Earlier this week, I made a trip home to Chicago to hear firsthand from some of the inspiring young people and leaders who are a part of Obama Foundation programming.
From meeting in a church I first visited as a young man, to joining the MBK Alliance for a timely conversation, check out this recap video of my visit.
On Wednesday, May 10th, I was proud to help the MBK Alliance celebrate four communities that are doing extraordinary work to address the persistent opportunity gaps young boys and men of color face with real, measurable impact.
The cities of Newark, Omaha, Tulsa, and Yonkers, in partnership with organizations on the ground, are making strides to reduce violence, raise graduation rates, and increase school attendance for students of all ages.
With access to education and mentorship in environments free from violence, these young people are getting a fair shot to live up to their fullest potential. This work is urgent and these communities are setting an example for cities across the country.
I also stopped by Lilydale First Baptist Church on the South Side—where my organizing career began—to meet with Pastor Alvin Love, as well as Obama Foundation Scholars ahead of their graduation.
Pastor Love and I shared some advice with these leaders, who are graduating from the University of Chicago and Columbia University, as they prepare to put the knowledge they’ve gained to work in their own communities.
They give me hope for the future. I look forward to seeing what they achieve in the coming years, and I know you probably do, too.
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO surrounded by successful business owners within her family and a grandmother who shared her life in the entertainment world, Kalonda followed in her footsteps and began dance and music as early as five years old. She began dancing at Judy Best Talent Center and began singing opera at the Fox Theater’s Annual “Nutcracker” production from age 6 – 15 with the Gospel Music Workshop of America.
She has used her many talents and has been blessed with opportunities in various areas of entertainment. She began teaching dance throughout the St. Louis region as early as 19 years of age. In 2010, Kalonda earned a leading role in the historical Urban Hip-Hop musical held at the historical Black Repertory Theater based in St. Louis, MO. “Real Life” was directed and produced by Joel PE. King, founder of JPEK Theatre Group as her first acting experience. She not only had a leading role but was also cast as a lead dancer and vocalist. Kalonda continued to utilize her dance experience throughout the years by performing with many national and local recording artists.
She also received a record deal as a vocal artist with Universal Records at the age of 21. She’s currently an independent lead singer showcasing with various local bands performing at various public and private events throughout the area.
Kalonda recently dabbled more into her acting career. She worked as a lead actor alongside celebrity actor Carl Anthony Payne II for the “On the Set” Summer Film Camp in Nashville, TN and casted on the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Network for an upcoming series and a lead role for “Don’t Go There” on St. Louis Public Radio.
She’s a jack of all trades. Kalonda was also the Associate Director, Lighting Director, and Choreographer for the recent play “Meeting at the Elder’s Circle” under the direction of Joel P.E. King in August 2022, at the Grandel Theatre. In September 2022, she performed two lead monologues for Sankofa Live under the direction of writer Maya Maedell Singh at the Grandel Theatre. She has performed with national and local recording artists. Kalonda recently signed a management deal with Major Moves Music Group. She is co-owner of Under Grace Home Health, Adult Day Program, U.G. Commissary LLC, and New Avenue Inc.
GO BANG! Magazine: Well, hello there Kalonda Kay. You’re a quadruple artistic threat, being a singer, actress, dancer, and performer. What is it about the entertainment industry that attracted you to it?
Kalonda Kay: I truly believe that the industry pulled me in subconsciously. I was too young to know anything about the life of entertainment, however I knew good music when I heard it. I knew how the music made me feel when listening. I realized that it was therapeutic and that because I had a gift to sing, I wanted to share with the world the sensation I received when I listened.
GO BANG! Magazine: Your first talents blossomed in singing and dance. How was your talent discovered and when did you know that you wanted to pursue the entertainment industry professionally?
Kalonda Kay: I have always been very shy, but whenever I was put on any stage, I became a different person. I lost all shyness. My mother was the one who placed me in many events and competitions as early as six years old. At that time, I only knew I enjoyed performing and drowning myself in my talent. Many of my teachers and community groups would sign me up to sing and/or dance for programs and various events. They must have seen something in me that I had no idea would place me where I am today.
GO BANG! Magazine: Soon after, at age 19, you started acting and landed the lead role, lead dancer and vocalist in “Real Life,” an urban, Hip Hop musical. What was the highlight of that fantastic opportunity and what did you learn from it?
Kalonda Kay: I had never acted a day in my life! (Lol) That experience gave me more confidence in my talents and introduced me to the brand-new talent of acting. My highlight was the “baby momma dance.” I would perform in the very beginning of the show. I was interpreting the worst nightmare in my castmate’s dream. The dance was always everyone’s favorite. The entire musical was fast paced and intense, especially since I played so many parts (actor, singer, and dancer.) “Real Life” taught me how to juggle many things at one time, to be quick on my toes, and how to multi-task when it comes to my talents.
GO BANG! Magazine: At the age of 21, you were blessed with a record deal from Universal Records. Being your first commercial record deal had to be quite an exciting time. What did you like the most from that experience and what shocked you the most about the music industry?
Kalonda Kay: Being able to walk into a label and perform for label execs and they see my talent. What a blessing!!! I enjoyed meeting and working with Static Major. What shocked me was to hear him tell me how talented and how professional he thought I was. That meant everything!! He was an amazing talent for the world to witness. Especially ME! I also traveled and enjoyed meeting so many other talented individuals. It was definitely an experience that I’m grateful for.
GO BANG! Magazine: More recently, you’re strengthened your acting chops by working alongside famed “Martin” hit tv sitcom star actor Carl Anthony Payne. Please describe that experience and what it was like working alongside a famed actor.
Kalonda Kay: Wow, Wow, Wow!!! That experience was hilarious and so fulfilling. Before filming, I studied my lines to be sure I would be ready to work with such an icon. However, the day of filming on set with him, he basically freestyled. All my studying went out the window. He pushed me to fall right in order with his goofiness. I was honored. He said I did an awesome job, especially because he was so off script. I enjoyed every minute.
GO BANG! Magazine: You currently have a hit new single “Too Soon”, produced by 3x Grammy Nominated Producer Joe “Capo” Kent. “Too Soon” is bringing back the 90’s feel in a modern way. Please describe your hit single to our readers, “The Bangers”, who may not have heard it yet?
Kalonda Kay: “Too Soon” is a vibe. It’s a song you listen to when you’re doing your weekend cleaning, riding in the car, or pretty much anywhere. The song gives you that 90’s feel, but the video gives you a more visual vibe of the song. I love it and it feels good.
GO BANG! Magazine: What other new music or projects are you working on that our readers should be on the lookout for?
Kalonda Kay: I’m planning to release my next single in June 2023! It’s also synchrotronic to “Too Soon” as far as the vibe is concerned. My goal for my entire project is to create “timeless” music. Something anyone can listen to and enjoy. I’m looking forward to the release. I’m currently lining up shows and appearances to build connections which will lead to more opportunities.
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a super-talented artist, you are also technically gifted, being an Associated Director, Lighting Director, and Choreographer of a recent play “Meeting at the Elders Circle.” Please describe that experience and how working behind the scenes differs from working in front of the camera.
Kalonda Kay: I enjoy the planning and operations of many genres of entertainment, as well as in family or business settings. I’m the “Hostess with the Mostess,” as the saying goes. I go over and beyond with anything that I do. I like to give good products, whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes. What’s important to me is what the audience will like and how it makes them feel. I’m always intentional when it comes to bringing a writer’s vision to life.
When you’re on stage, you can’t see everything. You miss the good stuff, as well as the things that need to be adjusted. When you’re looking from behind the scenes, you see it all. I’m such a perfectionist at times. It’s probably a good thing that I can’t see what’s happening when I’m on stage. (lol)
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also an entrepreneur, being the co-owner of Under Grace Home Health, Adult Day Program, U.G. Commissary LLC, and New Avenue Inc. Please tell our readers about your businesses and how to contact you if they are interested in your services.
Kalonda Kay: I have been working for myself since 2017 and it has been a blessing. I wish I had stepped out on faith many years ago. Yet, I also believe everything happens when it should.
