Indie Review

Jennifer Cruté started writing comics in 2003. She is featured in a Current TV  segment about women in comics called "Kapow! The New Comic Book  Heroines." At the East Coast Black Age of Comics convention (ECBACC),  her strips were nominated for "Best Rising Star" in it's Glyph Comic  Awards (GCA) category. Her cartoons were featured in "Bitch" magazine's  2009 winter issue. She was a finalist in Lambda Legal's "Life Without  Fair Courts" contest and was also a speaker on the "Dark As Ink" panel  at Skidmore College. Jennifer is also a painter and studies at the Art  Students League of New York. She continues to develop a body of work in  oil and mixed media. She has shown her work at the Museum of  Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) museum in Brooklyn; The  Limner Gallery in Hudson, N.Y.; And the Ocean Hill Arts Sanctuary in  Brooklyn. She also works as a freelance illustrator  (www.jennifercrute.com), and her clients include Merck, Tanqueray,  Nabisco, and Sony. Jenn recently completed a comic for adults entitled,  “Jennifer's Journal The Life of a SubUrban Girl Vol 1.” It’s the first  book in a series that chronicles the life of this quirky and  freckle-face, African American illustrator and artist. Pages from actual  journals illustrate this misfit’s upbringing in the suburbs of New  Jersey and her daily interactions as an adult in New York City.  She  introduces several colorful characters which include a host of grumpy  family members, schoolmates that tease and gossip, and her close friends  Josephine and Maryland’s own awkward experiences. Jennifer’s imaginary  companions also influence her actions; they range from the meditative  "Miss Buddha Bear" to her nemesis "Sister Sympathy" and her gang. Each  accompanies Jennifer as she tries to maintain a positive outlook and  peace of mind while battling the insanity of popular culture.

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Born on Valentine’s Day, this Arizona-born songstress, songwriter & producer had sounds of soul music flowing through her veins at an early age. While voice training in those days started at her grandmother’s church, her professional singing career began as a child when she was chosen to sing background vocals for the legendary Jeffrey Osborne, and for the Rock Band Yes. The former beauty pageant winner decided long ago that music was her true passion and has set her sights on her dream ever since.  While studying classical voice at Howard University, Tobin gained stage experiences performing with the school’s Chorale in which during President Clinton’s Inaugural Gala on the National Mall, performing background for Diana Ross, Whitley Phipps, and shared the stage with Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Shai and many others.  Having performed demos and background vocals for artists such as Joe, Chico DeBarge, Coolio, Chante Moore, Korea-based Uptown, Coco Lee and Mica Paris has prepared her for her moment to shine as a solo artist.  Although most of her influences are male singers like Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Donny Hathaway, Tobin is reminiscent of the sultry sounds and richness of R&B or Jazz singers of yesterday. Teri Tobin independently released her critically acclaimed debut LP, LOVE INFINITY, spring 2011. Since then, she has released her first Christmas EP, CHRISTMAS CHILD. Tobin's music can be heard on radio stations worldwide as well as countless podcasts, DirecTV, and on select airlines In-Flight. Her international hit-single "Free" remained at the #1-spot for continuous weeks on various charts in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Tobin, SoulTracks 2011 Readers' Choice Awards and Independent Music Awards Nominee, is currently touring select cities in the U.S. with her "Love&Sōl LIVE" concert series which kicked-off at the legendary Roxy Theatre in December. On Valentine's Day 2012, she released the title track and first single "So Good to Me" feat. Morris Alan from her forthcoming sophomore full-length album entitled, SO GOOD TO ME scheduled for release June 2012. Tobin punctuates each line with heart and soul, speaking to every generation with each melodic phrase. 

