Beanpie - Volume 8 Episode 2: The Warehouse

Written by Shaun Bolden

Illustration by Jamiah Calvin

Scene 4: It is later that evening and Beanpie and Tailgate are getting ready to go to the warehouse. Beanpie walks into Tailgate’s room to see if he is ready.

Beanpie: Are you ready to go yet?

Tailgate: Hold on, I need to put one more thing on.

*Tailgate puts on a ski mask

Beanpie: What do you need that for?

Tailgate: They might have cameras there.

Beanpie: Man, are you serious? Didn’t you say it was an old rundown warehouse?

Tailgate: And?

Beanpie: And there will NOT be any cameras there.

Tailgate: Whatever, I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Beanpie: Man you watch too many movies.

Tailgate: And you come up with too many stupid ideas.

Beanpie: Are we gonna sit here and argue all night or are we going to head to the warehouse?

Tailgate: I’m ready, let’s take your car…..oh yeah I forgot you’re on foot patrol. Let’s go.

Scene 5: Tailgate and Beanpie are outside of the warehouse looking around.

Tailgate: Do you see anything?

Beanpie: Nope, the coast is clear.

Tailgate: Let’s get closer.

*Beanpie and Tailgate are looking through the windows to see if anyone is inside.

Tailgate: I don’t see anyone in there, how about you?

Beanpie: No brov, nobody is in there. Let’s go in.

*Beanpie crawls through an open window, only to fall on the floor.

Beanpie: Tailgate, where are you?

*Beanpie hears the door open and watches someone walk in, and in a panic he throws his shoe at him.

Tailgate: OUCH! Man, are you crazy?

Beanpie: Sorry, I thought you were someone else. How did you get in through the door? It was locked I checked.

Tailgate: Didn’t I tell you I saw Darius go inside the box and get the key?

Beanpie: Oh yeah, I guess it slipped my mind.

Tailgate: Whatever, put your flat back on and let’s look around.

*As they look around Beanpie notices all of his stuff boxed and stacked in a corner.

Beanpie: Tailgate, get over here and check this out.

Tailgate: That’s all of your stuff. Who the hell wants that?

Beanpie: We have to find a way to get this out of here before they try to sell my stuff.

Tailgate: When did they say they were going to sell it?

Beanpie: Thursday, so we will have to come back tomorrow and take it.

Tailgate: Yea we need a truck and a few more people too.

Beanpie: Let’s get out of here before someone comes.

Scene 6: Beanpie and Tailgate are back at home in Beanpie’s room

Tailgate: So how are you going to get the stuff back before Thursday?

Beanpie: I am going to call Ice Juicy, and see if he’ll help me.

Tailgate: But you’re gonna need a truck.

Beanpie: You’re right, I’ll have Lisa rent one for me.

Tailgate: Do you think she’ll do it?

Beanpie: I hope so. Do you think Jamie will come out there with us? The more hands the faster we can get in and out of there.

Tailgate: He should be able to do it.

Beanpie: Alright, so that’s what we’ll do.

*Beanpie calls Shaun, and Lisa and explains everything. Shaun agrees to come with him, and Lisa agrees to rent the truck.

Beanpie(to self): I can’t believe it. I found my stuff, and now I am gonna get it all back. Beanpie, you are back in business.

The Back 2 The Basics EYM Review

Review By: Raven A. Ekundayo - Editor-in-Chief
Videographer : luminoUS - Editor @ Large


One year ago luminoUS and I attended Tre' Thomas showcase at Mayorga Cafe in Silver Spring, MD. That was my 1st time ever seeing both he and Jessica Greene perform. I was impressed with both artists and have gone on to support them both since then. So when Tre' informed me that he was doing it again this year I knew ETM/EYM had to be apart of it and this year eXcapethematriX.com was even a sponsor of the event.

Back 2 The Basics was the title of this years showcase but I have to say nothing is basic about Mr. Thomas. His love of the lord and his unapologetic love of soul music has always been a unique match to me, one that comes through loud and clear in his music. I also give him credit for picking great artists to showcase every year. Jessica Greene blows me away whenever I see her and this year Tre' did it again with AJB and group therAPy. It was a reunion in a sense because Anthony Brown, who heads the group, went to high school with me at the Baltimore School for the Arts so I had several reasons to enjoy the show.

