DO YOU!

Phinesse Demps Radio Show Host/Producer and Freelance Writer (Indie Soul)

So this morning while working on articles and answering mad emails, I see this messages calling me out. Normally I would not respond but there is a lesson that can be learned and as Kevin Hart would say “YOU GONNA LEARN TODAY”. I am posting this because artist on all levels need to respect people. I hear all day everyday about what people can do, people “hatin” (which is just plain stupid), no one respects me and so forth. Nothing is given; you gotta earn it. So here is the entire conversation nothing deleted ( I did not include his phone number that he sent for me and others to get at him—please!:

Jay Smith (aka Buck Stallion) “AWARD WINNING COMEDIAN” Lounge Singer, Comedian and Professional Emcee  

( Sent to: To: Phinesse Demps, JERRY BUTLER, Mαυяïçє ★ Bяσwиє, Cheick Camara, Mindy Canter, JOSH CARMICHAEL, Teddy Carroll, Ronnie Cato, Nene Chow, James D. Christiansen)

Date: June 8, 2013

Im “Jay Smith,Biatch” :

Its pretty wack that theres 334 connections and only 8 of you have endorsed me. Is this your facebook? Is this your myspace? Did you just join this network and then forget that SOME OF US HAVE CAREERS INVOLVED? WTF? Im a professional. If you dont know my work and youre my connection…get acquainted now. go check my stuff out and you decide what you are going to endorse me for. Roem Baur and Jen Allsup, youre in the clear for now… BUT THE REST OF YOU HAVE SOME WORK TO DO. I DONT NEED A BUNCH OF SOGGY COAT TAIL RIDERS IN MY NETWORK… DO WORK OR FIND ANOTHER “CONNECTION” TO JOCK. Thats my word… this isnt Ice-T…but I still dont have any reason to lie to ya….

Im “Jay Smith,Biatch”

Take a picture… google it, bing it, do whatever you do in this century to research my genius and then comment on it or endorse it… or save me the trouble of deleting you and just delete yourself. “

 

AND THIS IS WHAT I SAID/SENT:

Jay:

Let me clear up something for you. YOU ASKED to be my connection! Not the other way around. I figured it was because I am in the media and SOON you would send me something for me to checkout. I am the one with the radio show and newspaper column that shines light on indie artist. It is NOT and will never be MY JOB to ask ANY INDIE ARTIST (authors, music, artist, film directors/producers, or entrepreneurs) FOR ANYTHING regarding their work, Tell your promo team, your publicist, your manager, to get in contact or send promo materials and THEN I will get back with you.

How dare you send out an email blast calling myself and others out for your LACK of work! This is your career but you are not doing it right and you wanna blame me and others for not endorsing you? Dude! WHO ARE YOU? Riding your coat tails? FOR WHAT! Google my name and then speak that. You need me, MEDIA, and not the other way around!

For you and anyone wanting or needing endorsements: I ONLY truly endorse folks I have worked with or respect their game/hustle/professionalism. A folk asking for endorsements is like people buying Twitter/FB/YouTube hits. It is not real. I am not going to endorse someone if it is not the truth and I don’t ask others to endorse me. It is done out of respect which is something you need to learn.

One last thing, I host and promote shows, you just burned a bridge before you even got on the road. To be clear you burned a bridge media (radio/print) AND promoter (shows). Do you actually look to see who you are connected to and what it they do before you send emails like the one you sent to me and others?

Advice: Stop waiting on handouts and accolades! DMX said it best years ago and maybe you need to get a copy of the song, “DO YOU”! Folks will notice you if you are TRUE at your craft!

So that you know, I am posting this to my pages for others to see since you want to put it out there for the public. I am not speaking ANYMORE on this topic with you UNLESS you are willing to apologize not only to me but the others as well. Other than that I wish you the best at whatever you do and I pray you grow from this experience. Peace & Love!

http://youtu.be/mbXFpnKPJJ0

End of story.

