Words by C. Daniel

Photos by George Butler

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Dear Monica (Arnold),

“I can feel your eyez on me – you’re watchin.”

Damn, it’s funny how you can always foreshadow in song. You’re so raw!

Miss. Thang -- Monica on the red carpet @ Bocado Restaurant --Atlanta, GA

Guess it really was just one of dem days in Atlanta. Last Friday afternoon around lunchtime, time sensitive messages, courtesy of both The Garner Circle and The Starfire Group, came to my inbox to hang out with you. Who am I to turn down some time with a Grammy-winning, million-selling singer? Guess I should’ve known, huh? It was as random as the psychedelic shit on the monitors at Luckie Food Lounge later that night. Thanks for the invite to the first night’s kickoff, “The Celebrity.” Happy birthday, Miss. Thang! Oct. 24 is your day indeed. The packed house on the main floor was bananas! Thanks for inviting me upstairs with your close family; friends and the cocktail table full of media to cut your cake and to have a drink or two.

Sweet Celebration -- The Cake

Cover Girl -- Monica on the holiday edition of Upscale

It wasn’t too over the top; not too hood at all. Your poster-sized photos under the slew of blue lights on three easels were tight. You looked great! As you walked in with Rocko, I remembered you being one of my biggest crushes as a teenager. I used to tell my friends all of the time that you’d one day say to them, “That’s my man, y’all!” I like your testimonial single, “Still Standing,” with your cousin Luda. It says a lot, too, when your crowd isn’t as star-studded as many events here. Bryan Michael-Cox dropping by is all I could remember. The flashing and rolling cameras around that dope image laden ice sculpture of you in your element as a 29 year-old triple threat was cool. Imagine that in 1995 when I first laid eyes on you – mother; vocalist and woman. Girl, you rocked the spiky coif and gray dress over the black leggings.

Lover's Rock -- Rocko and Monica

Hell, no! Brandy and the late Aaliyah was doing their thing, but I never once thought of you as a sideline ho when your records came on the radio or BET. I wonder if anyone used to question them, “Don’t U wish U were the girl like Monica?”

It was nice to see Upscale roll out the red carpet (minus a dozen roses) for their cover story: the true definition of “The Singer.” I read in the article that you only keep a small circle of people around nor did you have any intentions to do a television series in the first place. I can respect that about you. When you arrived at that new restaurant, Bocado, in the gray Bentley with them same damn cameras still rolling on-site and me getting push out the way, I knew you still held it down. The interviews were so few and far in between that I couldn’t really get one question in. Even as the press time got tighter and tighter, you held it together. Now when you sing for you I will, I know you mean it. I don’t take it personal at all. It was cool to keep it to myself and admire you from cross the room. Trust, the sequined skirt and black turtleneck did it for you, too!

I like the basis for your “reality show” Still Standing, considering that it’s airing immediately following the BET Hip Hop Awards this evening. It’s good to see that you’re just another girl: not an angel of mine. We can just see you make your sixth album and take care of your two sons. Yep, you’re gon’ be fine. The trailers featuring your morphing headshots were a good look. Jagged Edge’s Brian and Brandon Casey, B. Cox and V.I.C, again, are the few faces I knew.

Ain’t nobody really gonna deny that you will forever always be that girl. You’re so gone from being that teenage girl with the big voice I had at crush on at age 12. Maybe that’s just why I love you so much. Love you!

 Best,

 C.–

Words by C. Daniel

American Violet (Image Entertainment, 2009)

American Violet

Directed by Tim Disney

Produced and Written by Bill Haney

Image Entertainment

2009 (PG-13); Color – Approx. 103 min.

This just goes to show you how fucked up the world can be.

How horrifying is it to watch a hard-working waitress, an early 20s single mother of four living in the projects in a rural socially claustrophobic town (Melody, TX just as a reference), get arrested for allegedly selling drugs in a school zone? The odds seem totally against her; she is offered a bullshit deal to plead guilty and take a long prison sentence after the police comes on her job and arrests her. It’s a crime she didn’t commit. Do I have your attention?

