Live“Radio” Sessions, “Where everything is happening right in front of you!”
It’s was an epic weekend for the local artist community in Chicago. Writing Sessions America, Urban Ideas, and Chicago Creed put together a 2-day seminar of hosting panels, workshops, and sessions to educate talent on the business of music.
Artist development was the foundational setting for the first day of the conference, setup the artist to develop their skills and knowledge in the profession of music. They mentored artist how to get structured to handle their business in the streets, and industry from a Chicago perspective. The goal is to connect the dots to resources to help develop the local music market in Chicago to the true dynamic of the music industry.
Attending this event, an artist is sure to grow by grounding themselves with the information presented. Artist learn how to manage and maintain their situation; they teach the artist what to do when they finally get in the room with the power to develop their flow and score a deal. Live Radio Sessions introduced the urban market to advertising, public relations, writing and recording sessions, networking, and performing techniques to set a tone for the urban music industry in Chicago to help push culture and affairs forward.
Presenters
Joan Sullivan & Michael Towns of Urban Ideas Partners presented Business of Music.
Kevin Shine of Writing Sessions America presented Songwriters Boot Camp.
Johnny Bravo presented “in the studio” and Production.
Live Performance Workshop featuring Sandy Redd, Tenette Smith, Michele Thomas, Kevin Ross, and Sheree Lee.
Music in Advertising Panel with Dani Jackson
Live Radio DJ Listening Party with Terry Hunter, Lee Farmer, DJ World, DJ Phantom, and DJ Lipgloss
Live Radio Showcase hosted by Isaiah Jones
Official flyer for two conference.Performing Artist for Live Radio Sessions Showcase Press Partners
I just want to inspire the next person or living being that’s in similar shoes as me. I’ve been going through entrepreneur sickness. You ever been so overwhelmed with opportunities, potential, and prospects that you don’t know where to start? That’s me right now, and helping everyone else settle.
It’s all about the checking of the ego and centering yourself in moods like this because they can possibly drive you to depression or into quick decision making without research and clarity, which will later cause stress. I just recently broke out in hives and I couldn’t figure out where they’d come from. I tracked all the food I ate for the day, and hadn’t eaten anything that was unusual to me. I was then told by a friend that as you get older your body changes which is true but in my current case it’s just not true.
Endurance pierces marble.
North Africa Proverb
So I called my OG (for my foreign people this is my mom), and she informed me that her and my grandmother use to get them from stress; then she told me to get some rest, so I did. I took a camping trip that kind of changed my life and was well needed. It helped me to ground myself and in the midst of my breakout I discovered a natural treatment to relieve the added on stress of the hives. African Black Soap changed my life and so did the company I had on the trip.
Caution comes from God and haste from the devil.
Bantu African Proverb
I learned that all it takes is for you to take small steps and let things go. See as an Aries I hold on to things a little bit longer than I should and I am hard on myself more so than others. This trip helped me reflect on my life for the last 8 years and identify what’s important to me and my passion. Family is important to me and business is never personal, it’s logically based in equity and trust but equally important. Sometimes you could be doing the right things but just be in need of someone you can trust to bounce ideas off of. That’s why people who aren’t a shame to admit they need help seek counsel from therapist, consultants, friends or family. Be cautious and use discernment when navigating as an entrepreneur or simply, in life period. Take your time, don’t let it beat you and control it.
I do not own the rights to the image. Credit Orah-El
Learn more about this Gemini Season and the New Moon
Enjoy the ride this New Moon Cycle and be open to communicating and learning how to make decisions or decisions will be made for you by unseen forces, period. The universe and others who control society with illusions and allusions are not going to wait for you to use your will power for spiritual growth. At least that’s one of my lessons learned about ascending spiritually and emotionally . Time to find the perfect balance so that we can get to where we need to be.
Shonnetta’s Divine Tarot
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I am a spiritualist and I have to do things that feel good and make me happy. I’m sure you feel the same way. Sharing the culture and evolving from my ego is one of my goals this New Moon. Back in April, for my new year ritual, my passion is to fulfill my hearts desires. Heal from traumatic or unhealthy experiences that caused dis-ease in my life’s journey.
What are some are of your goals for the New Year? Make sure you’re keeping track of them and taking time out to ground yourself. Below is a video by Ralph Smarts of Infinite Waters, one of my favorite Multidimensional Beings, he gives you the secrets to grounding yourself.
