Inequality stems from one’s thought or association with superiority. Sure, some of us have more materialistic things, money, education, friends, or fame than another. All of which does not matter at the end of the day. Let’s use the recent earthquake in Haiti for an example. Natural disasters do not discriminate. Thousands of people perished during that earthquake and gender nor class status could not stop it from happening.

With that said, I’m a Black lesbian woman who doesn’t own “A Louis Bag” except for the one that my mother brought back home from a New York shopping trip on Canal street. So I have four strikes against me when it comes to inequality. I’m not really a fan of labels but, I proudly claim that I’m a feminist and radical woman of color. Now when it comes to my feminism and the other species (males) it has nothing to do with me hating men. Even the fact that I prefer relationships and sex with women doesn’t make me hate men. I just hate the superiority complex that society has created when it comes to men. What I hate even more is how women are conditioned to believe that men are superior and some don’t even recognize it.

I hate the fact that there are so many faithful Christian and Muslim women when both of these religion’s holy books support and promote sexism and inequality between men and women ( See 1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Corinthians 11:7-9, Ephesians 5:22-25, Surah 2 verse 222-223, Surah 2 verse 228, and Surah 2 verse 282 for blatant examples). I hate the fact that even in 2010 there are still some jobs that men get paid more for than women. I hate the fact that a culture that I love dearly has pretty much buried the women that are a part of it. Hello Hip Hop!

Even though I feel like I have every right to stand up for my equality, I feel bad that feminists here in America fight for what we do when there are women in other countries being subjected to circumcision. There are also women in other countries being murdered because they refuse to submit to an arranged marriage. There are specifically Black women in other countries being forced to take birth control so that they don’t produce more Black babies. So if you are a person who feels like there is no need for feminism today — there is. The previous four statements may make you feel like there is just not a need for feminism in America but, a quote by a favorite female emcee of mine proves that there is.

“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.” – Invincible

Then there is the whole debate on rather or not feminism includes Black women. Rather or not mainstream feminism includes Black women doesn’t mean that Black women aren’t being treated unequal. In fact, I’ve been involved with feminist organizations where I’ve looked around and have been the only brown skinned kinky haired woman in sight. That doesn’t stop me from fighting for the cause though.

When I watch these shows I don’t see people like Tiny, Toya, Frankie, and Neffie as “ghetto” or as “coons”. I see them as women who have been through trials and tribulations just like every other normal human being.

After watching an episode of “The Tiny and Toya Show” as well as a preview of “The Frankie and Neffie Show” I started to think. I thought about how tons of people are calling these shows “coonery”. BET has actually picked up more flack than they already have gotten due to the airing of these two TV shows. I think that some Black people specifically tend to categorize TV shows that depict people who would be considered “ghetto” as “coonery”.

When I watch these shows I don’t see people like Tiny, Toya, Frankie, and Neffie as “ghetto” or as “coons”. I see them as women who have been through trials and tribulations just like every other normal human being. I also see courageous women who are strong and liberated enough to share their trials and tribulations with millions of viewers. Regardless of the fact that these women may be loud, “country”, emotional, and dramatic I see the beauty in their struggles.

What I also see in these women is a few of my family members. I can name several people in my family who hold some of these same characteristics. I also can name several people in my family who have been through some of the same things that they have been through. What’s funny is I know I’m not the only one. So my question is why do we sometimes peg a show that easily reflects some of our closest loved ones or people that we know as “coonery”?

Is it that these shows sometimes hit too close to home? Or could it be that these shows depict parts of ourselves that we often try to reject?

On behalf of “Women’s History Month” someone is taking time out to pay homage to women who are very seldom acknowledged. Some of these women have stood in the shadows of all male crews and rap groups without being noticed or properly promoted. On the flip side, some of these women have actually outshined their male counterparts and made it to the top leaving the guys behind. Who are these women? These women are female Emcees sometimes known as “Femcees”.

As many ill female Emcees as there are out here very few make “Best of” lists or get nominated at award shows. In fact in 2005 the Recording Academy removed the “Best Female Rap Solo Performance” category from The Grammys. Also, let’s not forget how last year in October the VH1 Hip Hop Honors and the BET Hip Hop Awards didn’t nominate a single female rapper. What does it take to get female Emcees recognition? Maybe it’s going to take for women to recognize themselves, like radio personality Nanci-O from North Carolina. On March 14th Nanci-O is hosting the “Women of Hip Hop”, honors, concert, and after-party in Raleigh, NC. This event will exclusively illustrate recognition to women involved in Hip Hop, and have female Emcees and DJs perform. Prior to the honors, concert, and after party on March 5th Nanci-O is showcasing female Emcees on her radio show on WXYC 89.3 FM from 9 p.m. to 12 Midnight. The show is broadcasted in Chapel Hill, NC but, there will also be live streaming from www.wxyc.org. Hopefully, this wonderful chain of events will be the start of a new movement, giving female Emcees the respect they deserve.

