Interview With Chyna Phat

 

For those of us who do not know much about you - could you tell us a little about yourself and how you began your plus size modeling career? 

 

Well I'm Chyna Phat I'm a voluptuous eye candy model. I been modeling for 9 years now & I began modeling as a joke. I went with a friend to a model call & a photographer asked why I wasn't trying out, I said I'm too big & I'm not a model. He handed me his card & said he wanted to set up a shoot & after the 1st shoot everyone fell in love with me & the rest is history. 

What kind of modeling do you mainly do? Do you feel like opportunities are expanding?  Is it tight right now because of the economy like everything else is?

 

I do eye candy modeling, lingerie, print & artistic nudes.  

Opportunities have been few & far between since the recession hit. I get more offers for porn than anything & I am done with that. 

Who have you done work for?

 

I have worked with VOD photography, Aaron Swan, Kalvin "The Camera" Webb, Truth DVD magazine, Babe magazine, Cherricolada magazine,  & PinkyXXX just to name a few. 

Who would you love to work for who you haven't worked for yet?

 

I'd like to get a spread in Big Black Tail Magazine & I'm also waiting to do a world star hip hop video. 

What types of plus clothing would you like to see more of? 

 

I'd like to see a new line of plus sized jeans. It's so hard for me to buy jeans because my waist is so small compared to my booty. Smile

We are talking about plus size models but it would be a good idea to define what that is. What does the industry describe it as and what would you personally define it as?

 

A plus sized model is anywhere from a size 12-24 & beyond. The industry describes it as BBW or Plus sized but I like to think of it as PHAT-pretty hot and thick! Society makes too much out of size. Whether u are a size 4 or 24 you can still be fierce fabulous & divalicious. 

Have you ever been asked to gain or lose weight in order to get a job?

 

 

I haven't been out right asked but I have been told that I am too big by certain companies I will not put them out there. They haven't stopped my drive to be a model.  

Can you talk a little bit about what you do to keep healthy? There's this misconception that everyone plus size is not healthy.

 

 

Well I am very active & I try to eat right & stay away from fried foods. I do water aerobics & I walk a lot. The rule of thumb is everything in moderation. 

In the past have you had body image issues? 

 

 I have never had body image issues per say, however I have always been very self conscious of my ass because everyone is always looking at it. I have learned how to embrace my curves & body type. God blessed me abundantly & who am I to be ashamed of the work of art he created. 

How do you find your modeling jobs?

 

Honestly most of the time they find me, however I do have a model mayhem page & Black Men's Magazine profile & just about every other social networking page. 

Has modeling changed the way you see yourself?

 

Modeling has shown me a side of beauty that I never seen in myself. I love being unique & one of the few all natural models. 

Do You Have any last words or advice for our readers?

 

Always be who you are & don't let society tell you what you should look like. Follow your heart & remember nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream, so wake up & go get it!

 

Chyna Phat

Interview With Mizz Nekol

When did you first start rapping?

I first started rapping in high school at the lunch table..lol ..I
remember all the guys would beat on the table using their knuckles and
a number 2 pencil. I would always rap about what food they were
serving in the cafeteria that day.

What did your family do to encourage you?

My family encourages me by having an open ear. The fact that they
even listen to my music is enough for me. They assist with child care
and even come out to some of my shows.

Who else in your family sings or raps?

Well first off I am a rapper first, I just have the ability to sing
for songwriting purposes..lol.. My biological father could sing but we
don't really have a close relationship.


Who are your musical inspirations?
My musical inspirations are Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Lauryn
Hill, Keisha Cole, Nas, Ludacris, TI, and Shawnna


What kind of music do you listen to today?
Honestly, I find myself listening to a lot of local music. My
company does CD duplication's for a lot of artists and I find myself
listening to their music more than the radio.

What embarrassing songs might I find on your MP3 or ipod player?
Well that's a good question because I can't find my mp3
player..lol..But if it's found u might find some Taylor Swift on
there..lol.

Where would you most like to perform?
I would like to perform at the BET Awards.

