By Sheena Neal

      I think Lil’ Kim said it best back in 2001, “hey wait a minute, ain’t that Brandy’s brother?” For some reason, we couldn’t help but take notice of this young, talented, confident brother who was blazing trails in R&B and making a name for himself on the television screen. Ray J recorded heartfelt “One Wish,” and was playing “D-Mack” on UPN’s popular sitcom One on One when we realized that he was determined to make a name for himself outside of being singer Brandy’s little brother. Shortly after video vixen Karrine “Superhead” Steffans put her stamp of approval on Ray J’s lovin’ in her book “Confessions of a Video Vixen,” he then went on to appear in a sex tape with socialite Kim Kardashian. These things would solidify Ray J’s position as being a bon a fide sex symbol. Ray J sat down with Flavva to talk about his fourth album, how he feels about settling down, and he show’s us that he’s a young CEO who just wants to have some fun. 

You just released your fourth album All I Feel, how did you come up with the title for the album? 
I did a song with Rodney Jerkins called “All I Feel,” and that was kind of like the turning point for the album. Musically we felt like we had it and I felt like the song was a real special record and it was kind of like explaining the whole album.  

What’s the concept for the song “All I Feel?” 
“All I Feel,” is about being in love and about feeling like going there again with the right girl. You’re just kind of going crazy over the bad times and you just want the good times again.  

The first single “Sexy Can I,” is crazy! How did you and Yung Berg hook up for that song? 
I was recording the song over at Lil’ Kim’s house in LA and since I was already recording some songs with [Yung Berg] for his album, we just became friends. I felt like he had the song “Sexy Lady,” and I was coming out with the song “Sexy Can I,” and I felt like it could be a sexy movement if he touched the track the right way and he did what he had to do and made it magical.  

What does “Sexy Can I” really mean? 
It just means: Sexy Can I _______ and you just take it from there. ‘Sexy can I hit it from the front? Can I hit it from the back?’ Or it can mean ‘sexy can I just lay down with you and just watch TV, watch a movie and go to sleep?’ You tell me what can I do?  

Who else did you work with on the album? 
I got a chance to work with Rodney Jerkins, Darkchild, a new producer named Detail who produced ["Sexy Can I"], Knockout Entertainment was on the album again- Shorty Mack, Trackmasters, Styles P, and The Game- so it’s a good look.  

What is going to be different about this album compared to your last albums? 
Stories- the concepts are different. [As far as] new things I’ve been through as a man and new things I’ve realized. It’s a lot of experience with women that I’m talking about and how I feel about them. It’s real edgy- it’s R&B at its edgiest. 

Can you tell me about Knockout Entertainment’s new venture with Deja34/KOCH Records? 
I did a partnership deal with Shaquille O’ Neal and Money Mark and their company Deja 34 and my company Knockout Entertainment. We decided to get with a company that just knew how to do it a lot better and take it to the next level and we felt like KOCH was the perfect people and [Deja 34] thought the same thing. We went in and got something real healthy and real nice with KOCH and we’re happy that we’re off to a good start.  

We all know you’re no stranger to the television screen, are you working on any upcoming roles or appearances? 
Well you know I’m always directing! (we both laugh) But as far as my acting, it’s on hold just a little bit longer. Maybe in  five more months I’m gonna start getting back into it, but right now I’m just focused on the music and focused on building this company. We’re getting ready to start launching other artists off of Knockout Entertainment, we’re getting ready for this Brandy album that’s about to be explosive, and Shorty Mack’s album’s coming soon. So I’m just excited about doing new things in music. 

Speaking of directing, are you ready to live down your sex tape with Kim Kardashian? 
Right now I really just want to focus on the music and get that out there to the peoples minds and hearts and we’re doing that with “Sexy Can I,” so it’s like my true talent is out there and if people continue to want to talk about the tape, it’s a free country- do what you do. But I don’t want to be labeled as a porn star or a sex tape guy- even though I ain’t mad at that title (we both laugh).   

How do you feel about Reggie Bush dating Kim now? 
I feel good and I want them both to be happy. Enjoy!  

In a recent interview, you claimed that Marques Houston and Chris Stokes take it in the butt together, what led you to make that statement? 
I can’t talk about that anymore- I’ve said enough. You know how it is out here sometimes, but I said it though. It is what it is. When you hang out with people, I’m talking in general, you know what’s what. I got friends all over the globe who are cool with who they like- I’m not trippin’ off who you like, just be who your are. Just keep it real.  

How do you feel about being a sex symbol? 
I feel like I wanna step up to the plate and make sure that I live up to that symbol. 

A web site recently posted some pictures from a show that you did in NY and she commented that you always look like you just got finished sexing. Is Ray J this sex fiend as everybody tries to portray him as? 
I’m not a fiend for it because it’s just so much in my face to where I gotta kick back and relax. [I just have to] focus on the music and focus on the business side and not get lost in the sex and the wild times and the partying all day with all kinds of different women. That’s not really what I’m about when it’s time to go to sleep at night. When it’s time to turn on that style when I’m on stage or in the moment, I might go there, because I do have those kinds of emotions and feelings.  

Do you plan on settling down anytime soon? 
I want to, I really do.  

