Literary Review-Torn

Author: Keisha Ervin
Publisher: Triple Crown Production
ISBN: 978-0-9778804-9-2
PUB Date: 2007
Pages: 384

Torn is about two lovers who are so in love with each other that they cheat (sounds crazy right). Mo has been in love with Quan, her hustler boyfriend for ten years and she would do anything and everything for him and says that she can’t picture life without him.

Quan loves Mo but temptation comes knocking at his door numerous times and he never ignores the call. Mo knows that Quan has and is cheating on her because of his late night arrivals in their bed, the smell of perfume that she doesn’t wear, and not answering her calls.

Finally, with all of the evidence that she has Mo confronts him about his wrongdoings, but the arguments usually end up with them in between the sheets and her trying to forget what he had dome to hurt her.

Now Mo wants to prove her point and pain to Quan by sleeping with his best friend West, but that doesn’t work… Quan continues to cheat and West has been hospitalized.

What made this book most frustrating is that Mo is supposed to be an educated lady who doesn’t take crap from anybody. He family and friends tell her that Quan is not worthy of her time but she stays with him.
What stood out most in the book is that although there looked as if there was no sanity coming from Mo, I realized that the author was showing how complicated love can be and how complicated we make it. You can love a person so much but that doesn’t mean that they will love you the same way.

Mo and Quan’s have a yo-yo love that continues through most of the book which left me dizzy. The book was definitely a good effort, but it wasn’t my favorite. Again the book had a message that was appreciated, the author is very detailed in writing, but from this reviewer’s opinion, relationships are what we make it and to go along with so much suffering from someone that does not appreciate you is a bad direction to travel.

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- Forever My Lady

Lately we have received a lot of good books from our literature affiliates but recently we received a novel that was an excellent read. Jeff Rivera’s, Forever My Lady is one of the best youthful novels written for the year. Forever My Lady main focus is on young love and what happens when life is not guided properly.

Dio Rodriguez is a seventeen year old that lives in Las Vegas and is a member of a gang that he considers his family. His mother is an abusive drunk and she taking care of his little brother who he fears for; his father is no longer with them. There is one person that he has a lot of love for and that is his childhood sweetheart Jennifer.
Jennifer is the one person that can see through his tough exterior and knows that he is a good person brought up in a bad situation and he needs to do what he can to turn his life around.

Jennifer doesn’t have an easy life either. She is verbally abused by her parents and when she feels that she can’t take it anymore, she becomes a prostitute who works for a pimp named Wiggie who is definitely not the kind of guy you want to be a friend or an enemy. When Dio confronts Wiggie and says that she will no longer be working for him, Wiggie mouths off and Dio decks him pretty good and threatens his life. This is something that Wiggie will never forget.

A tragedy occurs and Dio finds himself in a correctional boot camp and told that he must turn his life around if he ever wants to see the rest of the world again. While away, he meets people who he will become friends with and they will teach him valuable lessons in love and life choices. He meets enemies that will teach him through their wicked ways that life is no worse for one man than it is the other, and that revenge only amounts to karma.

There are so many thoughts that go through the head of Dios that you almost feel like you are in his head. You feel the love that he has for his lady Jennifer; the disdain that he had for his mother; the questions that he has about the other campers, and his strength and determination to get out of the camp but will he make it?

Again, this is one of the best stories thus far for the year 2007 and time is ticking. You can appreciate that the book did not just focus on sex, deceit and backstabbers but it focused on real life problems that affect us all. That’s not to say that backstabbers aren’t real life problems it’s just not the only problems that surround us.

This book is highly recommended for teenagers.

Be sure to check for the interview with Jeff Rivera coming soon. In the meantime get the book and tell me what you think.

iView with Jeff Rivera

You have a very interesting cultural background, can you tell the readers about it?

Sure, my stepfather is Filipino which is why my last name is Rivera. Both my grandmother's were half-American Indian and half-Black American, my cousins are Puerto Rican so I guess that makes our family a big mutt United Nations mix!

What made you decide to write about the issue of teenage gangsta love?

