Diamonds In The City2010-09-10T00:22:51ZNo Copyright 2010, No SPHPBLOG AG album in stores today.. "Everything's Berry"
For those of you who are captivated by the arts and the real stories from the soul, AG brings us his new anticipated album, "Everything's Berri."
With every beat heard and every pronunciation said, you quake at what's coming to you from the speakers.
The growth is noticeable and the experiences spoken are impeccable.... so with just the simple tune up of the music, you know from this day forward, everything will be ok... because Andre the Giant told us so.....
AG album in stores today.... "Everything's Berry"
Available on ITunes: http://bit.ly/aZb4R and www.FatBeats.com ]]>http://www.diamondsinthecity.net/index.php?entry=entry100629-1525432010-06-29T00:00:00Z2010-06-29T00:00:00ZBREATHING LIFE INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Paragon Worldwide Entertainment is an Atlanta based all female executive team, which brings more than just fresh faces to the Southern music scene. Beating odds and gaining respect in the boardroom is what they know best. With street swagg and class, is how they get the job done and that they do well. They are composed of, CEO and Business Manager Lisa Smith and Vice President of A&R Shannon “Boss Lady” Parish, with Flyy Boyz and Lavish on board as artists.
The Paragon label is committed to ranging in all forms of music. Their core values are set around education, maturity, life skills and financial stability for their artists. This is a formula not commonly found in this industry, but is what proudly sets them apart from others. In addition to recorded music, artists signed with the company are eligible for services within Paragon including music publishing and licensing, digital and electronic music services, artist development, marketing and promotions.
Paragon takes on important roles to ensure all artists have a complete team available, to help them develop as artists and grow to the maximum amount of their success. Lisa and Shannon both understand what it takes and the gamble you play in the business, but their believe in an artists and their commitment made is where it counts most. They are in a male dominated business, where it's starting to look like these two ladies will win the race.
For additional information on Paragon Worldwide Entertainment, please contact: Administrative Support Paragon Worldwide Entertainment (678) 519-2114 Paragon.ent.spprt@gmail.com
]]>http://www.diamondsinthecity.net/index.php?entry=entry100529-1143382010-05-29T00:00:00Z2010-05-29T00:00:00Z<b>******* The Always Dazzling Jasmin Chase*******</b>
A simple answering of a newspaper ad is what opened the door for this blonde bombshell. One quick glance at Jasmin Chases' bright and intriguing eyes and you are caught. Her addictive smile reels you in even closer and opens up the door to a model with ambition but with such captivating charm. "I can't speak for other models but I know that I take my work very seriously and I work super hard. I'm fun and I laugh a lot but I hate wasting other peoples time or having mine wasted, so I always make sure to bring IT to the shoot," she beams as she explains.
This C34-26-35 desire of a model, is at the top of her game. With just finishing working for Naked News, you can see her experience in films, commercials and music videos are just the beginning stages of this radiant star. With a diploma in Network Security and a self professed video junkie, it is to no surprise why she doesn't hold the ridiculous demands of many model figures in the business. She's like a gift that keeps on giving. Not only does she bring you professionalism to the shoots, she brings you a bucket of laughter and over the top sex appeal many of her counterparts dream of.
There's no wonder why her ideal guy would have to be handsome, fit,smart, funny and loyal... all of the things that make up Miss Jasmin Chase.
For more information on Jasmin please visit:
www,jasminchase.com
Facebook: Jasmin Chase
]]>http://www.diamondsinthecity.net/index.php?entry=entry100328-1837292010-03-28T00:00:00Z2010-03-28T00:00:00ZDust Your Diamond Off Eric Greer
"Everyone in life has a passion which they chase - hopefully. For me, its the expansion and expression of self. Nothing gets me more pumped then looking at the experiences in life which we share and trying to find a different and new way to present it back to the world. Either it be film, photo, design, or word I'm always trying to tap into the texture of a subject so that people can feel the message I am broadcasting. I live by the motto of "question everything" and "being perfect is death, yet striving for it is living".
"At the moment, keeping my skills sharp as an interactive multimedia developer takes up much of my time but I always take breaks for the small things in life. Although being based in the Ottawa area presents certain challenges, I enjoy the character our Nation's capital. Being posted on diamondsinthecity.net is not only a privilege, but a first step to reaching out more into the community which I am happy to be a part of."