If you do settle down, what would the ideal woman be like? 
I just want a woman who’s honest and humble and who’s there for me. [She] listens and I listen to her and we just relate to each other.  

Will we ever see you and Brandy work on an album together? 
Yea, we’re cooking something up right now. Her new album is gonna be so ill. I told her that I’m really working hard on my music to take it to the next level so that when we do that R&B album, it’s gonna be one of the biggest albums ever. That’s what I’m doing with this new album All I Feel- I hope I’m showing her that I’m prepared and I’m ready to step it up as a young CEO and as an artist to do what I gotta do for her and the family.  

When you’re in that mode, does she look at you like her little brother and do you feel like you have to prove yourself to her? 
I don’t ever have to prove myself because she believes in me more than anybody. When I’m doing [my thing] she’s telling other people “I told you so.” She is proud of me when I’m working hard. 

As appeared in Flavva Magazine June 2008

By Sheena Neal

      Organizations STAND, the Genocide Intervention Network and Participant Media have joined forces to coordinate a nationwide college tour for the Tim Braun documentary, Darfur Now. Slated for release on DVD May 27, the documentary follows the lives of six unique individuals who experience the conflict in Darfur first-hand.

Select schools around the country will host a special screening of Darfur Now in conjunction with a concert featuring performances by Janelle Monae, Anthony David, The Cool Kids, DJ Drama, Goapele, plus others.

Currently, The Darfur Now Tour will make stops at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Northeastern University, Emory University, University of Carolina Berkeley, Georgetown University, the University of Chicago, William Mitchell College of Law, University of Minnesota Law School, and the University of California Los Angeles.

Students have been playing a major role in the crisis in Darfur by raising awareness and fundraising for protection and relief for the victims.

Nearly 2.3 million Darfuris have fled their homes and communities and now reside in a network of internally displaced persons camps in Darfur with over 200,000 more living in refugee camps in neighboring country Chad. Since most of these refugee camps are almost entirely dependent on the United Nations or other humanitarian organizations, it’s important that they are receiving aid for food, water, shelter, and health care.

Students are even spearheading divestment campaigns in an effort to encourage large investment firms to withdraw investments from companies that help fund genocide in Darfur. Recently, Howard University became the first HBCU to follow suite behind Harvard University in becoming a part of the student-inspired, Divest Sudan movement.

With their vast support efforts, students are proving that they are an anti-genocide generation and they won’t this crisis go unnoticed.

To learn more about The Darfur Now Tour, visit www.darfurnowtour.org

As appeared in AUC Magazine May 2008

By Sheena Neal

       At the beginning of 2008, I made a vow not to use the words grown and sexy in the same sentence since it seemed so cliché, but one of the most consistent males in R&B just made me break that rule. Singer and songwriter Jaheim cut off his braids and is now sporting a new, very grown and sexy look that’s a real contrast from the “R&B-thug” image that we’ve been used to seeing since his 2001 debut album Ghetto Love. “I’m not getting any younger,” says the 30-year-old crooner. “It’s good to be in the hip-hop game, but I’m an R&B artist and I sing. 

Even though he agrees that 30 is the new 20, Jaheim also believes that people are destined to change once they hit that landmark age. “The fact of the matter is that you change a lot of things at 30 because we get stubborn and stuck in our ways,” explains Jaheim. 

He might be stuck in his ways, but that didn’t keep him from maintaining a positive attitude while he was in transition from Divine Mill/Warner Bros. Records to Atlantic Records. “I always was ready, willing and able to make things happen,” says Jaheim. “Things just didn’t go my way, but I didn’t give up and I didn’t quit.”

With a soothing voice that won’t allow you to turn your radio dial, Jaheim mesmerized us with his leading single “Never,” off of his fourth studio album The Making’s of a Man. He then followed up with ballad “I’ve Changed,” featuring R&B siren Keyshia Cole, which speaks to all of the things that we’re willing to do for new-found love. “The biggest change I’ve made for a woman is anything that will get me to the next level with her. If you’re not willing to change, there’s always someone else out there waiting,” explains Jaheim. “Basically, I gotta change for you and you gotta change for me and we’re gonna make this work for the both of us.” 

Armed with a compromising disposition and the willingness to make it work, you can only wonder if a woman is currently occupying coveted space in Jaheim’s heart. “I’ve had a special friend in my life for the past three and a half years,” he admits. “I’m getting older; I can’t be a bachelor forever.” 

After breaking thousands of hearts with that statement, Jaheim continues to explain how much he loves kids and wants to have some in the future. Until that day, he’s hard at work giving back to his community through his foundation Urban Dreams. The foundation is a youth outreach initiative that also builds affordable housing in the Newark, NJ area. “I always tell people that [they] can have the same thing if [they] just hang in there,” he says.

 As appeared in Clutch Magazine 2008

By Sheena Neal     

      After answering an ad in a weekly Canadian magazine, Colin Munroe found himself producing for local hip-hop and R&B artists. Though he’s a self-proclaimed “mutt” whose music is a mixture of different genres- pop, rock, hip-hop and R&B, Munroe has still managed to create a strong musical identity for himself. Munroe and his label Marked Music, recently inked a deal with Grammy award-winning producer Dallas Austin, and his company Rowdy Records. The two companies will partner up for the worldwide release of Munroe’s debut album, Don’t Think Less of Me. With the streets buzzing about Munroe’s remix of Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights,” Munroe is proving that it won’t be too much longer before he gets them- the flashing lights, that is. 