Kanye West offered Chester French a record deal first but they rejected it. They’re signed to Star Trak Records, the Neptune’s imprint that’s distributed by Interscope Records and Universal Music Group. Even though Chester French is fairly new, they’re already heading down the road to notoriety. Their single, “She Loves Everybody” was featured in the closing credits of the HBO television show Entourage. And being compared to one of the most commercially triumphant and applauded bands ever doesn’t hurt either. Clutch was able to catch a glimpse into their world.

Clutch: Can you describe your music for people that haven’t heard it before?
DA: We make fun, earnest, and diverse songs with sometime epic ambitions. We listened to a lot of The Beatles and Outkast while making this first album that we’re releasing in the next few months.

Clutch: You’re signed to StarTrak but, is it true that Kanye West offered you a record deal first?
DA: Yes.
Max: We were fortunate enough to have a few options on the table when we were deciding which label to go with. Star Trak smelled best.

Clutch: From the band’s name you’d assume that it’s just one person but it’s actually two of you. How did you come up with the name?
DA: We named ourselves after the sculptor, Daniel Chester French. We really just wanted something that sounded cool, and we thought it did!

Clutch: Whose idea was it to use a condom wrapper as the album cover?
DA: We came up with it during a brainstorming session with our former manager.

Clutch: There’s a video on YouTube where Pharrell compares you guys to The Beatles. How does it feel to be compared to them?
DA: We’re very lucky to be standing on the shoulders of giants like the Beatles. We’ve tried to learn from their brilliance and it’s awesome that Pharrell appreciates that.
Max: It’s a comparison that’s probably impossible to live up to, but it feels way better than being compared to groups that are bad.

Clutch: Who are some of your influences?
DA: We like so many different artists it would be hard to name just a few.
Max: The two easiest to cite are the Beatles and Outkast. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Chico Buarque. We’re both drawn to any music that is both accessible and boundary crossing.

Clutch: You both went to Harvard. How does your family feel about you coming out of Harvard and instead of pursuing a career in what you studied you’re pursuing music?
DA: They’ve been very supportive.
Max: We both had pretty useless courses of study.

Clutch: What were your majors?
DA: African American Studies
Max: Social Anthropology

Clutch: Do you get a lot of flack from people because you attended Harvard?
DA: No.
Max: We do get a lot of interview questions about it though.

Clutch: How long have you both been doing music?
DA: Since I was about seven or eight, I think.
Max: I started playing piano when I was three or four or something. I’ve been able to hear my whole life.

Clutch: If you could choose any person dead or live to collaborate with who would it be?
DA: It would have been great to collaborate with David Bowie in the early 70’s because he seems to have been really good at collaborating in addition to being a genius in his own right.
Max: I think it’d be great to work with The Flaming Lips. Their records usually leave me wondering how they did a few things, so I’d love to work with them to see how they work.

Clutch: When you’re not on tour or in the studio recording what are you doing?
DA: Bodybuilding.
Max: Writing music and looking for a new hobby.

Clutch: You guys are fairly new artists but who are some other new artists that you like?
DA: Janelle Monae, Blu, Asher Roth, Solange…

Clutch: How did it feel to have your song “She Loves Everybody” featured in the closing credits of the show “Entourage”?
DA: It was excellent exposure.
Max: It felt nice.

Clutch: What are two things about Chester French that people may not know?
DA: We write, engineer, and produce all of our own material and sometimes try to write R&B songs for women.

Clutch: What can people expect from Chester French in 2009?
DA: World domination and even tighter pants.
Max: We’re also going to be putting an album out. Look out for that.

You can find out more information about Chester French at www.chesterfrench.com and www.myspace.com/chesterfrench.

Clutch: How would you describe your music?
Noelle: I like to look at my music as a confident depiction of what women want to say and how we feel. I like to make songs that are really clever but honest and have a little humor sometimes. Instead of always being so emotional which, that is what we (women) are, I wanted to do an album that was based more on the light side of relationships. Things can fall a part but, you can make the best of them. Most of the songs are up-tempo because I didn’t want my album to sound depressing.

Clutch: You’ve been songwriting for quite some time now but, you’re pretty new to the other side of the business (singing). How has the transition been for you?
Noelle: I’ve been singing my entire life so I’m definitely not new to singing and I’m not new to writing. I think the only thing that’s new is just people seeing my face. There have been plenty of songs that have been circulating on mix tapes for the past seven years. People would see Noelle and not know what I looked like or not know who I was so MySpace helped with that. Once I joined MySpace and I had a picture and put the music up there people were like “oh that’s what Noelle looks like” because no one ever knew who I was. Pretty much everything you heard that had Noelle on credit, I was singing it.

Clutch: Who exactly have you written songs for?
Noelle: A lot of the songs that I’ve done have been songs that have been placed on projects that were actually film or television. It’s not so much that I’ve written for Mya or Usher. It was more or less me writing songs that have been placed on projects. The biggest project was probably Employee of the Month with Jessica Simpson and Dane Cook. That featured Pit-Bull. I actually haven’t had another artist sing my material. Any time a song was placed in a project it was me singing it.

I guess that’s even better then. Well, I really want other artists to sing my songs. Believe me it would be a dream come true to hear some artists I really admire singing my stuff. I would feel like a proud momma.