I'm very passionate about telling stories about people that are overlooked and wouldn't get a second chance... one of those groups are those involved in gangs. When I was growing up I always had friends that were involved with gangs in someway, but I never judged them and saw them as human beings first. So in return, they acted like human beings not the gang stereotypes that other people saw them as. Love is universal, I don't know what it is. I guess I'm a hopeless romantic at heart.

Why do you think that this topic was important?

I feel like even though I don't come from that background, I've been chosen in some spiritual way to tell their stories. To let people know that at the heart of things we're all the same.

The idea that most of the conversation between Dio and Jennifer via letters made it a good read, why did you choose this style?

Thanks, well I think is some way it was a subconcious decision because that's how my mom and stepdad met and communicated... through letters. He was in the Philipines and she was in America. She would read us those letters when we were little before she actually met him in person.

When you wrote about Dio, what did you think of him?

Well since Dio is very much a part of me and my little brother I didn't judge him. He was always a human being that happened to be in a gang.

Was Dio based on someone that you know?

Yes, Dio is based on my friend Claudio, myself, my brother and my friend Sergio.

The ending had an interesting twist, do you think it will lead to a book two?

That's my hope-- that the story continues into a trilogy.

What character was your favorite character to write about?

I LOVED writing Louise because she was so salty and down to earth. She's my favorite. The one I had the most fun writing.

What are your plans for 2008?

My plans are to crank out book after book and to continue on my school book tour throughout the year. I'm having a great time speaking to young people and meeting fans. Many of the schools are making the novel required reading.

Will there be other books?

Definitely, besides the sequels I'm working on other stories some urban, some historical but always with an element of love.

Be sure to check out Jeff's website at: www.jeffrivera.com

Agasa Elitou-Interviewer & Reviewer

Through the Eyes of an Artist- Tamarah Ynise

Art is an intellectual journey as well as an emotional expression of the human soul. Many artists are celebrated for their artistic/intellectual contributions while others are a best kept secret. No matter how intellectual art may be, it is not limited to instruction and learning as its only occupation in life. Because art is poetic, it can be very entertaining as well as informative. The art form that appeals to you will most depend on your interests. Just recently I have found that the only thing more interesting than art is the artist herself.

Tamarah Ynise is on the rise! She is a young revolutionary artist that is focused and involved with social uplift. Even though she has written a book of haikus titled, “Liquid Verbs” and her poetry book “Reservoir in My Mouth” we at iMAG were most attracted to her visual abstract poetry which is sure to make her one of the most sought after artist in Philly.

Growing up in Central NJ, she was given a gift by her brother that would not only initiate her inner artist, but would also last to this very day... a black book to bare her young soul. This gift of love helped mold her poetic expression. For Tamarah, poetry has been a past time passion since she was a tween and she was grateful to answer her calling at eighteen. She later advanced her expression and added visual abstract art to her repertoire.

About 12 p.m. on a cool sunny Friday, I walked into the coffee shop in the historical Germantown area of Philly she was already there bright and filled with interesting conversation. We greeted each other warmly, sat down, talked, and got comfortable before we began the interview. We talked about everything from art, religion, politics, psychology, and healing. After getting acquainted, it seemed that I had accomplished my goal and we were comfortable enough to begin our interview.

Join me as we take a look at the world through the eyes of an artist. I think that you will find the view quite interesting.

How long have you been creating art (visual)?
I started in 2003. I never took an art class and the best that I was able to do was color within the lines (laughter). A good friend of mines took me to an art store and said that I should try creating art and the next thing I know it, I was creating visual art. As far as poetry, I have been doing it since I was a little girl.

Do you think your creativity is spiritual?
Yes because if people ask me to draw a tree, it does not come out like a tree. But when I let the words flow and my mine vision, then it comes out divine. Just like with the poetry. When I am done, I am in awe.

How do you feel when you have completed your work?
I feel that since of accomplishment, that wow which makes me feel good.

How do you keep your art fresh?
I constantly challenge myself with everything that I do.

Which artists do you admire and why?
I admire Maya Angelou because there is so much depth to who she is from a singer to a motivational speaker and the belief that she has in our people, and the youth. I remember when I was in college and we had the chance to go to the main campus and see her. Maya Angelou came in and I was in such awe. I felt her every words the entire time! I was shaking because it was so phenomenal.