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CILLA K.  is a producer, singer and songwriter based in New York. Her music  brings Jazz, Alternative Rock, Hip Hop Soul and Funk music influences  together. She was first noticed for her collaborations with Junius  Bervine (early N.E.R.D team), Jneiro Jarel and for producing her debut  album "Fine Line" released in April 2010. Born in the French Caribbean  (Guadeloupe), Cilla was accepted by Sarah Lawrence College where she  studied History. On her way to a casting call in Chelsea, she ran into  David Pattillo, a producer/writer in Nyc, The 2 worked together over a  period of 3 years, brought on board other artists such as Clay Sears and  Mr. Khaliyl of 'Da Bush Babees'. Cilla K. also produced her 2nd album  "New World Lullabies" released in February 2012, featuring  collaborations with Chicago based producers Tensei, U.K producer Sid  Mercutio. 

Carmen Rodgers: The Bitter  Suite, part-one of Carmen Rodgers’ newest project after a 5 yr Hiatus,  was released worldwide Summer 2010 to critical-acclaim. On May 2, 2011  “The Bitter Suite – Deluxe Edition” released featuring 3 additional  tracks including house remixes by International House DJ & Producer  Salah Ananse. The New Year brought in several unique opportunities including an exclusive Indie artist feature on BET.com, Centric.com and  Soul Train. Intermission, part-two of the sophomore project will drop  Fall, 2012 which includes a duet with rising Soul Star, Anthony  David. Singing background with various artists, including Stax recording  artist N’Dambi, allowed her to develop a unique style. Owning and  operating Candigirl Music with partner Michael Reimonenq of Acoustical  Endeavors Ent. has given Carmen the ability to have free range in her  creativity and business decisions. Fans can look forward to a  sensational album fusing musicality, melody and lyrics. 

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Kangol is being honored by the American Cancer Society on May 17th at their annual Pink and Black Tie Gala in Brooklyn for the work he has  done raising funds and awareness for Breast Cancer with the Mama Luke  Movement, which he co-founded with his friend and business partner  Shaunda Lumpkin. In May 2010, Shaunda's mother Gay Frances Lucas aka  Mama Luke lost her 3 year battle with breast cancer 2 weeks after  enjoying a cruise of a lifetime when she joined Kangol and Shaunda on  the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage. Mama Luke had the pleasure of meeting  many classic Hip Hop artists on this cruise and, in hearing of her  passing, many of them have joined Kangol to be part of Team Mama Luke's  fundraising efforts. "After years of watching the Jackson Five, Sylvers,  Osmond Brothers and Tom Jones and deciding he wanted to be an  entertainer, Kangol was asked to join rap group UTFO as a breakdancer.  While "Roxanne, Roxanne", their phenomenal top 10 single screamed up the  charts, U.T.F.O. were voted best rap group, at the Urban Music Awards,  had featured spots on Don Cornelius' Soul Train, Phil Donahue Show and  performed live for actors like Dustin Hoffman, Tony Danza and was the  first rap group to perform at Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater as  they opened for Hall & Oates and Temptation's Eddie Kendricks and  David Ruffin. Kangol acquired his nickname from neighborhood friends,  because of the many Kangol hats he owns and wears. He is also officially  sponsored by Kangol Headwear, Inc. He balances his time between  Producer, Composer, Performer, Artist Manager, Songwriter, President of  his music production company, Kangol's Kreations, Inc., and CEO of his  Public Relations firm, Kreative Media Group. His lecturing at High  Schools and Colleges nationwide (including Harvard) on today's business  of music has led this Brooklynite to receiving a proclamation from NYC  for being the first Haitian in Hip-Hop Music.  

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Yewande returns to talk to us about her upcoming excursion to the motherland. Yewande has been recognized as one of the most sought after independent  artists in the world. After nearly a 5 yr hiatus from the recording  industry, she is back to finish telling her story on her highly  anticipated album, “Rebirth.”  Blessed with a voice “heard only once in a  lifetime”, her message is unapologetically the same - to speak  universal truths about issues that many artists shy away from – poverty,  war, religion, love – but while she still proudly rocks the unique  brand of Alternative Soul that first captivated fans and critics alike,  something is profoundly different. With original songs that include  titles like “Tomorrow”, “Skin”, “Cold” and “Criminal”, her sound is  bigger, bolder, and if at all possible even more confident than her  early award-winning songwriting. “Rebirth” reflects the journey of a  lioness who’s been patiently waiting to capture her prey. Her target is  squarely aimed at your heart and based on insider response, will  undoubtedly land in heavy rotation on your mP3. Much like her  progressive contemporaries - Lenny Kravitz, BOB, Outkast, Black Eyed  Peas, Meshell N'degeocello - Yewande's music continues to defy  boundaries. She shares, "my music is written from the rollercoaster  called life, colored with shades of joy, loss, struggle and triumph. In  an industry where image and formula driven artistry have so often  trumped talent, listeners may be wondering if this new sound was  inspired by her abrupt departure. Or is it simply her birth name, which  in the Yoruba dialect of Africa means “reincarnation of mother”, that  predicted her inevitable return to finish what she started