Who is Colin Munroe?
Six months ago, he was just another Canadian artist, producer and writer who was trying to get noticed and doing what he thought he was supposed to be doing with his life. From childhood, I always thought ‘ok, I feel like I’m supposed to be doing this music thing.’ You do what you can and you try to meet the right people and you work hard and you hope that “that thing” happens that opens the door and gets you to a broader audience beyond Canada. 

If that was who you were six months ago, then who is Colin Munroe now?
Now I think I’m someone who people are able to understand a little bit better. I think before it didn’t quite make sense. It was like, “his solo [music] is pop/rock material, but he came from a production background on the urban scene?” Now people get it, I’m a new breed of kid who isn’t just a hip-hop head, but isn’t just a white suburban rock kid either. It’s this strange amalgamation that’s starting to happen with culture and art which is the mixing of pop and all of the different genres that’s a little bit different. 

How did you know that this was something that you could possibly be successful at?
I honestly didn’t. It was just one of those moments where you’re like, ‘I have to do something. I can’t just sit around in this big city where I don’t know anyone; I have to get my foot in the door somehow.’ I guess I just felt strong enough in my ability to do whatever. 

Why did you name your debut album Don’t Think Less of Me?
That phrase really described a lot of my life from childhood to now- which is just a bitterless struggle to get other people and myself to take me seriously. This is what I’m supposed to be doing so literally, don’t think less of me. Growing up there was a little bit of that attitude that you get from people around you that’s like, “you’re not gonna write songs, you’re from a small town.” I heard a lot of that from my family and friends and it just never agreed with me. It never felt right and it was always something that I knew I needed to get away from. There’s nothing you can do when that’s your childhood, but it plants those seeds or makes little cuts in you that grow into scars that then become the chip on your shoulder that drives you. So this set of records is me processing everything from before.

What can we expect from Don’t Think Less of Me?
I feel like this is a very unique opportunity as an artist. I’ve been able to be totally transparent with who I am coming out. Just like with “I Want Those Flashing Lights,” it’s a real mixture of both worlds. It expresses who I am as both the underdog and the kid who’s just trying to get somewhere and the struggle to find an identity musically and in life. 

When you first heard Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights,” did you know that you wanted to remix it into “I Want Those Flashing Lights?”
It was almost instantaneous in terms of wanting to do something with it. I remember being in the car and hearing ["Flashing Lights"] for the first time thinking ‘wow, this is really cool, but I would do something different with it.’ When I went to approach it lyrically, the first line was just there waiting on me and that generally sets the tone. And at that time, it fit for everything that was going on with me. 

How were you able to find your niche in the music industry that would still appeal to the urban crowd?
The influences are there from the urban production. A friend and I were sitting around one day and we came to the realization that [Don't Think Less of Me] is a pop/rock album but produced in an urban way. There’s something about the way that synthetic and organic elements are mixed together that feels like it’s a mix between two worlds. Also, I think the audiences are a little bit more open than what they used to be. It’s not like that part of the community is only going to listen to it if it’s soul samples. The urban crowd was the crowd that gave me my first start, they were the open-minded ones. 

When you’re producing and writing songs for other people, where do you pull inspiration from?
It’s different every time. There’s this one artist in particular who I worked with back in Canada and it was this strange ability to sit down with her, talk with her about what’s going on in her life and feel like I’m drawing from her experiences as if I lived them. But that doesn’t happen often and I take that to be a very special, once in a lifetime thing. 

Do you pull inspiration from a different place when you’re creating music for yourself?
I have a particular attachment to films. They speak to me in a certain way that then connects me back to life and its experiences, that pulls out the inspiration somehow. So, I may have gone through something, but don’t necessarily feel any inspiration about it, but then I’ll see a film and something will just come to life. 

What’s your favorite film?
I can watch “Pulp Fiction” over and over again. I just love the dialogue and some of the best quotes I’ve heard are from it. 

What are some things that you can’t live without?
I feel naked without my phone, and if I don’t get to check my email or myspace or facebook, I feel disconnected from people. 

To hear more from Colin Munroe, go to www.colinmunroe.com. 

As appeared in Clutch Magazine May 2008

By Sheena Neal

      No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. If you look a little closer you’ll see that what you thought were quadruplets are really just four biological sisters who look almost insanely identical. This quartet of beauties includes Farrah (24), Neosha (22), and twins Felisha and Fallon (both 20), who make up the R&B estrogen-powered group Cherish.

Cherish took the world by storm in 2006 with their dance hit and Atlanta summer anthem “Do It to It” featuring Sean P of YoungBloodz on their certified Gold debut album Unappreciated. The single peaked at No. 9 on the U.S. Pop 100 and was eventually retired from BET’s 106 & Park after being played 65 consecutive days on the countdown.

Although 2006 was the first time that we really took notice of the group, the girls were no strangers to the music industry. In 2003, Cherish was signed to Warner Bros. Records where they recorded a full album The Moment, including the Jermaine Dupri-produced single “Miss P” featuring rapper Da Brat. The album was never released, and Cherish ended up leaving Warner Bros. to sign with their current label home Sho’Nuff/Capitol Records. The foursome took the past situation as a valuable learning experience about the music industry. “I definitely think that in the music industry we’ve learned to treat it like a business,” said Fallon, the laid-back component of the group. “We’ve learned not to take things personally.”