This is American Violet. Based on a true story, the drama tells the story of Dee Roberts (played by Nicole Beharie), who goes against the grain and fights the law when excessive, unconstitutional force is inflicted upon numerous people courtesy of bigoted District Attorney Calvin Beckett (Oscar nominated Michael O’Keefe). It’s the height of local and presidential elections, so there are serious tensions. It’s quite disgusting to see black people violated to the point where their civil right to survive is jeopardize. Shit, police lead raids; the courts hand out outstanding bails ($70,000 in this case); falsify (and lose) evidence and cause people to lose their homes. Dee challenges it all: being denied employment; fighting a custody battle against her ex, Darnell (rap artist Xzibit) and proving that racism is a motive in her incarceration.

Shit sounds fucked up, doesn’t it? Such a crime for corrupt governments and venomous political influences can really trickle down upon economically strapped, socially disenfranchised people. Freedom becomes questionable – the law wants to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law (we talking 16 to 25 years here). I should hope you’re probably squirming, but that’s the beauty of the film; it doesn’t let any race or class of people off the hook.

Not to worry; justice gets served. American Violet is a critical yet entertaining morality play, edited with news sequences of the 2000 Gore/Bush presidential campaign and some top quality acting. The film suggests that a little faith and courage can get you through anything. Make no mistake; it doesn’t happen overnight. Hell, even the film spans from Nov. 2000 to May 2001. With a little help, Dee gets the support: first from her mother, Alma (played by Oscar-nominated actress Alfre Woodard); followed by her church and minister, Rev. Sanders (Charles S. Dutton); ethically charged American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorneys David Cohen (Tim Blake Nelson) and Byron Hill (Malcolm Barrett) and drug trafficking force member turned attorney Sam Conroy (Will Patton).

The Telluride Film Festival favorite gets intimate; showing director Tim Disney on the panel with Beharie and the real Roberts. Much like she’s portrayed in the film, Dee is a woman of great strength. It’s special to see someone not liking the way that people are treated and actually mobilizing themselves to do something about it. American Violet is a cinematic public service announcement that indirectly says to find change if we believe in it hard enough. In the end, it’s all worth it.

Words by C. Daniel

Photos by Allwyn Crichlow and George Butler

Black star power is rare – for real.

Probably the most anticipated event of the entire weekend, the BET Preview Style Suite returns to Atlanta with luxurious star treatments and an all-star gifting lounge. The event is sponsored by Are You In, Inc.; BET.com; BET Rap it Up Campaign; Interscope Geffen A&M and Boost Mobile.

Hosted not too far from the Atlanta Civic Center, the awards show venue, on Oct. 9, 2009, the Rare Lounge might’ve been the hottest spot on the eve of the BET Hip Hop Awards. That heat inside is no joke; the walls start to sweat. Still, it’s all good. The Hennessy and Belvedere IX bar keeps it cool; another shout out to the ladies of Ty-Ku (for the Ty Phoon), NUVO and Rhythm for holdin’ the bar down also.

Konsole Kingz Gaming Lounge

Fellas could get on the sticks and get they Madden 10 or 2K10 on courtesy of my peeps, Konsole Kingz. Beauty starlet extraordinaire Sabrina Peterson and the Glam Bar squad are on deck to give the ladies Hollywood movie set hair and make-up. A master barber does his thing with the clippers while Yolanda Owens, CEO of Iwi Fresh, hooks me up with the hand massage with her ripe lime oil. It’s quite a sensual smell considering every oil and lotion is made from a fresh fruit. I must admit; she has the softest, most soothing hands, too!

RepJa and AKOO display booth

The fellas and lady of RepJa

Down the red-floored hall, you could get your swag right. The boys of Fli Pelican bring out the varsity sweaters and graphic tees alongside Broccoli City’s green conscious Organic + Fly flavor. RepJa’s tees hipped me to some of the dancehall fashion; the “I’M SO SPECIAL” tee speaks volumes. Needless to say, I have one. For the ladies, Sugar Mama represents with the baby tees along with Godeva’s loungewear. The paisley dripping, gentleman flare of Executive Clothiers steps the game up with the tiles of custom neckties and handkerchiefs. Across from there, Jennifer Garippa, strategic alliance manager of Custom Identity, places some custom jewel-encrusted cufflinks in my hand with quite some weight on ‘em.

8732 Clothing on deck...they showed lots of love!

Classic Shit...Adidas!

My Adidas! The Wall --

New Era Atlanta and Tradition...

