Book Review- Bad Girlz 4 Life

Author: Shannon Holmes
Publisher: St. Martin Press Griffin
Pub. Date: May 2008
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 978-0-312-35902-7

Shannon Holmes tells a gripping story about one woman’s struggle to get out of the hood and never return, except some people have another plan…

Tonya Morris is trying to change her life for the better so she decided to leave the stripping game and give the “good civilian” life a try. She starts working at a beauty salon as a braiding stylist and the money is paying the bills but it’s not helping her make the money she’s used to having. Now she must figure out how she can get the cash without dipping into the sea of mayhem that she is so used to swimming in.

With the help of her best friend and confidant Na’eema, they organize parties that are risqué and full of ballers that make the two women an instant success. Tonya and Na’eema love the attention that they received as Philly’s best party promoters, but they are looking to be greater than that, and they do. They give up the sex party promotions and moved up in the ranks. They are now doing more upscale parties for celebrities, athletes and rappers. At one of the “on and popping” parties, Tonya runs into the man that she loves and hates...Q.

Q has become a success with his independent record label and is looking for a marketing team that will gain his artists more limelight and he recruits Tonya & Na’eema. They are more than ecstatic to chase after their dreams of working for Q in New York, where dreams come true. They are sure to make it happen, but there are people that are looking to put a stop to it.

Q’s sister Karen doesn’t like Tonya and Na’eema. She sees these women as low lives and feels that they are trespassing in her territory. She knows that sales have been down at Prestige Records, but what can these two low life women do to make things better? Karen is not waiting to see them ruin her brother’s reputation, so she will do whatever is in her power to make sure that these women leave the company at whatever risk.

Q is also dealing with personal issues. It ain’t easy being in the paparazzi’s scope. He is dealing with huge pressure being a man that had to work his way to the top. He was the man in the streets and now he is the man in the industry but there are some people that would rather see him gone. Money is being funneled out of his company from one of his employees, but the shocker is what employee double crosses him. He is also dealing with Baby Mama Drama from Niecey. This crazy woman is fresh out of jail and determined to get her family back together at all cost, but when she finds out that he is sleeping with Tonya all hell breaks loose and someone has to pay the ultimate cost... their life.

If you are looking for a book that keeps you turning pages, then read this book. You will be hooked!!!

Note: Be sure to also read Bad Girlz, which is the preceding book.


Heather Elitou- Reviewer

Harlem Godfather Trailer w/ Karen E. Quinones Miller and Mayme Johnson

Check out the trailer to the soon to be released documentary Harlem Godfather: Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson. If you saw the movie "Hoodlum" then you will love what the real wife, Mayme Johnson and author and Harlem historian Karen E. Quinones Miller has to say. Also, be sure to check out the book, Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson @ Amazon.com. Learn how you can be a part of this historical documentary and share your thoughts.

Philly has a Week of Fashion

The show you've been waiting for is now here! The third webisode of Young, Hip & Chic (YHC) is now here along with all the others so you have to catch up.

In this webisode, Tweety E. covers all of the fashion events taking place in Philly, PA therefore bringing you Philly Fashion Week. Tweety was invited to the Teen Vogue LaCoste Event, Chichi & Chichi E, and hosted FBH Philly Fashion Weekend. Check out the clothes of these great designers including Ying Edge and Marie D. Madearis.

So, enjoy the show and, be sure to leave a comment because I'd love to hear your feedback!




NOTE: Are you a designer or stylist (clothing, jewelry, etc) looking for exposure? Do want to be featured on the show? Have an idea for the next show? Email us at younghipchic@gmail.com!

Broaden your audience and reach the new generation by advertising on my show that is being acknowledged by Teen Vogue!!! Please email younghipchic@gmail.com

Literary Review- Keep the Faith

Author: Faith Evans

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 0-446-19950-8

Pub. Date: 2008

Price: $24.99

Pages: 353

Keep the Faith was a book way overdue, but right on time too. This book reads like a long conversation between you and your favorite cousin playing catch up after missing each other for a lot of years.

Faith Evans keeps it real abut her life with Biggie Smalls, aka The Notorious B.I.G. who is considered by some, the greatest rappers of all times, and she clarifies a lot of the rumors that evolved around her entrance into the music industry, life, with her husband, and dealing with life after his death.

Faith wanted to make it clear that her career started before her encounter with the soon to be martyred rapper Christopher Wallace. She had success writing and working with people that included Christopher Williams and Al B. Sure. She was later introduced to Sean Puffy Combs who fell in love with her musical style both her voice and her lyrics and immediately wanted to sign her. It was during a photo session that she met who was soon to be the man that changed her life and become the father to her daughter China and son CJ.

Faith was always attracted to men that had a little thug in them. When she was a youth, she was in a relationship with a man that was abusive and that relationship played a part in the type of men that she would soon choose later in life. She was also in a relationship with a fellow musician named Kiy who fathered her daughter. It was at a photo shoot that she met Biggie Smalls and they became friends. They begin to hang out a lot and then a relationship began to brew.

There was a lot of drama between the beginning and end of their relationship which includes multiple affairs that Biggie had with women who included Charli Baltimore and Lil’ Kim. There were confrontations and phone calls that led to arguments and some knock down, drag out fights but in the end, Faith was always forgiving of her man and they stayed together.

Faith also speaks on the many friendships that she had in the music industry that included Missy Elliot, Monie Love, and Mary J. Blige. She talks about how Missy instigated the fight between her and Lil’ Kim. How her and Monie Love would play pool together and how she and Mary were very good friends but Mary ignored her at the funeral of Biggie.

Overall, the book was a great read because it was not a tell-all, but a book of clarity that many people who are hip hop junkies will be pleased with. It gave an inside look to the Biggie Small situation in almost its entirety. There is a lot that many people didn’t know and had their own conceptions. Keep the Faith invites you in to the affairs of their lives without holding her tongue.

I was one that had my opinion of what went on between her and Tupac Shakur, who is also an artist that has become a legend in the hip hop industry. I saw the infamous picture that she spoke of in the book that sparked off the drama between the two feuding rappers. I read the article where Tupac and Suge Knight spoke about Faith. It was not until reading Keep the Faith that I had to take a change to my thoughts.

Check out this book and share you thoughts…

Heather Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- Stained Cotton

Author: Quentin Carter
ISBN: 978-0-9799517-1-8
Publisher: Triple Crown Publications
Date: 2008
Pages: 290

In Stained Cotton we are taken to the mean drug streets of Kansas City, Missouri where in Westport. In this part of town, everybody knows you’re a big time hustler if you’re rolling on 20’s or higher, women are plenty, and your drug empire is covering the city.

Qu’bon is a drug hustler and a playa. He loves all types of women, but he wants a white woman because he thinks that black women are too ghetto and full of attitude even though he has one at home. A white woman is someone that you can chill with and not give you too much lip. There is a lesson ion his naïve thinking—it doesn’t matter what the color of the woman is because if you pick the wrong woman trouble is just around the corner.

O’bon is Qu’bon’s older brother and runs drugs with him. He has a more mellow side to him then his brother, and many have said that he was not really cut out for the drug game, but O’bon is already a player whether he likes it or not, and he must throw the dice in order to stay alive or he will pay the ultimate price.

Besides the drug dealing these two brothers are sent on a wild and deadly roller coaster ride when they meet Katrina and Nancy, two white girls who want to experience the life of a black female.

Katrina is in the game full blast when she meets Qu’bon, turning from a college girl to a street girl running. She runs the clubs, sells drugs, and stealing cash, but she learns a hard lesson which runs the risk of her meeting her demise.

