424
Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto, ON
M5B 2H3
(416) 677-5883
langfieldent@rogers.com
http://members.rogers.com/langfieldent
NEWSLETTER
Updated: December 12, 2002
Two weeks until Christmas
and just a little longer for those that celebrate Kwanza! Without trying to sound like a salesperson,
I have to remind you that a great gift idea is Terrie William’s new book, “A
Plentiful Harvest”, which is based on the seven principles of Kwanza – and this
is an unsolicited suggestion! This
week’s highlights include a recap on the phenomenal INDIA.ARIE, finally – WHEN
BROTHERS SPEAK descends on Toronto, art gallery showing at IRIE FOOD
JOINT, HOLIDAY GROOVE '02 (season's best!), upcoming SWOLLEN
MEMBERS concert, fine Caribbean dining for NEW YEAR’S EVE AT IRIE FOOD
JOINT, THE COUNTDOWN NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA, news on TRINITEE
5:7 gospel group, remember CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS (New Jack
City)?, IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES, PEOPLE’S CHOICE NOMINEES, JADA
AND WILL and much, much more! Have a look in my PHOTO GALLERY from my photo op with MORRIS
CHESTNUT (and other fine actors) during his brief visit to Toronto!
This newsletter is
designed to welcome all the new members, give you some updated
entertainment-related news and provide you with our upcoming event
listings. To be removed from this email distribution, please CLICK HERE! Welcome to those
who are new members. Want your events listed by date? Check
out EVENTS.
INDIA.ARIE CONCERT RECAP
Most
people have one concert that stands out in your mind as the most
memorable. For me, it was India.Arie this past Friday. India.Arie
is a real blessing and a refreshing change in today’s music industry. She
came out on stage barefooted and wearing an all-white, flowing dress – she
looked like an angel. She took the time to speak to the audience so
intimately it was as though she was sitting in your living room. And then
there was the music – despite a few difficulties with sound (she missed the
sound check due to a delayed flight), she pulled it all together and dazzled us
all, not only with her vocal skills and her guitar (which we all know are
incredible) but also by the surprise treat of her flute playing. Then
there was her band and background singers who were completely in sync – they
really looked like they were having a great time. And I HAVE to mention
her bass player – UNBELIEVABLE! And last but not least, the
message. This may sound like gushing but she managed to feed my soul to
maximum capacity! If you haven’t picked up her latest CD, Voyage to
India, my suggestion is to go to your nearest retailer and purchase it for
yourself or someone else for the holidays!
Special thanks to Jason Hughes and Kamoya Ash! See related story below!
_________________________________________________________________________________
CHRISTOPHER ROUSE AND TRIFECTA AT FLAVA’S
CHRISTMAS PARTY
I have to mention the great show put on by the newly reunited Trifecta band
(Michael Shand, Calvin Beale and Joe Joe Bowden) with vocalist Christopher
Rouse. I went particularly to see
these fine musicians do their thing and what a great time we all had! Christopher’s Prince-like intonations and
his own original vocal stylings carried us through many musical eras of music
including the hit “Cruisin” as well as his own original music with Christopher
at the keys. Be on the look out for
more performances for this great artist – and don’t forget that Flava City is
very much back in business (with NO garbage outside anymore!). (smile)
WHEN BROTHERS SPEAK – DECEMBER 13 AND 14
With the recent violence within Toronto's
Black Community, the debate over whether or not racial profiling exists, and
the mainstream media's attempted assassination of the Black male image, When
Brothers Speak is a timely event that is sure to touch on these issues and
more. Spoken word fans from across
North America are planning to converge on Toronto this December for the 4th
annual When Brothers Speak International Spoken Word Poetry Showcase,
taking place Friday December 13th and Saturday December 14th at the Jane
Mallett Theatre inside of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. Founded and produced by local spoken word
artist Dwayne Morgan, When Brothers Speak has been recognized across North
America as the largest annual event of its kind, attracting over 600 people
last year, and featuring six Black, male artists, who are currently at the top
of their field, performing their original works on love, sex, politics, current
affairs and everything in between. This
year promises an all-star line up featuring New York City’s Jamaal St. John and
Osagyefo, Washington DC’s Komplex, New Jersey’s Faraji Salim,
as well as Toronto’s Unblind and Dwayne Morgan. For artist bios
visit www.upfromtheroots.ca. With the success of the 2001 edition of the
show, this year marks the first time that the show will be held over two
nights. Tickets for the show are already on sale via the St. Lawrence Centre
Website www.stlc.com, in person at the box office, 27 Front St. E @ Yonge, or
by phone at 416.366.7723. Tickets are
$21 for the upper level of the auditorium, and $26 for the lower. The 2002 edition of When Brothers Speak is
proudly sponsored by Word Magazine, Much Music’s The DownLo, the Bay Bloor
Executive Suites, CKLN 88.1, CHRY 105.5, Langfield Entertainment, and is
supported by the Canada Council for the Arts.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER
14
WHEN BROTHERS SPEAK
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
Jane Mallet Theatre
27 Front Street (east of Yonge)
$21.00-$26.00
Purchase
Tickets
Info: (416) 822-1465
Sunday,
December 15, 2002
Up
From the Roots say “Thanks”. This will be a night of partying, networking, and
great entertainment, inside of the Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W. This show
will be free for everyone who comes with their When Brothers Speak ticket stub,
and $7 for those who missed the show. We will have performers from both sides
of the border, as we showcase hip hop, dance, soul, and poetry as only we can.