Of course, the street flavor is laid out. AKOO, T.I.’s clothing line, and The Legendary Convertible Bertt (peace to D.Mapp and them boys) brought out some good tees; but the folks from 8732 (thanks 2 Conrad, Edmund and Erica 4 all of the love) give a good look. Their décor across the benches is on point: wool-trimmed fitted caps; ski vests; baggy denims; velour sweatsuits; jackets; cargo pants and polos. Big homie Gerard Murray showed love for Tradition along with the fellas from New Era Atlanta with the fitted hats. Adidas displayed the custom shelltoes with a series of tees acknowledging hip hop luminaries (Salt ‘N Pepa, Method Man, Slick Rick and Redman) as face cards.

World Famous G-Mack on the 1s and 2s...

Oh, it’s cool. DJ Trauma and World Famous G-Mack are on the beats as everyone nibbles on soul food appetizers; of course, the macaroni and cheese would disappear first. On the other hand, the mac and cheese didn’t disappear as fast as the delectable CamiCakes, wrapped in a cute pink box tied with a brown bow. Shit, everyone is a star for a day.

Lance Gross (House of Payne); producer Drumma Boy; OutKast member Big Boi; actor Rodney Perry; Darkchild/Interscope artist Verse Simmons; Konvict artist Ray Lavender; vocalist Raheem DeVaughn; Sheree Whitfield (Real Housewives of Atlanta); Rock City; rapper OJ da Juiceman; comedian Lil’ Duval; reality show star Neffe; BET stars Tiny and Toya; comedian Chris Spencer; rap group Playaz Circle; DJ Don Cannon; DJ/radio personality Greg Street; Fonzworth Bentley; music video director Dr. Teeth; Upfront Megatainment female group Krave; singer Ester Dean; film director Will Packer; actor Columbus Short; fashion designer/reality show star Mychael Knight; Zone 4/Interscope rap artist Rich Boy all stop by.

 Thanks to the Garner Circle and Branded PR for their great work in creating another successful day. It is one for the books. I guess it’s official – yes, I am in!

By C. Daniel

Bring It On: Fight to the Finish (Universal Home Entertainment/Beacon Pictures), 2009

Bring It On: Fight to the Finish

Directed by Bille Woodruff

Universal Pictures Family/Beacon Pictures

2009; Color – Approx. 103 min.

Cheer up! Christina Milian is here to spice things up and bring the heat on the court.

The Grammy-nominated singer stars in the fourth installment of the cheerleading franchise Bring It On: Fight to the Finish. Milian plays Lina Cruz, a feisty ‘round the way East L.A. team captain who relocates to posh Malibu following her mother’s remarriage. Homesick and arrogant, Lina makes every attempt to adapt to her new surroundings and new family. One thing keeps her grounded – cheerleading. With the encouragement of her timid and inept stepsister Sky (Holland Roden), Lina becomes the team captain of the ailing Sea Lions squad.

Always setting her sights on advancing to the Spirit Championships and winning the title bracelet with her East L.A. homegirls Gloria (Vanessa Blue) and Treyvonetta (Gabrielle Dennis) by her side, Lina dukes it out and goes toe-to-toe with her arch nemesis Avery (Rachelle Smith) along with her co-signing sidekick Kayla (Meagan Holder) and their all-stars Malibu Jaguars. In the midst of everything, Lina falls for basketball team captain, Evan (Cody Longo), who coincidentally is Avery’s brother. Confident and ever persistent, Lina will stop at nothing to take the title and shut down her nay-saying competition.

Directed by famed music video director Bille Woodruff (Toni Braxton, OutKast, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Usher, Lil’ Wayne and R. Kelly) and choreographed by Tony “G” Gonzalez, Fight to the Finish has all the makings of a vintage clip. The acting doesn’t compare to the moves. The routines combine highly stylized yet synchronized choreography full of breakin’; poppin’ and lockin’. Subsequent sequences highlight athletic moves with incredible high definition close up shots and slow motion scenes of the dancers. This is also the first of the Bring It On franchise that uses all-star teams: takin’ on a more Latin-tinged, hip hop flavor. Not bad for a series that has featured Kirsten Dunst; Gabrielle Union; Solange Knowles-Smith and Rihanna in previous installments.

Fight to the Finish comes with its share of extra footage and highlights. There are six deleted scenes; a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew; a close up documentary highlighting the stunts and routines (which uses all actors, no stunt doubles) and a candid day in the life of Milian on the set of the film. An episode of MUN2: The Chicas Project, titled “Flip This,” features two girls participating in a cheerleading camp in Texas.