Spoken Word Artist Mark Goggins & Friends

Get Your Copy Today Amazon’s KINDLE  | Barnes & Noble’s NOOK

Mark Goggins and the Black Poetry Cafe’ present to you “REACH FOR THE PEN!” an anthology of collected works; featuring various BPC artists who were hand selected to bring you a great literary experience through their powerful words of poetry. Some of these poets along with many others will also be featured and performing live at the 8th Annual 2013 BPC POETRY FEST in Atlanta, Ga. this coming June. Get your copy of “REACH FOR THE PEN!” today and not only support the BPC but also help the homeless in the Atlanta area. Mark Goggins of the BPC and Christine Washington of the Blessed Angels Organization have teamed up to help fight the homeless situation. By purchasing your copy of “REACH FOR THE PEN!” 100% of the sales will be donated to this great charity so you can rest assured your money will be well spent. “REACH FOR THE PEN!” Is NOW available online for digital download for Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes and Noble’s Nook Book Put your next $1.99 towards a great cause and help us fight the homeless situation one city at a time. Various Authors, Spoken Word Artist, giving their time and works, to help the HOMELESS.

“Deception” starring Meagan Good and Laz Alonso

January 7th, 2013 marks the debut of the NEW drama on NBC “Deception” starring Meagan Good and Laz Alonso. “Deception” is about a female detective(Good) who returns back to her roots, undercover, to the wealthy family she grew up with, as the maid’s daughter, to solve the murder of the notorious heiress who was once her closest friend.

Just saw the first of eight episodes and this is one show you do not want to miss! Gonna need you to set your TiVO or DVR to record this. This is NBC’s second go at giving a black female and male leading roles. Last year NBC pulled the trigger to soon on the show “Undercovers” starring Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, without giving it time to grow.

“Deception” seems to be the show that MIGHT just break some stereotypes about people’s viewing habits when it comes to blacks in lead roles and and taking an interest in the love story as well. The acting is GREAT! You really get to see a side of Meagan Good that don’t get to see from her previous films. Meagan Good is already a STAR with the Black Viewing Community, this show might just raise her star to another level! About time because she deserves it! Here is your FIRST LOOK at “Deception”:

Indie Soul: HOT SOUL TRACK—– WATER SEED “FEEL LIKE I DO”

Yes! We did feature Water Seed a few weeks ago but when you are making music LIKE THIS! AND—They got the GREAT HASAN BROWN  managing/promoting them, hey I gotta jump on it when he emails, calls, send smoke signals! (Sidebar, maybe we should do an article on Hasan Brown…) Anyway, we told you before that Water Seed was the TRUTH, well this song proves!…..Remember back in the day when you would sit by the radio waiting to record your favorite record so you could play it over and over? Well THIS BE ONE OF THEM SONGS!…Oh so smooth! Trust Indie Soul on this! If you are not GROWN & BEAUTIFUL, this is not for you! Enjoy!

A very soulful and beautiful cut from Water Seed, (bringing R&B back /resurrecting in a beautiful way) entitled, “Feel Like I Do.”

Easing Holiday Travel Headaches

  The gifts have been given and holiday cheer has been spread. While enjoying your loved ones, the festive mood is being diminished by the thoughts of the airport drama that awaits you.

The holiday travel season has been filled with delays, cancellations, tears and heartache.  Reaching your destination should be effortless not frustrating.  There are some steps that you can take to minimize the stress.

Holiday travel can be very stressful.

• Be prepared. Check the status of your flight either online or by calling your air carrier directly.  Make sure to have all of your travel documents-itinerary ,government identification and passport if needed.

• Pack light.  Know your airlines baggage fee policy. To avoid paying extra fees, place some items in your checked baggage and other pieces in your carry on bag.

• Speedy security check. To minimize time at the security check point remember to carry toiletries (3.4 ounces or less) and medication in clear, plastic, zip-top bag.  If you have liquids in larger containers, place them in your checked baggage.

• Expect the EXPECTED. Setbacks are normal during this time. Cancellations due to weather are typically not covered by most airlines. Check with your carrier.  Make sure that your cell phone is fully charged. It can be difficult to find accessible electrical outlets to recharge your phone. Pack the “extras” in your carry on bag-toiletries, wet wipes, a book or two, your favorite tunes, snacks, a light blanket, etc.

• Let your light SHINE. Travel with a positive attitude. The holiday season doesn’t always bring out the best  people. Smiling can be contagious. Maintain a positive mindset despite any difficulties that you may encounter.

