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25 Jul

Mike Schreiber: 2 Days of TRUE HIP-HOP

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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photo credit: Gundun Stone

Imagine yourself having a professional business relationship with a friend whom is well connected in the creative; cultural side of the entertainment industry. Said friend invites you out to a cultural event at an art gallery in Atlanta, and you oblige your friend by attending. Then, the event becomes one of the most memorable of your Journalistic career.

Many people might ask, What does a Jewish guy have in common with Hip-Hop? My personal answer: EVERYTHING!!! The culture of Hip-Hop does not have a color. It does not have a smell. Hip-Hop is everybody’s playground; everybody’s school; everybody’s party! Author and Hip-Hop Photographer, Mike Schreiber proved just that when his art; by way of photography was displayed at Art Galleries around the United States. This particular story focuses on Mike Schreiber: True Hip-Hop at The Hagedorn Foundation Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia from July 9 – August 27, 2011.

DAY 1

On opening night Mike Schreiber made his way into the Hagedorn Gallery to discuss his work displayed at the Art Gallery, to sign his new book: True Hip-Hop, and most importantly to meet his public. As a part of our experience, there was a very in-depth panel discussion on the evolution of visual culture in Hip-Hop. Panelists included: Rodney Carmichael (Creative Loafing), Fahamu Pecou (Pop Culture Artist), Mike Schreiber and Dr. Joyce Wilson (Hip-Hop Archive fellow, WEB DuBois Institute, Harvard University).

Panelists got down & dirty with their personal, as well as professional opinions on the culture and how it has been affected by media, pop culture, etc. How have you been affected by Hip-Hop?

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DAY 2

On this day, the Hagedorn Foundation Gallery was opened for my colleagues and I in order to have a private talk with Mike Schreiber. On a personal note, this guy was so cool to talk to. As we walked around the gallery, Mike talked about his feelings at the time of shooting each photograph. We also talked about the experience of the shoots, as well as some of the things that took place on set with the artists. Of course you get to see & hear what we talked about on live video below:

Oh, I must also mention: that friend? Yes, Margaret Kargbo is the angel of Cultural Public Relations. A great friend, professional and all-around person. Margaret really works! Thank you again for the opportunity for such a great story, and realizing what is meaningful in the entertainment business.

Check out more about Mike Schreiber at: www.MikeSchreiber.com

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22 Jul

ALJA JACKSON: Stilettos & Steel

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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Alja Jackson: The Prettiest Girl is currently the newest Music Phenomenon that isn’t new. A seasoned professional in the business, Alja has been putting it down for quite some time. With writing credits from: Missy Elliott to P. Diddy to Beyonce to Trey Songz, this pretty girl has been around the block and back in the game. A prolific composer/producer/rapper/singer/songwriter, she has a tremendous arsenal of creativity, punch & swag to carry her for many decades in the music industry. Alja puts one in the mind frame of such greats as: Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Amel Larrieux, Jay Z, just to name a few… But, she is simply ALJA JACKSON!!! Meaning: she is a queen in her own right already in the game. And what a hardworker!!!

Now it’s ALJA JACKSON’s turn!!!

In addition to penning hits for other well-known artists, Alja Jackson has been putting it down in the studio. She has multiple mixtapes to her credit: The Prettiest Girl Mixtape, Contra-Brand Mixtape, and The Pretty, Bad, and the Ugly Mixtape. Needless to say, they are all beyond amazing. The girl has fire power. Pay attention people!!!

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On Wednesday, July 20, 2011 Alja Jackson held her private listening session at Soul Asylum Studios in Atlanta, Georgia for her new album, Stilettos & Steel. The drop (on her own imprint: LEFTFIELD PRODUCTIONS) is a mixture of hard hitting hip-hop joints, smooth ballads, and some pop appeal. It’s like a Gumbo. On this release, Alja wrote, produced, engineered, composed, etc. She just had her hands all in the pot, and we like it like that… Do your thing Alja “The Prettiest Girl” Jackson. Oh, that’s MISS JACKSON; if you nasty…

Stay tuned for the official Album Release Party information…

Alja Jackson on CuttyROCKSRadio – 07/22/11 6:45p
www.blogtalkradio.com/CuttyROCKSRadio

Follow Alja Jackson on twitter: @AljaJackson

Check out the video of Alja Jackson Private Album Listening Session:

Shout out to: Alja Jackson, Erskine Isaac, LeftField Productions, Nefarious, G & S Records, Inc.

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19 Jul

MTV Reality Star, D.Woods releases “The Gray Area” on WoodGrane Ent.