AJB and group therAPy took the stage 1st and for the second year in a row I was blown away. It's no secret to anyone that knows me that I am not a religious man, but I am a spiritual man, and God spoke throughout this groups entire performance. The brothers of the group were decked out in "geek chic" and the sisters had a 60's feel going on. Anthony has an energy that calls on brothers like Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond. Your were truly caught up in this 1st performance......


They closed out their set with a song titled "Your presence is water". Anthony prefaced the song with the story of a member of group therAPy that passed away at the start of this year. It hit the group hard and they're still processing the loss but he stated that they realize it was God's will. This song moved the entire audience including me. I had chills down my spine the entire time. My prayers go out to this group for their loss and I see nothing but great things in the future for them if this performance is any indication of what's to come. Tre' knows talent.


Then it was time for the man of the night to take the stage. Accompanied by Sol Edler, Ebony Ford and Shannon Sanders sangin in the Black ground, Tre' Thomas took the stage to a round of applause from the audience. The love for this brother was obviously in the house. The crew was decked out in classic Black and White and Tre' in his Blazer and shades had his showman swag on high. The spirit filled the entire room during his entire set and there were so many memorable moments I couldn't possibly put them all into this one review. On the song "Guess What" they not only had some audience members jumping up and shouting but I was about to personally take a church fan and slap all 3 Black ground singers as they KILLED it at the end of the song.



The Highlight of the night (And trust me there were MANY great moments as stated earlier) had to be Tre's worship medley. "Great is thy faithfulness", "More than anything" and "Total Praise" had audience members moved to tears and standing with a powerful ovation for the talent on stage and gifts that they possess. I can honestly say I've seen Tre' come a long way from one year ago and his comfort on stage and voice have both grown.



Good music moves you no matter your beliefs. I think that's what Tre' Thomas has made his mission, to tell his story to everyone, no matter your beliefs, because music transcends all of that. God speaks through him and his purpose comes through song. He touched a lot of people that night and every year you know one things for certain when you leave his showcase....you can't wait for the next one.


BE PEACE

Beanpie - Volume 8 Episode 1: The Warehouse

Written by Shaun Bolden
Photography by Shay Bolden

Opening Scene: Beanpie is having breakfast and getting prepared to investigate the warehouse in order to stop his products from being used by others when Tailgate comes into the kitchen.

Tailgate: Hey, so what are you planning to do about your stuff being stolen?

Beanpie: Well first off brov, I need to check the warehouse. I am pretty sure that the stuff that they nicked from me is in there. I am gonna go tonight.

Tailgate: Good luck with that one.

Beanpie: Will you come and check it out with me?

Tailgate: No, I am not going to some dark warehouse in the middle of the night to check on some stolen goods. I already did one super spy job for you. I have more important things to do, like nothing.

Beanpie: C’mon brov, I know you want to know who stole this stuff from me, and I also know that you can’t stand that fruitbat Darius either. Just come with me tonight and check it out.

Tailgate: I swear, you are lucky I’m your brother, or else I wouldn’t even think about doing something this retarded. What time are you going?

Beanpie: I will be heading out there at about 9 tonight.

Tailgate: Alright, I’ll go.

Scene 2: Beanpie goes to have lunch with Lisa at a restaurant close to her job.

Lisa: Hey Randolph, why do you look so serious today?

Beanpie: Lis, I am gonna head to that warehouse tonight.

Lisa: What?!

Beanpie: Yeah, me and Tailgate are going to check things out. I have to find out if my stuff is there.

Lisa: Okay it was one thing to find out what was going on, but now you’re going to go there, with your little brother nonetheless, just to see if your stuff is there?

Beanpie: Yes love, I have to find out what is in that warehouse. You heard what Tailgate said, the same guy that went there was taking pictures of the basement.

Lisa: You don’t even know who is behind all of this, and if you happen to find your stuff there, what are you going to do about it?

Beanpie: I’ll figure that part out once I see what is inside of the warehouse.

Lisa: I am strongly urging you not to go there. Just quit this hustle business and get a normal job.

Beanpie: I work for myself. No man has me on their books.

Lisa: Books? You want to talk about books? When was the last time you checked your books?

Beanpie: Love I know where you’re going, but my books will take care of themselves once I blow up.

Lisa: Man, you are so far in the red tat the economy feels sorry for you.