Bring It On: Fight to the Finish is smoking – bringing just enough heat that’s cool enough to possibly round out the series. Of all the installments in the Bring It On series, Fight to the Finish is definitely a hot one!

 Special thanks 2 Universal Home Entertainment as always – and 2 Inma Carbajal 4 her support. Thanks a million!

By C. Daniel

Photo by Diwang Valdez

Yung Joc campaigning at the recent Atlanta launch of "Madden NFL 10"

Fresh from the wrath of Diddy’s and Russell “Block” Spencer’s opportunist ventures, Yung Joc is free and continuing to come down wit somethin.’

The Grammy-nominated, College Park, GA native is releasing his third album, Grind Flu, via his own imprint, Swagg Team Entertainment.  Not one to remain content with the entrepreneurial constraints of his former mentors/label heads, Joc enlists the support of fashion franchise DTLR; NUVO Sparkling Liqueur; Silver Dagger Clothing; Chevrolet and Whynatte Latte to make his third album happen. Formerly titled Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, Grind Flu is available at no charge to fans exclusively for download today (Aug. 11, 2009) on the record label’s website, www.swaggteament.com.

On the eve of the album’s release, Joc treats Atlanta media and industry tastemakers to a private listening session at Utopia Cajun and Tapas Lounge. He even allows guests to leave with advanced copies of the album

Though it’s been a two-year hiatus for the triple threat (artist; label owner and entrepreneur), the former Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South artist’s latest helping of trunk-rattling bangers and coy punchlines brings a more street savvy Joc counter to the radio-friendly nature of his previous albums, New Joc City (2006) and Hustlenomics (2007). “Birds,” a bass-dropping Drumma Boy heater, features Gucci Mane (who appears on two other cuts) and OJ da Juiceman’s signature flow and Nikki Minaj on the hook. “Universal Language,” features a mash-up of Shawty Lo’s slow flow with guns cocking. The title track, including Joc’s sneezing ad-libs and haunted organ riff, has a cameo from Montana da Mac (who also appears later on the bangin’ “Check”). “500 Horses,” with its blaring horns; revving engines and crashing 808s, is Joc and Yung Ralph’s boomin’ majestic ode to ridin’ clean. He even resurrects former No Limit femme fatale Mia X over the sinister crunk of “So.”

Grind Flu does have its share of vintage Joc.  Not quite the same flare as “It’s Goin’ Down,” “Drinks Up,” courtesy of Nitti, is a heartbeat-like club-ready single full of whistling flutes marked with Bobby V.’s croons and Gucci Mane’s spasm-like flows.  Joc can be quite the ladies’ man on record, too; the orgasmic “Don’t Be Scared,” marked by overlapping wheezing synth riffs, is one of the album’s more erotic moments along with “Wham,” also featuring vocalist Slim. Chris Brown and Pleasure P. even show up on “Choose Me.” He gets reflective on “My Niggas;” loops his catch phrases on “Posted at the Store” and even screws it up on “No Counterfeit” (also featuring his younger brother, Tuck).

Grind Flu is a bold move for Joc: makin’ music that he just wants to put out. Clearly with the recent multi-million downloads of GS Boyz’s “Stanky Leg” and web buzz of HotStylz’s “Lookin’ Boy” (not to mention Joc’s ranking in Forbes’ “Richest Rappers List”), Joc is clearly runnin’ a fever for gettin’ hip hop onto some unlikely moves he’s makin’. It may be all for the best that Joc is takin’ his former party-friendly sound in a new direction.

 For Grind Flu, download it at www.swaggteament.com. Also follow Yung Joc at www.twitter.com/iamyungjoc.

 A special thanks 2 Tahira @ Branded PR 4 Ur invitation as well as the support…thanks a million!

Words by C. Daniel

Photos contributed by Amandi Phillips

Jermaine Dupri and EA Sports marketing director Nathan Stewart play a round of Madden NFL 10

So you’re the general manager of a NFL franchise on Monday night: sittin’ on brown leather sofas; six high definition plasmas; enjoyin’ the view overlooking Atlanta’s landscape; managing salary caps and sippin’ on cognac from two open bars in opposite corners.

Guess life can be just a silly game: courtesy of C.J. Peters and Marcus Matthews, better known as Konsole Kingz (KKZ).