Nancy has always admired the sass and strength of the black woman, but she still keeps her head on and tries to tell her sister to slow down. She is unsuccessful in her pleas and finds herself being dragged into danger. Can she keep her head on straight long enough to change the downward spiral that her and her sister are caught in the middle of? Is the life of the black woman really this hard?

The overall message of this book is that a woman can be drama no matter what color she is because when a woman is filled with drama, then drama will follow and that if you have the heart and the mind of your woman, she is in fact your woman. The color of a woman’s skin does not make her less a problem it is the mind state. Qu’bon and O’bon both thought that getting white women would be different, but Qu’bon quickly found out that wasn’t true.

Although some of the situations in the book seemed a little too far fetched, it does not take away from the book because hey, its fiction.

Check it out!!!

Literature: Hiding in Hip Hop by Terrance Dean

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Atria; 1st Atria Books
ISBN-10: 1416553398

Hiding in Hip Hop was a great behind the scenes look into the personal lives of our favorite celebrities that are living on the DL. Although most people anticipated reading this book as a tell all book that would reveal the sexuality of some of the stars that are labeled “suspect”, Terrance Dean waved his personal life into each page and making his encounters with the gay celebrities a “guess who” instead of a “I’m telling.”

Just as it was fun and exciting as it was to figure out what artists were creeping, it was cool just get the behind the scenes look of how to get into the industry and be a success.

Terrance Dean didn’t have it easy. He was raised by his loving grandmother who was in an abusive marriage, his mother and little brother dying of aids and his relationship with his family was spiraling into an end.

Terrance experienced several sexual encounters with both males and females but nothing compared to what he experienced in LA and NY.

What is most likeable about this book is that Terrance takes his time explaining how his life he made lemonade out of the life that dealt him lemons. From being molested, death, arrest, sexual desires, fulfilled and admitting his sexuality.

We had the chance to chat with Terrance about the reason that he wrote his book and why he felt the need to share it with the public.

How did your writing career begin?
My writing career began very early in life. I would keep journals and write everything that was happening in my life. I wanted to see the patterns in my life, where I was going, and the people involved. I was always looking for a spiritual evolution to who I was.

How would you categorize your book?
My book is a memoir. It is not a tell-all. I am writing about my life and my experiences. And I guess people want to categorize it as a tell-all because they liken it to Karrine Steffans book. I did not tell anyone’s names. I did not want to ruin anyone’s careers, families, or livelihood. We still have not gotten to the point in the black community where we can talk openly about sex and sexuality. Also, I am not being vindictive and nor am I scorn. I wrote about my life, and I guess you can say it is a tell-all because I tell all my business. However, when any other celebrity or author (white person) writes a memoir and names name their books are seen as memoirs. Unfortunately a black person writes the same book and it becomes a tell-all.

Tells us about your book, Hiding in Hip Hop.

Hiding in Hip Hop, uncovers a hidden and well-known unspoken secret. Deep within the confines of Hip-Hop is a prominent gay sub-culture. It is a world that industry insiders are keenly aware of, but choose to ignore. From the testosterone of men striving to be on top and in control, to the “by any means necessary” bravado in an industry that thrives on power, homosexuality is a reality at nearly every level of Hip-Hop. Hiding in Hip Hop is a heartfelt sojourn of a young man searching for self, love, and sexual identity in the most homophobic places – the black family, community, church, and Hip Hop.

What was the reason for writing this book? Did you see a need for this book?
I wrote this book for the many men and women of color who are a part of the entertainment industry and feel as if they have no voice in a culture that demonizes and dehumanizes who we are as same gender loving people. We have made many contributions to this industry, be it in front of the camera, and behind it, we are thoroughly ingrained within the entertainment industry, and yet, we are made to feel as if our contributions are insignificant. It is a well-known industry secret that deep within the confines of Hip Hop there is a prevalent subculture of down low men and women. I also wrote this book for the many people who struggle on a daily basis personally with their family, and community. This book is about the human spirit and the will to succeed in spite of the challenges and obstacles one faces in life. Lastly, I wrote this book for myself. It is a testimony of my life and the journey of coming to terms with my sexuality and the power of living into my truth.

When you first released the book, what were people’s responses?
I am completely surprised by the response of the book. I actually thought no one would have an interest in what I had to say as it related to my life. I am extremely thankful and grateful for everyone’s support and love. I am glad that so many people have expressed to me how their lives have been affected by what I have written.

What did you think when you completed your book?
I have finally told my story. I am free. I am healed. I am whole and it feels good. Also, I knew a lot of people would connect with the book because of its contents. My story was every person’s story who has loved, lost, hoped, and prayed.

What issues, if any, do you thing should be addressed in the hip hop industry?
The issues I feel should be addressed in Hip Hop are sex and sexuality. It amazes me how so many young, old, smart, intelligent and wise people are part of the culture, yet they are so limited in their thinking when it comes to sex and sexuality. The very things you witnessed and experienced as a child are the same experiences you have in this culture, yet many artists are afraid to speak up or out.

Where did you get your inspiration for your book?
I looked at my community, my experiences of my life. I decided to release my memoir because I knew I had a story to tell. I had experienced so much in my life and I knew my story was the experience of so many black people. I wanted to encourage and inspire others with a powerful message that would resonate beyond anyone’s personal obstacles or challenges.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope that I am still able to keep people interested in my writings; books that inspire, touch, and move the human spirit. These books motivate, encourage, and uplift people. I am that type of writer. I am also looking to produce for television and film, and write more articles. I also hope that people will remain supportive of my career as an author. That is very encouraging.

What is your goal for 2009?
My goal is to complete two books and get them into the public. I also have some other projects I am working on that will be out in 2009. I am working on cologne for men, a line of women’s lingerie, and a television project. So everyone watch out for them.

Be sure to check out Terrance Dean at: http://www.terrancedean.blogspot.com/

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

Book Review- Still Dirty

Author: Vickie Stringer
Publisher: Atria Books
Pub. Date: July 2008
Cost: $23.95

Pages: 226


Yup, Red is Still Dirty. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. No matter how hard she tries she can’t stop herself from being the little devil that she is known to be.

The book begins where we left off in Dirty Red. She and Q are being chased by Bacon who is beyond P.O. and ready to blow their heads off at the airport in front of everyone. They just make into the plane and leave Bacon frying mad.

They are on their way to Mexico so that they could get their minds right, but Q wants Red to stay her distance. He is planning to get out of the business and the last thing he needs is the drama that Red brings.

Red sees that Q is trying to avoid her at all cost but that is her man and she will stop at nothing to make sure that he knows that this relationship is for the long haul... or until Red is ready to let it go. Q is pissed that he allowed himself to be caught in the tornado with Red but he admits to himself that he loves Red and that he would do anything for her.

All of the same characters are there and looking to give Red what she deserves. Sasha was ordered to kill Red by her boyfriend Catfish, but she leaves the city with Blue, the old boyfriend of Red that will never forget when Red took it upon herself to destroy his car.

Terry is spending time in jail for her attempted kidnapping of Kera and Mekel’s baby. She realizes that it was her own actions that were wicked and that she had momentarily insanity that put her there, but she will never forgive Red for leaving her there to rot.

What will she do when she runs into Red? Will she beat her up? Will she kill her?

Kera has changed her ways and she has now dedicated her life to Jesus. She is trying to take Mekel’s mind off of Terry and trying to hide a secret… one that will make destroy her. Now that she has left the fast life, she is earning a honest living by working as a customer service clerk at the bank, and that is where she sees Red. Red is definitely not pleased to see her and makes sure that she mentions Terry, Kera’s enemy. At this point Kera looses her religion and vows to get revenge on Red in the worse way.