Beanpie: Now don’t say that.

Lisa: It has to be said, I mean seriously you have some climbing to do to reach rock bottom.

Beanpie: I know love, but trust me. Have faith in your man.

Lisa: I have faith in him, just not his ideas.

Beanpie: Just watch what happens once I find out who did this to me. So, can I still get that $20 from you?

Lisa: See what I mean. Here, and will you at least consider getting a real job?

Beanpie: Thanks Lis, and you know I love you babe.

*Beanpie takes the money and begins to walk home.

Scene 3: Beanpie is walking home, and runs into Shaun who is on his lunch break.

Beanpie: Hey Ice Juicy, what’s up man? You’re looking a little down today.

Shaun: It’s nothing

Beanpie: C’mon mate, use that toilet paper t-shirt and get the crap off of your chest.

Shaun: Well, you know when you had me go to the store and talk to my friend?

Beanpie: Yeah

Shaun: Well, I called her and we talked for a while. I found out because of what she said, she lost her job.

Beanpie: Really?

Shaun: Not only that, but she will lose her apartment also and she has to find another one.

Beanpie: Sorry to hear that mate.

Shaun: Well I want to ask her to stay with me for a while. I feel responsible for that.

Beanpie: Well good on ya mate. Go for it, I’m sure she’ll be happy.

Shaun: Thanks man.

Beanpie: No problem.

Shaun: Wait, did you say, “use that toilet paper t-shirt and get the crap off of your chest”?

Beanpie: Sure did, made it up here on the spot.

Shaun: That has to be the corniest line I ever heard. I suggest you keep that to yourself.

Beanpie: C’mon govy, I know you like that one. And you know what? You can use it whenever you like.

Shaun: Whatever man. Take it easy.

Beanpie: You too.

Shaun: Oh and Beanpie, my name is Shaun.

*Shaun goes back to work, and Beanpie heads home.

Beanpie: Volume 7 Episode 2 - Operation: Beanpie

Written by Shaun Bolden

Illustration by Jamiah Calvin

Lisa (to self): I don’t know why I even agreed to this nonsense, and now I have to figure out a way to talk to some clerk named Charlene about some stolen bootlegged inventions. I should have stayed in bed today. I need a smoke.

*Lisa stands outside of the store. She gets a cigarette and now she can’t seem to find her lighter.

Lisa: Excuse me do you have a light?
Woman: Yeah, here you go. You looked stressed, are you alright?
Lisa: I can’t believe this nonsense. My boyfriend has me out here to spy on some clerk named Charlene. I am supposed to find out if she knows anything about his ideas that have been stolen from him.
Woman: Well, I heard the owner of this place is shady, and just got a new line of items coming in.
Lisa: Oh yeah? Like what?
Woman: Well, I think there is dog food, dish detergent, car wax, and tea.
Lisa: Are you serious? Where did you get this info?
Woman: I know a few people in here and they can’t keep their mouths closed.
Lisa: Thanks you just saved me a trip inside. Here’s your lighter back.
Woman: Have a good one.

*Lisa gets back into her car and heads back home.

Scene 4: It’s Monday and Shaun is out and about delivering mail. He gets to the store and goes up to see his friend.

Shaun: Hey Iris, how are things?
Iris: Hey papi, how are you today?
Shaun: I’m cool, another day another dollar. You know how it is.
Iris: Aye, except you get to be outside where it’s nice, and I’m stuck in here wit Senor Stupido y amigos. What do you have for me today?
Shaun: The usual, bills, bills, and someone trying to sell you stuff.
Iris: Things never change I tell you. I wish I could get out of here papi, I hate this job.
Shaun: I know, can I ask you something?
Iris: Si papi, what is it?
Shaun: Well have you noticed anything dirty happening here?
Iris: Ha, everything about this store is dirty. The owner doesn’t know any other way. He stole this new line of products he is having shipped here on Thursday.
Shaun: Do you know where he got this new line of products from?
Iris: Papi, lemme tell you something. I never stick my nose where it don’t belong. I just answer the phones and handle the books.
Shaun: That’s cool. Good look Iris. See you tomorrow.
Iris: You could see me tonight if you called.

Scene 5: It’s Monday night, and Beanpie is in his room dealing with all of the information he has.

