachment to how to retain publishing as an independent artist, music industry business etiquette and much more. 

Tanisha Middleton of Framed by Tee Tee eyewear sat down with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess of VPR Radio on her birthday! Topics of discussion ranged from her newly launched optical store in Brooklyn to being a woman, mom and entrepreneur in a male-riddled industry, quitting her job to become full-time entrepreneur, and much more!

King Charlie Prince, creator of the song and term "The Roof is on Fire", "On the Request Line" and others sat down with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess of VPR Radio. Dissuasions ranged from how The Dynamic 3 toured around the world, hip-hop's origins in the Bronx, and much more! 

Earl Christian III, a Howard University alumni, youth advocate, mentor, educator and fashion designer sat down with Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI on VPR Radio. Discussions ranged from the Flint and Newark water crisis to creating entrepreneurship from a young age in our community, music and much more. 

Season 3 of VPR Radio debuted at Radio Free Brooklyn. 

Local businessman and Colorado-based marijuana farmer Drew stopped into the new studio for VPR Radio with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess to discuss the business of cannabis. Topics included legalization, understanding local and state laws, how to become an investor, the differences between CBD, THC, hemp, and much more.

Music and hip hop artist Mike Lo stopped in toward the end of the show to discuss his upcoming LP and single releases. Expect a return later in the season when Mike Lo will come in with new, exclusive music that will debut only on VPR Radio.

VPR Radio Hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI spoke with hairstylist Terrance Brown of TB Mobile Salon. They announced the full makeover giveaway for the event 7/7/2019 at Her Imports BK to former cancer patient, Laura Pierce. Hair and nail health and community building was the topic of discussion, as well as how to keep money circulating via the small, local businesses within our community. 

The hosts then welcomed renowned local hip-hop artist from Long Island, John Jigg$. He discussed his start in the industry, remaining true to self, his upcoming project and DJ FMI played his current single, Cool Like That (Everyday) and single Good Friday live on air. Both songs are available on all digital platforms. 

Founder of Urban Magazine, Be'n Original and Editor in Chief, Dakari Eli sat down with VPR Radio hosts Qianathegoddess and DJ FMI to talk about the magazine and other business and artistic ventures in the works. Dakari has a new single that was EXCLUSIVELY previewed on VPR Radio. Discussion topics ranged from the magazine business, to hip-hop, to dating in 2019. The ladies debated Ben and his idea that Netflix and Chill is considered a date. 

R & B artist Cle'ph and Media Mogul Jakk Doe talk love, relationships and life with DJ FMI and Qianathegoddess. We get into a threesome vs. a train (which one is correct?), dating in 2019, the worst dating experiences and much more.