There are a few new characters that link everyone together so that the ultimate plan can be executed against Red, but what they fail to remember is that Red is the best at plotting and scheming, and she is prepared for whatever they got to give, but nothing compares to what Bacon is about to do to her. It is an act that will blow the minds of the readers.

Who lives? Who dies? The many twist and turns in this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end in one day. Be sure to look for the continuation because the ending demands that there is one.

Kudos to Vickie Stringer for delivering yet another Dirty Red book.

Reviewer- Heather Elitou

Book Review: True to the Game 3

Author: Terri Woods
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication: July 2, 2008
ISBN: 978-0446581684

New York’s Best Selling Author, Terri Woods, has done it again in True to the Game 3.
The story line was very a great follow up to her True to the Game series and I was pleased with how the story began and unfolded. Terri Woods takes what you think is the end, and crafts it as just the beginning of a wild ride.

Gena is being hunted by all of those who know that she has Quadir’s 20 million dollars. There are the Cops who want the money and they will do whatever it takes to get it... if only they can figure out where it is. Rik owes some big time bosses money and he knows that Gena is holding some cash since she offered to give him some. He can’t see why she wouldn’t give it to him if he asked her, especially because he doesn’t need a lot... that is until the cops figure out that he knows her so now they want him to ask Gena for all the money but Rik has other plans.

Two other mysterious persons are also looking for Gena—one wants the money and the other wants revenge for the killing of his little brother and he’ll stop at nothing to find her and quench his thirst for revenge.

Gena isn’t aware that there are people after her and the money until family members pop up hurt, and people she thought she knew show there true colors. But an unexpected visit from someone she thought was dead will help and guide her through the troubling times... or does he also want the money?

This book was filled with adventure and it was not your average run of the mill, drug selling book. I love to read mysteries, and this was definitely filled with whodunnit’s. Terri stayed on point and didn’t stray from the original plot of the story.

Music's New Artist- Skip Tha Problem

Every artist has a story and the story of Skip Tha Problem is one worth listening too. New York's own, is looking to follow in the fotsteps of some of the greatest MC's to step out of his beloved city.

Skip was given the nickname at birth. He was born and raised in St. Croix U.S.V.I where he left to pursue rapping and now resides in the Bronx, NYC.
Skip started rapping in 2002, but he always been a big fan of rap music. He describes his music as a cross between East Coast rhymes with a southern twist. Some of his influences include Tupac, Master P, Biggie, and KRS One. Skip is the first rapper and is without a doubt the hottest rapper hailing from the beautiful island of St. Croix.

Backed by Carnegee Kingz, an independent union lead by former Interscope recording artist Brasco. Skip is expected to take the industry by storm with his highly anticipated first solo album, which is set to be released summer 2008. He says if he was not rapping he would be a salesman because he can talk fire out of hell and water from a whale!

We had the chance to chat it up with chance about his CD and what people can expect in the future.

Tell us about your CD.
A zillion bars of painis the name of my new mix tape! It is made for true hip hop heads. On this mixed tape i took back to essence when it was about what you say not who you are.

Do you surprise yourself with what comes out in your music?

Very much! Sometimes I shock myself when I write. I'm like, "yo, you heard what I said?" because that bar is sick! Also the feedback I get from my music from the crowds is awesome. For instance, I was at the club last week and the dj played my record, "Make it Thunder" and the crowd went bonkers I was real surprised they took to it like that when they never heard the song before.

How did your music career begin?
Growing up in the islands, we mostly listened to reggae and soca music, but I was always a big fan of hip hop music. So when I moved to New York, I would bug out with my friends freestyling on the block, but due to my lyrical content all my friends wanted me to start battling. So, we would go to other people blocks and I would battle the nicest rappers winning 90 percent of the time. That's when I decided to make music a career and I took it to the next level.

What was the reason for putting this CD together? Did you see a need?
At the time, I started recording tracks for "A Zillion Bars of Pain". I felt like hip hop needed a breath of fresh air, they needed a new face and that was me. Plus, the fans kept asking for something to listen to. There is also a need for good, real music.

What did you think when you completed your CD?
I thought that all my hard work payed off because I put together a mixtape that I was comfortable with and that people would like it.

How do you keep your music fresh?
I listen to everything from rock n roll to Gospel. I watch movies and most important I read a lot of books which infulence my music, also my everyday life experiences.

Which of your songs is your favorite?
I got a couple of favorites on this mixtape. But I would have to say "Fitted to Da Left" because I wrote and co-produce this record.

What is your goal for 2008-09?
Well, I have a new album coming in the Summer in 2009 and were planning a college tour for Spring 2009 to promote the album! I'm looking to do more performances so I will be in a city near you!! Hopefully I will have a major deal real soon too and of course I'm going to keep hitting ya'll with good music.

Peace Infinite Magazine and check me out on myspace.com/thaproblem26

Young, Hip & Chic Celebrates Women With Class

Philadelphia, PA- This week on Young Hip & Chic, Tweety Elitou pays homage to the great women of yesterday that made class and beauty what it is today.

On the most recent webisode, the vintage look is in the spotlight. “This show was very special to me,” says Tweety Elitou. “Not only am I a big fan of the vintage style but it was also personal because it made me think of my great-grandmother and the beautiful women of her day.”

The beautiful women that Tweety refers to are Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandridge, Audrey Hepburn, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, and Grace Kelly. “These women were not just awesome talents but they set fashion styles that are classics and can never be forgotten,” states Tweety. “I love the flowers that Billie Holiday placed in her hair, I loved the clothes that Grace Kelly wore, and who is more lady and classy than Lena Horne?!”

YHC ventures to the Curiosity Shoppe in Philly, PA and speaks with stylist, Blu, about what makes vintage styles hot. YHC also visits The Beauty Studio also in Philly, PA and speaks with salon owner Naneke about what hair styles are sure to take you back.

Get in the know about vintage and learn more about the fashion by watching it here:


About YHC

Young, Hip & Chic (YHC for short) was developed while Tweety was watching TMZ, Extra, and E! “I was watching these shows because I like to see what people are wearing but I was becoming so tired of seeing Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton without panties! Not to mention, I thought to myself, these are role models?” Tweety passionately expresses.

YHC is to celebrate the art of fashion by educating people between the ages of 12-19 years of age that fashion, in fact, is an art that is expressed from the designer to the people that purchase it. Each week, the show will focus on different styles from antique, to grunge, to whatever trend is evolving and revolving. YHC will also inform people with fashion facts, the history of fashions, and the meaning of words that are heard and not often explained. “I think that to be a fashionista, you have to know the five W’s of fashion—who, what, when, where and why.” Tweety explains.

“The overall experience of YHC is to show that fashion can be fun; to know that clothes do not make you, you make the clothes, and being a diva is so overrated,” she explains. “I think that loving who you are from the inside shows on the outside, and that love of fashion, makes you a true fashionsita!”

YHC can been seen biweekly on Saturday at: http://www.infinitemag.net/, http://www.youghipchic.blogspot.com/ and www.youtube.com/infinitemag. Feedback is encouraged as it may appear on the next show.