My businesses all focus on helping the community. Each business has its’ specific area of expertise. Under Grace Home Health program helps individuals to receive assistance with daily needs in the comfort of their own homes. The Adult Day Program, on the other hand, gives a safe space for seniors or disabled adults to come and experience many different recreational activities with their peers. UG Commissary provides a commercial kitchen incubator for food truck operators, caterers, bakers, and business owners to create and expand their businesses. New Avenue Inc. is a Non-profit organization that is dedicated to the mental, spiritual, physical and financial enrichment of family by introducing or re-introducing strategies to create healthy sustainable lives and businesses.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what do you want your legacy to be Kalonda Kay?
Kalonda Kay: I want the world to see the joy in my journey. How I didn’t set the bar but allowed GOD to move me as HE saw best. I want to always be remembered for my loving spirit and how I love and accept everyone for who they are. Also, how trauma, bad experiences and things that didn’t work out never poisoned my spirit. Lastly, for those who know me or see me from afar, to remember that I’m always smiling.
GO BANG! Magazine: Well Kalonda Kay, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now been officially BANGED!!! GO BANG!
FOR ADDITIONAL HISTORY, PLEASE FOLLOW KALONDA KAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
ALL YOUR VOTES ARE APPRECIATED! VOTE, THEN SHARE WITH YOUR SUPPORTERS!!!
Mr. Guthrie Lamont Bonnétt has such an interesting life. He is an Army veteran that travels for a living and is a personal photographer for many in the Fashion and House music industry.
Born in Chicago, Illinois’ southside neighborhood of Morgan Park, he attended Morgan Park High School. Upon graduation he joined the 82nd Airborne, United States Army. Out of the military, he had to focus on what lifespan he had left.
In 2013, while he attended college, he opened a store called “A Taste Of Chicago. This earned him the nickname (ATOC). He sold Chicago memorabilia in his store i.e., artwork, sports merchandise, candy etc., while he earned two bachelor’s degrees. He earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and a BS in Social Work.
ATOC still wanted more and decided to attend the Art Institute of Indianapolis, where he earned a third degree. He completed the art school with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Digital Photography. He is not only talented, but also educated and his educational goal became a reality.
He started photographing events for free, then started only taking donations as his professional career started, over 15 years ago. In his first fashion event, he met Sandra Smith-Doghmi, and he began shooting for Red Silk Carpet at The Oscars, New York Fashion Week, Style Fashion Week, Midwest Fashion, Latino Fashion Week, and Amsterdam Fashion Week. ATOC’s photography and modeling career took flight. ATOC’s photography business has been a big asset in his life.
ATOC always enjoyed fashion, but he lacked the confidence to want to model. He enjoyed what he saw through the lens. He started to follow his dream to start modeling, as he began losing weight, about five years ago. He started off at 365 lbs and now he’s comfortable, weighing between 225 – 240 lbs. His lowest weight was 198.7 lbs.
Currently, he’s been turning heads modeling and doing photography during “The Oscars”, “The Soul Train Awards”, “New York Fashion Week”, “LA Fashion Week” and other runway shows. Guthrie’s loving the opportunities he’s been given to model at 52 years young and looks forward to doing more photography and modeling internationally in 2023.
Guthrie says, “I’m humbled to have worked with some amazing designers, artist, celebrities, and photographers. A couple of my personal photographers that I go to when I’m being photographed are Jerome Lynch of Jerome Lynch Photography in Gary, IN and Peter Koutun of Peter Koutun Photography in Chicago, IL.
Shout out to everyone living their dreams because I believe #DreamsAreMeantToBeLived!
GO BANG! Magazine: What is it about photography that attracted you to it?
ATOC: The one thing about photography that attracts me to it is the opportunity it gives me to actively participate in capturing moments and sharing them with others.
GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you’ve created quite a name for yourself. What are some of your most memorable photo gigs you’ve had thus far?
ATOC: Over the years, some of my more memorable moments as a personal photographer have been covering “The Oscars” and “Oscar” related events with Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago. There’s nothing like covering “The Red Carpet” in Hollywood for “The Oscars.”
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your style of photography?
ATOC: The best way to describe my style of photography is me capturing moments and sharing them with others. It’s more like a personal photographer or a photojournalistic approach to each shooting opportunity. I’ve done it all, from studio work to corporate events, a personal photographer for many artists in the Chicago House music community, to sports, to weddings and divorce parties.
Back then, I had to go get a fake high school ID to get into Mendel (Catholic high school in Chicago) gymnasium House parties back in 1984. I started following “The King of House Music” Farley Jackmaster Funk, and today I’ve had the privilege of photographing his family and their events.
I’m currently shooting House parties for many DJs, Event Planners, and musical artists in the industry from beginning to end, which includes the DJ’ing, the dancing, and the mingling. I’m capable of printing images on the spot and take pride in making myself available to travel more and doing events outside of Chicago.
I take pride in the face that I’VE NEVER CHARGED A CLIENT FOR MY SERVICES, BUT HAVE ONLY TAKEN DONATIONS SINCE I BEGUN PROFESSIONALLY BACK IN 2005.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you become interested in the fashion area of photography?
ATOC: As far back as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed taking photos of others, as well as being photographed. While in school getting my BA in Digital Photography at The Art Institute of Indianapolis and in Chicago, I started shooting events as an opportunity to start promoting my BRAND as a personal photographer.
I came to Chicago mostly to shoot, due to it not being as many opportunities in central Indiana (Lafayette, In). My first event was a Meet & Greet and Fashion Show that followed. That day, I started asking others there if they had anyone there taking photos of them for their personal use. Most said no. I then began shooting one event and cover photos for anyone in hope of getting them that night. That’s how I started shooting photography in Chicago for Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago, and that’s how I still roll to this date.
GO BANG! Magazine: Fashion photography is your forte, but you’ve always wanted to be in front of the camera, but lacked the confidence, being overweight. Please explain to our readers what happened and inspired you to lose weight.
GUTHRIE AT HIS HEAVIEST WEIGHT OF 365 LBS.
2005
ATOC: When I first started losing weight, if I didn’t lose the weight, my health would have continued to decline. I wanted to take the shortcut and have the surgery. But to even qualify to have it, you must show that you can change your lifestyle. I was asked to lose 25 – 50 lbs. I said that if I could start losing the weight on my own, I would continue losing without the surgery. I never had it and I just kept losing it, one pound at a time.
GO BANG! Magazine: At your heaviest, you were up to 365 lbs. You reached an all-time low of 198.7 lbs. Currently you’re between 225 lbs. – 240 lbs. How did you lose the weight and how has your life changed?
ATOC: I changed my portion sizes, cut out the sugars, drunk more water, and ate mostly plant based items. I never missed meals because when you miss meals your body stores fat to prevent starvation. I do moderate exercises three to five times a week. I, like everyone else, go back and forth with weight loss and gain. I just try to not stay too far away from these basics and I’ve kept the weight off.
GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve had the opportunity to live your dreams of being a model and have graced the runways all over. Currently you’re in a competition presented by WORLD GRAMMY 2022’S BEST IN THE BUSINESS. Your category is “Male Model of The Year.” Please tell our readers about the competition, how they can vote for you and when it ends.
GO BANG! Magazine: What would winning this competition mean to you?
ATOC: Winning the Male Model of The Year competition would reinforce my DREAM MODEL, which is:
1. COME UP WITH A PLAN 2. COME UP WITH A TEAM 3. FIND OUT STRENGTHS/WEAKNESS 4. IMPLIMENT PLAN
“NO ONE CAN EVER DENY YOU THE RESULTS OF THE WORK THAT YOU PUT INTO SOMETHING!”
GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to someone that is overweight but wants to start the weight loss journey?
ATOC: If you come to the conclusion that you need or would like to lose weight, then you’ve already won half the battle. Now, all you must do is BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN DO THIS, ONE DAY AT A TIME. Just start, don’t stop! If you do get stagnated, just press your RESTART BUTTON, and “P.U.S.H.” (PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS)
GO BANG! Magazine: What advice would you give to a budding photographer who doesn’t know exactly how to get into the business?
ATOC: If you think PHOTOGRAPHY is for you, find people that inspire you in the industry, do homework, and follow their lead. Practice capturing moments and then “WELCOME TO THE GUILD OF PHOTOGRAPHY!!!”
GO BANG! Magazine: What can our readers, THE BANGERS, expect from ATOC soon?
