Yes, this R&B Diva is back and better than ever! There’s something distinctively rich about Syleena Johnson’s voice. You can tell, this thing she does with these notes are truly God’s gift. I had a chance to chat with the soul crooner last month for her private listening party, held in LA and was blown away by the passionate conviction of
CHAPTER 6: Couples Therapy.
Available Now on iTunes: Chapter 6: Couples Therapy
Stemming from communication battles in her own marriage, Syleena took to the pen and pad to express the hardships and rewards of being in a committed relationship.
“My husband and I recently realized we have some communication issues…so we took to therapy last year around September, and then just recently they asked us to do Marriage Bootcamp on WeTV, so we just filmed that which was amazing for our marriage.” via AllHipHop.com.
On the album, you’ll find a track called ‘Silence’, which is a relationship record. It’s a plea from a woman ‘s perspective, asking how to salvage it? With lyrics beginning the track…“There’s so much noise in this silence…” Mirroring the pain in the relationship.
in, “Perfectly Worthless”,Syleena takes on a character who contemplates murder and suicide. Here the couple had been together since college. She got pregnant and gave birth to a still born . The couple’s relationship struggled because of the devastation. They decide to go see a therapist and the unthinkable happens…The husband ends up cheating with the therapist and has a baby with her…You can see the story unfold in the video above. “It was real Kettle One, straight vodka. I really wanted to be in this character.”, says Syleena.
Syleena gets interactive @ her private listening party in LA.
Don’t get me wrong now, Chapter 6: Couples Therapy has some sexy, sultry bangas too. How else do you think you’re going to keep that bond growing strong 🙂
“…I like little nasty songs…it comes from growing up with Prince.”The diva mentions during the right before the playback…OKAAAY!
With song like “My Love”and “Boom”, this is just in time for booed up season!!!
+“No Beginners”, featuring Willie Taylor from Day 26, was originally written for the King of Soul R. Kelly. And, trust when I say, the track isn’t missing him at all. NO SHADE, but Syleena had to respectfully decline, using the Sarah Palin “Thanks but no thanks”, when referring to The Astronauts deal. Stating, “Every single I had was his (Robert Kelly’s).“Possibly even overshadowed by his celebrity. But, Syleena expressed that she will always love them, (R. Kelly/Wayne Williams).“However, we’re all growing and not necessarily in the same direction, nor needed for our projects to do well. “
Syleena posts me portraying one of my favorite songs from Chapter 6 on her Instagram…”MY LOVE”
I can’t scream it anymore…YOU HAVE TO GET THIS ALBUM NOW!!! Soul music lovers have been begging for a record like this, and now we have it! I admire Syleena’s tenacity and determination to do it on her own terms! For those of you, who didn’t know…CHAPTER 6:Couples Therapy isn’t just her 11th release, it’s her 1st Soundtrack to the MOVIE…Titled “Couples Therapy”!!! Yes indeed she’s a BOSS!!!
Check back here on where you can see it soon!!!
@ThejasmineBrand & other attendees rock out & tweet live from the LA listening party!
Just getting started a little over 3 years ago, the lovely Heather Gin is no beginner when it comes to making music. Quiet as it’s kept, she started playing piano at the age of 4 and can play the guitar and flute as well.
Heather Gin Performing Live at Seattle’s Barboza
I had the opportunity to attend Heather’s album release party last month at Seattle’s Barboza Night Club in Capitol Hill and was pleasantly surprised w/ the indie movement. The venue was filled w/ 206 pioneers in the indie scene and highly energetic music lovers. The Pop Princess came out blazing w/ a live band supporting her every move. “Smooth” and “Sultry” are just a few words off top that describe her delivery. But, don’t get me wrong, Heather turns it up w/ tracks like ” Jump” and “Can’t Enough”.