Clutch: Did you write all of the songs on your new album, It’s Personal?
Noelle: Yes, I did — every single one.

Clutch: Are you familiar with Teedra Moses?
Noelle: Absolutely. She is the bomb.

Clutch: The fact that you (just like Teedra) also demanded to write every single song on your debut album is awesome. We need more artists like you two who can actually write.
Noelle: I respect that she has been doing this a long time, too. I’ve also respected what she’s done and admired how she was also able to write for other artists which, is what I’ve always wanted to do. My not being signed to a major label and not having a major publishing deal makes it more difficult for me to get to artists and get to people so people could know who I am. I would love to say that a certain name is behind me. It would make me appear to be more connected even though I’m just as talented as those who are already connected.

Clutch: What can people expect to hear on It’s Personal?
Noelle: You’re going to hear great production by upcoming producers that are new to the game. Well, not new to the game, nobody is really new. We’ve all been grinding to just get out there. So, you’re going to hear great production by Dem Joints who has done every track on the album except for three tracks, a guy name PS3 who’s worked with Tamia and Envogue, and a great producer named Marcus Brush who’s out of Germany. So just those three guys and me writing and pinning all the tracks, it’s going to sound fresh and new. It definitely has a lot of songs that are easy to listen to. You can listen to the whole CD and get through it. You can work out to it, you can cook to it, you can dance to it and you can ride in the car to it. It’s just a different sound. I can’t really describe what we’ve managed to create; I think it’s just me being me. It wasn’t an effort for me to try to sound different from somebody else, write songs differently or have totally different topics. I’m just different so I can’t help that. I think you’re just going to hear a fresh new sound. Somebody commented on iTunes already and said, “I like your new wave of flavor.” You just have to listen to it; it’s going to be good.

Clutch: Different is definitely good because today when you turn on the radio you hear the same thing. So we definitely need a breath of fresh air.
Noelle: I would love to be the breath and the air. It has been a struggle for me because even though a lot of my songs can sit in rotation they’re still different. Sometimes my songs are different to the point where they’re trying to figure out whether it’s pop, urban enough, or this and that. My album has elements of everything. It’s R&B, Soul, Pop, House, and it’s all of those things. So, I can’t put myself into one box and I’ve never tried to do that. I hope and I wish that radio makes room to allow the rotation to be different.

Clutch: Who are some of your influences?
Noelle: Growing up I was always listening to girl groups. I would listen to SWV, Jade, and EnVogue. Any girl group, I would listen to them because I just loved to hear the backgrounds. I am also a personal fan of Faith Evans. I’ve always loved her. When she opens her mouth I know it’s her singing and I love her writing style. As far as newer artists, I’ve met with Amy Winehouse. I like Janelle Monae. She goes super left and just always goes the way she wants to. I like some mainstream stuff too. I’m a big hip hop fan. I love Jay-Z and Lil’ Wayne. I grew up on Biggie.

Clutch: From the looks of some of your marketing I’d say that you pride yourself on being six feet tall. Have you ever considered modeling because you also have the looks to go with the height?
Noelle: Modeling is a very serious business and I never once thought that I’m going to be this model that’s going to open the door for music. Yes I’m six feet but I’m not thin. I’m not a size five and I’m not a plus size model either. I’m too small to be plus and I’m too big to be regular. So there is no room for me in the modeling world. I’m not hoping that music will open the door for modeling because modeling is a huge rejection industry as well. Music is hard enough. I’d rather have music open the door so I can be a spokes model for products that I like.

Clutch: Can you tell us about your passion for basketball?
Noelle: I was a late bloomer in basketball. I started in the eighth grade and got really good in high school. I got a basketball scholarship to Dominion in Virginia and luckily enough it was a nationally ranked college. So basketball was like a second love to music. I always knew I wanted to do music but, basketball I kind of just stumbled upon. I’m glad though because it paid for my education and I graduated from college. I play everyday now but, I don’t want to get an injury and then I can’t perform. When it comes to basketball I just have a passion for the sport. I love sports in general. I definitely applied a lot of things I learned in basketball to music, as far as being a team player and everybody in your life having a common goal. So to get to the right place you need to have a great team around you.

Clutch: You favor Tamia and Sara Stokes. Have you ever been mistaken for either one of them?
Noelle: Sarah Stokes, oh my gosh. Really? That’s a new one. I get Tamia and I get Mya. So I dyed my hair lighter because I did get Mya a lot. She has the beautiful big eyes like I do (I love my eyes) and the dark hair. So I thought maybe if I lightened my hair a little bit I wouldn’t get so much of a comparison. It did help but, then I got Tamia. I love Tamia, I think she’s beautiful. You know what; I’m just going to be any light skinned woman at any time (laughs). The bigger that I become and the more that I brand myself I’m hoping that people will be like, “You look like Noelle.”

Clutch: Is it true that you grew up in the same neighborhood as Ne-Yo?
Noelle: I know he’s from Vegas and I did grow up there but, I had no idea that he was from Vegas. He went to the music school there and I went to a private catholic school. My mom was pretty strict so I was always doing sports and I was at home. I never really ran into Ne-Yo at any of the high school events but, when I got to LA he and I had a chance to work on a couple of different things together.