ATOC: The BANGERS can expect ME WALKING AND PHOTOGRAPHING THE RUNWAY INTERNATIONALLY IN 2023.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what do you want your legacy to be?
ATOC: Just know that the LEGACY OF #ATOC will be helping those in need of HIS HELP, without ever charging them a dime. I’VE NEVER CHARGED ANYONE FOR MY SERVICES SINCE DAY 1. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY WORK BEING STRICTLY DONATION BASED!
GO BANG! Magazine: Well, ATOC, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now been officially BANGED!!! GO BANG!
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
I’m sooo excited to be a guest on the “Music & Medicine” podcast with the incredible Moshe Lewis MD. Thank you my brother! Great big shout out to the best Publicist in the world…mines Desirae L. Benson for connecting me. THANKS ARIES QUEEN!
Born in Chicago, raised in South Bend, IN, Anthony Tswang Gullens is a graduate from John Adams High School, Ivy Tech College and attendee of IUSB College for Business. He got started doing music while living in Chicago, IL from listening to his uncles’, mother, father, and grandparents’ listening to Blues, Funk, R&B, Pop, and Gospel music. He picked up his first instrument while imitating Michael Jackson and James Brown on TV. From elementary, through high school and some college, Tswang got into music classes and vocal choir. Fast forward to 1994, he was in a group by the name of N.I.N.E and wrote his first hit for the group which aired on a local radio station (Smoking99.1FM) from his hometown in South Bend, IN. Since then, Tswang has opened for Drake, Lyfe Jennings, Jeremih, Carl Thomas, Ginuwine, The Notre Dame Football Pep Rally, Trina, Sonya D, Michael Colyar, Michel’le, Full Force, Bizzy Bone, Jagged Edge, Usher, The Whispers, Rome, and Public Announcement.
Tswang, the multi-talented producer, writer, singer, and performer, is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting artists in the music industry today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic figures in R&B and pop music, including Babyface, Roger, Michael Jackson, and Teddy Riley. Gullens’ music is characterized by its smooth melodies, infectious rhythms, and soulful vocals.
As a producer, Gullens brings a unique vision to the table, combining his knowledge of music theory with his creativity and expertise in the studio to create rich, dynamic soundscapes that enhance the emotional impact of his songs.
Photo courtesy of Dj Rick Williams
As a writer, his lyrics are heartfelt and honest, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and the world around him.
As a singer and performer, Gullens brings a powerful presence to the stage, commanding the attention of his audience with his electrifying performances and magnetic charisma. His ability to connect with his fans on a deep level, both through his music and his live shows, has helped him build a loyal following and establish himself as one of the most exciting artists in the industry.
Gullens’ music has been featured on various platforms, and he has collaborated with several well-known artists in the music industry.
His brand-new singles “V.I.P Status” feat Lady Resin, and his groundbreaking single “I Aint No Quit-TA” are streaming on Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer and Apple Music.
VIP Status video
The second song, “I Aint No Quitta” written by myself and produced by J-Stylz from the Grammy Award winning group Blackstreet, is available on all digital platforms. Tswang even submitted some material to the “New Jack Swing King” himself, Teddy Riley.
“V.I.P Status feat Lady Resin” and “I Aint No Quitta” are finely crafted studio productions, fully written by Tswang. “V.I.P. Status” features the powerful vocals of both Tswang and Lady Resin. The track is intense with its bass-filled beats. “I Ain’t No Quitta ” features a fully realized hip hop melody with Tswang’s unique take on Hip Hop.
Tswang has gained fame opening for artists and writing songs for other artists in the studios like Teddy Riley. He also worked with Thrill Tha Playa from the 69 Boyz.
Tswang is quickly becoming a headliner in the hip hop scene.
Photo courtesy of DJ Rick Williams
GO BANG! Magazine: As a child, you had a talent in music and singing. Which instruments do you play and how long have you been performing?
Tswang: Yes, from what my mom says, I was always singing and dancing. Even in my pampers, I would be beating on the walls or trying to play on the red and white piano at our church, back in Chicago.
My main instrument is the Talk box. It’s the instrument that Teddy Riley, Roger Troutman, and his brothers Zapp, were known for. I also play keyboards. I can play drums, bass, and piano a little too. I used to play the violin and flute back in the day.
GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the groups or artists that influenced you and why?
Tswang: I’m mostly inspired from some of the most iconic figures in R&B and Pop music, including Al B Sure, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Roger Troutman, Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, and Usher.
GO BANG! Magazine: If you had the opportunity to perform with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Tswang: Hands down, Michael Jackson, Al B Sure, Prince, and Teddy Riley.
Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Photography
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe Tswang the artist’s sound?
Tswang: I have always said I do Funk Hop, because of the wide range of musical influences. I listen to everything from Gospel, Rock, Pop, Jazz, EDM, and House music. I like Prince, Rick James, and Parliament. I also like Old School R&B like Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday. Then there’s Blues songs from B. B. King, Howling Wolf, and Muddy Waters.
My style is heavily influenced by Hip Hop, Bass Music, New Jack Swing, and anything by Quincy Jones or Stevie Wonder. You see what I mean? With Funk Hop I can do anything I want musically!
GO BANG! Magazine: What do you think about the current state of R&B and Hip Hop music?
Tswang: I think R&B and Hip Hop are at a level of expansion. We’ve always had changes in music over the years, from Blues, to Rock, Jazz to B Bop, R&B to Disco to Funk, to Hip Hop, to Rap, to New Jack Swing to Dirty South, to Mumble Rap, etc. History has proven that change is bound to happen. I think everything that’s happening in music right now is necessary.
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a performer and a multi-instrumentalist, you are also a producer. How would you describe your production style?
Tswang: My production style varies. It depends on a lot of things, like what’s going on in my life or what I see or hear. Any producer, writer or arranger will tell you this. The way we produce is by what mood we are in or going through. Now there are a few of us who can give you an upbeat song even though we are feeling sad or a sad song when we are feeling completely happy. That’s where the said “genius” comes in. That’s where you learn to get out of the way and let the magic happen.
Teddy Bop video
GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also a dancer and you’ve created a dance and a movement called “Teddy Bop.” What inspired you to create the movement, the dance and how do you do it?
Tswang: Yes, I really do love dancing and creating new dance steps. It’s just one of my passions. The Teddy Bop dance was inspired by the one and only “King of New Jack Swing” himself, Teddy Riley.
Back in 2016, I had the pleasure of meeting Teddy Riley and J-Stylz after a “Black Street featuring Dave Hollister and Teddy Riley” show. This was in Indianapolis at the Black Expo. Any and everyone who knows me know that Teddy Riley is like one of my favorite producers.
So, I got a chance to talk with him about it. My A&R person, Oscar Shorty G Gullens, set up a meeting to happen between us. So, there was the man who had influenced my music career standing right in front of me. First, I met J-Stylz, one of the newest and younger members of the Black Street aka BS2 group. I got a chance to let him know that the show was amazing, and we talked about music and writing songs. We exchanged numbers right then and there because he was looking for some talk box on a couple of songs. Like I said earlier, the talk box is my instrument of choice.
Photo courtesy of Debi Landry Photography
After we finished talking, I could hear this group of women singing for Teddy Riley. He listened and gave some tips. Then Shorty G said, “Now listen Swang, you are going to meet him.” My heart dropped to the floor. But before I could even get myself together, there he was right in front of me saying. “What up T?” I looked at Shorty G, he looked back at me, and all I could do was smile and show him my music.
So, Teddy Riley asked me a question only true talk box players know the answer too. He said, “So tell me, did you downsize your tube?” My voice cracked and I said “Yes.” Not too many people will know the feeling of having Teddy Riley listening to your music while my friend, DJ Quicks Track and my Talk Box on top of music and be straight dancing to it. But yep, it happened to me.
But I’m not done. After we started to talk, we talked about songwriting and production and the new stuff he’s got coming out. I was asked to write some songs for the GUY Album, Black Street and his Solo Book project. So, Teddy Bop was one of the first songs I had wrote for Teddy Riley. But he wanted something slower. So, I kept it for myself. And put a dance to it, shot a video for it, and the rest is history. But that’s not all! I had started working on music with J-Stylz, who is now like my brother, and Teddy ended up calling my house, through Shorty G, and was like, “Swang. What’s up bro? Were you able to get the songs finished?” I’m like, “Yes, I have seven for you already registered with BMI and ready to go.” Right after that phone call, I got a call from both lead singers from the group TROOP (Allen and Steven) about working on some new songs, then Thrill Da Playa, from the 69 Boyz, J T Money, Uncle Luke, etc.
Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Photography
GO BANG! Magazine: Where do you see Tswang in the next five years?
Tswang: I see myself as an artist, writer, and producer mentioned amongst the top names. I see headlining with sold out shows. I see myself giving back to my community. I see myself as a top business “go to”, because I will be so wealthy from all my wonderful investments, which will enable me to bring wealth to my family. SUPERSTAR STATUS!
GO BANG! Magazine: What can our readers expect from you in the near future?
Tswang: April 2nd of this year, I will be giving a “Fan Appreciation Party” to all my superfans from the South Bend, IN community. I will be shooting a video to my new single “What I’ve Been Waiting On” feat Shorty G. With the pandemic being not as bad, I will be doing some live shows TBA and more radio interviews. I also have new music with J-Stylz coming and a lot of features coming through the label I’m signed under, Bentley Records. My latest is the “Arcane Compilation” album, which is #1 in top Hip Hop/Rap albums in Belgium’s Amazon charts Top 10. It had Bow Wow, Ayoo KD, Aridbeatz, Future, and Luca Dayz.
The next drop will be with Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane. This project, “Celebrity Compilation” is anticipated to be dropping during the upcoming couple of weeks.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what do you want your legacy to be?
Tswang: I truly just want to make music to inspire and create some type of escapism. I want you to feel good, dance, have fun, understand, and be thankful for this thing called life. It is truly a blessing, even in all its ups and downs. We all are going through something. The key is to just keep on living.
I want to be able to create generational wealth and tell our story from our perspective so that people can see that we are not animals that live for death. Our people are intelligent and heartwarming individuals. We are soldiers, but underneath the shield, we are people.
GO BANG! Magazine: Well Tswang, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now been officially BANGED!!! GO BANG!
Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Photography
Upcoming Events
Thursday, March 23 Wedding Reception • Md, MD • 7:00pm
Sunday, April 2 Tswang Fan Appreciation Party at The Majestic on the River • South Bend, IN • 6:00pm
YOU CAN FOLLOW TSWANG ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
All photos courtesy of Je’Niece McCullough & Facebook.com/Je’NieceMcCullough
Je’Niece is the only child of the late and legendary comedian Bernie Mac. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. She worked for several years in social service. In 2005, she left the field and began working for her father as his assistant. They worked closely together until he died in 2008.
After her father’s death, Je’Niece began working as Vice-President of his foundation, The Bernie Mac Foundation. While working for the foundation, she unlocked her hidden gift of speaking. She has been a featured speaker for several events, including The Black Women’s Expo, Heart & Soul Women of Excellence Awards, and Everest College’s 2012 Commencement Program. She has since stepped down as Vice-President of the foundation but continues to speak regularly on issues such as women’s empowerment, Sarcoidosis awareness, and overcoming depression.
Je’Niece has appeared on several news outlets, television shows, and documentaries. She is a published author and has been featured in several publications, including Today’s Black Chicago Woman and Ebony magazine, as well as several collaboration books. She currently writes for Medium.com.
Je’Niece lives in the south suburbs of Chicago with her daughter, Jasmine.
Je’Niece with her mother, father and a bride
GO BANG! Magazine: Where were you born and raised?
Je’Niece McCullough: I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your childhood and teen years?
Je’Niece McCullough: Hmm…I’m not sure I have a descriptor. It was all I knew. There were good times, not so good times, and just about everything in between. It’s probably easy for me to have difficulty describing my childhood because I was so disconnected from myself as a kid. I was more concerned with making sure the adults around me were ok—which they never seemed to be. I remember everything being a big deal and I was usually left wondering why things were so difficult when it seemed like they could have been much simpler.
GO BANG! Magazine: Do you have a role model, or someone that you look up to or who inspires you? If so, who would that be?
Je’Niece McCullough: I don’t have a role model. My dad was the closest thing I had to one. I looked up to him, and not because of his fame, but because he was a superhero in my eyes, and I desperately wanted his love and approval. I always admired how sure he seemed of himself because that was the complete antithesis of how I was.
Four generations of family
GO BANG! Magazine: As you got older, your father Bernie Mac, began to get famous as the legendary comedian we all know and love? How did his fame affect you and your personal life growing up? What were some of the challenges and advantages?
Je’Niece McCullough: My dad becoming famous was surreal. While he was simply Daddy to me, he was this larger-than-life thing to others. It changed how people saw me. I wasn’t just Je’Niece, but this this extension of my dad. It was like I wasn’t allowed to have an identity separate from him. I literally went from being teased and bullied one school year because I didn’t have enough money to dress well in others’ eyes, to being lauded for being best dressed the next year. Keep in mind, we still didn’t have money and I was wearing the same clothes they were teasing me about. Lol. Then came the hatred just for being me. Suddenly people hated me because I was Bernie Mac’s daughter. It was either I was doing too much, or I wasn’t doing enough. It was weird and truthfully, it still is. The obvious advantages were that I got to witness my dad achieve the success he always dreamed of. That was amazing. And his success provided great perks—no longer having to worry about money, opportunities for travel, meeting famous people. The challenges involved having to work hard to remain grounded in a sea of people who would exalt or punish me in a blink of an eye. And knowing who to trust. So many wanted to be around me, but it was hard to know who was really there for me vs. who was there to have the chance to say they were friends with “Bernie Mac’s daughter.”
GO BANG! Magazine: What are some of your fondest memories that you had with your dad?
Je’Niece McCullough: Some of my fondest memories that I had with my dad are in my early years, long before his fame. I was a Daddy’s girl at that time. He would take me just about everywhere with him—the beach, to the community center where he coached basketball. He would even comb my hair and take me to school in the morning. I loved being with him. He was my everything.
Je’Niece with her parents
GO BANG! Magazine: The public is very aware of your famous father, but not so many know about your mother. Could you tell our readers a little about your mother?
Je’Niece McCullough: My mom is my dad’s high school sweetheart. They actually met when they were like 13-14 years old, but she thought he was ugly and ran away. Lol. They met again in high school and while she didn’t remember him, he remembered her. She always says she still thought he was ugly, but she changed her mind once she talked with him because he was so nice and charming. Once they married, she took care of our family on the domestic front, even after she went to nursing school. She would go to school and work, come home, cook dinner, and clean and make sure we were good. She did that for years—even after my dad began to achieve financial success. I always say she was the yin to my dad’s yang. While my dad was the dreamer, she was the realist. While my dad was like “I’m going to be rich and famous one day,” she was the one who was like, “Yeah ok, but what are we going to do now?” Once she stopped working as a nurse, she took care of my dad’s books.
GO BANG! Magazine: Besides being Bernie Mac’s daughter, you are also your own person doing great things that the readers need to know about. You are a beautiful and intelligent young woman who holds a Psychology degree and worked in Social Service for many years. Why is it important for you to work with the community?
Je’Niece McCullough: Well thank you. I appreciate the kind words. I have always been passionate about doing what I can to help others. When I went to school, I originally went with the goal to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon. As I progressed in my studies, I realized I didn’t have the heart for that, but I did fall in love with psychology. In studying psychology, I began to understand how much our unconscious minds are running the show. It’s so easy to look at others through a superficial lens. However, we need to go deeper to truly get to the heart of the matter. Most of my time in social services has been spent in the addiction community. I saw how much it is needed because those are the people that get disregarded most often. We all need support, most especially those of us who get written off as the worst.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also a doula. Please explain what that is and why you do it.
Je’Niece McCullough: I am a birth and labor and postpartum doula. A doula is a professional labor assistant whose role is to provide emotional and physical support to those who are birthing babies and their partners to help them achieve the most healthy and satisfying experience. I became interested in becoming a doula years after I gave birth to my daughter. I hated my birth and postpartum experience and I wanted to do whatever I could to help those around me who became pregnant so that they didn’t have the same regrets and dissatisfaction as me. The more I offered help, the more my desire for knowledge and ways to support grew. I learned that we so often neglect to support birthing individuals as well as we should. We tend to take for granted the birthing process because women have been birthing babies since the dawn of time, but it’s a complicated process—not only physically, but emotionally as well—especially for Black women in this country. It was important to me to do what I can to help.