Heather Gin Getting Warmed Up at her PASSION Album Release
We had to ask Miss Gin a few questions about her music career, here’s her responses:
How old were you when you first knew you wanted to sing? This was Heather’s response:
When I was around 14 years old when I sang in church as the youth group praise leader, I really started getting into singing and playing guitar. I formed an all-girl band at school with fellow classmates playing guitar and singing. We would hang out and write our own songs and learn how to play popular songs from our favorite bands. We got to perform at school functions and parties and had a lot of fun. I was also involved with the school band, marching band, jazz band, and choir. I don’t think I could have been any more involved with music than I was growing up. At home I continued taking private piano lessons, performing at several concerts, recitals, competitions, and went through strenuous training, passing all 10 levels of OMTA (Oregon Music Teachers Association) Piano Syllabus. I had to practice a minimum of 7 hours a week every week and it took a lot of work and discipline. Trust me, there were times I wanted to quit but my step-mom didn’t let me! But I never thought about taking music any further than church or doing it as a hobby until late 2009 when I was exposed to the recording industry from my involvement with a start-up recording studio venture. My life changed after that and I was determined to learn everything about it and be involved, whether as an artist, writer, producer and/or engineer.
WE LOVE HEATHER GIN!!!
Has your family been supportive during your career?
Not much, my dad and step-mom have very conservative Christian views and would never approve of any music that wasn’t Christian. My mom and all of my siblings are outside of Washington State, as far as Atlanta and Washington D.C., so they don’t really follow what I’m doing too closely, other than liking a post on social media related to music. However, growing up as a child under my parents’ roof, they did financially support me through 12 years of private piano lessons. I consider that a blessing and will always be grateful for that. Piano was the grassroots of my music career and nobody can take that away from me.
Heather Gin w/ Sir. Jesse of SRE Media Group
Have you come across any cultural barriers?
Well, like I just mentioned, religious cultural barriers is something that prevents me from gaining support from my parents or sharing the joys of my success in my music career, but the biggest barrier between my parents (and when I say parents, I’m referring to my dad and step-mom who raised me), is the generation gap between our different cultures. They’re first generation Korean-Americans, so being 2nd generation, I’ve grown to be emotionally and mentally detached from a young age. When I went off to college, they didn’t want me to pursue music anymore and to focus on my education, but music had always been a part of my life. I was never able to let it go, so I ended up getting a double major in Sociology and Music to satisfy that need as well as continue being involved with music at my church. Other barriers I’ve encountered since I’ve been doing music, is related to being a female in the industry. People are so judgmental, and there’s a double standard between men and women. A man can be assertive and self-promoting, and I guess to sum it up, somewhat narcissistic when it comes to his music career and still be well-respected and likable for it. This gives them advantage in the industry in many ways, including their art being more valued and praised and as a result, getting paid for it more often than not. Being a woman on the other hand, you sometimes get the opposite reactions for being assertive and self-promoting. First off, my music and my art is often overlooked, and I’m either viewed as an object, or the even worse, told that I’m displaying actions of being an insecure woman, seeking validation, setting thirst traps with my image, or just trying too hard to impress people etc. when in fact, I’m just promoting myself as an artist, my image, my music, my art, my passion and having fun doing it. I think it’s a blessing to find your talents and purpose in life, so please don’t knock me for going all out and living out my dreams and doing the best that I can. I’m an independent, strong woman and not afraid to express myself and show my sexuality. I was even told once that I should remove all my photos from social media and only have a couple up so that nobody looks at my pictures anymore and just goes straight to the music. If I were a man, would someone be telling me this? It’s unfair sometimes, but it is what it is. It’s a complicated subject but gender barriers is something that we all face, no matter what profession. I’m sure you can relate to what I’m saying, as a woman in the industry. Don’t get me wrong though, being female definitely has its pros too, but anyone that knows me or has worked with me, knows that I take this seriously and work hard at it. I wouldn’t change anything in the world and I love being a woman. People’s opinions don’t really matter much but I do listen to constructive criticism. I can filter out what’s helpful versus what’s hateful.
Heather Gin Gettin it In w/ Her Stylist @FlyBeUnique
How has your experience been, being an artist in Seattle, WA?
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with some very talented producers early on in my career, such as Vitamin D and Kuddie Fresh, as well as talented artist collaborations with Neema,SPAC3MAN, and Romaro Franceswa. But what really got my music jump started was that I was able to purchase a home studio and put together a production team with songwriter/producer Michael Kidd and recording/mix engineer, Kris Stiell. We work very well together and produced nearly 70% of the tracks on my new album “Passion” from my home studio located right in my bedroom! Overall, it wasn’t that difficult for me to fit into the Seattle music scene, but I do realize that it takes time to win over people and gain a solid following. Since I’m fairly new to the scene, I know I still have a ways to go and need to put in a lot more ground work before my career can really take off. In the meantime, I’m still working on me, my craft, honing my sound, gaining more exposure, networking and building my brand.