Who would you most like to open for?
I would love to open up for Missy Elliot because I have followed
her career and our lifestyles are a lot similar. I know her show would
energetic and memorable.


If you weren't rapping, what would you be doing?
If I was not rapping I would still be doing something in the music
business. I have thought about taking up radio broadcasting or even
media relations.

Do you play any instruments?
I play the keyboard.

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?
It would be Rock N Roll because You can yell and be wild and still
have people grooving to your music..lol.

What genre of music can't you stand to listen to?
I am not a huge fan of house music.


What hidden talents do you have?
I am a great basketball player but I don't really let people see
that side of me anymore.

Do you enjoy writing music and/or lyrics?
I love writing music, it allows my fans to really know who I am.

Who are your inspirations? (as in other artists)
I've already mentioned the artist that have influenced me.

Follow Mizz Nekol On Twitter @mizznekol_29

Interview With MsBossLadii Aka Grustlehardradio

How did you get into Radio?

I started out as a promoter and was looking for more ways to help promote artist..So I saw that people were getting bored with radio and decided to take a stab at it

What time do you get up?

The Grustle never stops so I go to sleep at around 5am but I'm back up again around 8am

What is your company's main responsibility?

Our main responsibility is to give unknown artist a chance 2 b heard while giving our listening audience some different to listen to without having to force feeding them music

Do you ever date your listeners?

LOL...Good question, but no I don't date my listeners or anyone else for that matter...I'm too busy for relationships.

 

Pick the best moment of your career?

The best moment of my career is when an artist that I am workig with see their numbers go up or when one of them gets signed.

Do you make a lot of money?

No I don't..I'm not in it for the money...I actually enjoy helping people reach their goals..Besides I couldn't get rich off no artist.

 

 

 

 

Do you pick the music or do the listeners?

The listeners gives feedback on artists' music that is played on the station.

 

 

What your Favorite cities?

My favorite cities are Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, Los Angelas, CA, Brooklyn, NY, and Chicago, IL

Who would you most like to play the part of you if a film were to be made about your life?

Hmmmmm....That's a hard one...Maybe Lisa Raye

What is your favorite invention?

The smart phone

What is your favorite restaurant in the world?

Considering that I rather cook and don't eat out I would say The Royce in Pasadena, CA

If you were given $100,000 to spend on a new wardrobe by a single designer, which would you choose

I would say Versace

What do you wish you knew 5 years ago?

When Pimp C told me to beware of the snakes, I wish I would have known that it was so many.

 

 

 

 

Interview With Malika Ubaka

When did you first start singing? Haha my mom says she has a tape of me singing Ella Fitz Gerald @ 2. I can recall loving to sing and do in home concerts for my parents at about 6. 



What did your family do to encourage you? My family is an entertaining family. We are always singing and rejoicing and having a good time. We make everything into a song. We just had a family gathering at my grandmas house the other day and the latest family song is about Brown Eggs. My mom is a professional African Dancer, Actress and Singer. My dad was the lead singer in a band for years that traveled and toured the country. My parents are still doing their thing as of today. My family is a great support for me.



Who else in your family sings? I guess that I just answered. Pretty much my whole family. My Dad’s Brother(uncle) is his main man they have so many brilliant songs together and also my aunty Shukura who recently passed. God Rest her soul.

Who are your musical inspirations? My musical inspirations are my parents and uncle and auntie. 



What kind of music do you listen to today? I listen to Hip Hop off top. I explore all types of music. I really have been getting into Classical and the musical artists of the UK. I like good music whatever it may be. 

What embarrassing songs might I find on your MP3 or Ipod player? Honestly some of my songs are embarrassing to me. Some of my older jams are like for realz?? There is one that  I heard the other that was so foul I wanted to go and wash mouth out all over again. I was saying to someone the other day that I still listen to some real ignorant songs that I loved a while ago and I still do to this day. I feel guilty but I'm  a work in progress!

Where would you most like to perform? I would love to perform at The Shoreline Amphitheater in my hometown. They always have the Summer Jam there its sunny outdoor fun. I always wanted to rock that spot one time!