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This Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/producer helped cultivate  the nu-soul scene in that city more than ten years ago, a scene which  now easily boasts some of the most progressive artists of that genre  to date, some of whom came directly from Sy’s own band line-ups. With 3  albums, 2 EPs, 1 greatest hits collection, and a live DVD already under  her belt, Sy is set to release her fourth studio project ‚ Fast And  Curious‚ in 2012. Her past projects usually include contributions from  numerous producers, including James Poyser, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Dre  King, Nicolay, and Ty Macklin. With Fast And Curious‚ the entire  production is aptly handled by jazz musician, electronic remixer, and  deejay Mark de Clive-Lowe (aka MdCL). Many fans are aware of Sy’s  previous work providing supporting vocals for the likes of Meshell  NdegeOcello, Usher, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Macy Gray, The Rickey  Minor Band (as seen on American Idol for six seasons), and quite  notably, Chris Botti (her performance of‚ Look Of Love‚ on his  Grammy-nominated live DVD, but Sy continues to gain new fans in the  trenches of the underground scene touring with acts like The Foreign  Exchange and Orgone. And even more recently, she’s teamed up with Sheila  E. and the Escovedo Family, providing them with her well-known  supportive vocals and vibrant energy. Sy has been a featured guest  and/or co-star on The Monique Show, The Tonight Show, DC’s Fox Morning  News, Chicago’s WGN Midday Show, and even on CBS’ HowI Met Your  Mother. She was a special guest performer at Constitution Hall for the  Horatio Algers Awards with a full orchestra mass choir backing her as she awed the audience with stunning gowns and a level of extravaganza  that had yet been unseen in that annual gala.  

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Jillian  was born to be a sweet inspiration. She could've become a really  inspiring lawyer, professor or heart surgeon, but the stage is her  medium of choice. Her debut EP album Searching For Home (The Urban Gypsy  EP) is heavily influenced by her Motown roots. “A few years ago, I sang  inside of Studio A at Hitsville USA. The famous Studio A!!! While I was  in that room, I did everything I could to soak up all of the hit-making  karma and the mojo from the ones who did it best. Marvin. Stevie. The  Temps. And of course, Ms. Ross.  I want to make music that means  something to people. And write songs that grow with you as you grow.”  Her writing is heavily influenced by those greats as well as her degree  in English Lit. and Afro-American Studies from The University of  Michigan. “I’ve studied the best writers who’ve ever lived. I’ve  analyzed Shakespeare’s wordplay and Frederick Douglass’ rhetoric. These  things definitely creep into my writing style and hopefully will develop  over the coming years.” The day after her UofM graduation, Jillian  embarked on her professional performing career by auditioning for Aretha  Franklin. Now living in New York City, she has already graced the stage  at the infamous Village Underground, Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar  and has held regular gigs at restaurants from Harlem to the West  Village. Also a classically-trained actress, Ms. Walker has appeared in  the off-broadway and National Black Theater Festival hit All American  Girls: A Negro League of Their Own, played Edmund in King Lear, Olivia  in Twelfth Night, Tituba in The Crucible, and Marvel Ann in Psycho Beach  Party.  Earlier this month she was seen playing the ingénue/budding  pop-star Angelique in a New York premiere adaptation of Moliere's  Imaginary Invalid and recently revisited the role of Tituba in The  Crucible at The New Ohio Theater.  She is not a stranger to film either,  and has starred in short films and appeared in small roles on Law &  Order: SVU. While no longer in Detroit, Jillian is staying close to her  Motown roots as a member of the well-known Inspirational Ensemble of  Convent Ave Baptist Church in Harlem, singing the gospel that formed the  basis of R&B.  While Searching for Home is available online,  selling copies in the UK, Japan and the US she has begun writing  material for the follow up album. More inspiration from the Urban Gypsy is on the way. Don’t wander too far.