Atlanta’s powerhouse for urban lifestyle and gaming bought out the best of the best in Atlanta for “The MVP Experience,” the pre-screening of Madden NFL 10 on Aug. 5, 2009. Partnering up with Xbox and EA Sports for the launch affair, hip hop’s tech dynasty locked down the fourth floor of downtown’s W Hotel for an exclusive, invitation-only gaming suite. Each monitor – four back-to-back center suite and the remaining two closer to the windows — was connected to an Xbox console equipped with the game.

Cheerleaders with gold pom-poms greet the guests by the red carpet. There are even candy dishes on top of the consoles and black-covered cocktail tables.

A full-fledged source for urban gaming, KKZ creates high-definition downloadable content on networks such as Xbox Live; hosts gaming suites to introduce new virtual goods and serve as a liaison between hip hop artists and virtual reality. For KKZ, building a strong community is what keeps them partnering with video game hierarchies and the hip hop community.  “It just keeps building,” Peters says. “They like what we try to do; we try to do good work and show them we’re a real company gettin’ real results.”

Big Boi with an advanced copy

Comedian Griff hosts. Jermaine Dupri gets on the sticks for a minute. DJ Scream spins on the turntables. OutKast’s Big Boi comes through later on in the evening. Of course, other entertainers stop by to show their support: Yung Joc; Jazze Pha; Drumma Boy; Mr. Collipark; The Aphilliates; Rich Girl (who all get on the sticks); Verse Simmonds; Kandi Burruss; Rasheeda; Q. Parker; Lil’ Scrappy; OJ da Juiceman; D. Woods and Chingy. Some of them even walk away with advanced copies of the game. “The hip hop and urban space is very influential,” Peters says. “It can drive technology.”

Nathan Stewart, marketing manager for EA Sports, knows KKZ’s presence in hip hop is important to Madden NFL’s success as well as EA Sports. “From their standpoint, it’s the game that ranks to them,” he believes. “I think the folks that they reach out to and work with on a daily basis wanna play Madden, so it just makes a lot of sense to be there for ‘em. From our standpoint, we appreciate their support. We like anyone who’s a real NFL fan to be a part of the game. We’re just happy that they’re having us.”

For John Rodman, senior product manager for Xbox, Atlanta is always a top market to introduce a game such as Madden NFL 10. “We’re absolutely delighted to be here in Atlanta,” he says. “There are a lot of great gamers and Madden NFL gamers here. So we try to come back every year and bring the game to the fans here and have them be some of the first people in the entire country to play Madden NFL.”

Mr. Collipark, Lil' Scrappy and Drumma Boy

Madden NFL 10 is the most customizable version of the franchise. Accompanied with an upgraded online franchise, players oversee every aspect of their chosen franchise in highly cinematic Pro-Tak animation. There are options to draft; sign a free agent and control the outcome of each play. Hell, the play doesn’t end until the whistle blows.

Rodman believes Madden brings the NFL experience to life. “I think every year, EA Sports and the Madden team do such an amazing job of extending that NFL realism and in-game experience,” he says. “The whole game play and what you can do as a franchise owner and manager, it’s so much there. It’s immersive. It’s realistic. It’s fun. You can never get enough Madden; Aug. can never come fast enough.”

Also for the first time, the online co-op allows gamers and their friends to take on the computer. Each player can be located in two totally different places. It’s a feature that Xbox and EA Sports believe will change the future of the game. “That’s the first time we’ve ever done that,” Stewart says. “The fans have been asking for it for a long time; it’s just a building block for everything. A feature like online co-op will turn into online three-on-three or five-on-five.”

 Madden NFL 10 is for release on Aug. 14, 2009.

For more information on Konsole Kingz (KKZ), log onto www.konsolekingz.com or www.twitter.com/kingsoul. For more info on Madden NFL 10, log onto www.xbox.com/en-US/games/m/maddennfl10/.

Thanks 2 C.J. and Marcus @ KKZ 4 the invite; 2 John @ Xbox and Nathan @ EA Sports 4 all the love they showed; 2 Chrystina Woody 4 Ur spirit and 2 everyone @ The Garner Circle PR 4 their invite and continuous support…the entire event was definitely one 4 the books! Keep up the good work, everyone!

Words by C. Daniel

Photos by Catherine M. Tolbert of Adore Amore Photography

The P.I.T.T. (Putting it Together Training) Participants

“I’m excited,” he says. “I can’t even put that in one word; that’s how deep in my heart it is.”