Ralph Smart -Infinite Waters
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For those of you who are into the Cosmos I’m sure you will find this information rewarding. Let’s get to the real power and work on ourselves so that we can work better as a collective. Humanity-hood needs us, so let’s get our shit together. Do the work from within so that it can reflect externally.
What is the global media landscape? How has it evolved over the past decades? What role has UNESCO played in the shaping of the global media landscape?
The global media landscape is the digital technology and aesthetics of the flow of media. It has evolved over the last decade by allowing the global and contra-flow of media to flow in different directions (export and import). This allows those who didn’t have access to other nations or target audience to expand their base or reach a larger audience. The UNESCO role, which is the mediator, has shaped the global media landscape. It helps to report information to the key players involved providing them with education for a better understanding of culture scientifically. I think that this allows all parties involved to make better decisions when it comes to the trading of communication and media commodities.
Who are the major media players (companies and countries)? What is meant by ‘subaltern’ contra-flows? Are these anti-hegemonic or pro-American? Why?
The major media players in terms of countries is United States, Europe, and Asia. The major media company players are CNN (US), ESPN (US), Disney (US), Discovery (US), Hollywood (US), Google (US), BBC (Europe), CNBC (US), Wall Street Journal (US), Japanese Animation (Japan), etc.( Thussu, 12).
What is meant by “subaltern Contra-flows”, is an sub-alternate flow that flows culture from one place to another by a constituent from another region (Thussu,11-13) . For example, there are two types of Contra-Flows: Transnational and Geo Cultural (Thussu,12) . Transnational is a subaltern flow that consist of multi-vocal, multimedia, and multi-directional flows (Thussu,11-13).
According to the text, Thussu states that global media traffic isn’t just one way, even with the US at core. I think that this shows that the subaltern flows is anti-hegemonic even though they may be hybridized (Thussu,18-21). The goals of these subaltern flows is to create a flow that counters the dominant flows, giving the world audience a different perspective of culture and creativity (Thussu, 10-13).
Meet the powerhouse of Chicago’s women in music and media at Complex 2010 Studios presented Chicago, May 9 located on Michigan Ave on 26th Street.
Kenya was the Keynote Speaker of the event and Elizabeth aka Lady E.I., the owner of Chicago Executives and Midwest Division Head of RO Management (a sub-label to Sony and Universal), was the presenters along with Next Showcase Chicago.
The Women In Media
Kenya M. Johnson
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“Kenya McGuire Johnson, is a Soul and Jazz practicing independent vocalist/ songwriter who also has a master of arts degree in counseling. Kenya’s recent album, My Own Skin (2015), hit #1 on the UK Soul Chart. Her music has also hit top 40 on the R&B Soul Billboard Charts as well as Top 50 on independent smooth jazz radio charts. This unique combination of professional and personal artistic experience allows her to guide each client in developing various aspects of an artist’s journey (Creating Crimson).” She’s also the Director of NABFEME’s Chicago Network.
Joan Sullivan
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Senior Partner of Urban Ideas and Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Records, Inc., has her hands in many imprints. Chicago Creed is one of her houses she shares in partnership with The Music Garage, and she shared her new venture with me, a studio opening soon in The Music Garage. Joan can help you with artist development and distribution. She can actually help you with more than that but this is great for starters.
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Morgan Mimosa
Live Band Performance
I didn’t get to speak to her to know more about what she does, and understand why she was being saluted but from doing my research she has experience in the game. It’s always great to know your peers and people who can share great advice with you while you’re developing. Ms. Mimosa is one of those peers. I look forward to featuring more information about her in my circulation.
Ciara Martina
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Creator of Midwest Takeover, and there’s no slowing her down when it comes to creating platforms for artist to gain experience. I look at Ciara as the resume maker. Helping to promote artist and put them on stage to gain experience is her forte. She’s doing her first tour this year with Midwest Takeover, and her first stop is in Memphis.
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Ellandrea McKissack
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Writer, Producer, and Editor, to sum it all up. She has a documentary she’s working on , and I look forward to speaking with her soon about it to provide you with more insight. Currently, she’s an Associate Marketing Communications Consultant for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Ivy Hall
Program Coordinator at DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events for the City of Chicago); is helping the public get in tune with local and fresh talent. The requirements is to be professional and have a quality project to pitch to the team, a press kit (and if you need one of those let me know). I look forward to building with Ivy and getting insight on where she sees herself in the future and how she will continue to build her legacy in cultural affairs and events.