The State Authentics brand of custom sneakers was officially launched in Cincinnati, Ohio during the summer of 2006. After witnessing the widespread popularity of limited edition and custom sneakers, founder Reginald Lewis joined forces with Deleon Wilson to create a brand that “reps where you from” beginning with the Nati. The State Authentics line features 6 different designs paying homage to the Nati (Cincinnati) and available at www.stateauthentics.com as well as at their new store located at 3138 Losantiville Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45213.
STATE AUTHENTICS is a premier product development firm specializing in apparel design, manufacturing, corporate branding and fashion accessories. We are a multi-faceted environment comprised of retail space, showroom & gallery that establishes a new creative forum in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are comprised of four gifted professionals and designers with experience in all four sectors from four different parts (New York, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Atlanta) of the US. We initiated unity in diversity and make it work for us through our team of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to bringing you quality sourcing, logistics, and distribution necessary to see your sales thrive and help successfully bring a product to market. Our Service Areas include: - Apparel Design - Corporate Branding - Logistics - Logo Designing - Manufacturing - Prototype Designing - Shoe Designing - Sourcing - Distribution
CONTACT US: BOUTIQUE LOCALE/PRODUCT SUBMISSION ADDRESS State Authentics Design Group Llc. 3138 Losantiville Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45213 Email: reggie@stateauthentics.com
INTERNATIONAL AGENT MAILING ADDRESS State Authentics Design Group Llc. 267 Toh Guan Road #05-05 Singapore 600267
]]>http://www.diamondsinthecity.net/index.php?entry=entry091208-1135542009-12-08T00:00:00Z2009-12-08T00:00:00ZNEW 950 PLUS "MAKE LUV 2 A LIE OR F@#K WIT THA TRUTH" PT 3
DOWNLOAD 950 PLUS "MAKE LUV 2 A LIE OR F@#K WIT THA TRUTH" PT 3 FOR FREE RIGHT HERE THIS IS WHAT EVERYONE'S BEEN WAITING FOR THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SERIES
]]>http://www.diamondsinthecity.net/index.php?entry=entry091007-1851452009-10-07T00:00:00Z2009-10-07T00:00:00ZLaurbel- Latin Urban Electronic is Raiskel
Raiskel Rodriguez Mora was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, famous for being La Tierra del Tabaco - Cigar Land. As his father worked in tobacco plantations, Mora studied at the University Lazaro Acosta Paulin, specializing in citrus groves. This 22-year-old young talent and self-taught producer, worked independently to create and produce what he believes has been his calling, music. “Since I was a kid, I always liked music,” says Mora, “but it was’t until I was 16 when I started getting into it.” Mora created a salsa band in university, performing at local festivals. After winning first prize in a music competition, Mora gained confidence to pursue a music career. “And that’s it, I started from there,” he says.
Mora started producing music after seeing producers making tracks in the studio. “I needed tracks for my music, so I began teaching myself how to make beats.” Says Mora. “I produced my first instrumental in November 2006 and haven’t stopped since.”
The multiple acts which influenced him and his music is what does not help him categorize himself. He brings you a taste of all you may feel. "I listen to all kinds of music so my point of view of music is very extended from classical to hardcore," he affirms.
Coming to Canada in 2007 in search of what many of us migrate for, that dream. Some may come aboard and not put to use the talents they compose, or better yet, follow the song their heart sings. Raiskel heard that song and put productions behind that. Mora began to study music production at Algonquin College. This helped him better master his craft and understand the compositions. "I like to write about love, about real life situations, am not a gangster I don't write about selling drugs in the corner cause I don't do it, or know anything about that, I like it when fans and people hear my music they enjoy it and realize with it, there is always a lesson just listen carefully," states Raiskel. Listening is what helps him perform live at different venues in Ottawa, Havana and all over Cuba.
With a musical style filled with the color of Latin rhythms and EuroDance Style, Mora produces a mix of reggaeton, dancehall and R&B. His #1 Hit in Cuba, “Porque en la Havana No” is on rotation in local Latin community radio stations, CKCU and Chin Radio.
Right now, Mora is finishing his first album, Over the Line. Its December release date is up and ready as he has 2 more songs to add. It features “Beauty,” a Latin style of reggaeton mixed with electronica, the reggae track “Intoxication of Love” featuring Tam-T and electronica track “Stay” featuring La Peligrosa. The album is a mix of what he is, different styles combined. “It is a new style and genre of music all together” says Raiskel. That style is the monster he created, the song his heart sings and is called Laurbel.