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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story by: Cutty Shark
video shot by: Ingrid Allen
video edit by: Cutty Shark

THE GRAY AREA LIVE VIDEO – ZAC STUDIOS

Last week former MTV Reality Diva, D.Woods unleashed her long awaited EP – The Gray Area at a private listening session at Zac Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The Gray Area is now available for the world to enjoy on iTunes. Special invited Celebrities, Media & Tastemakers listened to tracks from The Gray Area as we sipped on specialty drinks provided by Grey Goose. In the session, D.Woods also unveiled her own brand: WoodGrane Entertainment to the world. “If any of y’all follow me on twitter you’ve probably seen me talking about I was mobbing on the A; I was mobbing on L.A.,” D.Woods said. We been flash mobbing on y’all.”

The Gray Area is a six-song EP released on iTunes on July 12, 2011. D.Woods has worked tirelessly to continue to better her inner self, as well as her craft. She’s ready to show and prove to the world that she is beyond serious about her God-given talents of: Acting, Dancing, Singing, Writing, etc. “I felt like I had to show everybody who had question marks what I’m all about!”

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photo credit: Eugenia “Stellar” Williams

A few of D.Woods’ celebrity friends came out to support her on her special night: SoSo Def Recording Artist, Dondria, Brandi D. (formerly of group, Blaque), DJ Trauma, Roscoe Dash, Life Da Great, and Wale. Let’s not forget Producer, Simon Illa who is responsible for producing The Gray Area.

D.Woods will have her official EP Release Party for The Gray Area on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Wet Bar at the W Hotel in Downtown Atlanta.

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05 Jul

Urban Active Fitness – Buckhead (Private Grand Opening)

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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VIDEO:

Check out the live video of Urban Active Fitness – Buckhead Private Grand opening on June 25, 2011. Special thanks to: Ingrid N. Allen, Tosha Ford (WRFG 89.3FM) and Chris Daniel. Check us out…

Follow us on twitter @CuttyShark2010

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23 Jun

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of ‘A Tribe Called Quest’

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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“Legends are made, and never forgotten!”

“Dreams transform into reality, making life a fantasy!”

Cutty Shark

In this phase of reality, my fantasy is a two-part series:

The dream of meeting and having an opportunity to talk to A Tribe Called Quest got a little closer to life on June 16, 2011. The private screening of the documentary: Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest by actor/producer, Michael Rapaport was truly a life-changing experience.

The documentary itself is about four friends who started a hip-hop band as teens and ultimately became true pioneers of hip-hop before their sudden breakup in 1998. The title was adopted from the groups’ fourth critically acclaimed album – Beats, Rhymes & Life. And, it describes their musically creative; emotionally tumultuous relationship to a tee. “The movie essentially is about four friends and their relationship,” Rapaport said. “It’s a love story. It’s a love story between me & hip-hop. It’s a love story between A Tribe Called Quest & hip-hop. It’s a love story between Phife & his wife. And… It’s a love story between A Tribe Called Quest.”

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Michael Rapaport is a die-hard ATCQ fan, and made it his business in 2008 to tour with the group in order to get live footage of Greatness-in-Process. After their untimely breakup in 1998, it seemed as if we were missing one of the main ingredients of hip-hop. And we were (are)!!! The world misses A Tribe Called Quest’s conscious party anthems that make us think. We miss the touch of Jazz that embodies everything that Tribe does. We miss Native Tongues. We miss Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi White. But for 2-hours, the world gets to relive the magic that the group displays on the big screen. “Rapaport captures the story of how tenuous their relationship has become; how their personal differences and unresolved conflicts continue to be a threat to their creative cohesion. When mounting tensions erupt backstage during a show in San Francisco, we get a behind-the-scenes look at their journey and contributions as a band and what currently is at stake for these long time friends and collaborators.”(www.sonyclassics.com/beatsrhymesandlife).

Within the film, the following people gave input on ATCQ and Legendary DJ Red Alert (whom was present at the screening in Atlanta, Georgia): Monie Love, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, Common, Pharrell Williams, Busta Rhymes, Pete Rock, Beastie Boys, Mos Def, Kanye West, Large Professor and Ludacris.

Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest chronicles the life; the creativity; the music; and the personal relationship between four childhood friends that grew up in an industry of snakes, biters, and ‘phony rappers’. Viewers get an inside look at their extremely personal relationships, including the good, the bad and the ugly. I personally commend the members of ATCQ for allowing themselves to be seen inside and out; for them being so secure in their own vulnerability.

    PART II

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Part two of the fantasy began 4 days later: Monday, June 20, 2011 in a private suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, GA as I sat down with Phife Dawg and Michael Rapaport to talk about Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, their careers, and what it took to complete such a work of art.

Between 1990 – 1998, A Tribe Called Quest released five Gold and Multi-Platinum Albums to their credit. They have millions of fans; transformed to A Tribe Called Quest Members.

“I AM A TRIBE CALLED QUEST!!!”