YHC is also looking for stylists, beauty experts, designers, models, etc. that are looking for exposure and credits for their resumes and books. The show is also looking for sponsors that want to reach a young, hip and chic audience. So far YHC has reached on board The Beauty Studio, Hatchette Book Group, Curiosity Shoppe, and Teenvogue.com. To get further information, contact: younghipchic@gmail.com

About Tweety Elitou
Tweety is of Native American descent and comes from a very artistic family, which explains her colorful background. She is no stranger to the world of fashion. “I have been loving fashion since I was really, really little. My favorite store was the Gap because I loved the styles and how I could dress it up or down, anyway that I wanted, and I was only four!” she says. At the age of six, she graduated from John R. Powers modeling school in Philly, PA with top honors. While attending elementary school she grew in love with art and excelled not only in her basic learning of Math, English, Science and History but also in Art. She has won awards for her artistic work from the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Free Library not just her visual works but also her poetry. She is an Evoluer Girl established by the great fashion diva and educator, Cheryl Wadlington, and was voted the most improved in fashion. Tweety also writes fashion articles and book reviews for her families well known art blog, Infinite Magazine. She has co-created covers for books, The Road to Emotional Healing and The Soul of Poetry for Neshee Publication. She makes jewelry, designs her own clothes, and loves photography in front of and behind the camera—a love that she shares with her dad.

Tweety has appeared in Naturally You! Magazine. As an Iconz Model, she has done several fashion shows including the Sensationel Hair Idol in which the King of Hair Glynn Jackson stated, “She is a joy and pleasure to work with and I wish I had more models like her, she fills my heart.” She has been a guest judge for the Jo’ni Modelz, Inc- Rip the Runway Competition, and she the protégé of Essence Best-Selling author, Miasha and the spokes girl for her foundation, Ask Miasha. “Tweety is a great girl and very inspiring. She someone that other little girls will look up to and I am so proud of her,” says Miasha.

She will be releasing her first book, Girl Power: The Go-To Guide for Teens to Becoming Perfect Young Ladies, and is now working on the sequel, Girl Power Two: Building a Better You! All of this while maintaining straight A’s in school every year.

Theatre- Platinum Selling Author Tells Her Secret on Stage

iMAG Go-Getter of the Year and Essence Best Selling author Miasha makes sure that she keeps her name buzzing throughout the streets. Just recently, she released Never Enough, which is the follow up to the book that made jaws drop. And on July 25, 2008 she complimented her jaw dropping, best selling book with a stage play, Secret Society.

This tell-all book is based on two young women, Celess and Tina, who are “professional women”. Not finding any reason to hold down a real nine to five desk job, or anything else related to being an “employee”, they become the masters of the art of getting cash from men that like to spend it. These beautiful women seem to have it all: the beauty, body, smarts and cash from their many admirers, which makes many people envious. As they journey from man to post and from post to man, they realize that the secret that has kept them at the top of the gold-digger game could soon be revealed and make their world turn upside-down and have them buried in drama... literally.

The Good
The adaptor, Marc Holley, and director, Tiffany Bacon, did a fantastic job at bringing the book Secret Society to life. For those who read the book, it was like meeting the characters in person and venturing with them each step of their extraordinary and outrageous life.

The theatrical performance was held at the Arts Bank Theatre in Philly, PA. The very well known and often frequented theatre that seated a little over one hundred was the perfect place for the first production of Secret Society. The house was full and there response after the play was more than pleasing to 5th Avenue Production which is the production company that presented, Secret Society.

The careful choice of actors that graced the stage made the play a treat for the five senses. Each and every actor gave you an up close and personal view of the thoughts and feelings of the characters which brought the book alive.

The timing of the show was also very well coordinated as there were very few, if any flaws. Each and every actor were on point, and the stage hands made sure that the actors were on post quickly and efficiently as they got props ready for each scene.

The Better
The actors were so believable!!! Each and every actor played their role excellently. Lee Mekhai who played the lead role Celess was very engaging and had the audience silently listening to her every word. She passionately delivered every breakdown about how her and her best friend lived it up and tore it down with their deceptive ways. Lee played up to her role as Celess and made the performance phenomenal. She will unquestionably be an actress in demand.

Roni Graham played the beautiful and boisterous best friend Tina. Her keeping it real attitude was appealing and hilarious as she spit her quick wit and sarcastic remarks that made the audience chuckle. Tina was the role that Roni needed to put her on the map because she embraced the role so well that it was hard to believe that she was acting.

All the actors did a great job and made the performance lively including, Lionel Dalton, Kevin Savage, Christopher Ward, and Hasan Bivings who played the hot-headed Khalil who did what he had to do to get back at the women who ruined his life.

Kenneth Jones who played Mayo, the gay friend of the two women was fun and sensational as he made the women recognize that the moves that they were making were eventually going to come to life.

Desiree Tunsall who played the mother that learned that her son Charles was gay was impeccable as she expressed the pain that a mother would feel when she loses a husband because of her son’s choice.

Gerard Joseph who played Michael was impressive as he portrayed the actor who fell in love with Celess and was devastated to learn that she was leaving him to go to California.

The Damn!!!
No one in the audience expected the dramatic and explosive ending that made many people in the audience grasp!!! Gunshots blared from the stage as Celess and Tina met their fate.

If you are not in the Philadelphia area, have no fear because the play is not only going to be available on DVD, but it will also be traveling from city to city. So be sure to visit http://www.miasha.com/ for further details and if you don’t see your city listed, be sure to send a request because this is a play that you don’t want to miss.

13 YEAR OLD ENTREPRENEUR CREATES WEBISODE THAT KEEPS YOUNG FASHION LOVERS IN THE KNOW

13 year old entrepreneur and fashionista extraordinaire, Tweety Elitou has created a fun and fashionable webisode that keeps young fashion lovers in the know about the ever changing fashion world from a fresh perspective.

Young Hip & Chic has just launched its first show dedicated to the fashion of hip hop. “I wanted to cover hip hop on my first show because it is the era that I am growing up in, and my parents grew up with it, so I guess this is my way of showing love to them and the time that made them so cool,” says Tweety Elitou.

Young, Hip & Chic (YHC for short) was developed while Tweety was watching TMZ, Extra, and E! “I was watching these shows because I like to see what people are wearing but I was becoming so tired of seeing Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton without panties! Not to mention, I thought to myself, these are role models?” Tweety passionately expresses.

According to Tweety, YHC is to celebrate the art of fashion by educating people between the ages of 12-19 years of age that fashion, in fact, is an art that is expressed from the designer to the people that purchase it. Each week, the show will focus on different styles from antique, to grunge, to whatever trend is evolving and revolving. YHC will also inform people with fashion facts, the history of fashions, and the meaning of words that are heard and not often explained. “I think that to be a fashionista, you have to know the five W’s of fashion—who, what, when, where and why.” Tweety explains.

“The overall experience of YHC is to show that fashion can be fun; to know that clothes do not make you, you make the clothes, and being a diva is so overrated,” she explains. “I think that loving who you are from the inside shows on the outside, and that love of fashion, makes you a true fashionsita!”

YHC can been seen every Saturday starting 7/12/08 on: http://www.infinitemag.net/, http://www.youghipchic.blogspot.com/ and www.youtube.com/infinitemag. Feedback is encouraged as it may appear on the next show. You can check out the preview here:



YHC is also looking for stylists, beauty experts, designers, models, etc. that are looking for exposure and credits for their resumes and books. The show is also looking for sponsors that want to reach a young, hip and chic audience. To get further information, contact: younghipchic@gmail.com

About Tweety Elitou
Tweety is of Native American descent and comes from a very artistic family, which explains her colorful background. She is no stranger to the world of fashion. “I have been loving fashion since I was really, really little. My favorite store was the Gap because I loved the styles and how I could dress it up or down, anyway that I wanted, and I was only four!” she says. At the age of six, she graduated from John R. Powers modeling school in Philly, PA with top honors. While attending elementary school she grew in love with art and excelled not only in her basic learning of Math, English, Science and History but also in Art. She has won awards for her artistic work from the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Free Library not just her visual works but also her poetry. She is an Evoluer Girl established by the great fashion diva and educator, Cheryl Wadlington, and was voted the most improved in fashion. Tweety also writes fashion articles and book reviews for her families well known art blog, Infinite Magazine. She has co-created covers for books, The Road to Emotional Healing and The Soul of Poetry for Neshee Publication. She makes jewelry, designs her own clothes, and loves photography in front of and behind the camera—a love that she shares with her dad.