Check out www.upfromtheroots.ca for more
info on confirmed artists.
IRIE FOOD JOINT GALLERY SHOWING AND
CHRISTMAS PARTY – DECEMBER 16
Carl Cassel, owner of Irie Food Joint presents his first gallery showing,
Interpretations of Light! Carl believes
that light defines reality and thus that art is an “interpretation of
light”. Carl, an artist as far back as
he can remember, will be showcasing 18 original pieces in various mediums. In pure Irie fashion, Carl is also holding a
customer appreciation Christmas party following the art showing featuring the
DJ styles of Carl Allen. Carl wants to
thank you, his patrons, for all the support over the course of this past
year. Come and join this celebration of
art and the festive season at Irie Food Joint!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
CARL CASSEL GALLERY SHOWING AND CHRISTMAS PARTY
Irie Food Joint
745 Queen Street W. (just west of Bathurst)
Gallery Showing: 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Christmas Party: 10:00 pm – closing
Pay What You Can!
HOLIDAY GROOVE ’02 – TONIGHT! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
The National Black Alliance invites you to celebrate with us at Holiday
Groove ’02 featuring music by Mark
Anthony ‘ The Crowd Pleaser’. Since
its inception, the National Black Alliance has raised more than $15,000 for its
respective member groups. These funds will help its member groups continue with
much needed programming and outreach activities. This year's party will also include a food drive and toy drive
for those less fortunate. So please bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable
food item for the party and your gift will be distributed to a family in
need. Get your tickets from your local
Alliance rep:
AABHS - renee.henderson@sickkids.ca
BBPA - aulysses@sympatico.ca
BFVN - jdash@mccarthy.ca
CABJ - triciad@citytv.com
UFSC - altocamino@hotmail.com
UMAC - sirjude@sympatico.ca
We are the Alliance: Association for the
Advancement of Blacks in Health Sciences; Black Business and Professional
Association; Black Film & Video Network; Canadian Association of Black
Journalists; Urban Financial Services Coalition; Urban Music Association of
Canada.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2002
THE NATIONAL BLACK ALLIANCE INVITES YOU TO
CELEBRATE WITH US
HOLIDAY GROOVE ‘02
Music By Mark
Anthony ‘ The Crowd Pleaser’
La Rouge Executive
Club
257 Adelaide St. West
9:00 pm – 2:00 am
$15 advance tickets. $20 at the door
Info.: sirjude@sympatico.ca
SWOLLEN MEMBERS IN CONCERT –
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
The meeting of two West Coast rappers fuelled this talented Canadian band. In 1996, solo artist, Mad Child met Prevail
in his hometown of Vancouver. The two West Coast rappers joined forces and what
grew out of this merger is one of the most talented Canadian bands, on the
music scene. The group released three
independent singles before releasing Balance, their debut effort in
1999. A world tour and numerous performances followed until the band released
its sophomore album, Bad Dreams, in 2001. The same year Swollen Members
took home a Juno Award for Best Rap Recording for Balance. In 2002, the band
performed with Nelly Furtado and won a second Juno Award for Best Rap
Recording. Their music has been featured on soundtracks, computer games, and
other outlets. They've also worked with members of the Beat Junkies and
Jurassic 5, among others.
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 21
SWOLLEN MEMBERS
Opera House
735
Queen Street E.
8:00
pm
GET TICKETS
IRIE FOOD JOINT NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY –
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
Tired of the club scene on New Year’s Eve?