“I think we did our job. Because it was not only about educating the masses, but making the masses move & groove, and enjoy themselves. But, not beating them over the head unmercifully by preaching.” Phife Dawg shared. “I think we definitely did our job if I say so myself!”

For this part, we felt it only right to furnish a LIVE Video. Such priceless information, you have to see it and hear it to believe it… Check out the live video of my talk with Phife Dawg & Michael Rapaport (Below):

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17 Jun

Tupac 40th Birthday Concert Celebration f/Erykah Badu – June 16, 2011

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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On June 16, 2011, Atlanta, GA was the place to be as we celebrated Tupac Shakur’s 40th Birthday with his mother; American music businesswoman, philanthropist, former political activist and ex-Black Panther, Afeni Shakur. Tupac’s spirit surrounded the Atlanta Symphony Hall as guests, media, celebrities, family, and friends celebrated the Late Great, Tupac Shakur. All proceeds of the event went to The Tupac Shakur Foundation.

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Hosted by Mike Epps & Afeni Shakur, the night boasted major performances by: Ricky Rozay, The Outlawz, Warren G, Too Short, Maybach Music’s new artists, 8Ball & MJG and Bun B. The show was headlined by Erykah Badu. The crowd was very receptive to all of the night’s events. It was a great spirit about the room. Everyone screamed “Happy Birthday Tupac” in unison to a three count by Mike Epps. I could imagine how happy, sad, overjoyed, appreciative that Afeni Shakur was. She danced sang and cheered to the performances & appreciation for her legendary son, Tupac Shakur.

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Tupac lives through all the love he receives from the world, as well as his music. Like Rick Ross sang, “Tupac Back!!! Tupac Back!!!”

Question: Do you think Suge Knight should have been present?

Check out the video of the entire ‘Tupac 40th Birthday Concert Celebration’ below:

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17 May

Atlanta Human Rights Campaign honors Academy Award Winner, Mo’Nique

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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Academy Award Nominee, Lee Daniels; Academy Award Winner, Mo’Nique; and President of HRC, Joe Solmonese

On Saturday, May 14, 2011, Atlanta Human Rights Campaign held its 24th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction honoring Academy Award Winning Actress, Mo’Nique; featuring Academy Award Nominated Filmmaker, Lee Daniels in Atlanta, Georgia. The Atlanta HRC is the nation’s largest civil rights organization committed to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC President, Joe Solmonese also lead the organization in honoring local winners: Jeff Cleghorn and Paul Plate for their tireless efforts in the LGBT Community. It was a night of Equality; a night of Fun; a night where everyone began & ended on an equal playing field. A night of Freedom!!!

As Academy Award Winner, Mo’Nique walked into the media room hand-in-hand with her husband/manager Sidney Hicks, she absolutely glowed with a smile that showed she was so appreciative to be recognized for this award by the Human Rights Campaign. She told a story of her first spiritual connection into the world of the LGBT Community when she was 17-years-old; in New York; at the Garage. She then answered questions about her dedication to the world of entertainment, also why this cause was of importance to her personally.

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The 24th Annual Atlanta Human Rights Campaign Gala and Dinner was a smorgasbord of freedom. All guests were so appreciated to be accepted for who they are; no matter who they love.

As HRC President, Joe Solmonese told a story of Kobe Bryant calling him to apologize for an unwarranted homophobic slur during a playoff game last week. He had the crowd in stitches as he admitted, “Before this, I had no idea who Kobe Bryant was or what team he played for.” It was absolutely hilarious. Solmonese then told of his sincere gratitude to Lee Daniels and his creative vibe.

As Lee Daniels took the stage, his first phrase was: “Hi I’m Lee Daniels and I’m Gay!” The audience went bananas with applause. His speech was so heartfelt and real. He then spoke of his very close friend and recipient of the Ally for Equality Award, Academy Award Winner Mo’Nique.

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As Mo’Nique took the stage, she embraced Lee Daniels with the most gracious hug. The audience could feel their emotional connection. They are spiritually in tune with one another. She took the mic and sincerely thanked the Human Rights Campaign for thinking of her. Her speech was absolutely fantastic. She talked about her personal experiences with family members growing up being ridiculed for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The crowd laughed, cried, and rejoiced with Mo’Nique on this night. It was a great night for Freedom!!!

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Academy Award Winner, Mo’Nique accepting ‘Ally for Equality’ Award

“The Human Rights Campaign was founded in 1980, with a goal of raising money for congressional candidates who supported fairness. In the years that followed, the organization established itself as a resilient force in the overall movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights as it strived to achieve fundamental fairness and equality for all.”

Special thanks to: Ed Patterson with Cox Communications and Human Rights Campaign for a great night.

Congratulations to: Academy Award Winner, Mo’Nique on her Ally For Equality Award, and Academy Award Nominee, Lee Daniels.