Cherish has moved past feeling unappreciated to openly airing their dirty laundry on their sophomore album The Truth. The quartet has used the two years after releasing Unappreciated as a time for development and growth, and now they’re ready to showcase their “all grown up” sound for their fans. Fallon explained that this album has a much more mature sound than their last album. “We named it The Truth because we’re actually telling different aspects of our own lives,” she said.

In honor of their sophomore album The Truth, Cherish tells us the down and dirty truth about each other:

Fallon tells us the truth about Farrah: “Farrah is lazy!”

Farrah tells us the truth about Neosha: “Neosha is cheap!”

Neosha tells us the truth about Felisha: “Felisha is bossy. She has to have everything her way or she’s going to have a hissy fit.”

Felisha tells us the truth about Fallon: “Fallon is loud! When she wants to get her point across she can get so loud that it’s annoying.”

Cherish wrote all of the songs on their first album Unappreciated and penned all except for two of the songs on The Truth. For those two songs, they enlisted the help of super songwriter and artist The Dream, who is most known for writing mega-hit “Umbrella” for Rihanna and “Bed” for J. Holiday. “I think it’s important that we write for ourselves,” said the often quiet Neosha. “Who better to write for an artist than themselves?”

Cherish shows their attraction to “bad boys” on their vocally potent first single “Killa,” featuring rapper Yung Joc as it speaks on the all too familiar situation where a woman is unable to resist a man she knows is no good for her. “It’s like Cherish all grown up, telling their experiences that we feel like other women and men can relate to,” said Farrah.

As far as Cherish being just another girl group clone with catchy records, the quartet explained that they take pride in the fact that they are a triple-threat group. They write their own songs, they all have amazing voices and they can lean and rock with the best of them. “I think it’s naturally a difference [between us and other girl groups] because we have a different sound,” said Felisha. She continued to divulge the organic nature of their group and how they came to the record label with a package deal that they couldn’t refuse. “We didn’t have to be manufactured,” she said. “We came to the label with the records already written with our image already portrayed.”

Cherish draws inspiration from legendary girl groups The Emotions, The Pointer Sisters, En Vogue, and TLC and they even gushed about being huge fans of Destiny’s Child. However, the foursome makes it clear that they’re not looking to follow the pattern of girl-groups-gone-solo anytime soon. “We’ve never actually talked about it and I’m not sure that that’s going to happen,” said the outspoken Felisha. “Cherish has longevity so we’re definitely going to stick together for many more albums,” she added.

Even though solo stardom is the last thing on their agenda, they do admit that they all have a desire to pursue other capacities in the entertainment industry. “We all have our things that we want to do in the industry whether it’s entertainment, acting or modeling,” said Felisha, who’s interested in learning how to play the drums. All of the sisters agree that they would eventually like to establish their own record label and design their own clothing line – particularly jeans. If Cherish puts the same amount of determination and focus into their future endeavors as they do into their music, I’m sure their fans will embrace anything that the quartet puts their stamp on.

As appeared in AUC Magazine April 2008

By Sheena Neal

      A million thoughts ran through my head. Is she going to be mean? Will she be brief and rush me through all of my questions? Is she going to check me Angela-style from Why Did I Get Married? if I ask her the wrong thing? I missed the mark by miles with each and every one of my thoughts about Hollywood’s favorite actress, Tasha Smith. She was lively, sweet and greeted me with the most genuine “hey sis,” that I had ever heard. Smith has become a household name after portraying characters that everybody loves to hate like Jennifer, the vindictive ex-wife in Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls. Smith spoke to us at Clutch Magazine about her passion, her triumphs, fear, and why can’t nobody tell her nothing about her Man. 

How do people normally react to you when they meet you in person?
I don’t know if people know how to react. When they first meet me, they think from Daddy’s Little Girls that I might be mean. Then sometimes they might think I’m just loud and obnoxious. But they’re very wonderful and complimentary which I appreciate because at the end of the day I’m really your neighbor, your friend, your sister, your cousin, your auntie.

 How did your background in comedy help you to transition into acting?
My comedy gave me opportunity because being on that stage everyday allowed people to see me and that’s how I got one of my first jobs which was a series called Boston Common. Then it gave me a sense of freedom and fearlessness especially when it comes to comedy because if you can get on stage and do comedy, it exercises your acting instrument.

Over the past year, you have become the actress who every black woman can relate to. How does it feel to know that so many people see themselves in you and the characters you portray?
Wow, I’m honored number one because my passion and dream as an actress is that women, black people, white people and humanity will be able to identify. And that I as a person and an actress will be able to identify with all forms of humanity. I never wanted to be considered the actress who only this type of woman would relate to or that type of woman would relate to. I love people and I just want to be able to touch all aspects of my community. Every time I get an opportunity to go to a city I love just hanging out. I want to know where the people are so I can meet them whether it’s in the hood or at the church just so that I can always relate to them to be able to put it in my work one way or another. 