Beanpie (to self): Okay what do I have to work with? First off some pisser has been taking pictures of me, which means someone has been spying on me. Not only that, but the guy that robbed me is paying the bloke off. Secondly, they have a bloody new line of products coming in that just so happen to contain every single thing that I’ve made. And I guess on Thursday this new line is supposed to hit the store. I need to find a way to stop it from getting there. What to do, what to do? Oh yeah, Tailgate did say something about an old store house. Maybe I should go check it out.

Outnumbered # 36 - By Christopher Brown

The Thermals - "Now We Can See" music video

ETM journalist Shaun Bolden had a chance to interview a new up and coming band in Toronto, Canada named The Thermals. Check out their video "Now We Can See" and look for their interview in the June "Zodiac" issue of eXcapethematriX magazine.

Beanpie: Volume 7 Episode 1 - Operation: Beanpie

Written by Shaun Bolden

Photography by Shay Bolden



*It is Friday night, and Beanpie is in his kitchen with Lisa, Shaun, Tailgate, and Jamie. They are all sitting around waiting for the details of his plan.

Beanpie: Okay, once again mates I thank you for coming here. I know you know why we’re here and now I’ll tell you the plan. First, Ice Juicy you deliver to the store right?
Shaun: Man, my name is Shaun. Yes I deliver there, what do you need me to do?
Beanpie: Do you know anyone there?
Shaun: Yeah, I went to school with the assistant manager. I talk to her whenever I go there.
Beanpie: Ask her if she knows about any new products they’ve been getting in. Also ask if she knows about the new guy there.
Shaun: She should be willing to talk, she hates it there anyway. I should be able to talk with her on Monday. Is that all you need me to do?
Beanpie: Yeah that should be good for now. Now on to you Tailgate. Can you and Jamie keep an eye on that guy Gary? See where he lives and that good stuff.
Tailgate: You want us to follow a grown man around like super spies?
Jamie: Man that sounds like a kind of stalking I want no part of.
Tailgate: Are you serious? This has to be the most retarded thing I’ve heard of.
Beanpie: You must not have heard of your birth. You were two genes short of being diagnosed with down syndrome.
Tailgate: See this is why I didn’t want to work with you. You make the corniest jokes up and I don’t even know if they make sense, call yourself embarrassing me, and then want me to help you.
Jamie: Yeah man, you can come up with some good ideas, but when it comes to hurting someone’s feelings, you are pathetic.
Beanpie: Is that right? Do I smell a challenge?
Tailgate: That would be an unfair challenge, but since you’re willing to get embarrassed for this I guess we’ll watch him for a bit.
Beanpie: Alright then. Now Lisa, what I need you to do is get some info on a girl that works down at the store. Her name is Charlene.
Lisa: You want me to investigate some chick at the store?
Beanpie: She knew about my ideas too, and she works there at the store. Everyone in there is a suspect.
Lisa: Alright, but if she has any issues, there will be an ugly scene inside of the store.
Shaun: Wait, we all have our parts in this, but where are you?
Beanpie: I have to proceed as normal. I have an idea for a new sham govy.
Tailgate: Oh boy, what is it now?
Beanpie: Well you know how I had that fake gardening product right?
Tailgate: It wasn’t fake they got away with more of his stuff.
Beanpie: Whatever. Well, I did some research and I found a way to make some organic fertilizer.
Tailgate: Yeah, take a dump in someone’s lawn!!!
Beanpie: Shut up piglet, this is how we’ll proceed for the time being.

Scene 2: It’s Saturday Tailgate and Jamie are hanging around the basketball court looking for Gary.

Tailgate: You sure you know what this guy looks like?
Jamie: Yeah my brother pointed him out to me this morning. He’ll be hard to miss because he’s a big Lurch lookin dude with a HUGE head.
Tailgate: Aw man, here we go look who’s headed this way. The Swagtastic Darius and his No Homo Boys.
Jamie: This is not what we need right now. Wait a minute, he’s headed to the store.
Tailgate: Yeah now he’s just sitting in front of it. Is this his new spot?
Jamie: Yeah earning extra cash by carrying bags. Hey, there’s Lurch.
Tailgate: He’s walking up to Darius, and giving him money. What is going on?
Jamie: Wait, he’s going somewhere, let’s follow him.