What three words best describe your style?
Off beat and unorthodox is my poetry (laughter). I am very color-coordinated.

How did you develop your style?
I can’t take that responsibility. I would have to say that is God.

Tell us a little about you that most people don't know.
What you see when you come into my home is who I am. I am always chillin’ on my couch with candles and light music... being mellow is being me.

What is some of the feedback that you've gotten on your work?
I hear that I am good and that I have talent. I also get, “what in the hell are you doing?” (laughter)

How do you respond to negative feedback?
I channel it and let it challenge me. I know that I have a gift and I want it to progress. It does me well when people are honest. I hope that they continue to be so.

What is next for you?
I am planning to display my work at an art gallery. I have another book of poetry coming. I hope that all who read this are there and reading my books (laughter).

What are the last few words that you would like to leave with those that read this interview?
Be inspired and go out and do beyond what you usually do.



Check out Tamarah at: http://www.tamarahynise.com/ and leave a comment for Tamarah in the comment box.

Literary Review- Death Before Dishonor by 50 Cent and Nikki Turner

Pocket Books
2007
$12.00
pgs.194
ISBN-10: 1-4165-3100-9

Simple and straight to the point books are always a pleasure to read, especially when there is temptation, mystery, and action. Death Before Dishonor is a great book. In this story we follow three characters Trill Johnson, Sunni James, and Precious Pay and each of them have enough commotion in their lives to have you reading the book in one day.

Trill Johnson is a big time thief that steals form the most fortunate and provides for his boys and his family. Trill has a lot of respect for Precious and loves her very much. What he likes most about her is that when he was locked up she took responsibility for his son. He also feels deeply responsible for the loss of Precious’ leg during a robbery gone badly. But now he finds an interest in another woman named Sunni James and she is a businesswoman who is holding it down for her crown. He likes the fact that she is independent and knows the streets but he knows that he has an obligation to Precious that she will never let him forget.

Precious Pay is well taken care of but that is not enough. She wants more. Precious feels that Trill owes her big time and she is willing to get what she wants no matter what and she is willing to do it even if she has to turn her back on the man that she once loved.

Sunni James is a successful beauty salon owner and a big time whore. She is not interested in any long term relationships because she loves to use them then lose them... until she meets Trill. There is something about this thug that she just can’t get enough of but what she doesn’t realize is that she has to go through Precious Pay to get him and a challenge with her could cost her more than her crown.

Overall, Death Before Dishonor quenched my reading appetite. Again this was a straight to the point read and stayed on track with an easy to follow storyline making it easy to complete in one day.

I am interested in know if there will be a second book because there was a lot situations that needed closing which included how Sunny handled her situation and what really happened to Trill.

When you read this book and you have a clue, then share it with me.

Agasa Elitou-Reviewer

Movie Review- The Game Plan

Infinite Magazine was invited to the prescreening of “The Game Plan”.

The Rock is the shallow and highly famous quarterback Joe Kingman and he has it all. Clothes, women, friends, great looks, and more titles and trophies than you can count. He eventually receives an unexpected gift at his doorstep that is eight years old, cute and lovable... his daughter. Of course he is in total denial that he would have a daughter because his ex-wife never told him that they had a child, but the birth certificate says it all.

For the first few weeks he endures the ups and downs of raising a child (and everyone knows what that means) and their relationship seems to get a little rocky, but once they begin to really learn each other and respect each other in their role as father and daughter things get better.
When they are struck with a sudden tragedy, Joe shows that his love for his daughter is more than many would have known and he will do anything to save her and keep her.

After watching the movie, you begin to see that there is so much more to life than things and pointless conversation about oneself. Loving yourself is a good thing but being able to share your love with others is very fulfilling. Fame and fortune is not always what it is cracked up to be when you are alone and Joe Kingman learns this after some time with his daughter.

If you are looking for a good movie for your tween to see for the weekend, then make it your “Game Plan” to see this movie.

Let me know what you thought about the movie.