Want to experience fine Caribbean food and then welcome in 2003 with an
elegant party? Then Irie Food Joint is
the place to be! Carl Cassel is
offering two four-course dinner seatings for New Year’s Eve - the first dinner
seating is at 6:00 pm but you must vacate your table by 8:45 pm. The second dinner seating begins precisely
at 9:00 pm. Then the party continues
with music, party favours, free champagne at midnight and a midnight buffet –
Irie style – in their heated patio! Do
something different this year and celebrate the dawning of 2003 at Irie Food
Joint!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
IRIE FOOD JOINT NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Irie Food Joint
745 Queen Street W. (just west of Bathurst)
6:00 pm dinner seating only - $50.00 (prices do not include alcohol)
9:00 pm dinner seating only - $50.00 (prices do not include alcohol)
Dinner and party - $80.00
Party only 11:00 pm - $40.00
“THE COUNTDOWN” - NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA 2002
- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
United Professional Associates, Another Croft Original and Too Nubian
Entertainment proudly present “The Countdown” - New Year’s Eve Gala 2002. For
many years, since about 1985 to be exact, we were looked to as the leaders in
quality entertainment for our adult patrons.
Our flagship product had always been our
annual New Year's gala. Featuring the DJ stylings of Juiceman Jonathan Shaw with
the GTA party phenomena Mr. Kicks. Your
$50 advance ticket includes free finger food / hors d’oeuvres between
9-10:00 pm and free parking (with validation).
Come check out “Where the adults will
be”.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2002
THE COUNTDOWN - 2002 NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Presented by United Professional Associates, Another Croft Original and Too
Nubian
Entertainment
The Tasting Rooms Restaurant (On the 2nd floor in the 1st
Canadian Place – north side of King between York and Bay)
From 9:00pm–3:00am
$50 advance (With free finger food /hors
d’oeuvres between 9-10:00 pm)
Free parking with validation – underground on east
side of York, north of King
Very limited $65 door tickets, if available
Arrive Early!!! Formal attire only
(416) 410-4653 / 1-877-2-NUBIAN / (416) 804—5143
thecountdown02@yahoo.ca
OR Juiceman@toonubian.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2002
2 PAC Better Dayz (Interscope)
702 Star (Motown)
COMMON The Electric Circus (MCA)
QUEEN LATIFAH She's A Queen: Collection Of Hits (Motown)
TRACY CHAPMAN Let It Rain (DVD Audio) (Elektra)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002
*NSYNC *NSync's Most Requested Hit Videos (DVD/VHS)
(Zomba)
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST Rarities & Remixes
LIL ROMEO Game Time (Universal)
R. KELLY Chocolate Factory (Zomba)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2002
KELLY PRICE Christmas (Def Soul)
2002
BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
Here are the winners of the 2002 Billboard Music Awards, as presented on the
Dec. 9 live Fox broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas:
Artist of the year: Nelly
R&B/hip-hop album of the year:
"The Eminem Show" (Aftermath/Interscope), Eminem
Male artist of the year: Nelly
R&B/hip-hop single of the year:
"Foolish," Ashanti
Female artist of the year: Ashanti
R&B/hip-hop singles artist of
the year: Ashanti
Top new pop artist of the year:
Ashanti
R&B/hip-hop single (sales) of
the year: "Uh Huh," B2K
Group/duo of the year: Creed
Rap artist of the year: Nelly
Album of the year: "The Eminem
Show" (Aftermath/Interscope), Eminem
Rap track of the year: "Hot in
Herre," Nelly
Group/duo albums artist of the year:
Creed
Country singles artist of the year:
Toby Keith
Hot 100 singles artist of the year:
Ashanti
Rock artist of the year: Puddle Of
Mudd
Hot 100 Singles male artist of the
year: Nelly
Rock track of the year:
"Blurry," Puddle Of Mudd
Hot 100 singles group/duo of the
year: Nickelback
Modern rock artist of the year:
Puddle Of Mudd
Hot 100 single of the year:
"How You Remind Me," Nickelback
Modern rock track of the year:
"Blurry," Puddle Of Mudd
Hot 100 airplay single of the year:
"How You Remind Me," Nickelback
Dance/club play artist of the year:
Cher
Top 40 track of the year: "How
You Remind Me," Nickelback
Electronic album of the year:
"18," Moby
R&B/hip-hop artist of the year:
Ashanti
Electronic albums artist of the
year: Moby
R&B/hip-hop male artist of the
year: Nelly
Catalog artist of the year: Creed
R&B/hip-hop female artist of the
year: Ashanti
Catalog album of the year:
"Human Clay," Creed (Wind-Up)
New R&B/hip-hop artist of the year:
Ashanti
Century Award: Annie Lennox
Artist Achievement Award: Cher
Special Billboard Award: Michael
Jackson (recognizing his 1982 Epic album "Thriller," which spent more
weeks at No. 1 (37 weeks) than any other album in the history of The Billboard 200.