Fox, now 27 years old, knows exactly what got him to the top of his game. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and former Georgia Tech standout took it back to his old stomping ground, Welcome All Park in College Park, to launch his charity, The Keyaron Fox Foundation, on Sat. July 25, 2009. The Keyaron Fox Foundation helps to raise money for parks; recreation facilities; intramural programs and youth league activities. South Atlanta’s born-and-raised Super Bowl XLIII champ kicked off his outreach venture with the inaugural “Will of Steel” Family Fun Day; it’s a chance that Fox, a Welcome All Park alumnus since age eight, believes will steer kids in the right direction.

Fox pictured with a participant

Fox demonstrates a drill

Kadijah of the Atlanta Spirit coaches the girls

“The park for me was pretty much a big stress reliever,” the all-star says. “We’d get out of school and come here for the after-school program; the first thing they’d have you do is finish your homework. The sooner you get done; the sooner you could get out here and go play. That’s the type of work ethic they put in us at a young age. It just encourages a lot of kids to stay focused in their books.”

Wrapped around the aroma from the grills and barbecue pits from surrounding family reunions, the kids are trying to beat the sweat and heat. They have a good time. Fox kicks off the day with P.I.T.T. (Putting it Together Training), a free athletic clinic equipped with a football camp for the boys and a cheerleading/dance camp for the girls hosted by Kadijah of the Atlanta Spirit. Whistles blow non-stop. The field is full of jump ropes; hula hoops; air-filled slides; trampolines and batting cage areas. Gold and black balloons are tied up on the surrounding fences. Around the stage, the kids dance: doing the motorcycle and the jerk. Everywhere Fox goes, the kids follow.

“It’s about staying focused and dreaming big,” Fox believes. “Just follow your dreams; chase those dreams and don’t be afraid to work hard. It’s so easy to take one wrong turn; you make one wrong move, and the next thing you know, you’ve messed up your whole future. You close the door for your future. It’s really about being humble and going down the right path. Stay focused.”

Fox, pictured with his mother, presents a blank check to Fulton Co. Parks and Recreation

In addition to working with young people, Fox is passionate about helping under served public facilities. A local representative calls Fox’s day “a missed love;” the first time in Fulton Co. park history that someone from the area gives back and comes back to the community. He presents to Fulton Co. Parks and Recreation a blank check along with a $7,500 donation from his pocket towards a new football field for the youth; The NFL matches Fox’s contribution. He is joined at the clinic as well as on stage by Eric Henderson (Cincinnati Bengals) and Sean Jones (Philadelphia Eagles). Fox, along with Henderson and Jones, signs autographs in the park’s Aaron Blount Memorial Gymnasium lobby prior to the AND1 streetball and dunk exhibition.

Fox, pictured with Sean Jones (Philadelphia Eagles), signing autographs in the lobby of Aaron Blount Memorial Gymnasium

Fox takes center stage in the gymnasium

The kids shoot around with the AND1 players; the kids are given sweatbands and basketball jerseys. A presentation by Kids Gym USA full of backflips; somersaults and cartwheels set to Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force’s 1983 electro-funk masterpiece “Looking for the Perfect Beat intrigues the crowd post-dunks. Performer Lil’ Dude entertains the crowd; Collipark Music/Interscope artists Vistoso Bosses also stops by. Other sponsors for “Will of Steel” include 790 the Zone; Coca-Cola; AEIM Fitness; Smoothie King; the Atlanta Explosion and Dunkin Donuts.

Fox hopes the day reignites confidence and encourages kids to further their potential. “A lot of kids are from different areas: some problem neighborhoods,” he says. “There are a lot of distractions out there pulling on young kids. It’s a mental thing when you have that type of positive environment; you can embrace that instead of embracing some of the distractions or some of the other things you get to around the neighborhood. We had a wonderful turnout; the community came out and gave a lot of support. We had a lot of people come out and volunteer. We have a lot of enthusiasm; it really turned out to be a nice event.”

For more information, log onto www.keyaronfoxfoundation.org.

Fast & Furious

Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel and Michael Fottrell; Directed by Justin Lin

Universal Pictures

2009; Color – Approx. 117 min.

Fast & Furious (Universal Pictures, 2009)

 By C. Daniel

It’s high octane; we’re talkin’ sacrifice; revenge and family. It’s Fast & Furious.