Tweety Elitou- Reviewer

Literary Review- Dangerous

Pour a little action and love together with secrets on ice, and drama with a twist, and you will have yourself an excellent new book by a member of the crew at Triple Crown Publications. Some books may carry two or three of these major ingredients but with all five you will find yourself never letting go of the book. Dangerous by Leo Sullivan is one of the hottest books for 2007.

In Dangerous, we follow the lives of four characters: Jack Lemon, the notorious Gangster who won an appeal and is now searching the streets for the people that snitched on him. His eyes are wide open to the streets and his hatred runs deep while he thirsts for revenge.

Gina is Jack Lemon’s “ride or die” chick that stays by her man’s side, ready to do anything to keep him alive. What makes this chick so vicious is that she is willing to carry out all of Jack’s demands no matter how brutal.

On the b-ball court, Rasheed is a prodigy who has the skills to go all the way to the top. He wants to do this so that he can take care of his girlfriend and child. After being caught in a stolen car, he has to work harder than ever to be accepted into the NBA.

Monique is the first and only black dancer at a highly respected gentleman’s club and she is fabulous. Her moves are so good that the other women hate that she has become the star attraction. She is in love with Rasheed and they have a child together, but Rasheed is not able to support them. Although she knows that it will hurt Rasheed when he finds out that she dances for the club, she has to do her thing. If Rasheed makes it into the NBA then she would stop dancing… or maybe not.

Fueled by hate, the crazy Jack and Gina are planning to take control of Die Hard records and kill anyone who’s in their way. Will they be successful in their plan to dominate the music industry? Will the music industry take a turn for the better or for the worse? Know that with more money come more problems, which will involve the police and dangerous enemies.
Monique is concerned about Rasheed’s relationship with Jack who seems to be very dangerous. She doesn’t have anything against him, but she knows that Jack is trouble.
The foursome goes through many complexities: Jack and Gina have to stay two steps ahead of the Police who eagerly want to place the lovers under the jail while their enemies thirst for their blood. Rasheed and Monique on the other hand, are having relationship issues that they did not foresee and it looks like they may not make it together.

Dangerous is a completely focused book with a lot of action to keep you turning the page. There is so much drama on every page that you feel like you are with the characters. Although Jack’s seems greatly exaggerated, it is clear that the author wants us to see him as thorough in his game.
You will never believe this but there is a message in the book: Instead of black people working against each other they should work with each other and things will get done.

Don’t believe me… cop this book and share your thoughts.

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Literary Review- Street Love

Love, Drama, Friendship, Money, and Family and the five elements make up the newly released title, Street Love. Street Love is a Triple Crown Publication analogy with contributing authors, Kiesha Ervin, Danielle Santiago, Quentin Carter, T. Styles, and Leo Sullivan. These five authors combined created an exciting book that you will not be able to put down.

Kiesha Ervin’s story, After the Storm is a story that deals with the question: how deep does love go? Mo is deeply in love with her man Quan of eight years but can’t stand the fact that he is cheating on her with another woman. Mo knows that she should leave but she just can’t bring herself to do it, and to make matters worse she thinks that Quan is having a baby with the woman that he is cheating with. Torn between love and hate she must decide if she should leave Quan once and for all or is she so deep in love with him that she’ll take his drama.

For those that have been in a half-commented relationship, then they will probably be able to relate to the drama in After the Storm. Although it was not my favorite story it is definitely an opener to the rest of the tales. The realness is what I liked most about Keisha’s story.

Danielle Santiago’s wrote Allure of the Game which is a story about a gangstress named Arnessa, and with the help of Butta, she becomes a major drug dealer. She begins to step up her business giving Suef her drug rival a hard time collecting his paper in the streets. When one of Suef’s men sexually abuses Arnessa’s little sister Cenise, she realizes that she’s not cut out for the drug game. However, as she realizes this the drug game is calling Cenise and she just might call back.

Allure of the Game was an excellent story told by Danielle Santiago with a unique turn because instead of stepping up the game more and more until they take the crown, Arnessa realizes quick that the game is not for her… keeping it real. No matter what gender you are, the drug game can claim you, impress you, or disgust you.