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The music producer Self will join us on the show. Who is he? Well in his own words:  My  music can be described as soft, aggressive, manipulative, powerful, and  sometimes unbelievable. Mix these attributes with the ability to take  my interpretation of sound and create a masterpiece, you have  encountered a true craftsman in the world of music. Providing hits for  the likes of JAY-Z, DMX, JA RULE, DIPSET, MUSIQ SOUL CHILD just to name a  few. I have worked in my field with a passion and desire second to none  which has made me one of the most sought after producers of my era.  Supplying the music industry with some of the best music of our time, I  have managed to earn over 18 platinum plaques along with 20+ years of  experience in the music industry.  Specialties: Executive Producing, Producing, Consulting, Negotiating

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 Stacey  Muhammad is an award winning filmmaker who has written, directed and  produced a series of award winning short films of both the narrative and  documentary genres. She  has given presentations, lectures and participated in panel discussions  in both the academic and non academic setting on a broad range of  topics including independent filmmaking, hip hop culture and social  issues. Ms. Muhammad served on the national staff for the planning of  the Million Man March which served as inspiration for her first  documentary film, "A Glimpse of Heaven, the Legacy of the Million Man  March", released in 2005 to rave reviews. Since that time, the New  Orleans native has begun the work of documenting and preserving Hip Hop  culture through film and digital media and the creation of several award  winning short films. Her work includes multi-media projects, music  videos and short form films including, the award winning "I AM SEAN  BELL, black boys speak", which made its film festival premier at the  PATOIS, New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival. An  official selection to the HBO/Media that Matters Film Festival, where it  was awarded the "Speaking Out Award", this film has received national  acclaim and toured internationally, screening before audiences worldwide  as part of the HBO / Media that Matters one year film festival tour.  Her documentary film, "Out of our Right Minds, Trauma, Depression and  the Black Woman" was released in March 2010 and has already received  rave reviews. The film premiered at the PATOIS International Human  Rights Film Festival in New Orleans, LA. Her latest project, (short  narrative film) "FOR COLORED BOYS, REDEMPTION, starring Julito McCullum  (The Wire) and Rob Morgan (Pariah) is currently on the festival circuit.  As co-founder of Intelligent Seedz with activist / artist, Wise  Intelligent, Stacey is committed to teaching youth the art of filmmaking  and equipping them with the necessary tools to tell their stories. She  currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and serves as Assistant Film Festival  Director of the REEL SISTERS of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture  Series. She is currently penning her first feature script. 

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 Pezo Johnson  founder and executive director of the P.O.P program will fill us in on  the details and current efforts of this alternative to violence  organization targeted at teens. Here is an overview of P.O.P: The P.O.P  Program will first open the minds of the teens to give them a sense of  where their anger is rooted from. Then, it teaches them creative methods  to redirect their anger when in a verbal altercation before it becomes  physical. There are 7 methods of the P.O.P. program and it will teach  kids to use these methods to turn their pain and anger into song, poem,  or rap.  POP methods include the POP Lock, Remote Control, Sponging,  Baseline, Silent Chant, Creative Control, and Spray It. The POP Program  feature poetry, rapping, singing, acting and short stories during the  session. Some of the biggest rap superstars, like Jay-Z and Lil Wayne,  use one of the methods of creating and retaining songs in their head.  P.O.P is effective with all kids regardless of their background or race  because this program has music involved in every POP method. Please join  the movement and help bring POP to your city or country because we got  to help the youth make better decision instead of resorting to violence. 

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