BONES BRIGANTE: ANIMAL KLIK – WORLD DOMINATION

The world got a real taste for Bones Brigante as a contestant on BET’s 106 & Park – Freestyle Friday in January 2010. He consistently proved himself to be a wordsmith week after week. He slaughtered the competition!

To take his career to another level, Bones took out Agent Orange in April 2010 for the year’s Freestyle Friday Championship Finals. After the three round finale, Brigante received 64 percent of the viewers votes and garnered victory by receiving a unanimous decision by all four judges. As champion, he earned himself a feature at the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards rap cipher taking place in Atlanta, GA. He also received a $5000 check and the Freestyle Friday Championship Belt & Gloves. Bones Brigante is currently working on his highly anticipated debut, “Bad 2 Da Bones.”

Eashawn Griffin (Bones Brigante) was born in San Jose, California, but was raised on the East Coast with his twin sister. He began a love affair with rap music early in his life by growing fond of both words and hip hop of the time (Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, etc.). According to his father, “Bones loved to read as a child.”

No stranger to battling and competition, Bones moved to Maryland as a teenager. He attended high school and played basketball; all the while, sharpening his skills to become a successful rapper in the music industry. He was also one of the members in the running on P. Diddy’s – Making the Band – Season 2. No amount of disappointment could stop Bones from his dreams. He began to take the battle world by storm in Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia to gain a name for himself.

Now, Bones Brigante is ready for the mainstream… And as we see, he has the skills to pay the bills!!!

Check out more on Bones Brigante at www.BonesBrigante.com
Follow him on twitter @Bad2DaBones

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STATEENA IS WINNING AFTER APPEARING ON AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
“Well basically, they are not pictures of me. They are pics of Naomi Campbell. It’s funny that people are always quick to go on the negative side, but never talk about the good things that I do. The first photos were me. But the last ones weren’t. But her body is amazing (laughs)!”
On photo scandal with MediaTakeOut

Monique “STATEENA” Calhoun is now a professional model from Chicago, IL and loving it! She made her debut as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model – Cycle 7. No, she didn’t win; technically. But… She is definitely winning right now! I had the chance to talk with the Supermodel to talk about her career, the runway, and her non-profit organization.

*How does it feel to have done so many great things after getting off a show like ANTM?

Stateena:  It feels great! It feels good that there’s people that; besides all the negativity portrayed, that they actually see talent. And, they see something there that can actually win and make it.

*Tell me, how does the adrenaline feel when you’re actually on the runway in a show?

Stateena:  You know, it’s hard to say exactly. Because for me, when I first get ready to go out on the runway I’m pretty nervouse & scared. Your mind is like: I don’t want to fall; how am I gonna look? There’s just so many things going through your head. But once I get on the stage, it’s like my alter ego takes over and I have no idea what’s happening. I don’t hear anything! I don’t see anything! I’m in my zone. I have no idea what happened on stage until I review the tape. But it’s an amazing feeling.

*What’s the difference between performing for a live audience, then having to do it behind the camera?

Stateena:  Wow. I guess there’s not much of a difference, you still get nervous. I think that being in front of an audience is a bit more shakey, becuause there’s a lot more people versus a camera; it’s just a crew. There’s no do-overs live; so if that’s it; that’s it!

*So let’s get to what things are you doing now?

Stateena:  As of right now, I just did a commercial for Vegas. It’s gonna be a huge national commercial and the whole Vegas Tourism for the city. It should be out within the next month or two. I have been working with Balenciaga. They are one of my top clients. I will be working with them throughout the month of June. I worked with Alberta Feretti, Giorgio Armani and just a lot of different designers. I’m doing a lot of runway. I’m also getting myself more into the commercial side and acting.

*Tell me a bit about your nonprofit organization.