Why is it important for you to empower students through TSAW?Because I came from a very difficult, urban childhood and my life changed from people empowering me and encouraging me that I had a gift and I had something special. And I see a lot of people within the black community who are suffering from low self-esteem, doubt and insecurity and it’s important for me to be able to empower other people like myself to pursue their purpose and passion in the arts. I feel like acting helped saved my life other than God. It was a way for me to express myself and to communicate my life as well as the lives of people who I witnessed as a young girl growing up. I always say to my students, ‘I need acting just as much as acting needs me.’ To be able to help sew that into someone else and download everything that I sacrificed and learned over the years is a blessing. To plant a seed and see the fruit grow on someone else’s tree is an honor to me. 

You once said that “every moment is a million dollar moment.” What did you mean by that?
I mean for us to be able to look at every second in our work as a million dollar moment. Sometimes I’ve had actors come to me and act as if they don’t have any dialogue, it’s not important. No, that moment when you’re not saying anything is just as important as the moment that you have a monologue. Because if we look as every moment as being a million dollar moment, we will cherish it, we’ll honor it and we’ll give all that we have into it because those small moments make a character and tell a story just as much as the big ones. Sometimes we come in this industry and we think it’s just about the big stuff, but the little stuff is what develops us, teaches us and humbles us.

In your workshop you cover having a positive self-image as a base to being confident in Hollywood. Why is confidence the key?
I’ve had so many women who were dark, light, fat and thin who would feel that they’re not good enough or pretty enough or ugly enough to be an actor. I feel like just like there are many different types of people in this world, we need every type in order to tell the story of life. If we individually will own who God created us to be and embrace our uniqueness, we’ll find a place in this industry rather than trying to be like somebody else. I can’t be Halle Berry or try to be Alfre Woodard, I’m Tasha Smith and my uniqueness and my individuality is going to have a place in this industry. I feel like we have to be confident in that because then we’ll walk in that room or walk on that stage and we’ll own every part of what God created us to be.

Of the characters you’ve portrayed, is there one who is most similar to you?
I always say that I feel like I identify with all of them. I’m a passionate person and I understand need. I don’t know if I’m as loud as Angela, I don’t know if I’m as mean as Jennifer and I’ve never done heroine like Ronnie Boyce in “The Corner,” but I identify with passion, need and aggression. I try to find similar moments in my life that I can put in there to be able to identify with whatever that human beings experience is. Just because I haven’t done heroine doesn’t mean that I don’t understand the need for something to make me feel better. 

Recently Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Gabrielle Union spoke up about being a black woman in Hollywood as it relates to pay and getting quality roles. What’s your take on this?
I feel like we have a responsibility as black actors in this industry to continue to try to reach out to our communities as much as we can in order to make ourselves valuable. I feel like sometimes the industry doesn’t know how valuable we are to our community. People buy tickets because of Nia Long, Sanaa and Gabrielle but sometimes this industry doesn’t understand our value. I think that the more we stay connected to our community, when we make our films we have our underground fan base. Look at Tyler Perry for instance; he is valuable because he marketed himself within his community. That’s what made him famous, it wasn’t Hollywood- he was famous and a millionaire before he got to Hollywood. Even with some of the other black films, I think we have to stay in a position to keep ourselves valuable.

How can we live without fear?
I think we’ve heard this acronym before: False Evidence Appearing Real. To me, fear is a converted spirit that will try to come and paint a picture that isn’t there trying to steal or passion and our future. I always say that ‘if you’re afraid, it must be something that you’re supposed to do because fear only tries to block us from the blessing of God.’ I feel like we need to kick fear in the face. I’ve had my bouts with it in life and I still have to battle and resist it but it empowers me because it makes me work harder. Every time you go to do something that you want to do, here comes fear trying to tell you that you can’t do it and why it won’t work. Well guess what? When fear starts talking, I feel like we need to start talking back to fear telling fear why it will work and why we should do it, why we can do it and why we will make it.                                                                           

It seems like fear is directly connected to one’s faith in God.
I agree and that’s why I feel like our fellowship with God is important because we have to feed our inner man. Once we’re stronger on the inside, it’s not as easy for fear to come in and overtake us. The only way something can overtake you is if that thought is greater than the other thought. It’s like a wrestling match, the strongest man is going to win and fear is not the stronger man. A lot of times we empower fear by meditating on it and the more we meditate on fear the stronger fear gets. So when all of our faith and positive thoughts come in, here comes fear as a strong hold trying to fight against and oppose our very positive thoughts. We have to then increase the positive thoughts and the faith by changing what we’re meditating on and we have to fellowship with God. I believe in prayer. It’s like spending time with a man. The more you spend time with a man, the more you fall in love with him and the more you have confidence in him. Well guess what? God is the same way. The more you spend time with God, the more you talk to God, the more confidence you’re going to have in God. Therefore, when fear comes in and says something about your Man that you’ve been spending time with everyday, what are you going to say to them? ‘You’re a liar because I know Him and I spend time with Him. I’m not going to believe you- I’m going to believe the Man who I know.’ 

He didn’t give me this dream as a figment of my imagination, the reason why I got it is because God wanted to give it to me. All hope was against me in Camden, NJ with a dream of being an actor. I could barely read and I was talking about being in movies and on television. Fear was trying to tell me ‘you’re a liar; you’re mama is a free-baser; you live in Camden, NJ; it’s not going to happen for you.’ But look at me now- I’m talking to you being interviewed for Clutch Magazine.