*Jamie and Tailgate follow Darius and are led to an out of the way store house not too far from the store.

Jamie: What do you think he’s doing here? I’m not sure, but it looks like he’s getting a key from that rusty box near the entrance. Let’s go in.
Tailgate: Wait, I think we should see if they come out with anything first.

*A few minutes pass, and Darius comes back out.

Tailgate: Man, he doesn’t have anything.
Jamie: He’s headed somewhere else. Let’s see where goes.

*They now follow Darius to a surprising location.

Tailgate: This is my house!!!
Jamie: Wait, let’s see what he does

*They watch as Darius looks into the basement window, and takes a few pictures, then leaves.

Tailgate: I can’t believe this dirty gorilla is watching my brother. I am going to settle this right now!!
Jamie: Let’s go talk to your brother first, and see if he comes up with anything. It’s not like Darius is going anywhere, we know where he lives.
Tailgate: Alright, but if he doesn’t deal with him, I definitely will.

Outnumbered # 35 - By Christopher Brown

Many stories "Woven" into one

Written By: Slangston Hughes
Photography By: Tya Anthony for eyeni photography


















So what do you get when you mix intelligent and extremely talented female artists with a microphone and an audience down in the basement of a church transformed into an artistic sanctuary. With visual art, a live DJ (Dj Simba) and a night of thrilling storytelling in the form of an edutaining creative tapestry, "woven" together with positive vibes and live energy. Well you get WOVEN. The inaugural launch of a now monthly event brought to you by "Smart Chicks Inc." "An arts based non profit focused on developing leadership opportunities for women in the arts." Founded by Baltimore based Vocalist, song writer and HipHop artist Carolyn Malachi who’s "Revenge of the Smart Chicks" blog (named from her album of the same name) has been rapidly spreading the gospel of intelligent female artist from the DMV and beyond in 2009.

"Sometimes organized religion is like trying to capture the sun on a candle stick"-E The Poet Emcee


Poet, Shelby Jade shares a laugh with Hadaiyah Bey and Naijah Barnes at WOVEN: the Smart Chicks Inc. Launch.

As each poet approached the stage you heard more than just poems or simply songs, but a collection of soul stirring and awe inspiring stories in the form of lyrical expression that tended to be nearly as visual as the photography and paintings on display inside the nights performance space. These vivid pictures both on and off stage reflected one another from many various perspectives.

"I too love stories and story telling, I see things that way. So when I write I try to break things down in that way, like a story. And tonight everyone definitely had a story to tell."
-Shelby Jade


Guests at WOVEN converse and enjoy works by painter, Liz (Artbyliz) Wilson, pictured here.



From Ya-Ya’s personification poem that painted the borough of Brooklyn through the voice of a young black women on the grind, to DC poet Jade Foster opening her set with a vivid selection from the late great June Jordan. Up to her amazing childhood reflection on her days, I mean her "poems" days playing with a Kenya doll, who happen to have hair like wool and all. Or Bluegrass and Folklore singer Chelsea Mcbee descriptive tales of red clay, betrayal and even the instrumental piece "widows walk" that was anything but silent. Telling its own incredible story without the need for any words at all. Followed by Shelby Jade, as she cordially invited us into the space of her current state, heart, mind, body and soul. Eloquently illustrating love, apprehension, inspiration and complex emotion, taking us to a point where poetic verbal explanation meets lyrical narration, and life and art no longer simply imitate one another but become one in the same. With E Poet Emcee (effectively "reping for all smart dudes who love smart chicks") closing the event in a very fitting manor with his poem "The Test". A poem that questions the purpose of organized religion performed in the basement of a church, I love it!!!


"Tonight was amazing, I really felt a great sense of community, I’m very grateful that everyone came out to support"- Carolyn Malachi

You Can't Deny this Guy's Style!