Clutch: Do you still keep in touch or ever collaborate?
Noelle: I saw him at the grand opening of the 40/40 club in Vegas actually this time last year. It was really good to see him. I’m really proud of him because we both have been grinding for a minute. I’m looking forward to being the female “go to” writer in this game just like he is. I definitely admire and love what he’s done. I always knew that he would do it. I never doubted him.

Clutch: You used to sing six nights a week at casinos and hotels in Las Vegas. What was that experience like?
Noelle: The good thing about singing in Vegas six nights a week is that it really strengthens your voice. I was singing everyday for hours and hours at a time. It helps your performance and stage presence. I was in an all male band that came from a theater background so we were doing shows. It wasn’t just a lounge act. They were professional shows. It was great preparation. You’re looking at people who don’t know you and you’re singing everybody else’s music. It wasn’t like we were singing original music. You have to sing it the way people want to hear it or they won’t listen. You had different crowds. Some people who were depressed because they’d lost their money or you would be singing for people who just got married and were in a great mood. So it was good to feel different audiences out and give them what they were looking for on that particular night. The bad thing is you would always smell like cigarette smoke.

Clutch: You have a few tattoos that obviously show your love for music. Sometimes as women we get slack for having a lot of tattoos but, do you plan on getting anymore tattoos?
Noelle: Yes. I do plan on getting more. The tattoos that I’ve gotten were very significant to me. If I get any future tattoos they would probably be the life changing ones. Like if I get married, have my first child, or win a Grammy, I would get them to mark that moment. Other than that I’m pretty good with the nine that I have (laughs).

Clutch: It was actually one of your tattoos that landed you a track on the “Employee of the Month” soundtrack, which starred Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson. Can you tell us how that happened!?
Noelle: Yeah, I worked at Lions Gate (the movie distribution company) and they would have these basketball tournaments that the staff would play in. They were very serious about them. So of course they heard I played basketball in college and the executive office drafted me to their team. We were wearing jerseys so my music tattoos were showing. Someone from customer service or something said, “Hey, you have a music tattoo. Do you do music?” I said yea and they asked why haven’t you given your music to anyone at the company. I said because I was trying to be professional. She then said well look I’m going to introduce you to someone in television. It was Judy Promone. She sat down with me and took a liking to my personality. She said bring in your CD with songs and if I like them I’ll put one in my movie. And she did. She really did it just like that.

Clutch: When you’re out on the town with your girls what can be found in your clutch?
Noelle: Oooh, I love this question (laughs). Always lip gloss, either Dior or Mac. My camera because I love to capture goofy moments, my phone (my Blackberry), and of course the ID and the ATM card. That’s it!

Clutch: Your new album, The Promise is already in stores. What can we expect from that album?
Deborah Cox: This album is the same classic soulful sound. The material is songs that I have put together over the past three years. I hooked up with producers who happen to be close friends. John Legend wrote the title track. It takes you on a journey about the complexity of love. I think a lot of people can find themselves and their stories in the songs. The purpose of the album is at the end of it all; at the end of a relationship you have to look out for yourself.

Clutch: Your latest single “Beautiful U R” is very inspirational, especially for women. What inspired you to record a song like that?
Deborah Cox: I was at a low point creatively. I felt like we had enough relationship songs. There were a lot of ballads so I wanted to make sure that there weren’t too many ballads on the album. It wasn’t intended to be a message song. It was just intended to be expressive. It’s something like a musical mantra that I would sing to myself but, ultimately I think people got something really positive from it.

Clutch: Did you actually write it?
Deborah Cox: No, I collaborated with Big Jim, Avila Brothers, and Sam Saulter. It was all of us in the room together.

Clutch: In the video for “Beautiful U R” you reveal that you’re pregnant. This is your third child. How has motherhood impacted your career?
Deborah Cox: It’s impacted my career in a way in which I have a different perspective that allows me to have more balance. I really don’t dwell on the negative as much because it’s a distraction from the kids. They all keep it in perspective for me. If something doesn’t work out on the business end there’s always something really positive or joyful that my kids will do that will take my mind completely off of the business. Before it was all about what was happening with my career and keeping it moving.

Clutch: A lot of people may not know that you’re Canadian. Can you give us some insight on the Canadian music market versus the American music market?
Deborah Cox: For me the Canadian music scene was predominantly Rock and Pop music. In the 80′s my only sense of hearing any kind of urban music was through a station out of Buffalo (NY) or hearing what my parents played. In Canada, urban music just isn’t that big. It’s still growing. Now things are totally different. We didn’t have the Internet back then and I just totally depended on the radio or what my parents played at home.

Clutch: In addition to singing you’ve also done some acting. What made you want to start acting?
Deborah Cox: I’ve always been an actor. I’ve done a lot of stuff in Canada before I was signed. I did a lot of small productions and theater in school. That sparked my interest in acting. When I had the opportunity to do the films that I did I jumped at the opportunity because acting is just as fulfilling as singing even though it’s a muscle that I don’t use all the time. It’s a great outlet emotionally. It’s a lot of fun to be another character for a while.