Dancing is a sport or an art form which includes physical movement and most importantly is a way of ones self expression. Is a non verbal communication between humans which can be the most depicting language of all. Choreography is the art of creating this body language and a person which creates is a choreographer.
Vergi Rodriguez is not only a choreographer but an artist. A artists who speaks ever so softly and politely as you hear the linguistic words come out of her mouth. She's in her native New York working and promoting projects and taking the time to speak and motivate students throughout. "New York is a melting pot, I'm more looked at as a Latina, people are more aware culturally. In LA, I have learned a lot about the business and how it works, seeing sets and working on projects, the amount of information is great from seeing people and being next to people in the business." She depicts to me her learning lessons the business has taught her, and might I say it has taught her well. She could have easily gotten caught in between the lies and fantasy of dating rappers to actors to producers, but this Dominican Queen from Queens, opted to take another route and let her work speak for itself. "When I was little I wasn't one of those kids who my mom had to worry about me being late to dance class, I was driven to not be late, I would tell myself, 'I cant be late to dance class, I cant be late to dance class,' Instead of cartoons on Saturday mornings I was in dance class," This fuel at such a young age, is what was helped this talented soul reap the benefits of her hard work. She started off with Broadway productions in her young years, attended the prestigious New York City High School of the Performing Arts, but caught her first break dancing for Mr. Purple Rain himself, Prince. She's danced with some of Hollywood's best dance steppers. From Brittney Spears, to J.Lo, P. Diddy, Missy Elliot and choreographed in numerous video sets and world tours. But one great accomplishment came, when she served as an assistant choreographer for the Jessica Alba high school hit, "Honey." This opened up a door for Vergi to choreograph and be credited for her work in the movie "Soulplane."
"There's highs and lows, but generally, Ive had to reinvent myself, I don't know... is who I am. Something I have, is when you have a down.. is coming up with something new," Vergi talks to me and begins to acknowledge how hard it can be to deal with the curves life throws at you, but how rewarding those moments become, to who you are and who you are to be. "In times of a crisis, which I don't like to say a lot, I cry and I cry," she laughs as she begins, "At crossroads I meditate on it, I don't want to be stuck if not working I ask advice... I have that support group." One thing she believes an artist needs to sustain in the roller coaster ride of the entertainment business is, "Training, family support, church groups, dance groups, you gotta try to be around people who wanna be around it, essentially one person inspires everybody else."
This was the same inspiration she found as she discovered her talents along the ladder of life. The way Fred Astaire and West Side Story, motivated her to discover her three talents, sing, dance and acts, all in tune and without missing a beat, is the same inspiration she reflects as she speaks with you. One of those talents, which may not be under her resume and at times overlooked, is that of her confidence. "Just stay true, not just stay focused. Constantly have confidence, you get soo much rejection.. for me now I learned, I used to ask, 'What was wrong with me?,' You have dry spells, is none of those things, it boils down to confidence. Vergi's personality does nothing but inspire you, "Ive been to casting agents and their like, 'Your Latina? What kind of Latina?,' I pick my male friends brains, those in the business, to know what worked for them and I step away and I create my path, is like stepping to unknown, is the path I've taken and I've been successful, thank God. If someone wants to be a doctor you have to take certain steps, there's no format in entertainment, but is about staying educated."
A wise person once told me, a educated mind is always attractive and seeing through this conversation, Vergi Rodriguez is one stunning woman. Not only can one see her great physical shape is thanks to a great workout regimen and I'm sure some great mama genes, but at one time in her life, her sushi binges had to come to an end. She learned she was diagnosed with a problem facing many young women today at an alarming rate, "I was diagnosed with high cholesterol, because I like french fries and Tempura on my shrimp. It was a scare, the least you want to do is hurt yourself. Is not about skinny and being in a magazine, is about living a healthy lifestyle." Her healthy mind and soul, is one which one can see has become a barricade for her, as to the way women are portrayed in the business, "I never went that route," speaking on the "fast-reach-for-the-top-lane" entertainment has to offer, "I made sure I was comfortable, not to take away from anyone, is a individual decision, there's a time and a place for everything and I have done videos where women were portrayed great," just like her, there are great moments and it can be one of yours too.