What are the pros and cons of being an artist in the Pacific NW?
Pros – the hip hop scene is a small-niche community and everyone who’s active either knows each other, or there’s only like one degree of separation between people. People in the industry in general have showed me love early on, but I really think it’s because I came out with people like Vitamin D backing my production. As a result, people were more curious and open to meeting me and seeing what I was about, and when they finally got to meet me, they realized that I’m down-to-earth and a genuine person. Cons–I’m not exactly sure where I fit in with the local hip hop scene as a pop/rnb artist. Perhaps I need to leave my current situation and hit different scenes, network outside of my circle, but it’s hard to meet new people and develop the trust I have with the current team I work with within the hip hop community. To be more clear on the issue, I’ve been asked to perform at several rap shows, some a little too gangster for my style and image. I couldn’t even find any pop artists to open up for me at my album release party earlier this month so I had rappers open up instead, with the exception of Dice. Another issue that I’ve faced is that sometimes I feel that people outside of Seattle show more love—not the industry folks, but the listeners, crowd, fans in general. I’ve travelled to New York with my music and have gotten a lot more love and respect from random people than I have here in Seattle. I’m not exactly sure what that means and it may be too early in my career to really understand it, but that has been my experience so far being an artist here.
PASSION Album Release Party at Seattle’s Barboza
Do you write your own material? If not, who contributes?
Both, I write my own and have co-written with Michael Kidd.
Tell us about your team…Who do you work w/ and why?
I work with Vitamin D and Kris Stiell, and in the past Michael Kidd. I also work with a team based out on the East Coast called The Debonaire Group under Ryan Davis. I work with the people mentioned because they’re not only talented, but solid people to work with. You run across a lot of flaky inconsistent, unreliable people in this industry and can get burned left and right if you fall for the BS. Luckily, I came into the business with seasoned veterans schooling me in how the industry works, so I learned quick. Plus, being an independent woman, you learn to fend for yourself as it is and gain a sick intuition that protects you from making bad, costly decisions. A lot of woman and young girls come into the industry naive and desperate and that’s never a good look. I’m not easily impressed or mislead by people who aren’t about what they say they are. I trust and respect the people I work with and feel blessed to have met them. They’re like family now.
Heather Gin x Renowned Producer Vitamin D
What are your plans for Summer/Fall 2014?
Well since I just dropped my first full-length studio album “Passion” I’m focused on doing more shows and getting my name and music out there. Last summer I spent a lot of time recording in a hot booth. This summer, I’m ready for some action want to work towards gaining more public exposure.
Any advice for an up and coming indie artist?
Build yourself a solid dedicated reliable team that believes in you! From production to marketing, promotions, street team, graphic designer, PR, bloggers, etc. This is key to success–we can all learn a thing or two from how Macklemore made it. I’m still working on filling the gaps within my team, including a publicist, but I’m assessing the situation and trying to figure out what the next move is in filling the gaps with the right people in order to move in the right direction. You also need to believe in yourself and never give up, despite the criticism that will come your way. Last but not least, engage with your fans as best as you can. This is all stuff that I’m still working on too, so it’s not like I know everything or have it all together, but everything is a working progress and nothing happens overnight.
What can your fans look forward from you this coming year?
In addition to doing more shows, I’ll be dropping new visuals off the album. We already wrote a music video treatment last week and are now in the process of working out the details, coming up with the budget, and coordinating dates to shoot. I’m also currently working with Roc Nation producer, Jahlil Beats, on a new record. I’m really excited for this one—I can’t really say too much right now but doing my first record with a mainstream producer is a dream come true!
Had to get the selfie in at Heather Gin’s Media Day 🙂
LUPITA NYONG’O IS PEOPLE’S WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL!!!
SHE BADin the most fabulous way!!! Waking up to the best news ever!!! I am so proud of all of Lupita’s accomplishments, she is truly a blessing for Black Little Girls and Black Women EVERYWHERE!!!