Quentin Carter’s, The Fink is about trust and deceit. Phelix Mitchell is a snitch who was supposed to do 25 years in jail but instead he did 3 years because he ratted out his friend. Phelix is weighed down with guilt after what he did to his friend and all he wants to do is settle down and be surrounded by family when he gets home, but the streets don’t like snitches and they won’t let him relax. His own brother doesn’t show him respect, and his girl is caught in lies that tear him apart. In order to set things straight he does what he has to do in order to save his friend and gain back the respect that he once had.

Phelix’s character in The Fink was interesting to read about because it raised the eyebrow as to what did he have to do in order to regain his respect again. Snitching is a real problem in today’s society people are afraid to talk. No one wants to suffer the wrath of the streets that have been holding down this age old code… The possibility of loved ones being harmed makes it taboo. After reading this book, it is clear that the author is making a statement that if you are going to snitch on someone then you should also snitch on yourself first.

T. Styles, Cold as Ice is a story about Pepper Thomas who is a straight “A” student and dreams of getting out of the rough part of Southeast Washington, DC. Pepper sees a chance when she stumbles upon a DVD that could send Ice a respected gangster to jail. Holding the DVD for ransom and trying not to get caught, she hatches a plan that could make her wishes come true. Of course, plans don’t always turn out the way that you want them to and Pepper is starting to regret the choice she made.

This heart racing story had the book pasted to my hands. Not many twists and turns, and the story continued to make you read all the way through. The moral of the story: Don’t get greedy, and good things come to those who wait.

Leo Sullivan’s, B-More Love is about a high school senior named Ashley who is about to enter college. Ashley is a supportive daughter and sister who takes care of her family and loves her hard working mother very much. When Ashley’s mother falls ill to one of the deadliest cancers, Ashley has to stay strong and find a way to support her family.
Jamal is a young gangster who is known throughout the streets after his robbery and murder of the people that hung out at The Spot Pool Hall. Jamal is constantly looking over his shoulder for the cops and the gangsters that have money for his head. When Jamal meets up with Ashley, who he has had a crush on for years, he realizes that he must get out of the hood and clean himself up, but first he has to handle the people that are looking to be rid of him and he might not make it out alive.

This entire book was very entertaining and it is highly recommended. It was filled with everything that an anthology need: love to drama, action, twist, anticipation, etc.

Share you thoughts...

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Tiyatti's Corner- 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer

“…I dreamed one day that my brothers and sisters would stand together…and shake hands…and show support and respect…and be united…but the African American nation won’t change for the better unless each African American make a personal change for the better…”

~Tiyatti Speight

Jimmy Dumas penned a book, 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer. This book not only gives his personal views on the status of the African American race, it also gives his opinions on how to improve this race and this culture. Granted, Mr. Dumas’s reasons, views and opinions are very valid and very well thought out, it’s his supporting text that is his downfall. In some instances he lacks the figures and facts to support his theories.

Chapter one states the first reasons why African American’s suffer is the lack of Unity. I totally agree. African American’s won’t come together as a whole to make the race a much better and a much more progressive one. In this chapter he uses historical movements as examples of Unity, The Montgomery Bus Boycott being the first, and the most significant, on the list. Everyone is well aware of the boycott in 1955 where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. The backlash of her actions caused African Americans to stand up express themselves and fight back against the wrongdoings of others.

This example may have been slightly more effective to the reader if we know how long the boycott lasted, 381 days,(which would have show the strength, seriousness and determination of the people) how much money was lost due to the boycott and examples of how the boycott effected the public transportation system during that time. African American taxi drivers began to charge the same amount as the busses, 10 cent, to support the boycott. This act of unity shows the power a united group of people can hold.

Not only does this chapter give examples of unity, it also gives us ways to build our economy: The Economic Roundtable. Dumas states that, “The purpose of the Economic Roundtable would be to discuss and plot the path of African Americans into the next century.” It starts by bringing out money together and working together and capitalizing on what and where we spend our money. “Some of the industries that we must begin to investigate and eventually dominate are pharmacology, medicine, technology, transportation…wherever we spend our money, that’s where our greatest minds and builders should be.” This statement by Dumas transfers into finding and locating the industries that gross the most income and creating African American owned businesses of the same stature.