Shes finished choreography work on the Kids Karaoke DVD B-KIDZ with producer extraordinaire Sergio George. One project in particular close to her, is her production work for the pageants of Miss California Teen Latina and Miss California Latina. It is no surprise why she has been involved in pageantry, as she holds a crown of her own for many young ladies in the world. Her words of advice, "Do something that honors you, that queen mentality in you, if it is buying that chapstick, is ok, loving yourself is ok.You can only attract that mentality,"
The story she illustrates to me, has made me realize, how she has artistically communicated with me a form of art. Dance can embody, express ideas and tell a story, the moral to this one is to not be afraid, let loose and perform. In which ever way you know how to best, express yourself and communicate who you are to the world. If for one second you feel your hard work is going unnoticed, just grab a hold of Vergi Rodriguez and dance with a star!
]]>http://www.diamondsinthecity.net/index.php?entry=entry090525-1343432009-05-25T00:00:00Z2009-05-25T00:00:00ZSHA STILL STIMULATING
When we are stimulated there are agents called stimuli's, which are connected to our nerves, which then results in a state of activity. This can be the reason why the man, self named Sha Stimuli, entices your sense everywhere he's mentioned and managed to keep us relatively stimulated in 2008 when he dropped 12 mix tapes in 12 months. "What I did last year by dropping 12 mix tapes in 12 months was put convos with people on record, is not common for me to do songs for ladies like the secret or a dedication to Stevie Wonder, but I wanted to show how I'm different and I wanted you to feel me," He begins to tell me surely of himself and his music, as we speak from Atlanta, where he is now a long distance away from his beloved Brooklyn. "Atlanta's got a great scenery, we record and a bunch of producers come through all the time, Atlanta is a smaller version (of New York), people think is easier and try to capitalize on it."
Sherod "Stimuli" Khaalis was born in Brooklyn and came up in the game with his brother/producer Lord Digga alongside Masta Ace and the Juice Crew. At 11 years old he gave his power to the Mic and at 14 he was featured on Masta Ace's Slaughter House LP. The grind and cypher battles he put time in, came to a pay off when in 2004 he received The Source Magazines Notarized Unsigned Hype honor. "I told myself since Unsigned Hype, I was gonna celebrate everything, you always on what's next, I call this the beautiful struggle," Sha begins to tell me and this I can begin to see.
He was signed to Virgin Records in 2005 and even though it was one of his most memorable career moments, the artistic pressure was on. "I didn't have high expectations, I knew I wasn't gonna sign for a lot of money up front, it was something I strided for," This is the set reality many of our hip hop greats face in the time of the web epidemic, where your MySpace page becomes your resume and just as much a gift as it is a curse. "The power of the Internet makes everybody think they can do it. now you can hit your favorite rapper on Facebook, I know the game became so saturated with people, now every 5 people are somebody in the industry." Sha Stimuli's assertion and experiences are not words of ignorance, as they are the reality of many artists behind close doors. "The next step after getting signed was breaking through board meetings, I go from doing records to having to have a single the next day, I learned about myself looking back, now I know who I am," he speaks to me so assertively as he graphically depicts his experiences. Maybe this is why a rapper with his knowledge was quoted as being the "Voice of his People", because as he speaks, he enlightens you with the realistic voice some of us can shy away from expressing, but then again he is a rapper and that is what they do, they express what many of us feel inside but cannot put into words and beats, the words that make you, you. "I don't like to say it has been hard for me but it hasn't been easy, but I look and ask why people grab to things and not me, one night I get love and is all good and I exist but I'm not at the top, that might be my gift and my curse, I represent the human, the grown man."
Even though he's experienced a lot of the "I made It" moments in his life, being in the room with Hova himself and feeling like he was a bout to loose something, the inner powers within him, stepped into stimulating action and went lyrically crazy on JayZ just to show him. When asked if New York Hip Hop is dead he calmly and humbly tells me, "We can't be egotistical and say we run the game, all I wanna see is positivity, when an A&R says they don't want NY rappers because they don't sell because in Kansas they support, we created a industry where everyone thinks they somebody, before it was crews, now they don't even have that." But we do have artists like Sha stimuli who at the end of the day still carry what they were put on this green earth to do, "I do feel the hunger but is not the same, before I wanted to out rap people, now is more like a thirst, a more mature approach to it. My hunger is to go to more schools and talk to more kids. My hunger has changed, my hunger is to be a better person."