You know who you remind me of?
Who?

Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph. You have the ability to light the same fire in people as she does.
I love her. Let me tell you that Sheryl Lee Ralph, Angela Bassett, and Loretta Divine, are some of the women who I look up to. I would like to model myself after them as an actor because their integrity, respect and encouragement are a blessing. And I feel like that’s something that our generation of actors has to do. We have to pull in and download into the people underneath us so that we can continue to carry the torch.

Can you tell us about your upcoming roles?
You’re going to see me in a movie with Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer called The Comeback. They may change the name, but I’m very excited about it because it’s a beautiful and uplifting movie. And something else with Tyler Perry down the line, we’ve been talking about some stuff. Also some [projects] that I’m producing with my twin sister Sidra Smith.

What’s one thing you put on that always makes you feel like you’re the most confident woman in the room?
I try to put on inspiration. I feel like if I can put that on when I leave the door, I will be able to give it to somebody else. That will make me feel really good about myself when I walk in a room. I’m not looking to take anything when I walk in the room- I’m looking to give it.

When you and Tyra are headed out for a night on the town in Hollywood, what’s in your clutch purse?
Blush, lip gloss, some under eye cover up and a weave brush. And one more thing that no black woman should leave home without is some Clive Christian perfume.

As appeared in Clutch Magazine April 2008

By Sheena Neal

      After inking a deal with Bad Boy Records nearly a decade ago, making cameo appearances on her label mates’ records and releasing single “I Love You” back in 2005, it’s like Diddy has been waving a Cheri Dennis carrot in front of our faces for years. It’s no wonder why she doesn’t mind being “the most known unknown.” In spite of the spotlight shining on her minor Miami arrest and countless seasons of Making the Band, through her debut album In and Out of Love, Dennis shows us why she’s Bad Boys best kept secret.

You’ve been buzzing and buzzing for quite a while now. So we’re all really excited about your debut album In and Out of Love.

Yes, I’m very excited. What’s more exciting for me is that people finally get to hear the music that I can do. I don’t think that they get a full reflection of who I am as an artist and definitely not as a person. It’s just cool that they finally get a body of work and they can hear songs and kind of come to a conclusion about whether they like me as an artist or if they don’t like me as an artist. It’s like breathing a sigh of relief now that this is over and we’re moving on to the next obstacle.

You just said that people will get to know you more as an artist from the album. So, what is Cheri Dennis the person like as opposed to Cheri Dennis the artist?

I’m pretty much Cheri Dennis the person all the time I just happen to be really good at singing and really good at creating. You know what though? Cheri Dennis the artist is always on point. Cheri Dennis the person can sometimes be a little short, but Cheri Dennis the artist is always mindful of things that come out of her mouth and mindful of the way she treats people. Cheri Dennis the person is a little bit more human than Cheri Dennis the artist.

Why did you choose the title In and Out of Love for your debut album?

When you listen to the album I think that it’s definitely about emotions and relationships- either you’re in love or out of love. We didn’t come up with that concept and say we’re gonna write songs based around this in and out of love theme. Once we listened to all of the songs, that’s pretty much what the music was about and I think it’s very appropriate for the music that’s on the album.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from love?

Oh gosh… karma is definitely a mug. If you mistreat somebody, there’s gonna be that one person that comes around and plays you. That’s for certain and you probably won’t be able to handle it the way you gave it out. I learn something new everyday. I’m in a relationship right now and I’m still learning lessons in love.

What is it about you that’s different than other R&B female artists out right now?

I don’t know. People ask me that I think I think it’s pretty arrogant of me to be like ‘this is what sets me apart from this artist or that artist.’  I don’t know what sets me apart; I’ve never tried to fit in. I’ve never, ever went into the [studio] saying ‘I’m going to make my Beyonce record now or I’m going to make my radio-friendly record or this is my record for the club.’ I just create and hope for the best. I would like to let people determine what they like about me that makes me different than another artist. But I will tell you this- the main thing that people tell me when they see my performance is that they’re happy that I sound like the record or that I sound better than the record. They’re so used to going out and getting albums and then they see a person perform live and then maybe that person doesn’t sound like the record. I’m not sitting at home like ‘this is what’s going to make me different than Rihanna or Beyonce or Keyshia.’ I think that we all have different qualities about us and I think that there’s a lane for everybody.

You really have a beautiful voice and at times we feel like you’re too underrated. What has been your biggest obstacle since you were signed to Bad Boy?

I always say that the music industry is not always about how talented you are. It’s a business and there are a lot of industry politics going on and the most successful is not always the most talented. But I like being the underdog. It’s crazy because I’m cool with that. The biggest disappointment for me is that people never really get to hear what I can do in terms of music. I take the creative side of what I do very seriously and for people not to really be able to hear my music or not be aware that it’s out there is the most disappointing part for me. I don’t really care about being famous. I think that once people start having access to your music and they love it and they support it- you become famous.

At one point, I read that your album was being pushed back due to image conflicts among other things. Why do you feel that an artists’ image is so important?