The fourth installment of the action-packed, full speed series, Fast & Furious recasts Vin Diesel (also the film’s producer) as Dominic “Dom” Toretto, a high-powered racing fugitive who returns to Los Angeles following the death of his girlfriend, Letty (played by Michelle Rodriguez). In the midst of his return to avenge Letty’s death, Dom reunites with his former nemesis: FBI agent and fellow racer Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker, also from the first and second installments of the series). Dom and Brian team up through a series of high-speed car chases; dynamic racing sequences; fiery explosions and revved-up engines to take down the cartel responsible for a murder and a multi-million dollar drug operation. Fast & Furious also stars Jordana Brewster; John Ortiz; Laz Alonso; Tego Calderon; Don Omar; Gal Gadot and Sung Kang.

Shown entirely in Widescreen, Fast & Furious upgrades the ride. The film goes on location in the Dominican Republic; Panama City; Los Angeles and along the Mexican border. The action sequences and car chases come equipped with shaky, crisp cinematography and GPS-savvy computer imagery that heavily resembles 3D video game techniques. Viewers can enjoy the film not only in English but in Spanish and French (audio and subtitles).

The ride is definitely fully equipped. A five-minute gag reel of dialogue screw-ups and acting bloopers are included on the main disc along with feature commentary from Justin Lin, also the director of the third installment of the film’s series. Fast & Furious’s two-disc special features allow fans to download a digital version of the film onto a PC; iPhone or iPod. Mini-documentaries highlighting the muscle cars (the Dodge Charger; ’72 Gran Torino; ’70 Chevrolet Chevelle and Buick Regal) and imports (Subaru SF-I and Nissan Skyline) give a closer look under the hood. The original cast of the Fast & the Furious franchise is profiled. Pitbull’s video for “Blanco” featuring Pharrell rocks in addition to being the film’s main soundtrack. The Bonnie-and-Clyde-esque opening sequence gets a behind-the-scenes treatment much like Diesel’s driving training in pre-production; the stunt doubles and coordinators; the car chases and the filming in the Mexican border. Los Bandoleros, a pivotal 20 minute short film that Diesel also stars; directs and produces, sets the pace for Fast & Furious’s opening sequence; it’s an incredible candid portrayal of the disenfranchised community in the Dominican Republic affected by high gas prices and how the community struggles to survive the financial crisis that plagues the nation. Los Bandoleros also highlights the blossoming love affair between Dom and Letty.

Fast & Furious shifts gears for an incredible feature; fans of the previous three installments will not be disappointed with the high intensity and fast pace of this series.

Words by C. Daniel

Photos contributed by Thaddeus McAdams (ExclusiveAccess.net)

Deon Grant, Founder of Grant D Knowledge Foundation

Deon Grant is dapper; he’s dressed in an all-black Louis Vuitton ensemble from head to toe topped off with a white dinner jacket. On the other hand, this particular July 11, 2009 evening is all ‘cause of the children – a “Party for the Cause Ball,” that is.

“This is super important because if we don’t reach back: the ones with the money, the ones on the TV and show these kids in the community they can do it, they won’t learn it from nobody else,” the Seattle Seahawks defensive back says.

Tonight, Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History, located in the Druid Hills community, is hosting a posh “Evening Under the Stars,” courtesy of Grant’s Grant D Knowledge Foundation along with The Gidewon Foundation in conjunction with Suntrust Bank; AG Entertainment; the Music Education Group (MEG, Inc.); the Collective Renaissance Guild (CRG) and Jim Ellis AUDI of Atlanta. Guests upon arrival are treated to a lush waterfall beneath a display of bronze dinosaurs and four AUDIs displayed across beds of red carpet over the cobblestone driveway. The Perimeter Saxophone Ensemble serenades guests at the entrance with everything from The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and Henry Mancini’s “The Pink Panther” to the Average White Band’s “Pick Up the Pieces.”

Grant and Alex Gidewon

As guests make their way down Fernbank’s spiral staircase in their after five attire, it’s a golden affair. Underneath the 86-ft. tall atrium’s enormous (and world’s largest) Argentinosaurus fossils sit a series of finely decorated golden furniture draped in golden brown tablecloths. Of course, there are fully-stocked open bars inside and out serving up some high quality cocktails. Trays of fruit; cheese and shrimp hors d’oeuvres are plentiful. In the Fernbank Cafe, there are Vegas/Atlantic City-styled blackjack and poker tables full of colorful chips and decks of cards (think Sugar Ray’s club from the 1989 comedy Harlem Nights).