Tweety has appeared in Naturally You! Magazine. As an Iconz Model, she has done several fashion shows including the Sensationel Hair Idol in which the King of Hair Glynn Jackson stated, “She is a joy and pleasure to work with and I wish I had more models like her, she fills my heart.” She has been a guest judge for the Jo’ni Modelz, Inc- Rip the Runway Competition, and she the protégé of Essence Best-Selling author, Miasha and the spokes girl for her foundation, Ask Miasha. “Tweety is a great girl and very inspiring. She someone that other little girls will look up to and I am so proud of her,” says Miasha.

She will be releasing her first book, Girl Power: The Go-To Guide for Teens to Becoming Perfect Young Ladies, and is now working on the sequel, Girl Power Two: Building a Better You! All of this while maintaining straight A’s in school every year.

Book Review- How Not to Look Old

Author: Charla Krupp
Publisher: Hachette Books
ISBN: 0-446-58114-3
Pages: 232
Price: $25.99

All women in their mid 30’s and early 40’s think about one thing the most— “How can I not look old when I’m 50?” Watching the T.V. and see all the stars getting plastic surgery and using other alternatives makes it desirable because it seems to be quick and easy, but there are easier ways to look younger than sticking yourself with needles. All you have to do first is check out the book, How Not to Look Old by Charla Krupp.

Charla newest book is definitely the best book to get when you are on the road to looking 10 years younger, 10 pounds lighter, and 10 times better! It’s like a Head-to-Closet Makeover in the palm of your eager little hands.

Three of the chapters that caught my attention are:

Chapter 4- Tame Those Brows: It explains how important eyebrows are to making you look old. Bushy, shapeless, gray eyebrows are a no, no according to Ms. Krupp. Also did you know that it’s better to tweeze after a shower rather than before? Find out why.

Chapter 9- Put on Pink Lip Gloss: Lipstick makes a difference in how old you look. Dark, cracked, thin lips are perfect for you…IF YOU WANNA LOOK OLD! In this book you can finds ways to make your lips look Y & H (young and hip). Remember ladies, lip gloss is poppin’!!!

Chapter 18- Step into Sexy Heels: Did you know the shoes that you wear can actually make you look old??? In How Not to Look Old, Charla talks about what shoes are Y & H and which ones have old written all over it. Ugly orthopedic shoes, boring classic pumps, all of them can make you look boring and ready for a rocking chair.

I really loved the way this book included brilliant buys. She gives you great recommendations, the cost and where they are usually sold. The pictures were also very useful because it gave you and idea of what looks hip and chic and what is just…..well wrong! The colorful words also added to the fun and fresh read.

Although I am young, I found that reading what was young, hip and chic was beneficial to me so that I stay in the know of the forever changing fashion trends. The book was also very helpful to me because I think that it is important to look your best and that was something that she focused on as well.

So if you are queasy about those needles and let’s face it, who can afford it, and you are looking to make a difference to you wardrobe for a very small price, then you should be getting this book! Like Charla says, “Forget aging gracefully!”

Fashionably Out,
Tweety E.
Youth Fashion Editor

Literary Review- Song Yet Sung

Author: James McBride
Copyright: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-59448-972-3
Pages: 359

Beautifully crafted, and expertly put together are just a few thoughts running through my head when I read Song Yet Sung by James McBride. I have never read a novel quite like this one, and I glad that I had the chance to read it. Page after page had me captivated, thinking, and wondering.

Song Yet Sung takes place in the year 1850 on the 3rd month on Maryland’s Eastern Shores. Liz Spocott is a beautiful runaway slave who is caught by Patty, a money hungry slave trader who doesn’t take any mess from anybody. Patty underestimates Liz, who kills one of Patty’s slave catcher/slave and sets all the slaves free.

Liz not only frees the slaves but she has a talent…she is a dreamer. She dreams of the future that is not like what she would have imagined with fancy looking cars, rap music, and radios. Liz will travel a journey (that is one of her visions) to try and find out what it means. The way that she is lead on the journey is what is so captivating. It is a vision of guess who and what, and clues that are not easily comprehended until you follow the paths.

All while Liz is traveling as an escaped slave, Patty is looking for her so that she can kill her. She set her slaves free. Patty is ruthless and all she cares about is money. What makes the task so difficult for Patty to find Liz is that someone else looking for Liz and someone is protecting her, which means Patty has to work hard and kill plenty in order to get what she wants.

Liz has many obstacles and one is to stay away from the Gimp, an old slave catcher whom are notorious for his quick temper and feared by slaves and whites. The Gimp has given up slave trade but when Liz’s owner, The Captain, offers him a great deal of riches, the Gimp decides to come out of retirement to find her, but this may be the most difficult slave he has ever tried to catch and it may cost him his life.

Amber is a slave in his early 20’s owned by Miss Kathleen, who lost her husband to the swamps of Maryland. Amber has his eyes set on getting free but is holding back because he has a sister to look after. When Amber meets the dreamer, freedom has become a must, but there are penalties for harboring a runaway. Therefore, Amber has to be careful in protecting himself and the woman that he now has feelings for… Liz.

Song Yet Sung is a very a reader! Throughout the story, you keep hearing about this code that the slaves use to communicate with each other. It’s very complicated and only certain slaves know what it means. Although I would have liked the author to further explain the code, the mystery of it added to the book. I also like the way the author described the world through the Dreamer’s eyes.

If you are looking for a story of courageous acts and death defying action, then Song Yet Sung is the book to read!

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Jo'ni Modelz, Inc. High School Edition was the Bomb!!!

Lights, Cameras, Clothes, and Models are all of the ingredients you need in order to have a “Fashionable” fashion show. Many of you know that I am very picky about fashion shows so when I tell you that the one I am writing about is good then you know it was…

Jo’ni Modelz, Inc. “Rip-the-Runway Competition” High School Edition did it again. They had all the ingredients of a “Fashionable” runway affair. Last year the show was good (Sayre’s Next Top Model) and this one was even better! I am already looking forward to next year!

Not only was this year an all high school edition, but there were also a chance for males too. Most of the High Schools in Philadelphia were in attendance representing their high school.

When I first arrived, I went backstage all I seen was weave, clothes, shoes, and accessories; it made me think of all the rushing around you have to do when you are doing runway. Now keep in mind that this is more of a show of talent and entertainment then it is a show that is about the designs of an up and coming designer.
Most of the models are in their costumes and make-up. They smiled, and one said, “Aren’t you one of the judges?”
That was so weird to me because I’m so use to being in the modeling position, and having to smile and wonder what the judges were thinking when they saw me... but today I am a judge (whoop, whoop!).

After I took my seat, in the judging seat, that is (lol), I looked around and saw that the room was now full to its capacity and people were eager and ready to check out the show. People were standing everywhere.

After about ten minutes, the curtains opened which meant that the show was starting! The first scene was called “Masquerade”. The models were all wearing black and colorful mask. They music that was playing was “Fashionista” by Jimmy James and it was fierce! “The show is about to start!” blasted from the speakers. Just from the intro I already knew that this was going to be one heck of a show.

Well, it is hard to comment on every piece of the show, but I will tell you about some of my favorite scenes:

Scene 2: Rich Girls- When the girls worked it (the rich way of course). One of my modeling buddies, Sayidah Bey, served it up as the "Queen Bee”.