I do not own copyrights to image (pictured provided by Ivy Hall)
Bree Specific
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“A millennial media personality, business woman, and producer. Bree started her media career as a Broadcast Journalist for a Chicago based media corporation, What’s The Word TV, where she interviewed some of the hottest names in hip hop and entertainment. She later evolved within radio as Producer of The Rickey SmileyMorning Show on Power 92 & on air personality. Outside of radio, Bree focuses on growing her brand within all aspects of business, media, and culture developing her YouTube series- Specific Sites., where she takes you on a Specific tour of the most creative events in Chicago. She has a boutique candle line, Specific Scents. Bree takes her Specifics to new lengths expanding her product across the Chicagoland area promoting positivity, awareness, and great influence (Breespecifc.com).” Make sure you check her out on the airwaves every Sunday on Power 92 from 11 A.M.-3 P.M.
Debra Rhodes
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“Program Director for WYCA 102.3 FM; She’s an experienced Program Director and has demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Skilled in Event Planning, Press Releases, Community Outreach, Editing, and Public Speaking. She is a strong business development professional who graduated from Columbia College in Chicago (her LinkedIn). “
Tasha Clopton
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“Director of Media at Cosmopolitan Community Church; is insightful, creative and a talented media professional with over ten years of experience in print and broadcast journalism. She is seeking to shift from freelance to full-time journalism . She has been a Freelance writer and editor for online and print newsletters and magazines. She has experience as a director and technical director, video camera operator, on-camera reporter, and producer. She has exceptional communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Her specialties are: editing, writing, directing, producing, media, talent escort; public relations, news, anchor, reporting, voice-overs (her LinkedIn) “
overall though…..
Information was shared on how to navigate your way in the industry, no matter what level you’re on. Most of the talk was geared towards development. I am happy I was in attendance exchanging energy with these women. The support I have for women in the industry works in my favor, and is a strong key in how I move. We must support each other. I wish I got to network with everyone in the room but you know how it is.
As an oddball myself, I can relate to this project. It’s everything the odd ball society has been waiting for: creativity in a rare and raw form. I went back to Timeless, a compilation from 2016. I listened to OddBall , number one, to tap into the project that started the series of odd ball shit.
Let’s Observe the Growth
I know this article is about his recent project but I would like to highlight a few tracks from his previous projects. I was reminded of a few of my favorite listens. First, let’s deal with the the new release then trickle our way down.
New “Wit The Shit” w/ Reefa Rei
Check out the full project.
Timeless
Prevail-This song is refreshing and feels good when you’re having a rough time. It reminds you that you will be victorious Everything will be OK, just trust the process and God.
What’s the Deal– You have to see what’s up? What’s going on, what’s the deal? Learn about what’s going on.
Makin Magic-a positive message of manifesting and using your super-natural powers and instinct to create, build, and navigate to your destiny.
Oddball
Ain’t Been –You know how it is when you haven’t been the same, in a while. You need a reminder to get back to doing YOU! Sometimes you can’t let people and circumstances change you to the point where you ain’t you.
Lost in Pain-typical shit that happens and leaves you in pain, consciously and unconsciously, maneuvering through life in Chicago. So much hurt generationally that has been passed down to us we can’t even pen point where some of our insecurities come from. This song modernly connects to the “playerism” in Chicago. Fuck these hoes.
Call the Preacher-I just love the beat and vibes of how the words flow in the chorus. The hook is so catchy.
Potholes-We have hella potholes in Chicago, and if you not paying attention, you’ll be sure to fall in a few. This songs is a metaphor that reflects situations you should avoid, just like these damn potholes.
I was up until 6 A.M. getting my entire life at Beychella Homecoming. I am so inspired by this woman. Her creativity, dedication and hard work gives you hope out here in this “White Man’s World”, as a “black person”. I’ve heard many say “African Americans” have no culture, and Bey just wasn’t letting it slide as the “First African American” to headline Coachella. She came with the sugar, honey, tea, and lemonade for those who don’t know the history of the United States of America and its relational cultural flow.
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Her HBCU theme was brilliant with features from Jay-Z, Destiny Childs, Solange, and her selected homecoming participants of HBCUs.