Stateena:  Yes, it’s about disadvantaged children & battered women. The reason why I work with them is because I grew up with my Mother being battered, and I was disadvantaged from a lot of things because of that. I want to show people that, even if you did have that around you, you could still make it out. I really want to give back as much as possible.

*I’m gonna do a 360 to the beginning of your life, to when you realized that you wanted or knew that you were a model. What kind of things were you thinking?

Stateena:  Well, I knew because everyone else knew I was a model. I was more persuaded by everyone constantly telling me that I looked like a model, or asking me if I was a model. So, it kind of just happened; kind of just fell in my lap. I started doing hair modeling and it came my way. I just happen to have this talent. And I love to perform, so it’s a really natural thing for me.

*Isn’t it funny that the person who actually has the talent is always the last to know they have it?

Stateena:  (Laughs) You know, you’re right! That is exactly how it was.

*After coming off the show, did Tyra Banks help you get signed or did you have to hustle to get your own contracts?

Stateena:  No, you have to go out and find your own. It’s only so much a person can give you, because if they give you too much what will you learn and/or understand on your own?!  You have to have that drive to fight against the grain to make it happen…

“Continue to follow me and look out for the next projects that I’m working on. Right now, I’m working on a simple brochure book for young women on day-to-day living with respect.”

Follow Stateena on Twitter: @Stateena

Hit her up on facebook: StateenaChevey

Check out her website: www.Stateena.com

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FALSE PROFITS STAGE PLAY STARRING ED HARTWELL DEBUTS IN ATLANTA – MAY 8, 2010 AT RIALTO CENTER THEATER

Jer 23:14 – I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Former NFL player and Real Housewives of Atlanta’s, Ed Hartwell starred as the no-good Pastor Chris Gettins in the debut of Kevin & Shante Ragin’s – False Profits (spelled intentionally to signify greed): God Don’t Like Ugly! The play showed the ugly side of underhanded leaders of the church. Pastors who lead by taking from the poor to feed themselves & their families with lavish material things. False Profits was musical, it was funny, it was dramatic; and most importantly, it had a message.

Hartwell was the James Brown Shiny Silver Cape wearing Pastor of the church, Chris Gettins; who had many skeletons in his closet. Not only did he take monetarily from the church, he had a child with another woman while married, he had a gay son in which he kept a secret, and he really only cared about himself. The cast did a great job of displaying the message that False Prophets do exist in the church. Although all leaders are not that way, beware of the ones who are!

The cast included: Ed Hartwell; E.J. Hartwell (Ed’s son); Kevin Ragin (writer); Samantha Cassidy (Grammy nominated, Singer/Songwriter); and a host of other actors & actresses who did a very good job in the play. The production was backed up with a live band: Airport Band, and was a very entertaining display of talent.

I won’t tell what happened in the play (because it will be coming to a city near you), but in the end – we find out what happens when Chris Gettins’ lies catches up with him.

I personally commend, Kevin & Shante Ragin for writing a play with such a powerful & real message. Also, Ed Hartwell whom went outside of himself to play the role. Great Job!

Special thanks to: April Love who made sure I was front & center. Continued success.

Look out for: FALSE PROFITS! GOD DON’T LIKE UGLY! In a city near you, soon…

   Chicago Artist, YG talked to me about his career and his goals in the music industry. Check it out…

   Chicago Artist, YG talked to me about his career and his goals in the music industry. Check it out…

   How did you get started?

YG:  I first started rocking shows in grammar school. I was doing talent shows, but I wasn’t really serious with the music until I got to High School. I started doing radio broadcasting & communications; I majored in that. So once I started getting on the television side, the DJing, and radio communications stuff, it made me get more serious about rap. Then, I just started doing everything I could do.