There are some measures that you cant take to not to let the hassles of air travel overshadow the time spent with loved ones. Happy Holidays!

Take -Off with Stephany is a weekly travel column written by former flight attendant Stephany DeBerry. She also has a radio show of the same name that can be heard on 1010AM, WOLB every Tuesday at 4p.m. beginning January 1st, 2013.

Indie Soul Song & Artist of the Week: “Free Your Mind” – Carolyn Malachi

Ms. Carolyn Malachi is one the MOST talented artist in the business today! She is a SHINING example of what women should be about: CLASSY, SEXY, SMART, and more importantly: CARING ABOUT HER COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY YOUNG GIRLS!

It is always a joy to speak with Carolyn Malachi, (which reminds me she and I need to hook up for another interview), because she is SO passionate about her projects like the one she currently is focusing on: EDUCATION. The video is one of inspiration and of course it has the Carolyn brand all in it! We LOVE YA CAROLYN MALACHI! Check the video and pass it on!

FREE YOUR MIND: Telling the story of  MoJo, a young dancer who shows up late to rehearsal, falls behind and struggles to learn the new choreography, the “Free Your Mind” video tracks her transformation as the girl shifts everything around her and moves what’s inside her. “The dancer is a metaphor: Maybe you’re like her… It’s very high-energy,” says Carolyn, “with vivid scenes of urban murals, loud graffiti, dancing tree leaves and above — clear, blue sky.” – Suzanne Skees-Huffington Post.

Indie Soul Underground Track/Video of the Week: Dutch Tha Menace “Bang This”

Okay the title is misleading! I know in this sex starved world you might THINK, that is what this song is about!

Dutch Tha Menace is from my city/state of Syracuse-New York. There is a lot of talent in that area but as is the case with anyplace, folks take short cuts, ignore folks that can help them out, or not working together. Dutch Tha Menace s not one of them. Dutch has been reaching out to me for years and it has been a slow process with so many things going on, that it is not the fact of not reaching back, but reaching back at the proper time when things are ready and everyone can focus. Dutch has come a long way as a MAN and ARTIST. Why still keeping it funky for the streets, Dutch us keeping it honest in his lyrics as well. While at the same time, taking the time to mentor and being that role model while trying to be that guy to bring the 315 together. Props to Dutch Tha Menace. Even when you think I am not watching, I see everything.

Humdadao: Book & Stage Play

The book is NOW a stage play!

The book that has become recommended reading in Baltimore City School Districts, Humdadao, has now become a stage play and is touring all over the DMV area.

Humdadao, both the book and the play were written by Baltimore’s very own Donnie Manuel.He has been performing practically since birth. At a very early age, he would sing for the neighborhood kids. At the age of nine, he sang before his classmates over the schools P.A. system for the entire school to hear. Donnie Manuel also starred in his elementary school’s play, “Robin Hood”, in which he played the lead of “Robin”.

When Donnie Manuel was in elementary school his passion begin when he won the schools essay contest and from there on he has been writing ever since. Donnie Manuel is not only a talented writer but a amazing vocalist. Donnie has written a number of jingles, including one for the Baltimore Orioles called “Oriole Ball” that was performed live on television and played at Camden Yards. He was the semi-finalist for the prestigious “Billie Holiday” Vocal Contest held at Center Stage in Baltimore-MD. Donnie Manuel has performed at a number of venues throughout Baltimore City.

Donnie Manuel was a Sports-Writer for the Afro-American Newspaper (Baltimore-MD.), where he was mentored by the great Sam Lacey. Donnie Manuel produced “the Small and Minority Business Magazine” for the Baltimore Times Newspapers. This started his creative writing juices to flow. Writing short stories and scripts has been a passion of his for some time…thus the saga….Humdadao.

Humdadaois about the cruel hard streets of Baltimore’s worst inner city housing projects to a luxuriant penthouse condo in New York City. A tale of one man’s struggle trying to survive in a world where mere survival is the least of one’s problems. You will get the chance to view the real world through the eyes of one taught from an early age that few things come easy or free and those that are… most often demand the greatest sacrifice. You’ll laugh and you will cry as different characters and personalities interweave their way through his life and come to the fore. The same streets that he left behind and made him the incredible person that he was now threatened to take it all back…and more! But through it all one thing remains constant…LOVE. Love of a husband for his wife. Love of a father for his daughter. True love! It truly is the greatest bond of all.