This is show business so I definitely feel like the visual has to match the music because it is a visual industry. But for me, if you’re very passionate and you’re very stuck on a vision that you have for yourself it’s really hard to have people come in and try to change what you see for yourself. I think that a lot of artists’ have issues creatively because they always have their own vision. A lot of times a label feels like you haven’t sold any records so who are you to be telling us that you shouldn’t look like this and that you shouldn’t sing that. If I fail and it was because of my vision, then I can accept it because I was comfortable with it. But if I was uncomfortable from the beginning and I failed then I’m like “wow, that was your vision and it failed my opportunity to succeed.” Sometimes that has hurt me more than helped me, but at the end of the day I can sleep at night knowing that I didn’t succumb to the pressures knowing that you wanted me to sing that or you wanted me to wear that.

So pretty much when we see Cheri now, it’s Cheri?

Not always, but I think that I’m such a bugged out person and a bugged out artist that they’ve just kind of given up on giving me an image. I think that they have brought people in to enhance what I am. In an ideal situation I would have all creative control but I think that we’re 75% there.

We knew you were confident once we heard how you approached Diddy at a party and sang for him to get your record deal. Where does that confidence come from?

I’ve never really been a shy girl- ever. My confidence that night came from the fact that I wanted a record deal. I knew that the opportunity was sitting in front of me and that I might have not ever gotten that opportunity again. My hunger from having wanted a deal superseded any nervousness that I may have felt. I don’t know where that confidence comes from, my grandmother always taught me to love myself so I’m not always the most secure, but I’m comfortable in my skin.

How would you describe your fashion style?

It would definitely be like a sexy tomboy. I like things that speak to my personality and I like a little bit of edge. So everything being perfect and put in place is sooo not me.

I remember when you first stepped on the scene with that crazy, hot asymmetrical bob. You had every chick running to the salon with a picture of you saying, “I want this cut!” How are you wearing your hair now?

You know what? Let the world tell it, Rihanna started it- but it’s ok. But if you check the records, I was the first one with it. I appreciate the fact that you took the time out to notice it because I have that argument with people all the time- but shout out to Rihanna, she’s a beautiful girl and she’s doing her thing. We have let the asymmetrical cut go and we’re doing something a little bit shorter and a little bit more razor cut. Hopefully, I’ll always be a person that can set trends and even if I don’t set trends, I’m hoping that I can always be a little bit different. I don’t wanna look like everybody else and I definitely don’t wanna sound like anybody else and if I can do that- that’s cool with me.

Lastly, you’re headed out on a night on the town with your girls- what’s in your clutch?

My MAC lip gloss, a comb, mascara, whatever shadow I’m wearing that night I usually take it with me because at the end of the night the shadow tends to get a little dull. And money and gum- always because the industry I’m in I’m always running my mouth and talking to somebody so you gotta make sure the breath is on point and that’s pretty much it. I keep it simple.

As appeared in Clutch Magazine March 2008

Amanda Diva, Girl Power

By Sheena Neal

After independently releasing Life Experience, the first of her trio of EP’s titled The Experience Trilogy, this Hip Hop fireball understands that a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. And in that case, the world better open wide for a healthy dose of Amanda Diva.

How has the world been receiving Amanda Diva the emcee?

It’s kind of mind boggling to me just how positive the reception has been—overwhelmingly positive. It’s not like 50/50; it’s kind of like a 90/10 in terms of people’s responses to the music and the shows. The world seems to be taking me in with open arms and I couldn’t be happier.

What do you think about the current state of hip-hop?

I think it’s really imbalanced- that’s really my biggest issue. I’m from the south and I love southern music but I want variety. It’s like there are some southern rappers who have lyrics but we all know that that hasn’t been at the forefront or format of southern Hip Hop. It’s more about the balance and the hook and the dances. Hip-hop had different flavors and was reppin’ different places- that’s missing these days and I think that really takes away from the depths of the culture and the music. When I interview artists it’s always frustrating to me to hear them say “if I wasn’t makin’ bread I wouldn’t be rappin” because having a mic and a voice is such a powerful thing and so for it to be so disposable is concerning to me.

What was your experience like on the Floetry Remixed tour?

In some ways it was great because my first touring experience started at 10 as opposed to working my way up the ladder with it. But the thing about it was that on the flip side, no one was informed prior to the tour (fanwise) that Natalie had left the group and Marsha was very unsupportive so when I would be going to these shows to perform, the fans would be really disrespectful and not happy to see me on that stage. It was wild because I was brought into the situation with a different perspective. I was told that we were going to do press and that it was going to be very, very clear that I’m the new member of Floetry and this didn’t come to pass and I ended up having to pay the price for it with the negativity from fans.

Just to clear the air, you are no longer a member of Floetry, correct?

No, I mean I don’t even know what Floetry is. I don’t even think they know what Floetry is anymore.

How do you feel when people compare you to Lauryn Hill?

Honored. I’m not trying to emulate Lauryn at all in terms of her vocal style or how she raps, but I just want to revive the feeling that folks got when they listened to her music. She is the reason I write. So for folks to feel moved by my music and site that they felt the same way when they heard Lauryn, that’s huge.

As a jill-of-all-trades, how are you able to balance being a journalist, a poet, an emcee, a singer, and an on-air personality?