The Undeniable Style of André 3000

Written by: Ccep J. Dew, West Coast Editor

Cupid Valentino… Dre… Ice Cold…. Dookie Blasingame III… Johnny Vulture… Chamelio Salamander… 3 Stacks… André 3000…

With an eclectic alias list as this, it’s no surprise that André Lauren Benjamin continues to wow spectator with his style. The Atlanta native was never one to follow the crowd. An only child with a diverse background in various music styles and art techniques, Benjamin is the poster child for self-expression. His space-age themes and outrageous characters are balanced by his cool, confident demeanor. So, when he announced that he would be following in the footsteps of Sean “Diddy” Comb and Shawn Carter by releasing a clothing line, people didn’t know what to expect. What they got was Benjamin Bixby.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was the perfect venue for Benjamin to showcase several years of creative planning brought to life. Benjamin Bixby, the actor-rapper-singer-songwriter’s 70-piece men’s collection, draws inspiration from collegiate football attire circa the late 1930s. Complete with high-wasted trousers, polo shirts, thermal knit tops, dress shirts, corduroy blazers, and preppy style sweaters, the fall 08/Spring 09 collection gives a fresh, throwback edge to men’s formal and semi-formal wear.

Males in Ballet, Jazz, & Tap...

Stereotypes:

Males in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap

Written by: Ryan Coleman-Ferebee

I was fortunate enough to participate in a few dance workshops at the John C. Anderson Cultural Center in Philadelphia, PA in my early teenage years. Through instruction from members of the Philadanco Dance Company, I was exposed to the basic movements of traditional ballet, tap, and modern dance. At that time, I was the only boy in the class and I loved it. I loved that I got to move to music, run across the room, and lift all the females in the room because there was no other male option. I never gave a thought to the perception of what my peers would think about me being in this class, running around in tight pants or shoes that clicked when I walked. When word started to get out in the Center that I was in the class, the other boys started to tease me and I could not figure out why. I remember telling them they were silly boys for not wanting to hang out with the physically fit girls who wanted to dance. I never associated dancing with being neither a male nor a female activity. In my mind, dance has always needed two elements: a male and female to complete the set of partners exchanging call and response type movements across the dance floor. Thankfully, I was independent in my thought process and did not let the sentiment of others get in my way.

On the surface, it would appear that African-American culture frowns upon male participation in most forms of dance with the prevailing notion that dancing is a soft art form that almost certainly defines a man as “gay” simply by association. Is there a correlation between using your body as an artistic form of expression and ones sexuality? Is a gay man more open minded to the arts than a straight man for this reason? If the typical male bravado is interested in females, isn’t dancing a vertical form of sexual expression that may lend itself to assist one in attracting a female? Conversely, when I think of our White counterparts, the two male figures that come to mind are both straight: Baryshnikov and Patrick Swayze. I do not think of White male dances as being gay. Why is that? Unfortunately for me, this topic lends itself to more questions than answers.

To view more from the article, click the link below:

http://www.etmmagazine.info/freeyourmind/2009/05/2009_05_stereotypes.html

'Mothers' Day!

Mothers Making a Difference

Story by: Catalina Byrd
info@catalinabyrd.com


After the Heal A Woman To Heal A Nation luncheon, myself and a few other members of the local press were allowed to sit down with Dr. Green, Dr. Hines, and Ms. Smith for an interview. It was in this setting that these ladies’ personalities shone the brightest, in my opinion. Naturally, because of the success and well-known friendship amongst their children, their perspective on the artists’ careers and impact in the industry were sought, as were their views about what they did as mothers that nurtured the creativity of their children and what other mothers could do to do the same. Each of them very open and speaking with great candor, fans of their boys’ work could easily see them in the work of their children.

Dr. Hines believes that Common didn’t compromise his art for commercial success because he came up “in the purist time to be involved in Hip Hop before it became commercial”, something that Dr. Green and Ms. Smith agreed with as well. Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Kweli’s name when still performing as a duo), the mother’s of the two artists recalled, took the money from their first album to open a bookstore so that their friends could come and do Spoken Word.

Music and the arts were used in their homes for more than recreation. Dr. Hines said that she’d studied how classical music helped children retain information better and played Bach as Common studied. Ms. Smith agreed that you had to expose your children to diverse things in order for their thinking to grow to be more diverse. Dr. Hines remarked that “even if you don’t like what you are listening to, don’t let [the children] know that you don’t” or that you were making a conscious effort to show them new things. The mothers all stated the belief that the arts were needed to raised well-rounded children and supported their artistry “not with the intent of wanting the child to become commercially successful” and in no way knew nor cared one way or the other if they became famous for it.

To read more from Catalina's informative article, click the link below:
http://www.etmmagazine.info/future/2009/05/2009_05_mothersmaking.html

The Dark 'Knight'...