The trials and the tribulations can be some of those A tribe Called Quest spoke of in rule 4080 and that of the words of JayZ, on how they build you up to tear you down. One thing which is not questioned, is that no matter what, fan love and loyalty will remain the same, nothing feels better than being remembered, nothing is more pleasing to the soul then a person smiling as they think back of a artist who struck a note while listening to their album bump in their radios. Perfectly titled "My Soul To Keep" is Sha Stimulis next album set to drop in the summer, hes taking some of the work from the Virgin album and applying a whole new genre to it. "I'm trying to contribute to good music," he firmly reminds me, but I think that task has been done. It was the works of him and many other in the business which have helped us identify the sounds we like and don't like. With saturation or without.
"After leaving Virgin I learned to do things your way, if you go down, go down fighting your style," the strong speaker explains. Everything else can disappoint, from the videos thrown at us, to the auto-tune infested songs we have been bombarded with, but one thing remains the same, Sha Stimuli's words and rhymes ain't ever gonna let you down.
New York City Fashion week is the elite of elites when it comes to fashion. Celebrities flock, designers create and seamstresses are on their best behaviour. For an up and coming designer, Fashion Week is where you have to be. The prestigious event is quite open to the public but never forgetting it's posh attitude towards those unknown to the circle of friends. I strolled down to seventh and 36th street, to get a glimpse of Times Squares' big and tall over the top architecture, and to better view shops and trends this style setting city has to offer for the new 2009 season. Sale signs everywhere and busy bodies maneuvered, the reality was, Fashion in New York wasat that moment IN Fashion Week.
I entered the loft building of the new-but-not-so-new up and coming designer Neeman Khan. The Indian designer who's blood excudes with fashion, as his family heritage can be traced to his grandfather's native Indian royalty creations. He migrated to the US as a teenager and began to work in the Halston fashion house. In 2003 Mr. Khan introduced his first collection which consisted of embellished beading and embroidery unknown to many in the fashion circle. As we reach the 10th floor we are greeted with a statuesque group of models, standing on a platform and drapped in some of the most exhilarating fashion gems your eyes can see. About ten models stand in allure, as everyone watches carefully the Fall 2009 Collection of Neeman Khan in front of them. The Jacquard jackets have such reminiscent embroidery and the vibrant but tamed black velvets, golds, and royal blues speak to you of statue and royalty. The fur vests and trims mixed with some fall evening jackets, have hairs so soft they glide with every passing observer. The evening cocktail dresses which accompany this royal collection are draped in jewelled fabrics and aristocratic satins. This first captivating collection was just a mere tease for those who move their way into the loft and get closer to the designers forbidden treasurers, the evening gown collections.
It is of no surprise to learn, Neeman Khan has dressed celebrities like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria, but he is the impeccable designer for Princess Aga Khan and Queen Noor of Jordan. Is also not surprising such aristocratic women seek him to drape in layers and layers of some of the world's best hand made fabrics. The goddess evening dresses are all intricate with crystals and bead work craftsmanship a jeweller will envy. Some drape and other hug the body, but ill all they exhibit glamour and prestige worthy of a princess. Chiffon and beading, crochet lace and crepe satin all combine in many styles and formulas. If it isn't a one sleeve, is a puckered pencil skirt with matching jewelled crop jacket. Socialites and fashion figures round up the room and take notes, take pictures or do small talk. They are all taking in the art of design and begin to predict whats next.
Walking out of the show and heading to the after party, gave me a feel of completion. The air from the cold New York wind did not seem so bad because I was in fashion cloud nine and the night was still young. Entering the Empire Fashion Week after party, held by no other then party guru to the stars, Eric Virgil, you feel the trends coming in. If there is any place where one can walk in a button up shirt with matching fitted cap and his friend in a tailored suit, it is in New York City. The glassy room filled with the young socialite generation of New York, and some of the best party people a gal can ever meet, is remarkably interesting in flavour. Some over the top and some not enough, but all in all, kind people to have around for a good time and celebrate self fashion, self art and self fulfillment, they are what they wear and make a great living doing so.
New York Fashion week was a celebration of one of the most beautiful things in the world, art. Creativity is a rare gift we at times can shy away from and not express, but it is one gift not many carry and for those that do, their should be more freedom of self expression. In fashion there are no limits, if it was limited, designers would not be able to interpret the message we want to express as we fall in love with their clothes and translate our own message as we wear them. For some fashion may be of a trend and fun, but to those who it is a little bit more than that, New York Fashion week is it's heart. If you are one of those who's heart palpates as fashion passes you by, New york City assures you to never change your style just change your surroundings.
AG album in stores today.... "Everything's Berry"