GO BANG! Magazine: You worked with your father until he passed in 2008 and then began working as Vice-President of The Bernie Mac Foundation. Tell our readers, THE BANGERS, about the foundation’s mission.
Je’Niece McCullough: My father was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in 1986. At that time, there wasn’t much known about the disease, and sadly, in the early 2000s, that had not changed. He started the foundation to bring awareness to Sarcoidosis and to raise funds to aid in research towards a cure. GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve moved on from the foundation and started your career as a speaker. What are some of the topics that are important to you that you speak on at your various events?
Je’Niece McCullough: I moved on from the foundation over a decade ago. As important as I believe the foundation is, I learned that running a nonprofit was not my gift. I’ve been speaking for about a decade as well. Topics that are important to me to speak about are mental health, especially overcoming depression, women’s empowerment, and living authentically.
GO BANG! Magazine: You have collaborated with various authors on numerous published books. Please tell our readers more about these books.
Je’Niece McCullough: I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a couple of collaborations with wonderful women. It’s been an honor to be included with these women because they’ve done some wonderful things in their lives. One book is Transition: Create the Life You Desire. It includes 16 phenomenal women telling their stories of how they opted to follow their dreams and take a leap of faith. The other is titled What is a Courageous Woman, presented by the beautiful Telishia Berry. It is just as it’s titled, beautiful courageous women sharing their definition of a courageous woman. I’ve also been featured in Ebony magazine.
GO BANG! Magazine: You also have a blog, “Bernie’s Daughter.” Please tell our readers about your blog and why you started it.
Je’Niece McCullough: I have always loved to write and help others. The blog fuses the two. I share my life experiences in the hopes that others can see themselves and know that they are not alone and that they can glean something that may help them to not give up, to course correct their own lives, and sometimes to even laugh. The title came about because I’ve always struggled with being known as “Bernie Mac’s daughter.” It was my attempt to claim that for myself instead of feeling like it was always being thrust upon me.
Je’Niece with her daughter Jasmine and dad
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to doing all that you do, you are also a mother to your daughter Jasmine. Tell us about your daughter and what dreams you have for her life in the future.
Je’Niece McCullough: My daughter is the best person in the world! I always say that I got lucky. I got to be raised by one soulmate and then had the privilege to give birth to my other one. She’s a beautiful soul—kind, funny, and quite creative. She has a lot in common with me and her grandfather. As far as my dreams, I learned a long time ago that I am the vessel and guardian of her. That’s a great responsibility, however, it does not grant me the right to dream for her. She came here to live her own life and so I only dream that she lives life authentically, on her own terms, that she knows her worth, that she loves well and is loved in return and that no one (not even I) gets in her way.
GO BANG! Magazine: If you had one chance to spend one day with your dad again, how would you spend it?
Je’Niece McCullough: I used to think it would be something grand. But now? I’d probably just spend the day sitting in his lap like I used to, just talking, and laughing. I’d show him “Black Dynamite” because I still hate he didn’t live to see that movie. I know he’d crack up laughing the entire time. I’d get him his favorite food, and his MGD (Miller Genuine Draft), and watch him marvel at his granddaughter. And I would cherish every moment.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what do you want your legacy to be?
Je’Niece McCullough: I want my legacy to be that I loved with my whole heart and that I made life a little more joyous and bearable for (if even just a little) for others.
GO BANG! Magazine: Well, Je’Niece, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!
You can follow Je’Niece on ALL social media platforms @berniesdaughter
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!!!
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Tonya Howell has been part of the dance music scene since she moved to Chicago in 1996. Back then she followed her favorite DJs from underground rave parties to the late-night clubs of the late 90s and early 2000s and found herself dancing til the sun came up at places like Rednofive, Red Dog, Smart Bar. Tonya fell in love with Deep House and can still dance all night with the right DJ and selection of songs, a booming sound system, and of course, a little room to move. She creates an energy on the dance floor that can get the party started or allow for time to heal and release. Dance has become a kind of therapy for Tonya. It brings her pure joy and happiness – whether she’s dancing all day long at West Fest, the Silver Room Block Party, or Brunchlox or getting out after a long day at work. Tonya is not short on energy to dance and has been told it is a bit contagious – which is what sparked her nickname, Tee Boogie. She brings the boogie everywhere she goes!
Tee Boogie and Abantu Price
Photo courtesy of: Victor Price
Tonya is also a mother of two, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She is currently the Executive Director of Intonation Music, bringing the joy and power of music to young folks on the southside of Chicago. Intonation serves 3rd through 12th grade students in the Greater Bronzeville community and gives them a space to share their voice and explore their many talents through the formation of live bands and through digital music production. She’s passionate about what she does and loves to center music in both her personal and professional lives.
Tonya Howell and House music go hand-in-hand and that will likely never change. It gives her life and purpose, and she shows up again and again to give back to the house music community by spreading positive energy and love. Tonya says, “Chicago is House Music, and House Music is love.”
Manifest magic in all you do! 💫✨
GO BANG! Magazine: Where were you born and raised?
Tonya Howell: I was born in Miami, FL but was raised in my parents’ hometown of Englewood, NJ and in a small town near Dayton, OH then right outside of Philly then right outside of Detroit and then eventually landed in Oak Park, IL and Chicago. I moved a lot as a kid but found my home in Chicago!
GO BANG! Magazine: How and when did you get introduced to the House community?
Tonya Howell: After moving to Oak Park during my senior year of high school in 1996, I met some friends who invited me to a rave party. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I was eager to get out and hear some music after moving away from the Detroit Punk and Ska scene. As soon as I walked into the enormous warehouse space with hundreds of people and purple and blue and orange lights and banging bass, I immediately fell in love. From that point on, I found a rave party every single weekend and convinced my parents (who were feeling guilty about the move) to let me stay out without a curfew. The parties started at 11pm and I always danced ’til at least noon the next day – rarely leaving the dance floor, allowing the sounds and vibrations from the speakers to fuel me all night long and into the next day.
Photo courtesy of: Marc Monoghan
GO BANG! Magazine: What is it about House that attracts you to it?
Tonya Howell: I feel at home with House Music. House is a feeling that moves through my entire body and does not allow me to sit still. I dance to House when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m stressed and need a release, when I need to heal. I’ve met so many amazing people on the dance floor, and we understand each other deeply through experiencing the music and the energy in a shared space and vibe.
GO BANG! Magazine: As a House dancer, how would you describe your dance style and the feeling that House music gives you?
Photo courtesy of: Yvette Magallon
Tonya Howell: My style of dance is uniquely me and flows with the various styles of House music. I can bounce, I can jack, I can move my feet or swing my hips depending on who is playing and which songs and beats they have chosen. But mostly, I am a SOLO house music dancer. I don’t need a dance partner and I prefer to move around the party spreading positive vibes without having to lead or follow anyone else. When I dance I feel free, I feel pure joy, and I feel energized. I can dance all day or all night when the bass is bumping and the song selection speaks to me.
GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of your favorite House DJs?
Tonya Howell: My all-time favorite House Music DJs who I followed from the rave scene to the clubs to the underground parties and who still keep me on the dance floor today are Jevon Jackson and Diz. I always loved dancing to Gene Farris, Glenn Underground, Frique, Mark Farina, Derrick Carter, Gene Hunt, Paul Johnson, and the list goes on. I also find myself moving to the sounds of DJ Lady D, Duane Powell, Julius the Mad Thinker, Osunlade, and many others. I know I am leaving out some favorites because we are absolutely spoiled in Chicago with so many amazing DJs, so many dance floors, and house music events happening literally every single night of the week.
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to be a lover of House, you are also an educator and a nonprofit leader in the community. Please describe to our readers your commitment to the youth as the Executive Director of Intonation Music.