As whole, I am on board with Mr. Duma’s first chapter. Overall, I agree with his thoughts and opinions, though it lacked some backing. As I stated in the beginning, he could have used some statistics and numbers to support his theories but as a whole, the chapter proved to be an interesting read.

Share your thoughts...

Book Review- Sunshine and Rain

Two young ladies with opposite names but the same goal… never let the streets take you under.

Meet two young women from the hood who are destined to meet and sure to win your hearts. When Sunshine learns that her mother is dying from AIDS she thinks that her world in coming to and end, not realizing that it is just beginning. When she gives her mother her last kiss goodbye, she is then introduced to her fly caseworker Ms. Waters who takes her to her new foster home where she meets Cathy.

Cathy is a very beautiful woman that knows how to hold it together. A beautiful home, a nice car, and full of love... but there is a secret life that allows her to be at the top and that is something she doesn’t want to share with anyone… especially her new foster child.

When Rain and her two young brothers wake up to prepare themselves for the day ahead, they know something is wrong when their father’s door is locked and Rain’s receives a call that he doesn’t show up for work. What could have happened to cause Rain and her brothers to be thrown in foster care, her brother placed in juvie, and their separation for a long period of time?

When Sunshine and Rain meet, there is a bit of jealousy but nothing compared to what they goes down when Sunshine has an encounter with the dude that Rain adores… Terrance. While this wannabe hustler Terrance plays games with Rain, he never mentions the connection nor the disdain that he has for their foster mother Cathy. What could be the beef between the two that could cost people their lives? You will never know until you read the book!

Although the book has a rushed ending you will be surprised as to how it ends. A book two is definitely in order.

Sunshine and Rain is an awesome page turner that captures your interest from the very start.

Check it out and share your thoughts...

Heather Elitou- Reviewer

Women Who Jam!!!

What do you get when you have a room filled with amazing female talent and a group of female commissioners that offer advice to help enhance the awareness of the artists’ performance by making them aware of their showmanship? You get a rocking house of Women Who Jam. A session created by the NABFEME (National Association Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment).

The mission of NABFEME is to raise the profile and increase the awareness of Black women in the music and entertainment industry and they accomplish this mission through activities that foster empowerment, education, mentoring, career development and networking opportunities. One of their creative geniuses is Women Who Jam Sessions.

Let’s face it... it is never easy to hear people tell you that what you think has been done to make yourself hot can stand to be hotter. Being under the eye of other industry professionals can be very unnerving, but what you take from it can make you not only stronger but place you at the top of your game.

The Philly network had its 1st Women Who Jam Session at one of Philly’s finest restaurants North by Northwest and it was off the hook! This female driven movement by women for women was a chance to see how even seasoned women handle the pressure of being critiqued in order to enhance they stage presence, their style and/or their performance.

Hosted by the True Soul (Neo-Soul) activist and Power 99 radio personality Tiffany Bacon, she set the stage for Ghetto Songbird (Rock), Lyrispect (Spoken Word), Mia Harvey (R&B), Rhapsode (Spoken Word/ Neo-Soul), Alaina Nelson (R&B), Andrea Pinkett (Gospel), Desi (Gospel- Spoken Word) as they shared their seasoned talents under the watchful eyes of industry professionals: Cheryl Wadlington, Evoluer celebrity stylist and fashion consultant; Patricia Coates, entertainment lawyer; Stephanie Renee, radio host and spoken word artist; and Heather Elitou, Senior Editor representing Infinite MagaZine.

Although the performances were great, it was Desi, the Gospel/Spoken Word artists that won the opportunity to visit New York and perform for the NABFEME Women Who Jam!

What made this event a night to remember besides the awesome performances that were given by each of the artists, but the networking that took place afterwards. Networking is a very important part in the growth of artistic development because everyone needs someone that can help them advance further in their careers. When people work together to make a change for the better, whether it is personal or as a community it reflects in the person and the world around us.
Introducing yourself, handing out business cards, following up and staying connected is what makes you and your business remembered and prosperous. Without it you are merely a goldfish in a fishbowl wishing you were in a pond.