Scene 5: Jumanji- The girls (and guys) took a walk on the wild side. The fashions were leopard and zebra prints that gave it a jungle feel.

Scene 6: Glitz vs. Glam- Glitz and Glam battled it out in a walk off.

Scene 9: Thriller (Prelude) – The fashion nightmares came to life.

To entertain us between scenes, there were the Blue Diamond Steppers, which I thought were ok, the Point Breeze Performing Arts Dance Company which surprisingly to me were very good. Because I am not much for praise dancing I give them two thumbs up. UX’s own Franky J was a great host for the audience competitions. You had to see these two guys serve it up on the stage.

After an evening of entertainment, finally, THE COMPETITION!!! I could tell that everyone was excited to see what was going to happen when the lights got low, the stage started to fog and the curtains opened! There were 16 lovely contestants that walked it out to win. I had to watch everything from creativity to professionalism and overall look. It was really hard for me. If it was up to me everyone would have won, but since there had to be a first female and male, second place winner, and third I knew I had better snap out of it. Check out my two favorite walkers on the youtube!

After everyone walked, it was time for “us” judges to deliberate. It was so hard! Some judges had one person as the winner then others had another, “I liked contestant 9 and 16!” said one judge.
“Well, I like contestant 13 and 2!” said another.
It was complete chaos! Finally, after about 15 min of disagreements, we ended up having to do a “count the hand’ vote. When we were done picking our winners, it was time for the judges to go on stage and announce the diva and don of the evening.

The winners were Shaquetta Carter (2nd place), Khaleem Brown (2nd Place male), and Ebony Townsend and Kevin Kelly were the 1st place winners! It truly was a hard decision to make!

Again, I loved the show and hope that Jo’ni Modelz Inc will continue to do what they do for the community because they are really making a difference in Philadelphia and I really want to get that across to everyone. This show was not just about fashion and beauty it had a deeper meaning to it, the true meaning was to inspire others to become agents of change and to also bring back the loving memory of the Townsend’s dearly beloved son, brother, and friend Derrick A. Townsend.

The Good!!!
Jovanna & Lisa Townsend are the best!!! They put off an event that was awesome. I was proud to be one of the judges. These ladies are great at hosting and really know how to treat their VIP’s!!! A nice dinner and a gift. Mad props, ladies!!!
There were two girls that I thought deserved my recognition and they are Tiara Willis- she was #1, and Tiffany Braddock- she was #9. Congratz ladies you made my top list.

The Bad & What???
The show went on a little too long. It was almost 12:00 am when we left. I would suggest that the scenes be cut just a little so that the show is 2 hours only.

Another bad thing was the host Mr. Jeffrey Brown! He could not get the names of anything right to save his life! First he called the founder Jovanna everything but her name, and he had the same problem with the company, Jo’ni. Worse of all, he pronounced my name wrong! He called me, “Tweet Elitour”, what the heck!
My advice to Jo’ni is to never ever, ever get this man to host their event again!

Too many awards were given out making the night longer. I think that some of the awards could have been given at an awards ceremony for the models and family. That would have been nice.

Although Eboni Townsend did a great job as, I think that because she is the sister of Jovanna Townsend, she should not have been able to participate in the competition because as she became the winner, it may have made some people think that it was rigged in her favor when it actually wasn’t— I know because I was one other judges. But for the sake of no drama, that would be best.

Overall, if you missed this event, you better not miss the next because not only is it the hottest thing for the teens to be a part of, it is for a very good cause and it is always good to see that people care.

I can’t wait until next year!!! Share your thoughts…

Fashionably Out,
Tweety Elitou

Book- The Pink Palace

Author- Marlon McCaulsky
Publisher- Triple Crown Productions
Copyright 2008
Pages- 247
ISBN- 978-0-9099517-5-6

The Pink Palace was a surprising story with a twist that made the book worth reading. Although it had its usual players (drug dealers, gold diggers, etc) roaming through the pages, I did not see one of them really being a cop.

Janelle has to hit the streets at the age of 17 when her stepfather rapes her. Determined to stay alive and not be used, she tries to fix her life up and keep going straight, but the money she’s earning isn’t enough to support her, and the relative that she is staying with will soon be departing. She then meets up with her cousin Nikki, who is definitely get PAID, and she wants in. Nikki buts her down with the cash and that cash is coming from her place of employment and that place is the Pink Palace (of course, it’s a strip club).

Nikki is one of the best dancers at The Pink Palace she’s willing to do anything if the money is right, when she sees that her cousin needs a little help with some money she introduces her to stripping. Together they are the hottest dancers in the club. Janelle adopts the name Mo’Nique and starts her life in the fast lane. One of the first rules that she learns from her money hungry cousin is don’t fall for you trick. That becomes easier said than done for Mo’Nique.

On the outside, Tommy is a street hustler and the right hand man to Damien but in reality he’s an undercover cop trying to bring down King, Harlem’s biggest drug lord. Tommy is on a mission and won’t let anybody try and deter him, but when he meets Mo’Nique he falls for her and he is in limbo as to whether or not he can trust her. Will she rat him out and get him killed?

Damien is a street hustler working for King who wants control of Atlanta. He has a lot of respect for Tommy and plans to put Tommy down when he becomes the Boss. All he has to do is get rid of Dre who already has the streets under control but that isn’t easy especially when the girl he’s with also sleeps with the enemy.

These four characters are about to get a lesson in what really matters in life. Some will learn and change for the better, while others will learn the hard way or die without even trying.

All in all, the book should be read on that train ride to and from work, school, etc. It has enough flavor, twists, and turns to keep the pages turning.

Reviewer-Agasa Elitou

Literary Review- War of the Bloods in My Veins

Author- Dashaun "Jiwe" Morris

Publisher- Simon & Schuster
Copyright 2008
Pages- 222

ISBN- 978-1-4165-4846-1

War of the Bloods in My Veins is a gripping, tell-all, book by a true member of the Bloods. Dashaun “Jiwe” Morris was a gang member who served time in prison for his misguided acts although he was nearly a shoe-in with the NFL.

Jiwe’s book reads as a diary that shares his inner most feelings while going through a whirlwind of violence, anger, tragedy, and desire. As he tells his story he begins to analyze himself and realizes that it is he, and only he, who stands in the way of making a difference for himself and his daughter.

Jiwe was exposed to the violent life when he was very young and he was sent off by his mother to his Uncle and Aunt’s home in Phoenix, Arizona from New Jersey. While living with his extended family, he is exposed to the strict life of Islam and his aunt, a very devout woman, is not the one to play with because she is a disciplinarian that shows no mercy. Jiwe is not use to this type of order, not even from his mother, so he rebels and wishes for his mother’s arrival.

How does a young man cope when he feels alone? Well, most boys turn to the ones that show the attention that they so yearn for-- even if it is in a gang. Jiwe knew that something was not right when he first encountered a Blood member whose brother (another Blood) came out to defend his brother with a baseball bat and they both beat the crap out of the boy. Although it seemed wrong to beat someone nearly to death, the fact that a loved one would do that for his own was astounding.

After his encounter with his friend and his brother, he realizes that he is looking to belong and he finds that belonging with the Bloods. He is later asked to do the ultimate in order to prove that he is down with the red flags. Does he do it? What do they ask him to do? One would only imagine if they don’t read the book.

When he later moves back to New Jersey with his mother and brother, he meets up with a friend and they form a Blood click in Orange, New Jersey. It is here that he vows that to be a brother means to die for a brother, and no man or woman can come between them. They Rob, steal and terrorize the community. They think that the only people that they are hurting are their sworn enemies the Crips, but DaShaun soon realizes that he is hurting his people.