Who would you most like to open for? This is not an easy question. Scratching my head…. I would have to say it would have been Micheal Jackson but currently still scratching maybe Beyonce. In real life I don’t care who I open for I am more interested in how many people in the crowd that I can get out they seats with their hands in the air singing my songs with me.



If you weren't singing, what would you be doing? I have a passion for theater and performing arts in general. I am exploring all of those avenues now. Doing one thing nowadays don’t really cut it anymore. I am exploring film making now I just did a documentary on Soca Music while living in Trinidad Summer 2011. I also am working on a theatrical stage play. Keeping it moving!



Do you play any instruments? I don’t but I am thinking of taking guitar lessons now. I always wanted to rock out on stage. Maybe the drums too. Hmm.

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be? Rock for sure alternative. 



What genre of music can't you stand to listen to? I can’t stand that crazy rock music where it’s just screaming and yelling. 




What hidden talents do you have? I don’t if there are any hidden because I try and explore everything I see as a potential talent. Currently trying to live my life to thy fullest. 




Who are your inspirations? (as in other artists)  I love Anita Baker, Mary J Blige Stevie Wonder and as for the younger generation Brandy that’s my girl.


Please also mention that currently I am working a Positive Push CD part 2. This is to get good music that promotes positivity. I am also spear heading the Oakland BaY Area movement called Hip Hop 2 Vote. It’s a Nation wide Effort to inform and educate about voting and make sure people get out to the polls and vote. Go to the site www.hiphop2vote.com  Follow malika on Twitter @queenmalikaent.

Interview With Authour Pamela Chapron

Where are you from?
 

I was born in Los. Angeles, but moved to Chicago at 1yrs old.. Moved back in forward alot.. So I always say I am bi-costal...

 

Tell us your latest news?  

 

Well now I am focusing on getting my book written into a screen play and writing another book. Also I am working on a new project regarding reality tv show..

When and why did you begin writing?

 

I really never thought about been a writer but one summer day in 2007 my sister mention that I should write a book about the booty because of all the attention I was getting.. Right then something click and I said yes! Perfect timing.

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In 2008 when I started writing my book...

 

What inspired you to write your first book? 

 

With all the hype around the booty it inspired me.  Especially when another race of ppl got a lot of  attention for having a big booty. Booty became big as Apple Pie to certain Americans. We as black female always had big butts.  But it was consider Fat to certain ppl... 


Do you have a specific writing style?  

 

Not really, I am open to all.

How did you come up with the title?  

 

From a boyfriend not trusting me and  thinking because I have a big but and a smile.. So my message to all was (Don't Judge A Booty By Its Cover).

 

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?  

 

Yes, Especially to young female that have or get a big  butt..I want them to know Its not what you think.. and be very careful or what you do to get what you want.....

How much of the book is realistic?  Half and Half....

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

People I know and some based on my life.

What books have most influenced your life most?
I wrote a fiction book but I love Non Fictions my two favorite books are Feeling Buried Alive Never Die. By Karol Truma.. And The Power of Now.. by Eckhart Tolle...

 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?  

 

Darnella Ford The Best of the all...

What book are you reading now?  

 

At the moment,  I have been so busy.. I  haven't pick up a book in a while....Got to get back to my reading...

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

 

Not at the moment but I am always open to help any new author...

What are your current projects? I answered that earlier...

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

 

4U Entertainment help me a lot in the beginning...

 

Do you see writing as a career? Yes I do.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? 

 

No I wouldn't

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I answered that earlier too.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?  

 

Well I have been involved in a lot of different things.. Wore many hats.   Now I am in the medical field also....

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? No

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? I dont have a favorite.. I enjoy them all.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? 

 

I have done book signing in other states, so yes I do travel..

Who designed the covers? His name is Steven and he does a lot of graphics

What was the hardest part of writing your book?  Re writing and re writing and re writing....

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

 

How people Judge me so much more since I wrote a book saying Don't Judge..It made me so aware of how we as people Judge each other daily. 

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

 

Just write what you feel and then worry about how it will all come together later...