This is all history in the making. For the past 10 years, Grant has been about taking care of the youth. The All-American, Augusta native (and highest paid defensive back in NFL history) opens his heart along with his wallet for educational support. The Grant D Knowledge Foundation raises funds to show inner city youth throughout metro Atlanta and the United States the key component to become future leaders and academic successes. The opportunities allow young people access to various scholarship funds; recreational programs and technological advances. Later in the evening, Grant verbally commits to an additional donation of $5,000 towards the Gidewon Foundation.

Special guests include Mayor Shirley Franklin; Upfront Entertainment CEO/choreographer Devyne Stephens; Disturbing the Peace CEO Chaka Zulu; New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant; Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss; attorney Charles Mathis; GA Sen. Kasim Reed; recording artist Rasheeda; artist Verse Simmons and Imani Entertainment CEO/manager Manny Halley.

 Special thanks 2 Deon Grant; Crystal Betts of the Gidewon Foundation; Sheena McDonald of 5 Star Relations; Charles Grant; Justin G. Tanner of the J3 Group; Brian Wynder of Rolling Out; N.V. Johnson of Inside 285 Photography; Thaddeus from ExclusiveAccess.net; the lovely ladies from CRG (Terrinee, Christine and Kamal)! I appreciate all of U!

Shameless Plug Presents Devin the Dude - June 19, 2009 @ Apache Cafe, Atlanta

By C. Daniel

Somebody done passed out on the floor. That shit was smokin’ good!

Call it a “Shameless Plug” if you want to – courtesy of a tight-knit clique: some of my more creative, intelligent and go-hard friends. Made up of Atlanta lifestyle powerbrokers Bem Joiner, Jabari Graham and Fadia Kader, Shameless Plug can get the job done and still have a damn good time. Always laid back and on the cutting edge in the ‘A,’ these are Joiner’s own words: “We just get together and put on events.” And it’s on fire everytime. Tonight, it’s thick in the building. Their most recent set features Devin the Dude before a packed house at Apache Café on Friday, June 19, 2009.

It’s pitched black in one of Atlanta’s definitive hubs for good art and live music. It’s blazin’ for real – no fuck that, it’s hot as hell in here. Shit, the wall even starts to sweat. DJ Dibiase does the damn thing goin’ all over the place. Breakin’ out everything from Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and “Da’ Butt” to Houston legends Big Mike (remember “I’m just a playa playa” from ’95) to UGK, the night is like cruisin’ in the South in the summer time wit the top down and a box full of White Owls. Hell, everybody is in one room – the Chevy ridahs, suburban college students and industry cats. Guess you have to be there to chief it – I mean see it.

Hip hop artist Nesby Phips and hip hop/jazz fusion band Jaspects (who performs an impressive rocked out instrumental rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s hit “Crazy”) opens the show, but it’s just not good enough for the crowd. “DEVIN THE DUDE!” they shout countless times. I think a couple of bottles might’ve flown over my head; the clouds of smoke are everywhere ‘tho. Then, Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” comes on about 12:30 a.m., and Devin rolls up on stage.

I’m talkin’ ‘bout his classics, y’all. With five critically acclaimed albums under his 15-year career, Devin the Dude is hands down one of the most well-known underground hip hop acts in history. Not only has the Houston-based artist collaborated with some of the most well-known names in hip hop (like Nas and DJ Premier to Andre 3000 and Jay-Z), but he’s also been praised by Spin and The New York Times for his funky rhythms, humorous sex scenarios and passion for – well, that good.

Shit, Houston producer Cory Mo even tells me the night before at DOOR 44, another Atlanta spot located in Midtown, that “Devin gon’ tear that shit up.” And that he does with his hour plus-long set.  He blazes “To the X-Treme;” “Do What’chu Wanna Do;” “Boo-Boo’n;” “Broccoli and Cheese;” “Doobie Ashtray” and “Anything.”  He screws up on “What a Job” ‘tho – naw, he slows the track down. Devin goes acapella with “Who’s That Man, Moma” and gives us a ‘lil hit of his cameos – “Fuck You” (Dr. Dre), “Fuck Faces” (Scarface), and “Ooh Na Na Na Na” (Lil’ Jon and the Eastside Boyz).

 Shit’s fire!