I know first hand, how hard it is growing up in a world, where White is right and Light Skin is the next best thing. In my life, I’ve dealt w/ not fitting in because of my skin color, being called nigger and more. But, I swear moments like this, make it all worth it.
My mother, Charko is the Founder of Charko’s Vocational Education School of Fashion & Fitness Agency…Seattle’s FIRST Black Modeling School. I heard the painful stories of her being told, she could never become a model, because she was “Too Black”, “Lips Too Full”and “Hips Too Big”, yet she was determined to make it happen. I have always admired her tenacity and strength. She stayed rockin that succulent Dark Chocolate Skin w/ so much confidence, I vowed to be just like her.
It’s crazy, you don’t set out to be a role model, it just happens 🙂
My Sis JazzyFaye (Left), Mom Dukes Charko (Center) and Meeee (Right)
PEOPLE you got it right this time!!!
Check out Lupita’s interview w/ People Magazine Here:
She may have won an Oscar for her role as the slave Patsey in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave and recently landed a contract with Lancôme Paris, but Lupita Nyong’o
“never dreamed” she would be touted as “Most Beautiful” for all the world to see.
Best Supporting Actress (2014)
“It was exciting and just a major, major compliment,” the 31-year-old says of gracing this year’s cover. And especially, “I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen.”
Born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, Nyong’o first equated beauty with what she saw on television: “Light skin and long, flowing, straight hair,” she says. “Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess.” Her mother, Dorothy, who is the managing director and head of PR for the Africa Cancer Foundation, “always said I was beautiful,”Nyong’o adds. “And I finally believed her at some point.”
As a teen, Nyong’o dyed her hair every color – except blonde – and even went as far as shaving her head bald. “It was very strange and very cold!” she says, laughing.
“It was scary but I like to dare myself.”
Now she says the best compliments are “when I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on,” she adds. “And also before I comb my hair or put on a pretty dress. Happiness is the most important thing.”
JUST FAB!!!
Past covers have included, Halle Berry (1st Black Woman to become People’s Most Beautiful Woman), Beyonce and Denzel Washington.
(1996)(2003)(2012)
I pray we don’t have to wait another decade 🙂 #BlessUp
Marlon Wayans is at it again, scaring the #2 out of you!!! We had the pleasure of screening the movie last night and I promise you, it doesn’t let you down! From the opening scene to the closing credits, definitely a must see!!!
Now, don’t bring the kiddies, this is strictly for the mature! Pushing the limits of Rated R to say the least. But, I can’t lie…I like it 🙂
A Haunted House 2, opens today in theaters across the country. Perfect for date night fellas, it’s enough eyecandy to keep everyone’s eyes glued to the film 🙂
Run Time: 1hr 27min – Rated R – Comedy/Horror Director: Michel Tiddes –
Cast: Marlon Wayans, Jaime Pressly, Gabriel Iglesias, Ashley Rickards,Steele Stebbins
Synopsis:
Crossing new lines and breaking old barriers, this is the sequel to the hilarious box-office hit starring Marlon Wayans as Malcolm who, after exorcising the demons of his ex, is starting fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children. After moving into their dream home, Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events. With spine-tingling tension and hilarious punch-lines this film is inspired by the latest supernatural horror movie franchises and shows that this time…it’s not just the house that’s haunted!
I hear Porsha ends up wailing on that ass w/ Kenya’s own wand lol!
Honestly, it was a long time coming. How many times can Kenya talk about someone’s Husband, Mother, Children, Friends, Careers, Animals and whatever else she can think of, without expecting to get her ass whooped?
I continue to stay down w/ #TeamTwirl, but I sincerely rock w/ Porsha. She may be slow on the witty responses, but she stands firm in what she believes in and I respect that. so, here’s the get down on the RHOA Smack Down:
Porsha Williams of the Bravo network’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta” is facing a charge of battery after fellow cast member Kenya Moore told police she was attacked during filming of the upcoming reunion show.
ATL police were called to the Biltmore Hotel on 3/27, where Kenya told an officer that Porsha assaulted her.