Tell me a little bit about who YG is

YG:  YG is a person who grinds real hard to get where he’s trying to go. I’ve been doing the music for so long that I feel like it’s my time. That’s why the album is called, Now or Never, because I been grinding for so long I feel like I’m either gonna make it now or
I’m never gonna make it. YG is a multi-tasker. I also do arranging, producing, making beats, engineering, whatever. I got my own production company, GuttaBoy Productions, and people usually see better in something negative. I name my company GuttaBoy on purpose to show people that something good can come from the gutter. I’m just tryna rise up and show people if I can make it, anybody can make it!

How do you feel about how you are being accepted in the music industry?

YG:  It feels good, because I’ve been through a lot of situations where people make promises that they can’t keep, or tell me that I’m not ready. So there have been many people that would doubt me. But to now be in a position where I’m actually making something happen with my career, it’s everything that I’ve been asking for. Now it’s like my music is on 110. The motivation behind the music just made my music ten times better. It’s definitely a great feeling.

Let’s talk about your single, ‘Swag Walk’.

YG:  It’s playing on college radio in Chicago – Power 92. A lot of people feeling it, especially in the streets; it’s going real hard. It’s playing in a lot of different states – 42 different radio stations. We’re putting more push behind it; doing more promotions. I got a couple more singles that I’ll be dropping too. I got a single called, ‘Gucci Means Good’ that’s getting a lot of play from DJ’s in different cities. We’re gonna drop that as a second single. Man, I just been grinding hard. Everybody likes the song, I’m tearing down every show I can do. You know how it goes…

Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?

YG:  Well, I still see myself definitely doing music in the industry. Somewhere at the top. There’s a lot of hot artists coming out now, I just been trying to stay focused and stay sharp to separate myself from these artists to show people I’m the One. I see myself
branching off to different businesses & corporations. I wanna start my own record label, production company at a major label, clothing lines and movies. I was actually a 2nd AD on the film – Boys To Men with Angela Bassett, Faison Love, & Robert Townsend. I worked on that film out here in Chicago. So working in broadcasting & radio
communication has helped me to branch out to other things that will also help my rap career. I would also like to get into producing films.

Check YG on www.Facebook.com/blackboxentertainment

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DREW SIDORA IS CHICAGO’S RISING STAR: SINGER, ACTRESS, ACTIVIST, ENTREPRENEUR. PLUS SO MUCH MORE…

Fast forward a little over 10 years later, Drew Sidora is undertaking some of the biggest events in her career, as well as in her life. She is a successful screen actress; having garnered major roles in many films such as: Never Die Alone, White Chicks, Step Up and Motives 2. She has also taken the world of Television by storm with roles in: That’s So Raven, Girlfriends, and most notably, The Game. Sidora truly understands that life isn’t promised to anyone, and gives her absolute everything to what she loves to do – ENTERTAIN.

“I have the best team in the world. #TeamDrew is Amazing! So I couldn’t do this without my Managers, my Agency, and those people guiding me,” Sidora said ecstatically.

The day I talked with Drew Sidora (April 6, 2010), her single ‘Juke It’ officially dropped to the world. And, she was understandably excited. I mean, wouldn’t you be? “Chicago has already been spinning the record because ‘Juke’ is a record paying homage to my hometown, Sidora shared. “Juke is like a dance craze in the city. So it only made sense to come here first and drop it in Chicago. So far everybody is loving the record. I am really excited about it.” As the excitement mounts, Drew is hard at work on her second single ‘Ladies Go’. Which will be released in only 3 weeks. ‘Ladies Go’ is an upbeat dance record that is sure to satisfy those who love music. Both singles were produced by Lamb, who is behind #1 hits for Keyshia Cole (Let It Go), Jazmine Sullivan (Need U Bad), and Monica’s current single (Everything to Me). “Everything he touches goes #1, so I’m looking forward to both records going #1.” Drew Sidora stated.