Clutch: Can we expect to see you in film again anytime soon?
Deborah Cox: Probably not until next year because I’m going to tour in the spring. Once I’m able to put things in full gear again then I’ll look at some more scripts. I’m always actively seeking and constantly getting scripts to read. A lot of times I really want to get involved in something that I’ll be really passionate about. My main focus is just being able to get out and tour during the New Year.

Clutch: You had a chance to do Broadway and perform in Aida. How was that experience different from performing at concerts or recording in the studio?
Deborah Cox: Doing Aida was much more of a grueling schedule because there were shows every night. My contract was for six shows a week. Normally when you do a musical like that it’s usually eight shows a week. It’s a pretty grueling schedule. Your stamina has to be there. You have to learn how to pace yourself. You can’t give everything every single night and then not have anything for the next night. It’s a certain type of discipline needed to do Broadway. It’s really an eye opening experience. I would absolutely do it again. I had such a great time doing that show.

Clutch: You seem to stay out of the limelight. How do you manage to do so?
Deborah Cox: Well, I live in Florida so it’s not the entertainment Mecca. I moved away from LA to get away from that, same with New York. I’ve always been a very low key person anyway. I know how to separate the celebrity from the normal, especially now with kids. I really like my anonymity. I like to just be mommy and not have to worry about running into any crazy paparazzi. That’s never happened in my case, thank God. The most people do is ask for a picture or autograph and that’s not annoying, that’s fun.

Clutch: Your fourth album, Destination Moon was a tribute to Dinah Washington. What about Dinah made you want to do a tribute to her?
Deborah Cox: I loved the fact that this woman was so diverse. She kind of reminds me of me in a sense. She sang jazz, big band, blues, and gospel. I have the same sort of path. I’m always on the road singing different styles of music. That was what intrigued me about her. Growing up I listened to a lot of her music. My mother played a ton of her songs. I just remember hearing this sassiness and spiciness in her voice. While I was in Aida I thought it would be really cool to do a classic sounding record. After bouncing a lot of ideas around it came down to a Dinah Washington project.

Clutch: Your most famous single, “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” held the record for the longest running number one single on Billboard’s Hot R&B Hip Hop Songs. How did that feel?
Deborah Cox: Oh my gosh, it was such an accomplishment. I was told by so many radio programs that it wouldn’t get played. I’ve been told that it sounds great but, it sounded too much like gospel. There were so many people that weren’t believers at first but, we just kept steadfast and before we knew it was number one. It just sat on the charts. I think there was a message that really resonated with people and ultimately the fans were the ones that kept that one going. That probably was the proudest moment so far.

Clutch: Out of all of your albums which one is the most intimate?
Deborah Cox: This album, because a lot of the songs I wrote. A lot of the topics really reflect things that I wanted to talk about. Like, when John Legend presented The Promise it was right where I was at. It’s a song that was most reflective or where I’m at and where I want to be.

Clutch: What type of album haven’t you made that you’d like to make?
Deborah Cox: I would love to do a Christmas album. Every time the holidays come I’m like “ahhhh.”

Clutch: Besides singing and acting is there anything else that you’d like to explore?
Deborah Cox: There are some things musically and acting wise that I’d like to explore. I’d love to do a romantic comedy and a really good drama. I’d love to do a show that sits either in Vegas or on Broadway.

Clutch: If you’re out on the town or at a red carpet client event what can be found in your clutch?
Deborah Cox: My cell phone, lipstick, and probably a little powder. Probably some gum too.

Clutch: You have to keep the breath fresh, right?
Deborah Cox: Yes (laughs).

Did You Ever Love Me – Deborah Cox

Deborah Cox – Nobodys Supposed To Be Here –

For more information about Deborah Cox please www.myspace.com/deborahcoxand www.deborahcox.com.

He’s been in the music industry for 10 years and you probably didn’t even know it. When it comes to the ladies, he might ask them to “slow down” but he’s not doing such. He’s making strides and doing his own thing. With the start of a new, label Bobby Valentino is presenting The Rebirth.

Clutch: Your next album, The Rebirth is scheduled to come out the top of next year. Can you tell us about it?
Bobby V: It comes out February 10th and the week of Valentine’s Day. I’m very excited about it.

Clutch: Why is the album titled The Rebirth?
Bobby V: It’s a new beginning for me, different material, I worked with a couple of new producers, and it’s a new label. It’s just a new everything so it’s the rebirth of me. It was only right that I named the album that.

Clutch: How is The Rebirth different from your other two albums?
Bobby V: I won’t say that it’s different, it’s a continuation. I think every album people have new experiences and see new things. I’ve been traveling a lot more. I’ve added a couple more countries to my list of places I’ve been since my second album. So those experiences all come across when recording an album. Those experiences will definitely come across when you hear this album.

Clutch: On this album you worked with Raphael Saadiq, who has been in the industry for a very long time. He’s made a huge contribution to R&B as well as Soul music. How was it working with him and did you learn anything from him?
Bobby V: Of course. Whenever you work with someone of his stature and caliber you have to always learn something when you can. So when working with cats like him, Tim and Bob, and producers who’ve been in the game so long, I just try to sit back, not talk as much and listen. Raphael Saadiq definitely put me up on a lot of game as far as the industry, how to stay in it for a long time, as far as spending money, and just little stuff that a lot of artists don’t’ know about . He was one of the coolest cats ever to work with. A lot of people look at him and think he’s weird but, he’s very normal. I sat back and learned as much as I could from him.