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers. Please lets all stop 

 

judge each other and start looking inside of ourselves.. Judge you self first..... 

Interview With Author Toni hickman

Where are you from?

Born in New York, raised in New Orleans, lived in New York, and Atl more recently, Now living in Houston again..I'm from everywhere!

Tell us your latest news?

I was featured in Spinal Column Magazine, for my story, and overcoming it.

When and why did you begin writing?

Well, as a child, I always wrote philosophy, or poems, which eventually turned into raps/lyrics.My mom is a writer, she wrote for Essence Magazine, amoung many others. I will say she was a great influence on me.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? As a child, I was a very talented writer, but as a teen, is when I started taking everything serious.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Well, after I had my 2nd brain aneurysm, and realized that I was partially paralyzed, that was a shocker! But when the Doctors told me to stop perming and putting chemicals in my head, I had to research why. This is when Chemical Suicide was born.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I grew up writing philosophy, but I also grew up being hip hop artist, so I will say that it is informative, but not over your head informative.

How did you come up with the title?

The title came to me, I honestly can say that.Chemical Suicide/Death by Association-says everything without saying anything.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

There are many lessons, we use all of these brands, thinking that because they are on the shelf at Walmart, they are safe. But, because they are on the shelf is why we should not assume it is safe. When I would perm my hair, I would never think past the idea of, "why" it was burning. I am hopeful that my book will start us thinking beyond the surface. It has not yet been proven what cancer is caused from. I can tell you some beauty products that have caused cancer in rats..we have to realize that the majority of these companies don't care about us, or our heath. They are already sacrificing our health for their profits.

How much of the book is realistic?

Ha! All of it!! Chemical Suicide/Death by Association is a non-fiction book. All Facts.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My life painted the outline of this book.

What books have most influenced your life most?  

Wow, I have a list. But I will start with all of Depak Chopra books, Unlimited Power/a Black Choice, Medicine Woman, The Alchemist, As a man Thinketh, The Celestine Prophecy,and more recently Queen Afua's Sacred Woman (still reading)

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Depak Chopra, I totally love how he makes his words pull you to the next page.

What book are you reading now?

Too many!! I go back & forth reading all of these. African Unconcious, The Mis-education of a negro, Sacred Woman, and The soul of leadership.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Brandon Massey is a talented author.

What are your current projects?

Right now, I'm finishing up a book with my mom about foods, it is a shocker! I am also working on my life story, with plans to get it turned into a movie.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My devine light/Creator, that placed many outlets for me to get my voice out, including Gamed Up!!

Do you see writing as a career?

Most definitely! I have been a major hip hop artist signed to Universal Records, I have worked with great artist musically, now I am taking my writing to the next level, and hopefully wake some of our people up, and do my part in helping change the world..It may be a small contribution, but it will help.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Nope!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

My mom..

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Well, one of the facts I can share about Chemical Suicide is that we absorb 60% of everything we put on our bodies. This is why birth control patches work.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

No, when it flows, it flows.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Depak Chopra, his way of breaking life down so easily is amazing to me.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

For now, off and on. But will pick up after College starts.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Sitting still.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes, research showed me how much of an idiot I have been for all these years. To sum it up I learned many things, the most important lesson was that ALL the products I bought, were not just unhealthy,but these companies know what perservatives they are using, and how they have killed rats. Yet, these same companies still use these perservatives. I only support companies that actually care about my health now.They are out there, they just can't sit on the shel for 2 years. NOTHING should be able to sit on the shelf for 2 years. If it does, it is dead already. A friend of mine who makes all natural hair products says, "These companies are not perserving life, they are masking death!"

Do you have any advice for other writers?

The biggest thing is making yourself sit still. Don't look at it as a whole book you have to finish, but maybe do 10 pages a day, you will eventually be finished with your book.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Yes, my book is available on www.tonihickman.com under the "author" tab. I also provide you with recipes to make your own soap, lotions, toothpaste, deodorant, perfume, suntan lotion, and much more.This book is not just for the reader, but for the reader's family. You can actually spread what you learn from my research to your family, friends, and community. We must stop supporting companies that substitute putting our life in jepardy for profits. We must support those companies that actually care about our well being. Read your ingredients. Get this book. This is not to scare you, but to inform you, so you can actually make better choices about your products. Each one, teach one. Peace

Interview with Nitara Reaves

What is your name?