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She made it look cool to accept struggles and failures of culture as a collective. She made sure that it was enough representation to go around for everyone, especially for brown folks in America. I’m pretty sure you’ve already seen it, but if you haven’t it’s a must. She gives you a behind the scenes look at what it took for her to put on a grand performance. It was packed with so much energy that I cried a few times during her performance, and remind you I did see it when it was streamed live but I just wasn’t expecting to see her in such a vulnerable state, as a woman, being that she is a very private person.
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I read in between the lines. Bey checked a lot of people who had something to say about her, over her 22-year career. One of her songs was coded with a message to the conspiracy theorist who follow the stories of the mass appeal and manipulation of the Illuminati occult {Formation}. Overall her music direction told a beautiful story, and I look forward to watching it again when inspiration is in need.
According to Rolling Stone, the Marvel journey is comprised of 11 years and 22 movies ending with Avengers Endgame released April 26, 2019, becoming the ultimate follow up to Infinity Wars.
The Avengers was so lit! I’m not going to spoil this for others but I just couldn’t let this move flow by without doing a review. IF Thanos ending the game in the previous Avengers battle was sickening to you, then this will be victorious, yet bitter sweet if you’re a fan of specifics (Iron man becoming the center for the multi-universes). I guess, I’m giving away too much of the plot, right?
From my perspective movies have always carried deeper meanings and manifestations in their messages. I believe that they give you insight into the future plans of the direction the world is going to grow in as they produce culture because art lends ideas to creatives, but that’s just my perspective.
I went to Lansing Cinema to see the movie, and the energy was compiled of true Marvel fans who weren’t going the day without seeing the 3 hour movie. Marvel may have just out done Star Wars at their own game.
Hyde Park, Chicago-Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. at the Lakeshore Cafe connected to the Laquinta Hotel, on the second floor was a pageant, 2019 Miss & Mrs. American Nation, & America Kids Multicultural Fashion Show, hosted by Mr. Ali & Queenie Amma , that you missed and need to be participating in next year.
(From left to right) Queenie Amma & Mr. Ali , hosting.
The Queens were sponsored with glam by Nasos Salon, helping create bold diversity glamour. Check out the gallery below! Everyone looked so beautiful and the children are showing off they had a blast during the experience.
Miss American Nation Gallery
All photos are courtesy of Miss & Mrs. American Nation
People were definitely hungry because soon as the smell of food hit the room people began going to get a plate while the Queens were walking. They had to be told to have some respect and give them their undivided attention. But that’s when you know for sure that the event is popping! After being entertained in a grand way, you need a snack in between.
There were singers but I wasn’t too much into the singing segment as I was the dance segment of the show. I loved the dancers ! They moved so effortlessly. The salsa dancers were my favorite, and GSU Dance Company was present in taken us to Hawaii through their voiceless wavy moves and subtle music of nature.
Photo Courtesy of Miss & Mrs American Nation Photo Credit: Charles Beard Photography Courtesy of Miss & Mrs. American Nation Photo Credit: Charles Beard Photography
Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom, age 33, born August 15, 1985 was shot and killed March 31, 2019 in Hyde Park LA area in front of his clothing store, The Marathon. It was reported first by TMZ and then reported by other sources.
I know it’s weird to mourn the lost of someone that you’ve never met but I felt his energy, he was a Ethiopian King. He was a long distance mentor, brother in spirit, and someone who I was happy to be chosen to represent and present the voiceless, or misrepresented. He is and will always be a pillar in our world, not just the Hip Hop Community. He used his voice for better. He lead change, he was a change agent. So with all do respect and honor to his character and his assassination as reported by LA’s Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD via CBSN, he was not a “tireless activist”, he was a man of the most high doing God’s work from the Organic Laws: Love, Truth, Freedom, Peace, and Justice, living Ma’at in his own way. Let’s set the record straight.
I will say that his murder is very questionable and so is the alleged killer, asking ” What ya’ll gone do ?”, on a alleged IG page: shittycuzz_0fficial or ima_god_in_da_streetz__ , where there is a claim made he’s innocent. Either way, none of what we assume will change the circumstances and bring him back, so I will digress.
I will say to never believe anything you hear and half of what you see because death hoax do happen. We do know that the CIA, FBI, and other government agencies have conspired to assassinate many for their political infusions. And Nipsey was one of those political infusions, who has his own mind, and amassed a lot of power independently which is known as a threat to some here in the U.S. or considered a Revolutionary Act.
Click here to read an article from The Guardian on ‘Preventing the rise of the messiah”
Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist | Data & Business Analyst 