Clutch: You’re no longer with Def Jam and Disturbing the Peace. What brought that about?
Bobby V: It was time for me to move on and do my own thing. Over at Def Jam they had a lot of artists and I felt like I wasn’t a priority. As far as DTP it was just a matter of me wanting to do my own thing. I felt like the only way to be like Ludacris was to get from under him and I definitely would love to be like him because he’s a mogul in the game. I just want to apply all the things I’ve learned from him to my own situation.

Clutch: Now you’re with EMI and that’s also the home of your imprint Blu Kolla Dreams. What’s the story behind that name?
Bobby V: It’s all about all the blue collar workers, the people that work hard. The police, the teachers, and the people that pick up the garbage. Just anybody in general, blue collar workers, the people that wake up early in the morning and get off and have to go to sleep because they have to wake up early. That’s what I am as an artist, a blue collar artist. I’m one of those artist that works extra hard and goes the extra mile. You can catch me at Target, Wal-Mart, McDonald’s or any where. That’s really what blue collar is all about. It’s all about working hard. Any artist that I sign will have to have that blue collar mentality where they’re going to have to do all the things that they really don’t want to do. Me as an artist, it’s never been easy for me. It’s always been a hard road so that’s where we got the Blu Kolla from.

Clutch: A lot of people say that R&B isn’t what it used to be. With you being an R&B artist, how do you feel about that?
Bobby V: I feel the same way. R&B is very much overshadowed by Rap. People are saying that they’re bringing R&B back and that it’s coming back but I really don’t see it. If you listen to the radio they don’t play much R&B. The R&B that they do play has to be a song that mixes in with the rap they’re playing. If you’re trying to come out with a slow song as an R&B singer unless you’re Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Beyonce, or Alicia Keys you’re going to have a hard time getting your songs played. I think that’s one main reason that R&B is definitely depreciating. Those years of the 90s, the 80s, and the 70s radio was playing mostly R&B. Now radio is pretty much rap-driven. You don’t hear too much R&B. If you hear it, it’s probably not a slow song. I think R&B is really getting dug in a hole. Real R&B singers aren’t going mainstream anymore, they’re going adult contemporary. You can go on the older stations and catch real R&B maybe from artists that are younger and doing R&B songs but, they’re not going to be mainstream.

Clutch: You’ve been in the game for 10 years now. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment and what’s the most important thing that you’ve learned about the music industry?
Bobby V: My biggest accomplishment is now. Even though I’ve had a couple of number one records and I have a big record right now with Lil Wayne (Mrs. Officer) my biggest accomplishment is having my own label, Blu Kolla. As of now that’s my biggest accomplishment. I think that’s bigger than me having the number one record. The thing about it is keeping my label. A lot of people get labels and they lose them because they don’t produce. I’m just praying that I can keep my situation and that I’m a CEO for years to come because that’s my ultimate goal. The most important thing that I’ve learned is that this is the business of music but it’s not about your music. You can be the hottest artist, sing the best, and look the best but, if you don’t understand the business and you don’t have the right team behind you all of that is in vain. It’s really about the business of music and learning the business, really getting the right team behind you, people that believe in you and are willing to push you and take you to the next level. It’s a lot of good artists out there that people don’t know about, including me. People know my singles but, they don’t get my album and when they do get it they’re like, “Dang I slept on him this long and his music is really good.”

Clutch: You gave yourself the name Bobby Valentino because you were supposed to be born on Valentine’s Day right?
Bobby V: Yes.

Clutch: With a name like that I have to ask what is your take on love and have you found it yet?
Bobby V:

I haven’t actually found true love. I found love in my momma. My mom really loves me and takes care of me. I’m a momma’s boy. Other than that it’s kind of hard. If I find a woman that treats me how my mom treats me, I guess those are hard shoes to fill but, until I find that woman that really wants to take care of me and treat me like I’m a king then I’ll be single and just concentrate on my craft and my career.

I’m actually going to stop looking because when you look you don’t find. A lot of girls show me little signs that show me that they’re not the one. So I just take it as it comes.

Clutch: Artists like Monica, TLC, 50 cent, Keyshia Cole and a few others are doing reality TV. Could you see yourself doing reality TV?
Bobby V: Why not? People think I’m just this bland singer guy. Maybe if they see behind the scenes it might connect the dots to the music. I have a lot of footage of a lot of stuff but, I’ve just never put it together. The thing with me though is I’d rather do a sitcom. I want to do something outside of “reality”. I would like to do something similar to the “Martin Lawrence Show.”

Clutch: Besides music, is there anything else that you’re passionate about?
Bobby V: I’m passionate about clothes and sports. I love playing sports. I also love women a lot. I like just looking at women. I like seeing women in stilettos and women who just take care of themselves. That’s my past time. I can just sit on the side walk and watch women walk by all day.