Tonya Howell: One of the most important aspects of House Music is that it was born out of pure creativity, innovation, and breaking barriers. House explored new sounds and combined music-making tools in unique ways. House spoke to and included folks who maybe didn’t always fit into the mainstream. The underground became home to many, including myself. My work at Intonation Music allows me to support young people on the southside of Chicago to explore their unique sound, uncover their many talents, and make music in innovative ways. In order to do that, the students first learn the skill of playing instruments and forming a live band. This way they have the foundation that allows them to create and innovate in exciting ways. Our students at Intonation inspire me when they learn a new, challenging skill or when they write their own songs. We provide access to high-quality music instruction and instruments in communities that were stripped of arts programming. We know our students are incredibly talented and deserve the best when it comes to arts education. I feel honored to participate in this important work and lucky that music is at the heart of it.
Photo courtesy of: Obi Soulstar
GO BANG! Magazine: How do you tie music into your professional career, working with the students?
Tonya Howell: I started teaching in Chicago in 2001 and I have always shared my love of House with my students and fellow teachers. We would have dance breaks in the middle of the day, and I would share my favorite songs and mixes with them. This was a great way to let my students into my world and make meaningful connections through music and dance. Now as the Executive Director of a music education nonprofit, I continue to share my love for House with my organization, with the community, and with the students we serve. I have added House Music to start and end our community events and our larger fundraising events as well. The music brings people together and often gets people of all ages up and moving. My passion for youth development, engagement in my community, and my love for House Music are all at the center of my life, both personally and professionally.
GO BANG! Magazine: How has House, the music and the community, changed your life?
Tonya Howell: House gives me life and has been the one constant for me since my first party in ’96. I’ve earned 3 degrees, been married and divorced, raised 2 amazing children, seen relationships come and go, moved throughout the city, traveled across the globe, and House Music has been present and an important part of each adventure and throughout my entire journey.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what would you like your legacy to be?
Tonya Howell: I have heard so many times, “you are that lady who is always dancing” or ” I saw you dancing at such-and-such event” or “of course, you were out dancing”! I am proud to be called a dancer and my legacy is felt by those who can vibe off of my energy and who I have energized on the dance floor. I’ve been called a fire starter, a spark plug. I’ve been told that my energy is contagious. I hope that all of that energy for dancing inspires my own children, Tzoe Skye and Zia Rey, to find their passions and to always create space for what brings them joy.
Facebook link of Tee Boogie jammin’ in the car with her two children, Tzoe Skye and Zia Rey, listening to a House mix by Jevon Jackson titled “Note to Self.”LINK: https://www.facebook.com/1250236231/posts/10222586846520447/
GO BANG! Magazine: Well Tee Boogie, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!
You can follow Tonya on ALL social media platforms.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!!!
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
David Stamps is a 55-year-old, LGBT, veteran, living in St. Albans, Queens, NYC. He’s recently been named 2023-24 Artist-in-Residence at The Kennedy Center by Karina Galiano, at THE REACH program, for the cultural and social impact of his latest project. a poetry play entitled,” The Black Bullet Dichotomy” aka “The BBD.”
“The BBD” is a negative-low-energy matrix created to dehumanize the Black family for a free, powerful, labor force to power a perverted version of the “American Dream.” Where the Black man is deemed 3/5ths of a man. You can’t take a piece of paper and transform a man from 3/5ths a man to a whole man. Either he was a man in the beginning, and you lied, or he’ll never be a man in your eyes. That’s why they have no problem killing us.
The Black family must employ unconditional love, spiritual alignment, and in-depth understanding of “The Law of Attraction” to bypass this culture-specific travesty. The BBD is a CHOREOPOEM of one poet’s existential crisis concerning the unhealthy relationship forced on the Black man in reference to the bullet in America using Hip Hop, Spoken Word/Poetry, Dance, and Song. It’s quite literally where Hip Hop meets The Twilight Zone!
The BBD was hand-picked as a finalist in the AITAF Bridge Award Competition for 2022 by Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Paula Vogel. It afforded David a three-day writing retreat on Cape Cod with Paula. She also mentoring him with the marketing for the ground-breaking play.
Karina Galiano, the Social Impact Director at REACH, will be forwarding his package to THE ROOTS, the house band for The Jimmy Fallon Show. They’re already in-residence at The Kennedy Center, to do the original score for the BBD. Also, Debbie Allen, Oprah Winfrey, and Simone Echols, the Curator of Hip Hop at The Kennedy Center, will be receiving the package in the coming weeks.
Lastly, the BBD has been selected to kick-off the 50 year anniversary celebration of The Frank Silvera Workshop, in association with The Billie Holiday Theater’s Virtual “New Play Reading Series” scheduled for February 26, 2022, at 7PM EST. That’s the last Sunday in Black History Month. It’ll be completely online, FREE OF CHARGE, and if you can’t make the actual Virtual, online performance it’ll be posted on YouTube.
THE BLACK BULLET DICHOTOMY WRITTEN BY: DAVID M. STAMPS SYNOPSIS A moment of your time, I’d like to make the case for Black-on-Black rhyme…
I grew up on the means streets of Detroit, Mich. There was this brother, let’s say his name was,” QP!” Now QP was LGBT. To be LGBT, in the H-O-O-D, now that’s a hard thing to be. So QP picked up that gun, and he got his respect too, but he got shot down dead in the street.
I was LGBT in the H-O-O-D, but I had emotional intelligence. So that’s what The BBD address, the decisions this poet makes when he feels unworthy as opposed to the decisions he makes when he embarks on the transformational journey to embrace his worthiness. Have you noticed a disproportionate number of black men being shot and killed in America?
I’ve stumbled upon the underlying culprit. It’s The Black Bullet Dichotomy. What is that? I’m so glad you asked. The BBD is a CHOREOPOEM of one poet’s existential crisis concerning the unhealthy relationship forced on the Black man concerning the bullet in America using Hip-Hop, Spoken Word/Poetry, Dance and Song.
It’s quite literally “Where Hip-Hop meets The Twilight Zone.” SYNOPSIS: A volatile young poet accidentally shoots and kills a “pillar of the community.” He realizes he’s the victim of The Black Bullet Dichotomy, but before he can expose it, he gets shot through the head, but he doesn’t die.
He goes into a coma where he’s led by a Spiritual Guide to the mystical city of Utopia, MS. Martyrs of the dichotomy, like the Spirit of Tupac Shakur and ancestors like the Spirit of Harriet Tubman, explain the dichotomy to him. He experiences an awakening.
He sits up in his casket at his own funeral to denounce the hypocrisies of the dichotomy. But what about the zealots out to take revenge on him for killing an innocent man? What will become of this poet with a message of love for the world? Will he live long enough to expose the Black Bullet Dichotomy?
GO BANG! Magazine: Where were you born and raised?
David M. Stamps: First, thanks for this opportunity to discuss my work. It’s awesome. I was born in Fontana, CA. When I was two years old, we moved to Detroit, Mich. I did my high school years in Flint, Mich.
GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your childhood and teen years?
David M. Stamps: I had an amazing childhood! My father beat me in the street every day with an extension cord. My “heterosexual” brother beat me and grinded on me every day. My hygiene was extremely poor and yet I maintained a 3.4 grade average, starred in the school play, and almost won the talent show. It was amazing. That’s where I learned about the power of unconditional love.
GO BANG! Magazine: Do you have a role model, or someone that you look up to or who inspires you? If so, who would that be?
David M. Stamps: There are two. First, August Wilson. “The Piano Lesson” is one of my favorite plays of all time. There’s such a foreboding in the air of the piece, juxtaposed with this truly hilarious comedy. Brilliant,
Second, James Baldwin. He was so good in “The Uncondition.” If you listen to Esther Hicks then you understand that. And if you don’t listen to Esther Hicks on YouTube, for FREE, you don’t know what you’re missing. I’ve seen James Baldwin be authentic amid a deeply troubling narrative around the Black gay man in his day.
GO BANG! Magazine: What inspired you to write “The Black Bullet Dichotomy?”
David M. Stamps I grew up on the means streets of Detroit, Mich. There was this brother, let’s say his name was,” QP!” Now, QP was LGBT. To be LGBT, in the H-O-O-D, now that’s a hard thing to be. So QP picked up that gun, and he got his respect too, but he got shot down dead in the street.