Continued success to: Joe Solmonese, President of Human Rights Campaign

***Check out Live Video of the 24th Annual Atlanta Human Rights Campaign Gala and Dinner, below:

Untitled from TIMOTHY "Cutty Shark" SANDERS on Vimeo.

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13 May

ATLANTA BALLET presents… “IGNITION”

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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The week of May 9-15, 2011 marks a very special time for the Atlanta Ballet, as well as Broadway veteran/National Poetry Slam Champion/Russell Simmons’ DEF Poetry Jam poet, Marc Bamuthi Joseph & Choreographer, Amy Seiwert. The Atlanta Ballet presents… IGNITION: New Choreographic Voices. A great night of culture, dance & spoken word.

The kick-off began on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 with the opening night Artist Chat & Kick-off Party at the Whitespace Art Gallery, where guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails, a live DJ, an IGNITION Photo Gallery and a live conversation with the artists, dancers & performers.

On Thursday, May 12, 2011, special invited Media were in attendance for the IGNITION ‘full dress rehearsal’ at Alliance Stage at The Woodruff Arts Center. Those that attended were able to get the first glance at the full show that will begin on Friday, May 13, 2011 to a “sold out” crowd. IGNITION is sure to please everyone’s creative palate.

“Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director, John McFall is on the move, searching for some of the most talented young choreographers to bring a new dance voice to Atlanta Ballet. In the ballet’s latest endeavor, Ignition, expect an eclectic mix of innovative dance that will leave your mind open and your soul breathless.

Ignition will feature three world premiere works created exclusively for Atlanta Ballet. It will be showcased in the intimate confines of the Alliance Stage promising a variety of movement, music and diverse themes.

Atlanta is the inspiration behind choreographer Amy Seiwert’s work “Home in 7″. Seiwert has collaborated with prize-winning poet and Morehouse College graduate Marc Bamuthi Joseph and acclaimed violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain to present what’s sure to be a crowd favorite.”

Check out the Live sneak peak of IGNITION courtesy of:
Cutty Shark for EntertainmentReporters.com:

***Special thanks to: Jen Farris – ZDennisMediaGroup

For more info and to get tickets: www.AtlantaBallet.com (IGNITION).

video shot & edited by: Cutty Shark

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12 May

ATL Live on the Park: 1st Year Anniversary

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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Creators of ATL Live on Park: Marlon Nichols (Suit) & Shanti Das

The 1st Year Anniversary of ATL Live on the Park was truly an amazing evening in entertainment, as well as true talent!

On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, Shanti Das and Marlon Nichols celebrated their One-Year Anniversary of ATL LIVE ON THE PARK. With over 300 Atlanta tastemakers, music industry insiders and patrons in attendance the monthly event series proved to be the most talked about live music showcase in Atlanta. With radio personality, Kenny Burns hosting; R&B group NEXT headlined the show, while former P.Diddy musical steward Fonzworth Bentley literally took control of the stage equipped with dancers and a well-choreographed routine. Also performing a great set was Jive Records new hip-hop duo Big Heed & Alien. These guys are wild; a must see…

Attendees included: Chaka Zulu (CEO/DTP), Ron Devoe, Former Atlanta Falcon Jamal Anderson, Devyne Stephens, Q Parker, Roger Bobb, Sheree Whitfield, Bob Whitfield, Tameka Raymond, and Faune Watkins (The Game/Fonzworth Bentley’s wife).

The next ATL LIVE ON THE PARK is June 14.

Visit www.atlliveonthepark.eventbrite.com for tickets and info.

Also, Creator Shanti Das was a special guest on CuttyROCKSRadio on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. Visit www.blogtalkradio.com/CuttyROCKSRadio to see how you become a performer on the next show.

Check out pics from the show,

photo credit: Cole Warren ;)

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12 Apr

MEAGAN GOOD & POOCH HALL: ‘Dinner with the Stars’

Posted by: Cutty Shark  /  Category: EntertainmentReporters

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On April 11, 2011, Tri-Star Pictures and 135th Agency (Saptosa Foster) hosted “Dinner with the Stars” of Jumping The Broom at Strip Steakhouse in Atlanta, GA. It was an evening of dining with Meagan Good & Pooch Hall. About 30 members of the media joined the stars of Jumping the Broom to eat, talk and celebrate a great African-American Movie.

Jumping The Broom will be in theaters everywhere on May 6, 2011. It is a must-see!!!

Check out our up-close and personal talk with actors: Meagan Good & Pooch Hall, as we dined on Grilled Chicken Saltay Platter, Mini Turkey Burgers, Lamb Chop Lollipops, Jerk Shrimp Skewers and Grilled Vegetable Antipasto.

VIDEO BELOW:

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