Although, Kenya was unable to fill out a statement at the time because of filming, an arrest warrant was issued later that day.
On, Wednesday evening at the Fulton County Jail, Porsha turned herself in and was released that night. The charge against Ms. Williams is a misdemeanor. Thank GOD!!!
Lookin’ good girl, even for a mug shot!!! Go head!!!
I know her former husband Kordell Stewart is happy she didn’t beat his ass!!! And, we all know he deserved a grandiose bitch slap!
I knew there would be a time, when Kenya will meet her match…Only so much Porsha could take! #PopOffDotCom
Well, hear that Porsha claims the battery charges are unfounded and that she looks forward to clearing her name. Plus, she plans to contest the charge and file aggravated assault charges against Kenya.
This is not over to say the least. Stay tuned!!!
Check out the sneak peek of the RHOA Reunion Special, airing this Sunday, April 20, 2014 on VH1.
If you know of me, you know I’m sooooooo #ProNaked !!!
But this right here, this right here, in my best Katt Williams’ voice, is straight PORN!!! Yea, I said it! Vivid is doing them a favor, not disclosing they made a previous PORNO DEAL, by hiding it behind Social Media infused #SexTape viral frenzy!
Mic check 1 x 2 x 1 x 2…
I’m all for it girl! Get over Stevie, move on, find someone new, not necessarily a look alike, but find someone who’s diggin all over you. But, was that Nikko? Is that Nikko? I know first hand, once you’ve been sex deprived, not because you can’t get it, but because you’re still holding true to a relationship, that has far from left you, you stumble across some “Withholdings” 🙂 and, every stroke is like a live symphony 😉
But, not only does this dick have you in concert halls globally, but on front street too.
How can you come back from this? Fire your publicist who tells you to call it a #SEXTAPE !!! Let the public know, VH1 ain’t paying nearly enough, to have 24 hour access to your personal lives. Shiiiiiiiiit, bills still need to be met…But at what cost?
Stevie AND Nikko can get away w/ this, because they are MEN.
This is nothing but, an old school ‘Notches Tournament’ to them and you fell for it. What? For more screen time? Porn side deals to ensure financial security??? I just want to say, fuck the viewer. Girl, you have nothing to prove to us. We live in a 24/7, at the palm of your hand, front row ticket, to EVERYTHING these days. Your daughter could literally roll over on your phone and pull this shit up!!! Not good!
((( JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DO IT…DOESN’T MEAN YOU SHOULD!!! )))
LHHATL Porn Promo Buzz
Why shit on your brand like this? I know in heartbreak we make silly decisions, but you’re a BOSS, let you tell it, so this had to be calculated. Timed to 7 days from your Season Premiere original date,…??? I’m baffled. Nothing about this video screams, Fiance, Love, Step Dad, Romance, Future….
Just hit it and quit it. You put another one on Girl…
To your credit and your decline. ((( #Typecast )))
Fuckin raw in ATL, I’m not from there, but even I know that’s a NO NO, shit, anywhere in the world, on some real shit, no condom is a #NONO. Homosexuality and Heterosexuality make major mistakes in unprotected sex, however when you mix both of them, like those gay rumors about Nikko, you double your chances on that death bed, give back confession video, to young women, infomercial. True Story.
Black Women will surely take a hit for this one. Scheduled Visitation and Child Support payments will tank to an all time low, because men will argue the mother’s of their children are debuting in sextapes across america lol! You know I had to throw some late night comedy innnnnnn hahaha!
But [Black Women], dayum, we keep shooting ourselves in the foot. Not realizing the bullet goes straight through to our daughters.
Imagine that!
Love and Hip Hop Atlanta airs, Monday, May 5, 2014 on VH1. See the Super Trailer Here >>>
BET cuts Comedian Luenell from Hip Hop Awards broadcast!!!
It seems like every time we turn around, BET is screwing over talent that have played crucial content providers to their programming over the years! Even though they aired her part of ‘The Other Butler‘ w/ awards host Snoop Lion, during last month’s taping, they cut her scene in last night’s airing! But, we forget, this isn’t OUR NETWORK anymore and truly, Viacom could care less!
Via @Luenell on Instagram:
I wonder if this would have happened if she were a rapper?
BackOnTheBlog 