I was LGBT in the H-O-O-D, but I had emotional intelligence. So that’s what The BBD address. The decisions this poet makes when he feels unworthy, as opposed to the decisions he makes when he embarks on the transformational journey to embrace his worthiness. Have you noticed a disproportionate number of Black men being shot and killed in America?
I’ve stumbled upon the underlying culprit. It’s The Black Bullet Dichotomy. What is that? I’m so glad you asked. The BBD is a CHOREOPOEM of one poet’s existential crisis concerning the unhealthy relationship forced on the Black man, concerning the bullet in America using Hip-Hop, Spoken Word/Poetry, Dance and Song. It’s quite literally “Where Hip-Hop meets The Twilight Zone.”
GO BANG! Magazine: What do you hope The BBD accomplishes?
David M. Stamps: Because I know emotional intelligence and spiritual alignment is the only way to get out of the low energy-matrix that is the Black Bullet Dichotomy. For the sole purpose of manifesting destiny, the White slave owner dehumanized the Black family. When they convinced Black people that they were worthless, through religion, unspeakable abuses, and torture, they lowered our vibration and confused us on our connection to “source energy.” Thereby making us vulnerable to “The Black Bullet Dichotomy.”
Some people believe supply created demand, but I heard once heard a wise person say that “DEMAND CREATES SUPPLY.” The souls of my ancestors and brethren slain at the hand of gun violence cry out at the senseless murders by gun both, by the racist’s White supremacists and the misled Black man trying to imitate “Massuh’s philosophy.” Unconditional love is the key. Hence, THE BLACK BULLET DICHOTOMY – A 78-page CHOREOPOEM. Use this ground-breaking award-winning poetry play to move all people, but especially the Black man to seek spiritual alignment, because as The Poetess says,” When you’re in alignment, you’re out of harm’s way.”
The only way to become impervious to the bullet is to employ spiritual alignment, Unconditional Love, and develop an in-depth knowledge of The Law of Attraction. It’s the only way to raise our vibration and bypass The Black Bullet Dichotomy. I’ve created a multimedia production of “The Black Bullet Dichotomy” debuting February 5-9, 2024, using my Artist-in-Residency at The Kennedy Center. It includes a $10,000 grant, via THE REACH AFTER HOURS Residency at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
GO BANG! Magazine: You classify The BBD as a choreopoem. Please define what a choreopoem is.
David M. Stamps: When I saw “For Colored Girls” this year, I thought it was a brilliant production. I could see that it was word and ritual in this textured space. At least, that’s what it was for me. But I’d say, when I labeled “The Black Bullet Dichotomy”, it was more about the dance this young man, “The Heckler”, (a volatile poet and lead of the piece played brilliantly by Myles Wright) is doing with time. The way the poetry dances off the page and then the tribal, urban dance inspired from the text.
GO BANG! Magazine: Congratulations on The BBD being selected as a finalist in the AITAF Bridge Award Competition. Please describe how you felt when you learned of this honor.
David M. Stamps: It was amazing!
Erica Newhouse, Artistic Director at (AITAF) Arts in the Armed Forces, a nonprofit that sponsors the annual “BRIDGE AWARD COMPETITION” exclusively for military veterans, called me as I was getting out of the shower. I freakin’ lost it.
Paula Vogel and David Stamps
Photo courtesy of Tim Bellow Sr.
Being a finalist afforded me a three-day writing retreat with three-time Obie winner and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Paula Vogel. Paula was amazing. She was warm and inviting, and completely available. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can’t wait to have again! Paula’s helping me develop the marketing plan as well as mentoring in all things “BLACK BULLET DICHOTOMY.”
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to that, your marketing package will be forwarded to some very prominent individuals in the entertainment industry including Debbie Allen and Oprah Winfrey. How does that make you feel?
David M. Stamps: It’s all so exciting! The premise of the piece is “when you’re in alignment you’re out of harm’s way!” Getting the message of unconditional love, spiritual alignment, and an in-depth understanding of “The Law of Attraction” out to my people has led me into some amazing conversations in some amazing rooms.
The fact that living legends like Debbie Allen and Oprah Winfrey will receive my materials is beyond exciting. All I must do is meditate and allow. Just don’t focus on the “how” but instead focus on the “why!”
GO BANG! Magazine: Can you please tell our readers about your upcoming participation in the Billie Holiday Theater’s Virtual “New Play Reading Series”, which part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Frank Silvera Workshop, which is being held on Zoom on Sunday, February 26, 2023 @7pm EST.
David M. Stamps: A director I knew, invited me to narrate this cool play called, “Faces in My Fist!” I loved the play and had an awesome time working with Kimberly Gunn. She’s the Virtual Producer, and anything else she needs to be over there to make sure things run smoothly. It’s been an awesome experience. Shout out to the Frank Silvera Workshop and Garland Thompson Jr.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what do you want your legacy to be?
You know, I’m reading this incredible book by John Truby. It’s named,” The Anatomy of Genres.” It’s like a seven-hundred and forty-something page must-read. But in that book, he accesses that the SCI-FI genre’s really about “immortality.” It’s about mastering a thing, until you leave behind a work that stands after you’re gone. Thereby becoming immortal.
Well, The Twilight Zone’s definitely SCI-FI, and this story’s definitely epic. I want my legacy to be that I brought a sense of immortality to the Black man’s innate sense of poetry. 😊
GO BANG! Magazine: David, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!
You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Feb 26, 2023, 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: FSWW Play Reading: The Black Bullet Dichotomy Register in advance for this webinar: Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: FSWW Play Reading: The Black Bullet Dichotomy.
Crowdfunding Campaign – Financial support with the fundraising effort which consists of a T-shirt with The Key Art, a complimentary download of my latest Spoken Word Song, produced by Platinum-selling producer, Glenn Mosley, entitled,” The Nightmare.” All for $100
Mentoring – Looking for help in structuring the nonprofit and putting together a BOARD.
Support– If you know an agency that can provide administrative support in these endeavors.
Spread the word – Let people know about “The Black Bullet Dichotomy”, and what it means, and the goal. To spread unconditional love, gain daily spiritual alignment, and to develop an in-depth understanding of the “Law of Attraction” and to bypass the culture-specific travesty that is “The Black Bullet Dichotomy!
A short film by David Stamps “The Deadly MS Sue Aside”
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Reprint of ChiGivesBack.com / Photo courtesy of ChiGivesBack.com
Erica Faye Watson served as an original founding Advisory Board Member for ChiGivesBack. Erica was many things to many people. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, actress, comedian, on-air personality, and pillar of her community.
Erica was also fierce and as a full-figured woman, she proudly embraced body positivity.
Erica was so full of life, light, and love. Her passion for helping others and paying it forward was contagious. Erica loved to give back so much that she created a prom initiative that supported a local girl who may not have had the means to go to prom. Erica came with an entire Glam Squad that included hair, makeup, transportation, and more for the deserving young lady.
IN HONOR OF ERICA FAYE WATSON, CHIGIVESBACK HAS CREATED
“ERICA’S BELLE OF THE BALL”
Nominations will close on March 3rd and the winner will be announced on March 17th. If you have any questions please email us at Contact@ChiGivesBack.com!
John Hill, Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur is not new to the entertainment industry. By the age of seven, Hill was already singing and performing for presidents and other political officers, as well as competing in opera competitions. Born and raised in Chicago, he has built his empire in the Chicagoland area and is currently working to extend his expertise in the entertainment industry by signing and promoting musical talent. Hill, already the co-founder of J&M Company, CEO of Team John Hill, and co-founder of Star Born Records, only wants to expand.
One of Hill’s memories of meeting a music mogul in the industry was meeting artist R. Kelly in the Water Tower mall in downtown Chicago, when they complimented each other’s singing in the elevator they rode together. This sparked a relationship between the two artists and led to Hill writing, producing, and performing with R. Kelly on his “R. Kelly Live: The Light It Up Tour” in 2007. Getting nominated for his work with R. Kelly led to even more opportunities writing and producing for artists such as Juelz Santana, Jason Derulo, Young Berg, Ray J, 50 cent and Omarion. Hill then attended the Billboard Music Awards where he met other artists such as Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams whom he has collaborated with to produce projects with as well. Hill’s own song and music video titled “Cinema” has had success in most of eastern Europe, where he has also established a producing career with Romanian singer/songwriter Inna.