Music being her major focus, Drew Sidora signed with Hip-Hop powerhouse Slip N Slide Records in December 2008. Now it’s time for her to blast off. Unlike some labels that shelve new artists, the label is very excited about Drew’s project. “That’s exactly why I signed with Slip N Slide, they have had a lot of success with Hip-Hop. So for me to be the first pop female vocalist, it’s all about making history, she added. “So to be in a situation where they wanna win; I wanna win, I think both of us are very passionate about what we are getting ready to journey into.” With the option to sign with many other labels, she has no regrets as to where she calls home. Sidora actually feels blessed to have her new label, as well as their unwavering support of her career. Slip N Slide is also home to multi-platinum selling artists, Rick Ross, Trina and Plies.

“If you look at females that are very successful (like Brandy), they have one producer that they vibe with for that signature sound. You can’t replace what Brandy & Rodney Jerkins had. You can’t replace what Janet Jackson & Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis had. Even Ciara & Jazze Pha.”

On Producers Lamb & Drumma Boy solely on her upcoming project

And… Just when you thought you had her pegged, Drew Sidora shows up behind the scenes as an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Makes you think, does she ever sleep? Well, not really. She started her own Production Company; ‘Record Breakers’, as well as her new Foundation; ‘Dream Makers’. Sidora is making major moves in this music industry of ours. So much so that she has already signed her first act to the production company. “We signed our first artist, her name is Neshelle Genovese and she’s out of Virginia. We’re very excited about her. Definitely look forward to her project coming out this year (2010),” she commented. Drew Sidora has a selfless attitude and is looking for talent to help fulfill some of their dreams, like she is doing her dreams. Like the saying goes, A Dream sought after is a Dream Fulfilled. A true Community Leader and Activist, Drew Sidora’s foundation ‘Dream Makers’ aims to do just that: make peoples dreams become a reality. Dream Makers is a foundation that focuses on teaching the youth valuable lessons in how to prepare themselves for any opportunity that comes their way. “If I didn’t have someone telling me or teaching me what a headshot was or a resume’ or a demo; or how to even get a demo, I wouldn’t be here now, Sidora offered. “I try to give back to those people that don’t have what I am so blessed to have in my life. Whether you want to be a Doctor; a Lawyer; an Entertainer or whatever, there is still a process in it.” In researching, I found that Drew Sidora was also a spokesperson for Liz Claiborne’s ‘Love Is Not Abuse’ campaign, which deals with domestic abuse with teens. And, she did the NoH8 print campaign with actor/model Sam Sarong. This campaign supports marriage rights for everyone. Go head Drew.

Making a complete 360 degree turn back to her acting abilities, Drew Sidora is starring in a television pilot coming out in the Fall 2010 called ‘One Love’. The cast includes: Mark Curry, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Carl Payne and Sherman Hemsley. The show is Executive Produced by T.D. Jakes and Winifred Hervey (Fresh Prince, The Steve Harvey Show, In The House). “It’s Black TV coming back! The premise of the show is that my father (Mark Curry) is a pastor; we’re a first family, and on Sunday in church we’re like the perfect family. But within the week, we’re just like any other family in America; with all of the issues and dysfunctions that are found in every family.” Definitely look out for this in the fall. No, that’s not it… Drew just starred in (and co-produced) the movie, ‘Blessed & Cursed’. It stars Dietrick Haddon, Karen Clark-Sheard and J. Moss. “There’s a lot of great singing; a lot of great church scenes. Any Gospel fans, run and pick this movie up because it is phenomenal.” Sidora mentioned. The movie will be out on DVD June 15, 2010. Wow, Drew Sidora is a very busy lady huh? YES!

So with all of that said, request ‘Juke It’ at your local radio stations ASAP. Look out for the tour, the album, the television shows, the movies. And hit your girl up on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace:

www.Twitter.com/drewsidora

www.Facebook.com/drewsidora

www.Myspace.com/drewsidora

Get with #TeamDrew for exclusive updates, tour information, free tickets to shows, free downloads and so much more. FIRST at www.GoTeamDrew.com

It was a pleasure talking with Ms. Drew Sidora and her budding career. This girl is definitely Getting’ It In… It’s the Chicago Movement Y’all. TEAMDREW let’s go!!!