Clutch: So that’s where the concept of Slow Down came from?
Bobby V: (Laughing) Mmmhmm.

Clutch: There are some people who feel that if they have money they wouldn’t need to go to school. You’re a graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Now that you have a singing career, fame, and some wealth do you feel like attending college was a waste?
Bobby V: No, I’m glad I went to college because it really prepared me. It prepared me for speaking and prioritizing. It just made me well-rounded and All-American. College made me understand what life is going to be like and what it is.

Clutch: While you were in college you pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. Why did you choose Kappa Alpha Psi over all of the other fraternities?
Bobby V: No I didn’t. Everybody thinks that, I didn’t pledge anything. I played sports so I didn’t have time to pledge. I think they made me an honorary member or something.

Clutch: During this past election so many artists and celebrities got involved. How do you feel about politics and our new president?
Bobby V: I never thought in my life that I’d see a Black president so I’m very excited. Obama really seems like he can make a change. He seems like he’s confident in himself and he knows what he wants to do. It’s a blessing; I’ll actually be at the inaugural on January 20th. I think I’ll be performing.

Clutch: Times are changing and there is so much new technology and different news mediums, specifically with blogs. There has been some beef between some artists and some bloggers. How do you feel about the blog world and do you even read blogs?
Bobby V: A lot of times people will send me things that blogs say but I think any press is good press. I just saw something on All Hip Hop about me saying that I cursed my security out. I had a show about three days ago at University of Florida and they wouldn’t let the people come to the stage. It’s kind of hard for me to perform when people are that far away. It kind of frustrated me because I couldn’t feel the vibe. They were talking about me saying I cussed people out but, actually its good press. I appreciate that because I really don’t have enough press. Maybe I need to make a sex tape because maybe I’m too boring in a sense.

Clutch: You were born in Mississippi but you moved to Atlanta which some call “The Black Hollywood”. What is Atlanta to you?
Bobby V: It’s just that, “The Black Hollywood” and “The New Motown of the South”. Its home for me. I have two residencies in Atlanta. My mom, my dad, my sister, and my nephew stay in Atlanta. So I love Atlanta. I’ve been there pretty much all of my life. I went to kindergarten through college in Atlanta. It’s laid back but it still fast at the same time. I’ve been thinking about moving out to Cali but for what? I love Cali too. It’s my second favorite place but I love Atlanta so much it’s hard for me.

Clutch: There are a few artists who have looked to other countries to find success. If at any time you felt that you weren’t successful enough here in the U.S. would you do the same?
Bobby V: Why not? Other countries are pretty much the same. I just left Japan and they love Bobby V. there too. America is over-saturated with celebrities. Everybody is a celebrity from reality TV people to artists. You can definitely go to other countries and make just as much money doing what you love to do. If at any time it didn’t happen in America like I think it was suppose to happen I could definitely do it but, I know God has a plan for me. I also know that America is my stomping ground.

Clutch: What advice would you give to someone trying to get to where you’re at?
Bobby V: Have a plan B and C because it’s hard. The business is even harder than when I first got my deal back in 2005. When I first came out with Slow Down, it was hard then but it’s even harder now. The labels aren’t giving out deals anymore because they’re losing so much money. You really have to grind hard. It’s not as easy as it looks in the videos. People see the videos and its all fun but after that video you probably have a lot of interviews to do, a flight to catch, and you probably have to drive somewhere. It’s a continuous grind and it’s very hard but if you believe in yourself and you believe you can do it then you can make it happen.

For more information about Bobby Valentino please visit www.myspace.com/bobbyvalentino and www.bobbyvalentino.com.

So here are a few ways to keep your breath fresh without chewing gum:

Clutch: Kaira Whitehead was the name you used to go by. Can you explain the name change?
KA: Akita is my middle name. I just prefer it over my last name for my professional name. I’ve been planning to change it for a while now, but decided to move forward with Akita during the taping of Somebodies.

Clutch: What were you doing before you started acting?
KA: I was a marketing professional for several Atlanta nonprofits, including the Alliance Theatre, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and the Ms. Black Georgia USA organization.

Clutch: You have a starring role in BET’s new comedy series, “Somebodies”. Can you tell us what sets “Somebodies” apart from other comedy shows out there?
KA: Somebodies is a smart, well-written comedy that really lets its characters be who they are without being chained down by stereotypes or perceptions. That’s rare in Black television. We always want everyone to portray a “positive” stereotype as a doctor or a lawyer, and in doing so, we often prevent our art from being real and viable. But Somebodies allows its characters to be individuals, flaws and all, and not representatives of an entire race. That inclusiveness is what makes the show so funny and so special.

Clutch: You seem to be a favorite of Tyler Perry. You’ve had roles in The Family That Preys, Why Did I Get Married, Madea’s Family Reunion, and House of Payne. How is it working with Tyler?
KA: It’s been a blessing. He gives new talent the opportunity to shine and to work alongside established actors. That’s such a gift. When on set, I especially appreciate his work ethic and hands-on approach. He knows what he wants and he won’t accept anything less.