From Project Runway to Reality:
The Mychael Knight Interview
Written by: Kenneth-Michael

With an experience totally different from other aspiring designers, Mychael Knight has the notoriety from a national television show that earned him credibility. Dressed in a tailored gray Italian suit, pink shirt, and black Hugo Boss shoes, he embodies the word “fashion”. Standing six feet-two inches tall, he eludes the look of a Ford model, but gives the confidence and regal air of a top designer.

There is a saying that third time is a charm and it was for Knight. After auditioning for Bravo’s hit show “Project Runway” several times, he was selected as a contestant for season three. His initial audition was marked by the show’s host Tim Gunn telling him to focus and figure who he (Knight) was as a designer.

The son of a U.S. military officer, Knight was born in Germany and constantly moved with his family. He’s now a resident of Atlanta. “A lot of people don’t know that I actually went to high school in New York City,” says Knight. With a concentration in design apparel, Knight earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. After college, uninspired by the retail industry, he quit what he describes as a drag retail job within three months. Soon after, he received a phone call that would jumpstart his career.

To view more of the Mychael Knight Interview, click the link below:
http://www.etmmagazine.info/Bizarre/2009/05/2009_05_mychael.html

A Posh night out with Kev.O & Wayna - By: Raven Ekundayo Pictures By: Quill Wordsmith

I'm always down for supporting great artists and getting my network on, so when EYM was invited to cover an event at Posh in DC with Wayna and my good friend Kev.O I was up for it no questions asked. Quill And I showed up and I wasn't sure how I felt about the place as we walked in. I get turned off by clubs where Black folks don't like speaking to you if they don't know you and hang around in clicks all night. Thankfully that wasn't the issue at Posh. Everyone from the folks that greet you as you walk in to the bouncers were all chill.

Quill and I were lead upstairs to the VIP area and once beyond the velvet rope introduced ourselves to DJ Huck Fin who was spinning a great mix of 90's music with hits from folks like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and Carl Thomas. The energy in the place had a nice amount of laid back and eXcitement without either ever truly taking over. While waiting for the show to start I bumped into Green Tea, Beny Blaq and my brother from another Sol Edler. All had come out to show their love. Kev.O came out from the artists area and we talked for awhile, he introduced me to Wayna and I gave a big hug to his manager Kimberly Douglas. Then it was time for the show to start. It was hosted by Antonio The Cuban Cigar Smoker, a radio personality in the DC area. He did a great job of pumping the audience up and lead Kev.O in with a great introduction by letting folks know that this was an artist they would see a lot more of.



Kev.O started his set off with Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix, putting a nice soulful twist on a classic. What I appreciate about my friends who are artists is that we're always very honest with each other, as a journalist I never have to worry about them being angry if I give a bad review as they won't hesitate to tell me if they don't like any of my work....thankfully this wasn't the case tonight. Kev.O brought his A game and with his background singers put on one hell of a show while covering songs like John Legends "Green Light" and giving the audience a taste of some of his own music like "See you when I get there" and a personal favorite of mine "Falling". At one point a sister by the name of April (Who would take the stage later to sing during a free for all moment for singers in the audience) came and sat at Kev.O's feet while he sang happy bday to her. The audience was into it but at times seemed more interested in their drinks than any performance going on that night. The most hoots and hollars came at the most obvious moments, which was why it was so beautiful to see one sister with a glass of wine in her hand having a blast to every note Kev.O hit. Now THERE'S a music lover. His set came to an end and those who had been sleeping on Kev.O before he took the stage were sure not to be sleeping after wards.



Then it was time for Wayna to take the stage. I was pretty much done after a sister named Teapot (Don't ask) took the stage and scatted and sang her butt off. Leaving all of us wondering why on earth was she one of the random audience members and not someone on the bill. Lol. But Wayna proved why she was who she was quickly with her cover of "Loving You" giving it a nice uptempo spin. Her soaring falsetto made my mouth drop.



She then told the story of an eXperience she had in Texas when she was arrested for carrying a billy club, a prop used while performing. This lead to a song of the same name which talks about police brutality. I love songs where you have to listen to the words or you could miss the meaning altogether.



She closed the set out with the songs "Mr. Duracell" and a cover of Prince's song "Mountains". By this time Quill and I had started making our way out the door after saying our goodbyes to everyone as "Mountains" was coming to an end, but then Wayna caught everyone off guard.