Hill’s skills in producing and songwriting have not gone unrecognized since he has won awards such as the “Icon Award” for Bucharest Fashion Week, “Producer of the Year” by The Media Awards, “Entertainment’s Man of the Year” on the front cover of M&M Modeling Magazine International Fashion Magazine, “Platinum Award Winner” for 50 cent’s “Before I Self Destruct”, the “Gold Award” for Jason Derulo’s self-titled album and he is credited for Ray J’s “Sexy Can I” hit song. “Life inspired me to do music,” says Hill. “In high school I received an abundance of offers from colleges for music and all of the opportunities I have had up to this point in my life have been amazing.” Just after attending the Music Institute of Winnetka for one year, Hill was already lead of background vocals at the “BET 25th Anniversary Show.” After building a strong foundation in the industry at such a young age, Hill now works to produce and promote new up-and- coming artists in the music industry.
Contributions •
● TP3 Reloaded, R.Kelly –Writer • ● R. Kelly Album: “Untitled,” song “Pregnant” –Writer • ● R.Kelly Live: The Light It Up Tour –Producer/Writer/Singer • ● “Chose Me” Music Video by Corey Mo ft. Snoop Dogg -Producer • ● Collaborations with Mr. Saxobeat and Romanian singer/songwriter Inna – Writer/Producer • ● 50 Cent Album: “Before I Self-Destruct” -Producer • ● Diddy Dirty Money Album: “Last Train to Paris” -Producer • ● “The Model Idea” TV show –Writer/Producer/Actor • ● “Austin & Ally” TV show (Season 1, Episode 3) –Music composer • ● “The Game” TV show (Season 4, Episode 2) –Music composer, one episode • ● MTV’s The Real World –TV personality • ● Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Episodes from 2003-2007) –Singer/Himself • ● “Wrong Package” unreleased film short –Actor • ● “Vulture City 2” film –Marquee Star
Awards •
● Grammy Nominated for TP3 Reloaded, R.Kelly –Writer • ● “Icon Award” Bucharest Fashion Week • ● “Producer of the Year” –The Media Awards • ● “Platinum Award Winner” –50 Cent, “Before I Self-Destruct” Album • ● “Gold Award” –Jason Derulo, Self-Titled Album • ● “Platinum Award” –Ray J, “Sexy can I” single • ● “Platinum Award” -”R. Kelly: The Light it Up Tour”
GO BANG! Magazine: When and why did you start playing music?
John Hill: I started my craft when I was five years old with the violin. I then expanded to piano, drums, guitar, and bass.
GO BANG! Magazine: Is your family musical?
John Hill: My grandfather was a talented singer and went to school with Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. My grandfather also sang and collaborated with Presley.
Photo courtesy of Ikjong
GO BANG! Magazine: How did your childhood, growing up in Chicago, help mold you into the person you are today?
John Hill: Well, my father John Hill Sr. came from Cabrini-Green, a terrible housing project in Chicago, and my mother Belinda grew up in Englewood, a neighborhood with a low rate of life expectancy. They met and made excellent examples of themselves. My (father) being a political food chief and (mother) the first Black woman in Chicago to sell over $1,000,000 in real estate sales. I had no choice but to continue to be great for my future spawn and family legacy.
GO BANG! Magazine: What are your fondest musical memories?
John Hill: My fondest memories involve having band practices at 14 years old, winning state competitions and rocking a crowd of 20,000 people for the first time with artist R. Kelly.
GO BANG! Magazine: Which famous musicians do you admire?
John Hill: I have learned from powerhouses such as R. Kelly, Jay Z, Jerry Lee Lewis, Etta James, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.
GO BANG! Magazine: What skills/personal attributes are most important to being successful?
John Hill: The best skills to have are sheer determination, militant discipline, commitment, and loyalty to your projects and becoming the best performer and version of yourself.
GO BANG! Magazine: What is the importance of the connections you make? How can you utilize them?
John Hill: The whole entertainment industry is about relationships. If you are not willing to work with people and take criticism from people who know the business, then no one will remain in a relationship with you to help build your career.
GO BANG! Magazine: What are typical mistakes people make when trying to pursue this career?
John Hill: Most people hope that their success will happen overnight, but there are many musicians and actors who don’t even reach their ultimate success until later in life.
GO BANG! Magazine: How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician or a producer?
John Hill: If you take yourself seriously and show you are confident in your work and the work you are doing for others, whether it is production or writing a song, people will want to work with that.
GO BANG! Magazine: How do you balance your music with other obligations – partner, children?
John Hill: Life is about balancing between your family and your passions. If you are passionate about your career and your success, you find the time for both.
GO BANG! Magazine: Now that you have enjoyed a fantastic career as an entertainer, you’re currently signing and promoting up and coming talent. Tell us more about this chapter in your life.
John Hill: I felt it was my responsibility to give artists opportunity, especially with so few opportunities out here. However, it is never given, but earned. They have to work for it, pray for it, pay for it, and stay for it. They will get the “hooray” for it.
GO BANG! Magazine: As an entrepreneur, you are CEO of TeamJohnHill (TJH). Please tell our readers why you decided to become a serial business owner?
John Hill: One simple word… “legacy.” Many people have different reasons, like money, power, fame, sex, etc. Mine is simple …”Legacy!”
GO BANG! Magazine: TeamJohnHill is a unique name for a company. How was this name chosen and what does TJH do?
John Hill: Its very funny actually. I was venting about how unfair the entertainment business can be on social media one day and a celebrity photographer for the Oscars by the name of ATOC posted the phrase “don’t worry king its always #TeamJohnHill.” From then on, people started saying TeamJohnHill. I used it as an identity that rolled out into a brand and company that is a brand management company, a label and lifestyle.
BRAND MANAGEMENT …….is the process any musician goes through to develop their craft and skills necessary to build a professional career in the music industry. This means everything from voice, songwriting, image, branding, music/video production, live performance, marketing, and social media.
With our award-winning staff and passion for development, we take a blank canvas or half drawn pictures and create a masterpiece!!!
GO BANG! Magazine: Please describe TeamJohnHill Records, its’ unique sound, and some of the artists signed to the label.
John Hill: Working with some of the world’s largest artist, it has given me a sound that people call undeniable. My artist roster includes: the 16-year-old artist hailing from Wisconsin, Knox Boomin; my Hip Hop artist Remey Le Flow; Anna Shilove our Pop princess; and Marley Caprice, the “Turn Up Queen.” Our Rap Diva will definitely take the world by storm!
GO BANG! Magazine: Many people are divided when it comes to R. Kelly. Supporters can separate the artist from the person, while others can’t. How was it working with R. Kelly and what did you learn from this experience?
John Hill: R. Kelly, in today’s society, is a hot-button trigger. However, him as a person is definitely not what the media would like to create. In fact, he is a super-charismatic musical genius whom I’ve written and produced music with. My experience (with him) has led me to understand the world of “Public Figures” in a whole new, raw, uncut light.
GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve worked with several heavy hitters in the music industry. Is there anyone that you haven’t worked with, dead or alive, that you would love to work with, musically?
John Hill: I had a chance to work with some of Michael Jackson’s producers on a project he was working on. This was before his “This Is It” tour. He died suddenly, before the ink dried. (smh) I would also love to work with the living legend Sting. Lastly, I’m a bit of an Alternative Rock lover, so Goo Goo Dolls and Nickelback.
GO BANG! Magazine: What can our readers expect from John Hill in the near future?
John Hill: I will be touring Australia with my good friend and 2x Grammy Award winning reggae artist Max-A-Million. We are producing some phenomenal new music, which I will be featured on as an artist. I will also be featuring our artists on the “Book Of John” project, which I’m dropping soon. So many executives and celeb features. I’m also working on Fabian James’ project, “Betty & Jimmy: A Love Story.” David Givens and the staff are prepping a tour. I also just closed a book deal with Hydra Publications, educating the up and comers on how to survive.
Photo Courtesy of TeamJohnHill
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, please finish this sentence. “John Hill is……….”
John Hill: “…inexorable!” (in·ex·o·ra·ble /ˌinˈeksərəb(ə)l/ adjective 1. impossible to stop or prevent.)
GO BANG! Magazine: Well John, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now officially been BANGED!!! GO BANG!
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