Dashaun also encountered his father who he had never seen until he was well in his teens. He also found out that he had a brother who was in fact a cop. How ironic. Needless to say, Dashaun questions where his father had been for most of his life because of course, he was a very big piece to the puzzle that would help complete his life but seeing him only made the picture seem more unclear.

Dashaun has finally gotten his break and is in college but he takes his gang mentality with him and it is not as easy as it seems to leave his past behind him. His reputation travels throughout the campus, not to mention he still wears the colors. People are drawn to him; people fear him, and some people are willing to test him and because of these compelling reasons, he finds himself in prison.
While serving time he promises himself that he will do better especially for his newborn little girl and that is what this book is about—change.

What makes War of the Bloods in My Veins such an excellent read is that you get it! I mean, the brother is not bragging about his gun-toting lifestyle; he is not giving us colorful drama that makes us believe that we are reading the usual urban fiction; we are not even talking about sex. He is giving every parent the opportunity to understand what our youth are thinking when they are being neglected. It is important to read this book with the understanding that parents should be very concerned about what they say and do around their children and in many cases when they are not around, and be sure that you listen. Listening to our children and helping them to our best abilities is what will keep them alive.

It is great that he took responsibility for his actions because it would have been too easy to blame his parents. It is great to read that Dashaun took a serious look at his life and dedicated it to making a change for himself and his community. Now the only thing left is to continue to make others aware that they too can do the same.

Reviewer- Heather Elitou

Book Review- Amongst Thieves

Title: Amongst Thieves
Publishers: Triple Crown Publications
ISBN: 978-0-9799517-2-5
Author: Quentin Carter
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 316

Reading Amongst Thieves is like watching a movie. If you liked the movie Scarface, Casino, and Ocean’s 11 then this is a book that will keep your interest. It is filled with so much action that it keeps you reading to the very end.

Ramon Delay is a ruthless thief who loves money and he won’t let anyone get in his way of it—not even his own daughter, Trishay. After serving 15 years for the murder of his ex wife’s brother, Ramon is back on the streets of Kansas ready to announce his arrival. He gets back in touch with his crew so that they can continue where they left in their crime sprees, but Roman has a bigger plan brewing.

Ramon’s childhood friend, Snug Brim has been riding with him since the beginning as they kill and rob making the streets of Kansas hot. Also in the crew is Bobby who scouts the targets of their desire; AJ who supplies the artillery; Chico who drives the getaway car and Yawni who is used like a cunning spider who creates an incredible web of distraction for their victims entangling them to be left as bait and kill for the crew.

The crew is ready to make the big leagues earning more weight (money) then they have ever gotten before, but with more money comes... you guessed it, more problems! Greed makes these close friends become very distant from each other. Do they turn on each other? Do they seek revenge for the money that they have lost? Of, course otherwise this would not be an interesting story.

Suddenly, a young woman by the name of Jayde enters the life of Ramon and she is all that he can think about. She seems to be the woman of his dreams but Jayde is holding back a secret that when exposed could mean the death of Ramon and her guilty pleasure. Their relationship takes Ramon on an emotional and physical ride that leads to a shocking end.

I was pleased with the realness of the story because it was not about a bunch of teens that were making millions in the game because that is so played out and definitely not as lifelike as the other books make it out to be. You can see that just by watching the news. This book is based on gangstas in their forties and it takes quite some time for them to come up to the millions status.

One thing that drove me crazy was how Jayde entered the scene... it almost didn’t make sense. It was when the secret was revealed that it made the book that much more interesting.

Be sure to check out this book and be sure to let me know what you think of the ending and Jayde’s secret...

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival

The 2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival took place this year May 1-4, 2008 in Philly, PA. This year was not just about the films and music but there were also workshops that related to the favorable art industries that included fashion, film, editing, and Djing.

The opening day reception was featuring the movie, New Year Baby (http://www.newyearbaby.net/). Other movies that were on the top list were: Africa, Unite (www.palmpictures.com/film/africa-unite) a documentary on the family of Bob Marley; African-American Women on the Bandstand which focuses on women and their contribution to Jazz through dance; Hair Stories featuring Yvette Smalls is about the history and culture behind the hairstyles of African- American women; Silent Choices was a documentary that spoke on the impact that is created by the decisions to have an abortion. Other great features were Trouble the Water (http://www.troublewaterfilm.com/) which is about a young couple that is trapped in New Orleans while trying to begin a new life; and This is the Life (http://www.goodlifelove.com/) is a documentary about a small health food store that is frequented by young people that are looking to find their place in Hip Hop only to travel different paths.

One of the most anticipated events of this four day long explosion --of art by women only-- is the concerts that are filled with independent and commercial artists that bless the stage with their remarkable talents. Although last year there were more well known names like Jill Scott, Ursula Rucker and a guest appearance by Amy Winehouse, this year put the Indie artists on blast and most did not disappoint making them artist to watch.

The first act was Waheed formerly known as Gov’t Cheaz (glad they changed the name) tried their very best to rock out but the mic system was shot to hell. What we were able to make out of the crews energetic stage performance was their rendition of “Scenario” by Tribe Called Quest and Leaders of the News School. Credit is due to them for trying to make the best out of a weird situation as the technicians never did seem to make the microphone technicalities any better.

The entertaining Amanda Diva was not only the gracious MC for the evening but she also performed from her latest CD, Life Experience. A favorite from her CD is “Supa-Woman” which definitely caught the attention of the crowd full of women as they sang along to the hook, “Outstanding, Extraordinary, Supa-Woman.” This multi-talented young lady is definitely and artists on the verge of making a difference in the overly dominated hip-hop industry.

J*Davey are also artists that definitely capture the interests of the audiences in which they perform. The young duo put it down with a very unique sound that is quite hard to label. As the modelesque sister with the Mohawk glided across the stage delivering her best voice which is reminiscent of the legendary Eartha Kitt, she sang Lazy Daze in which she asked audience members to join her on stage and give their best impression of the Carlton Dance (Fresh Prince of Bel Air). One of the favorite songs was “Dollar or More” which had the whole place rocking out.

Philly’s own Bahamadia did the damn thing when she rapped one of the crowd’s favorites “Cheap Chic’s”. She proved that she still had what it takes when she delivered us an acapella freestyle that made the crowd hype. There will never be another like Bahamadia.

Jaguar Wright is a singer that is way underrated. She is truly a singer that takes you back to the idea of a smoky speakeasy filled with singers like Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and Lena Horne. She can sing! Her personality on stage is like that of Millie Jackson which is not to everyone’s liking but that is just who she is— love her or hate her. As she slowly made her way to the stage with drink in hand, pocket book under her arm, and a scarf tied around her hair, she begin to belt out the lyrics to “What If” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. “What sound are we singing actually? I mean I didn’t have a sound check or nothing,” Jaguar joked. How disappointing that could have been from many other artists that could have been on the agenda but Jaguar made up for the “oops” when she belted out “So High”.

Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets was there and although she is a favorite within the hip-hop world, her stage appearance and performance was very lackluster compared to what it was in the nineties. She performed her memorable parts in songs “A Nickel Bag of Funk” and “Cool Like That” and she also performed from her solo debut CD, “Trip the Light Fantastic”. Overall, it was great to see one of the best underrated female emcees from the nineties and I wish her much success.

A jazz vocalist to watch and absolutely worth listening to is Lizz Wright. With a voice that flows like water and as loud and calming as rapid waterfalls, Lizz performed a very thought provoking melodies with Toshi Reagon who is also known to funk out folk music. As Lizz performed, the spectators were in a serene trance that lasted until her final note.