If you are an artists that is seasoned or amateur and you are looking for the exposure and the honest help that you need to place your foot in the industry’s door, then sign up for this event— it is something that you have to be a part of. If you are truly a fan of the arts, love to hear good performances, and looking to support women with a cause, then be sure to check it out.

Please visit www.myspace.com/NABFEME for information on the next event in Philly and New York.

v The Mom Drum Circle- FEAT. Marcy Francis was the opening performance that made everyone ready to jam!!! They KILLED IT with their fantastic energy!!! Be sure to check out their performance on the YouTube.

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

Prayz1 Makes “The Difference”

What’s the difference between Gangster Rap and Christian Rap? It's what they talk about. While one writes about Cristal, the other raps about Christ. Although both are limited genres it is this reviewer's opinion that there are some very good lyricists out there who make good use of their limitation lyrically. It’s as if there is some sort of Divine Hip-Hop rap battle going down.

Prayz1 is the next Kanye West with a cleverness that reminded me of the God MC- J Hova (Jay-Z) who also started out in a culturally conscious and religious genre of Islam.

Born James Frager, he has been a faithful member of his church and has been blessing the microphone with his born again street skills since receiving a Holy Hip-Hop CD from a friend.

His debut titled, “The Difference” was a tight CD. Although I am not Christian, the intro was hypnotic with good arrangement. In fact, the first four tracks including, the intro, Life, Heavenly Father, Church Fan and It was Love had my attention. It did begin to become too preachy for me but I can see people who ascribe to the Christian belief getting into it.

James is a prolific lyricist, but I don’t think we have received the full scope of his talent because for a non-Christian he is limited. I know that he has a talent and can rap about Christ, but can he rap about anything else? Overall, the CD is very fluent and I did nod to it.

Get the CD and tell me what you think?

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

Beautiful Hair by Creme of Nature

Face it, women are nuts about their hair. Every woman wants to maintain having healthy and beautiful hair. We have our concerns from what is the right styles that compliment our faces to what are the right products to put on our hair textures which will promote healthy, full and beautiful hair. Crème of Nature has been listening to the needs of women and their hair for 30 years and has delivered by giving us excellence in product. The shampoos were first introduced to women in 1976, and have been cleansing and conditioning African American women’s hair since. Many women are most familiar with the rich color of the permanent gel hair color and the awesome texture that the relaxer kits give to hair making it healthy and shiny.

In celebration of Crème of Nature’s three decades in business, they have recently made another breakthrough as the first multicultural hair care brand to feature Certified Organic Ingredients. Listings of the new products are new Kiwi & Citrus Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo, New Red Clover & Aloe Soothing Shampoo, Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-In Creme Conditioner, New Chamomile and Comfrey Healing Conditioner. They have also been celebrating with a seven market tour to continue to inspire women to live a Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise lifestyle. They will be offering hair consultation, product samples, and style expertise from the Crème of Nature style experts which includes Crème of Nature’s healthy hair expert, Pat Grant-Williams.

Pat Grant-Williams is one of the best in the industry. In the business for more than 20 years, a former salon owner of several successful salons, a featured monthly columnist for HYPE Hair Magazine and a feature in Rolling Out Magazine, Beauty Store Business, Vibe Vixen, Essence, etc. her expertise and extensive knowledge of hair is just what Crème of Nature needed to make their new product line a success.

We were pleased to speak with Pat as she shared some of her hair care facts and the brilliance of the new Crème of Nature product line.

How has the experience been working with Crème of Nature?
It has been wonderful. It is always my goal to help educate consumers about healthy hair because it is based on understanding the hair.

Why should women focus more on their hair care?
I think that women of color are looking for complete wellness. We see more women taking more care of their bodies, skin and hair. I hear from the consumers that they don’t know as much as they should about their hair care maintenance. They go to salons and they are still in need of knowing more about their hair and the best hair care they can receive.