Maya Nitara Reaves aka “The Songstress”

Where are you from?

Charlotte, North Carolina

Have you always been in the music industry?

Music has always been a part of my life. I started out at the age of 5years old learning Broadway and show tunes at Ms. Donna’s School of Dance in Charlotte, NC. I have been a lead in more than 20 Praise and Worship teams, including the New Jersey Mass Choir, Greg Hoover & the Charlotte Community Singers, and many others.

What is your first memory of being inspired by music?

My parents embedded in me the love for good music, especially soulful sounds, and music that have meaning. I remember my parents having Spade parties, where their friends would come over and enjoy food and good music. Although I should have been sleeping, I would lie in bed listening to the sounds of the O’Jays, Betty Wright, Millie Jackson, and the Isley Brothers, and pretend to have my own mini concert.

When did you realize you could actually do this as a career?

Music has always been my first love. I remember signing up to perform Mahalia Jackson’s “Sometimes I feel Like a Motherless Child” for an assembly program during Black History Month. I was not sure what to expect from my peers, but I wanted to share the song that was in my heart. To my surprise, after I finished my song there was a dead silence, as I place the microphone back on its stand, there came a roar from the crowd that made me realize that not only could I sing but people actually liked my voice.

 What was the inspiration behind All Thru the night?

During a late night session at the studio, I started to developed writers block. I decided to take a short break, so I put a little of my favorite music on to relax. Gerald LeVert came through my speakers, and started to speak to me. I began to wonder, “If Gerald was a woman how he would complete this track? After a few moments of deep thought, I took those thoughts and wrote and recorded All Thru the Night in one session.

How would you classify-if you can-your music?

I would say my music has a combination of several music genres; to be exact I would say it is R&B with a taste of Soul and a touch of sweet aggression. I have a unique mature soulful sound that many have said to have a blend of flavor such as R. Kelly, Betty Wright, Lalah Hathaway, Angie Stone, Gerald LeVert, and Millie Jackson. This is a combination sure to stir the soul and set the mind on fire.

Who is your inspiration?

I love me some Gerald LeVert; however, I must admit most of my songs comes from real life experiences; whether they are experiences that I have encountered personally or those of close friends and family members. I believe there is a song in everything we do, its finding the words to express and vividly paint a picture through lyrics.

 Where do you hope to be by 2012?

My dream is to be an International Artist; globally known for promoting love and sensuality through music.

 What's the best piece of advice you have received?

The best piece of advice would be to protect your music, and never sign any contracts without legal representation.

What advice would you give to other musicians trying to get off the ground?

Make sure that you have researched the person or company thoroughly that will be representing you. Their image or business dealings could bring a negative light on you as an Artist or possibly have you music tied up in so much red tape that it is shelved, and never released. You want someone that will always have your best interest at heart, has knowledge of the Industry, and understands the meaning of loyalty.

 Where can we buy your music?

Album will be released in July 2011, and you will be able to find me on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby,and www.vyzion-ent.com

Do you have any last words or shot outs?

Of course I want to thank you, Gamedup Magazine for taking the time out for an interview. Crystal Coxton of Checkmate Management, I thank you for seeing my potential and believing in me or my dream, and continued to push through the pull without hesitations.  To my record label, Vyzion Entertainment, thank you for showing me that without a clear vision there is no direction. Also I would like to send a special shout out to Demetrius Richardson (D-Rich) and Brandon Coxton (Play DoE) two very special and talented Artist from the Queen City, thank you for adding your southern swagger and lyrics, Dean Walker with 2A Photography, and most of to my children Jazz, Symphony, and Stix Reaves the youngest producer, for being my soul supporters. This album’s success could not be possible if I did not have the people listed above. Thank you again.