Slick & Rose were very entertaining and unquestionably on the radar of people to watch in the music industry. Slick who commands attention with her wild and crazy faces makes her engaging and fun to watch, while Rose is the sexy and sassy chick that is attracts the eye with her come hither stares and movements. As a duo they are absolutely perfect. “Breakdown” and “Chemical” were very upbeat tempos that made you bob your head. They were awesome.

Awards were handed out to recipients who are making a difference in arts and they were very well deserved. Those honorees are: Bernice Reagon (Living Legend Music), Pearl Bowser (Living Legend, Film), Martha Diaz (Emerging Leader, Music), Jeri Lynne Johnson (Social Change) Stephanie Black (Smirnoff Social Change), Tia Lessin (Artistic Change, Film), and Bahamadia (Artistic Change, Music).

Other performers that were there were, Zaki Ibrahim (sorry Hun, but your mics were not audible), Muhsinah (her performance was very artistic meaning, but it was hard to get) and Emoni Fela. Some can charge it to the technicians while other... well, they did their best.
Overall, the Black Lily had yet another successful year that was extended with great workshops for our young women and women who are in the mist of learning the male dominated industry. It was pleasing to see films with meaning and purpose that relate to women on an everyday basis and music that is fun and memorable. In addition, the awards that were distributed were well earned. Black Lily Film and Music Festival is an event that is worth waiting for because you never know what you are going to get and those that miss it, miss a whole lot.

Visit http://www.blacklilyfilm.org/ for information on next year.

Book Review- Prison Chronicles

Janaya Black is a talented young writer who has created stories that are better than your average street fiction her Prison Chronicle stories are definitely captivating from beginning to end as she shares stories of women in prison and what led them to their situation.

We meet Vanessa Jackson the reporter for Womens Lib Magazine in the first book, The Breaking Point. Her first interview is with Marion Hayes a young woman who was convicted for killing the man she loved. Although her love for him was strong his betrayal stabbed her in her heart and she stabbed back... to death. But what led to this betrayal was it the loss of her baby brother or was it the rape that she encountered? No one can get to the bottom of the story better than Vanessa and she plans to help her friend come to peace with her actions and consquences if it kills her. As told by the other woman is yet another mouth opening story about a young woman that is facing 15 years in prison for the murder of her lovers’ wife. Timberlynn was beginning to change her life for the better until she met, Tre, a smooth talking man who took advantage of the heart of a very young and naïve 18 year old girl who had just came out of the starting gates. After running her around and pulling her by the heart strings, she is faced to make a decision that will ultimately ruin many lives.

And lastly, Vanessa journeys back to prisons where she meets a woman who had nothing but revenge on her mind and the thirst for the blood of the man that killed her sister. In Beautiful Rage: The Break of Dawn, we meet young and beautiful Dawn Langston who snapped after the release of the man that killed her sister. So built with rage, Dawn executes a plan to give back all the pain and suffering that the brutal murderer gave her sister. While Dawn expresses that she has no regrets, Vanessa wonders if meeting this woman and listening to her story will drive her over the edge.

What is so enjoyable about the Prison Chronicles is that although each and every story has a gruesome and shocking ending, but there is a lesson: there are always consequences for your actions and karma can be a b**ch.

Janaya Black is definitely a writer to follow as she tells the story of women who have suffered from abuse and neglect so perfectly that she will make men think twice before they cross another woman.

Check out her books and website at: http://www.black-smithenterprises.com/

Literary Review- Multiplicity

Author: Rita Carter
Publishing Date: April 2008
Publisher: Little Brown
ISBN: 0-316-11538-x
Price: $24.99


Have you ever lost track of time or thought that you were shy but every one else says that you are not? Have you ever made the statement, “I don’t know what got into me” or “I was somebody else back then?” If so, then you are witnessing MULTIPLICITY, according to the new science of personality. In fact, the main subject discussed in this book is that we all have multiple personalities albeit— not necessarily a disorder but the way nature intended things to be. Author, Rita Carter, calls this phenomena human plurality which is to say that psychologically, we are not individuals but a community of personalities in an individual body. If this is so, then we are definitely in trouble of finding ourselves in disunity with our neighbors, i.e. other personalities within our bodies.
Imagine, if you will, awakening to find that another personality that lives inside of you. Lets say the fighter in you (although it can easily be the promiscuous person or the gullible person inside of you) has done something that causes the rest of your personalities; the father or the mother, the giver and/or the helper to suffer. The way our current society thinks, there is one body and one person within. We will quickly find that we have gotten ourselves into trouble with absolutely no way for the other personalities to plead their cases. In fact, the entire community of people (personalities) may be punished for the acts of one personality within our psyche.

For many decades we have seen criminals tried for this offense and a great deal of them say that they do not know what got into them. According to the new science, it’s not so much what got into them, but what was inside of them all the while. There is a community of personalities better known as multiple personalities. Many of us are under the impression that multiple personality automatically means disorder but Multiple Personality Disorder is when the personalities become so dominant that the others can’t stop its actions. This disorder could be as simple as obsession with cleanliness to murderous tendencies.

However, we have all said at one time or another that we cannot account for our actions or that we do not know why we were thinking the way we were. So, could we truly be going along for the ride of each personality within us? Well, before you get upset, it may be a relief to know that the only time you are in danger of suffering from the misgivings of some other personality living inside of you is if you have a multiple personality disorder. If you have a healthy but very outward case of multiple personality or human plurality each personality is likely to be relative to the rest of the community, and therefore not so different that the life choices made by each personality are totally opposite each other.

The concept reminds me of George Gurdjieff who explained that we have no permanent and unchangeable "I".

"Each minute, each moment, man is saying or thinking 'I.' And each time his I is different. Just now it was a thought, now it is a desire, now a sensation, now another thought, and so on, endlessly. Man is a plurality. Man's name is legion," says Gurdjieff.

George Gurdjieff took some of his ideas from Buddhist and Sufi psychology which teaches that there is no stable essence, no individual "I". Instead, traditional Buddhists divide the self into skandas which are heaps that are composed of shifting thoughts and awareness. Sufis divide the many stages of self into what they call nefs. What makes the difference between the old and the new science of personality is that instead of saying that there is no “I” but rather a conglomeration of thoughts and desires, Multiplicity is saying that there are many “I’s” within one body. However, like one of Gurdjieff’s disciples, Oscar Ichazo, Rita Carter has a personality wheel.

What makes the book helpful is that the first half takes the time to inform us of the situation which can be very enlightening to many people. Let’s think about it: you have more than one personality and most likely each one has some skill in handling anything that you are faced with, now all you have to do is get to them so that you can turn them on whenever you need them. In the second half of the book, there is the personality wheel and instructions on how to get to know you in a whole new way. Below are both Oscar Ichazo’s personality chart and Rita Carter’s personality chart.

Personality Chart

Rita Carter
Open-minded
Conservative
Extrovert
Introvert
Stable
Uptight
Agreeable

Disagreeable

Conscientious
Careless

Oscar Ichazo

Perfectionist

Giver

Performer

Romantic

Observer

Trooper

Epicure
Boss
Mediator

Multiplicity is a must read, it goes great with difficult times like these because if what Ms. Carter says is true, then we all should be contacting the personalities within us that are strong enough to hold on and ride the wave of the current economic situation that we find ourselves in. For those who are unaware of the many people living inside of you, it makes for informative and useful knowledge to anyone whom may be interested in or in need of a better understanding of the human psyche. Imagine never having to be alone again.


Aalim Elitou-reviewer
Copyright 2008