 

Please visit http://www.humdadao.com for more information about purchasing tickets( if you are in the DMV area or planning a trp to DC, Maryland, or Virgina or for the book Humdadao.

 

Indie Soul Next to BLOW: Johnaa Pronounced Ja-Nay

The Indie Soul Artist Next to BLOW!

This incredible artist will be hitting the scene on 2013 with a new release and video (stay tuned for the interview coming soon). Johnaa  is not your typical artist: Writer, Poet, Hip-Hop Artist, and from the looks of this photo, can we add Model?! “I am being the lyrics back and representing for real women’ states Johnaa! We agree and so will you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/313673255401199/

• http://www.myspace.com/johnaa7
• http://www.twitter.com/jorohn07
• http://www.facebook.com/johnaa67

The Return of the Mack to Late Night TV: Arsenio Hall

The humble beginnings of working for the FOX affiliate in Syracuse-New York as a Master Control Operator, I got the chance to be part of some special events and programming.

There was the Million Man March, although I could not get the time off to attend, myself and Kevin Cook set the news feed in the studio so that we could get all the live coverage uninterrupted. NO ONE in the building bothered us that day! The other event was watching history in the making: The Arsenio Hall Show. Arsenio took late night by storm and struck fear into Leno and Lettermen. I know the whole behind the scenes with Arsenio. He changed late night by introducing music, movies, and actors, for those who would have never gotten the chance to sit on the couch and be heard on late night television. Arsenio was reaching ALL demographics and he was able to connect to a generation and a culture that was getting ignored by mainstream. Arsenio was the voice. From Eddie Murphy, Michael Jackson, Tupac, Whoopi Goldberg,Whitney Houston, Mike Tyson and President Bill Clinton, The Arsenio hall Show had them as guest. Arsenio broke barriers. Arsenio stayed in his lane. It was never about being number one, of course if that happened that would be great, but it was about filling a void and proving their was a market for the culture, that a black man could host a late night talk show, and Arsenio was a doing his way.

There was one show, I remember, where Arsenio got into it with some hecklers who came to protest his show about someone who was supposedly gay that he was having as a guest on the show. There was no cut to commercial Arsenio handled it. When networks would complain that the show was to black Arsenio would push back and have the like of  Leaders of the New School, Digital Underground, NWA, and Naughty by Nature  because these were artist that needed a boost to their career and by doing that, you started to see the other late night shows follow suit. Arsenio was not about being controlled and having the same old guest as the other shows were having, he was opening up the market to display other talent. Without Arsenio, I doubt Limp Bizkit, George Lopez, A Tribe Called Quest, would have gotten to the next level. We loved it!

I remember when Arsenio had the one guest whom the folks behind Hollywood did not want to give any publicity: Minister Louis Farrakhan.Hollywood  started sending threats asking for agents to not have their clients booked and boycott the show. Even the Fox affiliates were having meetings to boycott and not air the show. Myself and Kevin Cook, we had to explain to management, that all Arsenio was doing was giving Farrakhan the platform for a hard nose interview (which by the way was awesome) to explain himself. It was no different than any other show that having a controversial guest on their show. It was at this point where Arsenio wanted out but there were others who were trying to convince him to stay.  Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah, and even Robert De Niro all kept trying to get Arsenio to  not end his show.  Like many others I felt he should have kept going, but I also understood Arsenio was holding to his principles. After that interview, in my opinion, Hollywood black-balled Arsenio.

I would to tell people, that Arsenio would be back. My hope was that B.E.T. would bring him back. George Lopez returned the favor and had Arsenio on his show to THANK him. If you ever watched the George Lopez show, it reminded you of The Arsenio Hall Show. Then with all these networks, OWN, ASPIRE, Centric, TV-One, Bounce TV, and Diddy’s channel but no one did anything. Arsenio’s appearance on the Apprentice and WINNING rose his stock. Arsenio has come full circle and even though the journey was a long one. Arsenio is back! Glad for him! I will be watching (unless I get a job with him)!