So do you think that one-on-one consultations are in need from the stylist to their client?
Always! I think that before you can treat a client, you need to understand their hair and know what kind of hair they have in order to give them the best results. I think that the consumer should have the information about the product that she is using, and know how to maintain healthy hair after the salon experience.

How do the natural ingredients as in the new Crème of Nature Products help more in the promotion of healthy hair?
The hair should be shampooed everyday and especially if you are using more than two products (hair spray and gels) on you hair a day. Over time, the chemicals may damage the hair follicle and that is where the hair grows from the root. If you want to have healthier hair, then you must release the chemicals daily from the hair follicle and use natural products without pesticides and fumigants which is going to be healthier for the hair.

See Pat's 5 Tips for Promoting Healthier Hair!!! (Side Bar)

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

A True Fashionista!!!

Mary Lafayette is no stranger to the fashion industry. She has been styling and creating the latest fashion trends for some of the most well-known artists and fashion magazines in the world. Do you remember the infamous Vibe cover with Mary J. Blige in which she stated that she was not happy with the image? Well, although Mary was not pleased with the cover picture, she was pleased with the styling of Mary Lafayette. Mary’s other clients have included Busta Rhymes, Prodigy, Xzibit, Ginuwine, En Vogue, Usher, Nas, Chris Tucker and Kimora Lee Simmons. Her work has been featured in such magazines as Vibe, WWD, Essence, Ebony, and Teen People just to name a few.

As a trend-setter, Mary has embodied the meaning of fashionista and does not take her business lightly as this New York City lady always in travel, forever seeking knowledge of growing trends in order to create them and enhance them. In 2001, Mary founded her fashion consultant, styling and design company Fashion Luv Joenz in order to provide assistance to those looking to create an image that would enhance their personal and business image. The name is from the deep love jones she has for fashion, but the spelling is a tribute to her late grandfather, Joe Davis. In May 2001, she landed her first styling assistant gig and from that day she knew that she wanted to be a full-time stylist and decided to start her own business.
As of recently, she has just signed with the Victoria Agency for representation adding to the many major moves that Mary has set for herself this year. “I am very excited about joining the Victoria Agency, and look forward to successful representation," she said. With the representation of this agency she will possibly add to her already famous list of clientele and her schedule will become more hectic than ever before.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with our friend Mary Lafayette about her decision to become a fashionista and she has become such a fashion success.

What made you choose to be a fashionista?
I shared with a former co-worker, while working in Marketing and Events for Vanguarde Media, Inc. in 2001 that I was interested in Fashion Styling, and she introduced me to a stylist.

How long have you been in fashion?
As a professional, 6 years, but on a personal level I have been styling and into fashion since I was born. If you see pictures of me as a baby and into my youth, my mother always dressed me well from head to toe. She made sure I was always on point!

How did you know that you have this talent?
I guess because my mother made sure I was always in the latest fashions or at least looking fashionable. I’ve always been into fashion, and my friends would always want me to go shopping with them to help them pick out an outfit for a school dance, a date, prom, the club, etc. I never knew that I could make a career out of shopping for and dressing people.

How important is fashion to you?
Very! I read magazines, I’m always online researching the latest fashions, and I write articles periodically for magazines, online publications or organizations who want to offer ideas to their customers on the latest fashion trends. I love to people watch and see what others are rocking on the street. I must say that Brooklyn has the best fashion dons and divas in terms of creating original fashion ideas.

Where did you get your inspiration for your styles?
From designers, fashion ads and shows, street fashion, vintage films and photos.

How do you define success?
Being mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally healthy. Achieving this is always a work in progress, but with prayer and positive people in your circle, you will always be successful in anything you pursue.

What advice would you give to aspiring stylists?
Get exposure by going out to fashion events and let people know that you are interested in pursuing fashion styling as a career. If you have time to go to school, it’s not a bad idea so that you gain the technical experience that will enhance your skills and make you more marketable, because the competition is serious.

What is your goal for 2007?
Continued success! Staying focused and in prayer!

To learn more about Mary Lafayette and her company, visit: http://www.fashionluvjoenz.com/ and www.myspace.com/fashionluvjoenz

Heather Elitou-Reviewer