Drew Sidora is signed to the world’s largest talent agency, ICM (International Creative Management). Their client list includes: Al Pacino, Samuel L. Jackson, Halle Berry, and Beyonce’ Knowles. The agency has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London. They are a full service talent agency, representing talent in the fields of music, television, motion pictures, publishing, live performance, branded entertainment and new media.

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JOHN BLU IS “IN LOVE WIT YO BOOTY” – Chicago Stand Up!!!

Chicago’s own, John Blu was in the A-Town this past weekend (March 19-20) promoting his new single, “In Love Wit Yo Booty”. And of course, I had to get with Chi-Town’s sensational triple threat!!! Being a native of the city with the Best Skyline, you know when something and/or someone is hot and about to bubble – JOHN BLU is about to boil over!!! Entertainment Reporters CEO, Cutty Shark sat down with John Blu to talk about how bright his future is looking. That is before he hit the Red Carpet for Wet Willies Grand Opening, and then his performance at Onyx (Strip Club) later that night. Check out the conversation:

-Entertainment Reporters: Who is John Blu?

-John Blu:  “John Blu is the next R&B sensation: Producer, Singer, Songwriter; an all-in-one versatile Artist. The R&B Bully – that’s what I call myself.”

-Entertainment Reporters: Why are you labeled the ‘R&B Bully’?

-John Blu:  ”I chose that title; that’s my nickname. For the simple fact that a bully tends to pick on what it is they want, until they get what they want out of it. So I’m gonna pick on this music business until I get what I want out of it, which is success. Im gonna be a bully at what I do!”

-Entertainment Reporters: So you write, produce & sing. When did you know that this was your calling?

-John Blu: “Its been instilled in me since a shorty; every since my upbringing. Well really, it’s just a God given gift because my Mom/Father didn’t have the talent to do music. I been blessed! Every since a young age, I been playing keys; playing the drums. It went from that, to producing, to writing, then to singing.”

-Entertainment Reporters: Tell me about the single, ‘In Love Wit Yo Booty’

-John Blu: “In Love Wit Yo Booty! Everybody got something that they in love with. Some people in love with Jewelry,  some people in love with Fashion, some people in love with cars and have a fetish for things like that. I have a fetish for; I’m in love with booties. So I flipped it and turned it into a song. It’s a real fun joint; Club banger. It makes you wanna move. And that’s what it is!”

-Entertainment Reporters: Is it a Strip Club song?

-John Blu: “It definitely works in the Strip Club. So far its tackling the clubs, radio, and it’s  in the strip clubs in the Chicagoland area. The song has been doing its thing.”

-Entertainment Reporters: What drives John Blu?

-John Blu: “What drives me is just to see the outcome. You know, the longevity is really what I’m doing it for. To get my family in the best situation. We weren’t always fortunate enough to do certain things.  I wanna give back. That’s what drives me – to see my people happy; to be a blessing to others.”

-Entertainment Reporters: What kind of things are you working on now? Promotional Tour?

-John Blu: “We’re definitely tackling different cities. We will be signing the deal this week, so I will be sure to let you know who I’m going with. It’s a toss up between Atlantic and Jive.  We’ll have closure on that by the end of next week.”

-Entertainment Reporters: Any comment?

-John Blu: “We’re in the lab right now.  The Album is gonna be fire! ‘Undeniable’ will be a versatile album with a mixture of pop and r&B. Just a mixture of music. We got the mixtapes that we’re about to flood the streets with. We got the visual; which is the video we’re about to take over with.

Contact me on Twitter: @blubeats.

Myspace: johnblu.

Facebook: blubeats

AAU – Big shout out to the entire staff; the whole crew – It’s ALL ABOUT US RECORDS!!!”