I’m really good at keeping things separate on my plate and I’m a really good multi-tasker. I’ve been someone who’s always felt like an idle mind is the devil’s playground. When I’m sitting around not doing anything, that’s when I get frustrated and start doubting myself.

If you had to choose one profession, which one would it be?

The music.

You are a very educated young lady and you regularly appear on VH1’s Best Week Ever and you’ve been a correspondent for E! News, do you ever feel like you have to “dumb it down?”

Yes. Not on VH1’s Best Week Ever, but on E! That’s actually why I felt like I

couldn’t work there. A lot of times people tell you that you gotta ”dumb it down” but I think that is really just a misappropriation and a misinterpretation of our audience. I think the audience is as smart as what you give them. When we give the people doo-doo, they adapt to the doo-doo.

Around the age 25 they say that we all go through a quarter life crisis about our direction in life. Did you experience the quarter-life crisis and do you have any advice for people as they approach this phenomenon?

For me it was more so the year 2005. I felt like I didn’t know my purpose. I had just finished my master’s, I’d left MTV2 and it just felt like I was a feather in the wind and I’m someone who likes control of what I’m doing and where I’m going. So I just worked through it. If you get lost, the best thing to do is to double-back and start from the beginning.

As appeared in AUC Magazine March 2008

Step Into Spring, Find Out What’s Hot (and Not) For the Season (Continued)

      For the men, spring is about breaking out of your color box and paying homage to the past with your personal style.

Shirts

• Give your polo shirt collection a pastel upgrade in peach, lime green or lavender.

Hats & Accessories

• Be fashion-forward by paying homage to The Rat Pack with a vintage Fedora hat.

• Lightweight jackets will also play an important role this season. Use the jacket as an accessory to any laid back outfit.

Jeans/Pants/Shorts

• If you’re still nostalgic for the 80’s, feel free to continue to wear the colored jeans, graphic t-shirts and sneakers for a Hip Hop vibe.

• Go prep. Switch it up a bit by pairing some plaid or gingham shorts with an understated polo and if you’re confident enough, throw a sweater over your back for the full effect.

Shoes

• Sure, Air Force Ones are a safe classic, but switch it up with a pair of loafers or some really funky sneakers.

Suits

• Mix and match. “Every man should have a seersucker suit in his closet,” says King. The pants can be paired with some sneakers or loafers and a polo and the blazer can be dressed down with a polo, some jeans and a hot pair of sneakers.

Last Minute Do’s & Don’ts

• Do find a good tailor

• Do regionalize your look- If you’re from the west coast; keep your west coast feel

• Do be confident in whatever you choose to wear

• Don’t be cookie cutter

• Don’t be afraid of color

• Don’t wear pantyhose with your sandals

• Don’t wear really bulky or heavy clothing as the spring season approaches, keep it light

As appeared in AUC Magazine March 2008

      While some aspiring actors were conjuring up a way to sell everything in their possession to move to California, Omar Benson Miller was already living in Hollywood’s backyard. Although he didn’t have any intentions of becoming the next Denzel Washington, one of his college professors thought otherwise.

      Miller was attending San Jose State University where he was pursuing a degree in international business with the intent of finding a career that would allow him to travel and see the world. His course of study required him to take a general acting class where the professor recognized his talent and encouraged him to seriously consider pursuing acting.

      After meeting with an agent and getting a manager, Miller landed his first role as Big Johnson in the comedy Sorority Boys. However, it wasn’t until his more significant follow up role in 8 Mile working opposite rapper Eminem that Miller solidified his place in the running toward being Hollywood’s next breakout star. “[Eminem] was really encouraging,” said Miller. “Anyway he could help, he would help.” A couple years later, Eminem’s word would be bond as he would lead Miller to his next role in Get Rich or Die Tryin’ alongside Curtis “50 cent” Jackson as there was a direct link with the same producers for each film.

      Miller has played alongside some of Hollywood’s most talented actors including Halle Berry in Things We Lost in the Fire, Richard Gere in Shall We Dance and Drew Barrymore in Lucky You. He also appears opposite Charles Dutton in the upcoming blockbuster The Express directed by Gary Fleder about the life story of Ernie Davis, the first African American player to win the Heisman trophy whose NFL career was cut short by leukemia.

      After auditioning for Spike Lee’s upcoming Miracle at St. Anna, Miller would be faced with his biggest Hollywood hurdle. “Spike said that he wanted me to play the role and that I was the best actor for it,” said Miller. “But he said that the weight had him nervous and he needed me to lose 50 lbs.” Miller embraced the challenge with open arms and lost 60 lbs. by following a disciplined high fiber and nutrient diet with increased physical activity. Miller explained that “it was difficult, but it was worth it because it fit the character.”

      Miller explained that working with Spike, one of his favorite directors was challenging. “Spike expects a lot from his actors and at the same time, you have the comfort of knowing that he has your back, he said. “As long as you come prepared there’s no problem.”

      As an aspiring director, Miller explained that he most respected Spike’s efficiency. “We shot 9-hour days for weeks at a time, which is unheard of in Hollywood,” he said. “You can make dinner plans and still be there on Spike’s schedule.” With Miller’s new healthy lifestyle, we can ensure that his dinner plans won’t include Roscoe’s Chicken ‘n’ Waffles, but a more sensible option.

As appeared in AUC Magazine March 2008