Clutch: Do you see yourself in any one of the characters that you’ve played?
KA: I think I have a lot in common with Diva. We’re ambitious, creative, and open to try new things. I don’t have half her energy, though!

Clutch: What character have you enjoyed playing the most?
KA: It’s a tie – Diva on Somebodies and Keisha in Why Did I Get Married. They both have some great over the top moments.

Clutch: On your MySpace page you have that you’d like to meet America’s new president and first lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. If you did have the opportunity what would you say?
KA: Thank you. Other than that, I’d probably be speechless.

Clutch: You’re an instructor for “The Reel Deal Workshop”, which is geared towards actors, writers, and filmmakers new to the industry. Without spilling all the beans of the workshop what’s the best piece of advice you can give to a newbie?
KA: There’s no one path to success in this business. Everyone’s journey is different because every artist is different. But there are some basic things you can do to keep your career on the right track.

Clutch: What do you enjoy more, acting or teaching others about the business?
KA: Acting is definitely my first love. I’m still getting used to the idea of calling myself a teacher. My teachers have been so amazing that it’s hard for me put to myself in that same category. I really just share my experiences and advice to others, and hope that somehow I contribute to their journey as an artist.

Clutch: Some Black actresses have complained that it’s hard to find work. How do you maintain and how are you able to keep your resume updated?
KA: I’ve been really lucky to have great opportunities in Atlanta. But it is a tough business, especially for actors of color. I just try to focus on the factors that I can control – developing my range, playing to my strengths, giving 200% at auditions and on the set, and creating my own opportunities when possible. And I also remain open to work outside of Film and Television, like commercials and hosting segments, to help maintain between bigger projects.

Clutch: What actor or actress would you like to work with that you haven’t already?
KA: Wow, there are too many to name. But a few that come to mind are Phylicia Rashad, Sophie Okonedo, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington and Tina Fey.

Clutch: Are there any upcoming projects that you’d like us to know about?
KA: A few things:
-Just filmed two guest spots as Mr. Brown’s rival on Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, which is coming to TV in January.

–Filming Road Trip 2 this month.

–Producing and performing in a sketch comedy TV pilot.

–Launching the Grand Opening of my new business venture A Clothes Encounter, an upscale consignment shopping party concept, on Dec. 13th from 5pm to 9pm at Like The River The Salon in Inman Park. Shoppers can save up to 75% off retail on upscale consignment fashions while sipping signature cocktails, savoring the sounds of 95.5 the Beat’s DJ Traci Steele, and indulging in exclusive discounts on winter handbags from Champagne Taste. Guests may also purchase designer merchandise donated by local celebrities in support of Dress for Success Atlanta and P.A.L.S.

For more information on Kaira Akita and A Clothes Encounter please visit www.kairaakita.com and www.aclothesencounteronline.com.

Sometimes a good book really is all you need. They have the power to transform, take your mind off of troubles, whisk you to fantasy lands, and even if for a mere hour, allow you peek into the intimate details of someone else’s life. So we’re saluting the authors who keep us on the edge of our seats and leave us wanting more–sharing with you our favorite scribes who put pen to paper and uplift voices for the unheard.

Name: Geneva Holliday
Website: www.genevahollidaybooks.com

Clutch: You just released your fourth novel, Seduction. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
GH: Seduction is a salacious and humorous tale that combines two my favorite types of stories: Makeover and Revenge!

Clutch: Are you currently on tour promoting Seduction?
GH: I just returned from touring a few of the Midwest states.

Clutch: Every since your first book, Groove was published you’ve managed to publish a new book every year. What motivates you to write and publish your books so frequently?
GH: I really enjoy the characters and the story lines. I have such a great time writing these books. I catch myself laughing out loud as the story unfolds. Who wouldn’t want to experience that type of joy and fulfillment as often as possible?

Clutch: Can we expect a new book from you next year?
GH: Yes! Summer 2009, Lover Man will be coming to a bookstore near you. Lover Man picks up where Seduction leaves off.

Clutch: What made you decide to be an author?
GH: I learned to read at a very early age and fell in love with books. I started writing short stories when I was about eight years old and had already decided by the age of twelve that I wanted to be an author.

Clutch: Give us three reasons why people should read your books.
GH: The reader will recognize these characters in themselves and the people around them. They’ll bust a gut with laughter and gain a few new moves they can use in the bedroom.

Clutch: If you could choose one of your books to be made into a movie which one would it be and why?
GH: Why Seduction of course! I believe it would be the best “girlfriend movie” since Waiting to Exhale!

Clutch: Who are some of your favorite authors?
GH: Donna Hill, Gloria Mallette, Margaret Johnson Hodge and Marilyn Griffith…to name a select few.

Clutch: If you were stuck on an island and you could only have one book with you what would it be?
GH: Sugar, by Bernice L. McFadden

Clutch: Besides writing do you have any other passions?
GH: Ethnographic art, fine foods and exotic travel – not necessarily in that order.

Clutch: Is there any advice that you can give to aspiring and upcoming authors and writers?
GH: Stay true to calling. Don’t allow the rejection letters to get you down – use them to fuel your passion for writing. Study the market, be aware of the trends, know your niche, but of all know yourself.