She pulled Antonio The Cuban Cigar Smokers card by asking why music like hers isn't played on any of the major urban radio stations. What a great question to end the night on. When will the major urban radio stations realize that they dictate the airwaves and most people listening are followers. You tell them what's hot and they'll follow....good music will find a way. Thankfully we have artists like Kev.O and Wayna out there pushing a little bit of Zion into the matriX. Freeing Minds ain't easy.

Beanpie - Volume 6 Episode 2: Putting it all together

Written by Shaun Bolden

Photography by Shay Bolden

*Scene 4: Beanpie is back in his kitchen holding the piece of cloth when Tailgate and Jamie come back home.

Beanpie: Hey Jamie, how did you know this came from an apron from the store?
Jamie: My big brother works there, I have seen that thing for years.
Beanpie: Hey Jamie, is your brother at work now?
Jamie: No, he’s off today
Beanpie: Do you have his number? I want to ask him a few things
Jamie: Sure it’s 555-7282. His name is Tony.
Tailgate: Why don’t you hit on a guy your age and leave my friends alone?
Beanpie: Shutup you undersized gorilla, can’t you see I’m conducting an investigation?
Tailgate: Looks to me like you’re trying to come out of the closet. C’mon Jamie, let’s go play that new Call of Duty

*Tailgate and Jamie leave and Beanpie calls Tony

Tony: Hello
Beanpie: Hey, is this Tony?
Tony: Who’s this?
Beanpie: This is Beanpie, Tailgate’s brother
Tony: Oh, you mean that smart ass that comes over here.
Beanpie: Yup, that’s him mate
Tony: What’s up with that accent? It sounds fake to me
Beanpie: That’s my natural accent govy. Do you work at the corner market?
Tony: Yeah, why?
Beanpie: I want to know if you can do me a favor.
Tony: What do you need?
Beanpie: I need a name. There is a guy there with a ripped vest, can you get me his name?
Tony: Will you promise to stop calling me?
Beanpie: Sure.
Tony: Okay, I go in tomorrow, so I should be able to tell you who it is.
Beanpie: Thanks mate.

Scene 5: Beanpie is in his room with the cloth in his hand waiting, and his phone rings

Tony: Is this Beanpie?
Beanpie: Hey Tony, what’s the outcome?
Tony: It is a new guy here, his name is Gary. He’s only been here for a few weeks. I think he’s the owner’s nephew.
Beanpie: Thanks mate
Tony: Now don’t call me anymore
Beanpie: You won’t hear from me again.
Beanpie (to self): Now I need to find out who this bloke is and why he came to rob me. First I need a plan, and an able crew to help me solve the mystery.

Scene 6: Beanpie is in his kitchen sitting at the table with Tailgate, Lisa, Shaun, and Jamie.

Tailgate: Why did you call us here and what are you smoking that stupid pipe?
Beanpie; The reason I called you here, let’s see….I wanted to ask you all to help me find out who keeps stealing my ideas and why they’re doing it.
Shaun: Whoa…..what makes you think we’ll help you?
Beanpie: Well, I can’t do it by myself, and I have a plan to find out exactly who is behind this whole thing.
Lisa: Maybe it’s just a sign that you need to get a job.
Beanpie: Listen guys, I know none of you believed I was getting robbed, but Tailgate and I set a trap a couple of days ago, and someone broke into the basement and stole my idea. I laid the trap, and I have found out who it was. Now, all I need is your help, and we can catch this guy.
Tailgate: Now we all know I am normally against retarded ideas, especially when they come out of my brother’s mouth, but I was there, and saw what happened. At the very least I want to see the idiot that actually did this.
Lisa: I can help a bit, but remember I do have a job to go to.
Shaun: Well, I did like the car polish, so you can count me in.
Jamie: I guess I’ll help too, I have nothing else to do.
Beanpie: Great. I just need you all to be here on Friday night. That’s when I’ll have the details for you.
Tailgate: Why do we have to wait until Friday?
Beanpie: Because, that’s when the bloody plan will happen.
Shaun: You don’t have a plan do you?
Beanpie: Not fully, but it’ll be ready on Friday.
Shaun (Laughing): Whatever man, I’ll be here.
Lisa: Let the fun begin.