JOHN BLU IS THE NEXT BIG ACT OUTTA CHICAGO Y’ALL. LOOK OUT FOR HIM EVERYWHERE. IT’S THE CHI-TOWN MOVEMENT! GET WITH IT OR GET LEFT BEHIND!!!

Thanks John for sitting with me and being so cool yo. Thanks Kristi for setting it up… Continued success to the whole AAU Crew. It’s CHICAGO time!!!

500 – Cutty Shark…

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GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER, NATE WALKA PUTS IN WORK AT CLUB INFERNO IN ATLANTA, GA…

As we all know in today’s music industry, some people have talent and some people have the look to carry them through to success. However, Nate Walka has everything it takes to make it in the Entertainment Industry. Walka is a super-talented singer/songwriter/rapper, and he knows it!!!

Nate Walka earned the title Grammy Award Winner by penning the hit record (“Blame It on the Alcohol”) for Jamie Foxx. He also wrote Trey Songz current hit single, “Say Aah”. Walka hit the stage at Club Inferno as Greg Street’s special guest to show us of his Music Industry Prowess…

In tow with Manager Askia, Walka was ready to show that he is definitely more than just a Songwriter. But like Kevin Shine said, “Songwriters are the new Stars!” Please believe it!!! Nate Walka also proved that songwriters are truly artists in their blood.

Walka hit the stage around 11:30pm to a hungry crowd. And oh yes, he fed them until they were full. He sang a couple of songs from his upcoming album dropping very soon. One of my favorites was the Rock/R&B/Hip-Hop inspired, “No Suga in my Coffee”. Look out for this dude. He fuses all different genres of music into one so perfectly. He then performs it with a live band. Now that’s music!!!

“I Keep It Classic” is a weekly talent showcase hosted by V103’s Greg Street. This Wednesday, March 10th Nate Walka (Versatile Music) served as his special guest. It’s where celebrities and tastemakers mingle and enjoy live up & coming artists.

Live performances by Prynce, Yellow wolf and Grammy Award winner Nate Walka

Look out for Grammy Award winning Songwriter, Nate Walka in a record store near you – VERY SOON.

Nate Walka was signed to Versatile Music by San Francisco 49ers cornerback, Walt Harris (pictured below)

Nate Walka went in on the stage on Wednesday night. Continued success!!!

Nate Walka’s Manager, Askia with Host, Greg Street

Until Nate’s Listening Session, we’ll see you later? Oh, shout out to: Julia Huie-Martin – you’re the best!!!

Cutty Shark

NBAF presents… 4th Annual Fine Art + FASHION – A Benefit for the National Black Arts Festival – Atlanta, GA – Victoria Rowell, Celebrity Host

On Thursday, February 25, 2010, the National Black Arts Festival sponsored its annual benefit to support the Humanities, Visual Arts programs, and Education & Public Programs that they provide the community year-round.

The night began with a V.I.P. reception for more than 500 of Atlanta’s notables, which included complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails. The reception was followed by an amazing Couture Fashion Show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and ING Americas, and a special Awards Programs hosted by Actress, Victoria Rowell. This program gave recognition to Emerging Talent Honorees, who were all young adults furthering their careers in Fashion. In addition, they were thanked with Tiffany gifts. The night ended with and invite-only afterparty with Frank Ski on the Wheels of Steel.

According to NBAF, “This event provides an opportunity to bring together multi-generational, multi-cultural, lovers of art and fashion to a setting that showcases creativity, beauty, fashion and visual arts. All proceeds from Fine Art + Fashion support NBAF’s Education and Family Programs including the Children’s Education Village, Youth Leadership Initiative, teacher training programs and humanities programs.”

A special thanks for a great evening of Art & Fashion to: Margaret Y. Kargbo, Qn. Everlena, Victoria Rowell, Stan Mukoro, Tanya Rodriguez, Warren Huntley, JeNika P. Thomas and Frank Ski.

Out…

Cutty Shark