TRINITEE 5:7's BALANCING ACT: SEXY GOSPEL SINGERS REPRESENT
THE NEW WAVE OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Renee Simms (with additional reporting by LaRita Shelby)
Gospel recording artists have always had to balance being
Christians, on the one hand, with working in the very secular world of the
music industry. But as the world evolves, so does that delicate balancing act. Meet Trinitee 5:7.
They're a girl group. The members are Chanel, Adrian and Angel. Trinitee 5:7
represents gospel singers as they live in the world today. Gone are the
sequined gowns and plump physiques. These women are as stylish
and sexy as any R&B girl group that's out there. “Our image is
definitely very important to us,” says Trinitee 5:7 member Angel. “We’re definitely
not perfect but I would rather Chanel’s younger sister look at us than to look
at a lot of the other people out there.” The younger
generation is watching. Trinitee 5:7 has a large following among young people
because they can relate to their fashion sense and their contemporary singing
style. The group did a remake of Musiq’s song “Love” which they called “Lord” and
they've worked in the past with R. Kelly. Speaking of Kelly,
Chanel had this to say about his recent problems: “We have not been
in contact with him but we do have mutual friends out of Chicago and we check
on him. We are prayerful. Our spirits mourn for him but at the same time we
understand the importance of the protection of our children. We pray for all
the victims that are involved.” A relationship with R.
Kelly might seem embarrassing for a group that sings about the Lord, but these
women are not on some better- than-thou, saint tip. They say that they know
they live in the world and they profess knowledge of the human condition.
That's why they sing about romantic love. Their song “Sixteen
Again” which is on their latest CD, “The Kiss,” is about romantic love. “We have balanced
Christian lives,” says Angel. “And when I say that, what I mean is we
experience, [what] everybody experiences, all the aspects of life. When you
become a Christian those things don't go away. Love doesn't go away. Crushes
don’t go away.” “We’re not preachy girls, we’re just doers of the Word,” says
Adrian. We’re gonna leave a body of work that contributes to humanity so once
we’re gone, every generation can use the songs that we do.”
CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS - NOW,
CHRISTOPHER IS BACK!
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Jawn
Murray (Washington, DC)
Christopher Williams hit the R&B scene in 1987 with his debut album,
“CW,” on Geffen Records. Four years later, he found himself signed to
Uptown Records under the direction of Andre Harrell and appearing in the film,
“New Jack City.” By the time his next albums dropped, 1993’s “Changes” and
1995’s “Not A Perfect Man,” the deep-voiced singer was tormented by the rumours
of domestic violence against then girlfriends Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball) and
Stacy Dash (“Clueless”) and violent behaviour at the offices of Uptown Records.
The singer, that Rolling Stone once claimed, “has a brilliant future,” and Vibe
declared, “he’s better than good,” almost completely disappeared from the
limelight for many years. Now,
Christopher is back! He is currently starring in the Michael Baisden play, “Men
Cry In The Dark,” which also features Allen Payne (“New Jack City”), R&B
singer Monifah, Richard Roundtree (“Shaft”), and Rhona Bennett (“Jamie Foxx
Show”). He also released an independent album in August of 2001 called “Real
Men Do.” Not only is Christopher happy now that his career has re-ignited, but
he is also ready to clear the air about a lot the stories that have circulated
about him over the years. Listen in:
Jawn: So you are doing your music independently now?
CW: I actually am getting ready to sign a deal with Sony
Records. I’m giving up with the independent label thing and just pray that I
can land with the right people at Sony and just be at the right place.
Jawn: Do you think you will continue to act in addition to
being a recording artist?
CW: Yeah, possibly. Yeah I would imagine that I would
probably be acting because out of sight, out of mind, right?
Jawn: Tell me about doing the play “Men Cry In The Dark.” How
long have you all been on the road?
CW: We’ve been going since February [2002]. We took a break
in July and August and started back in Houston in September. I’m enjoying it,
man. I love the theater part of it. The traveling is sometimes fun and
sometimes you miss home but overall it has been great.
Jawn: You are married now. Does your wife travel with you on
the road?
CW: Just sometimes because she works too. She is a
screenwriter, so just when she can come, because she doesn’t have that much
time.
Jawn: What’s your experience been like in “Men Cry In The
Dark?”
CW: It’s been great, I’ve been blessed but I didn’t know how
it was going to be at first because even when we did our first press conference
and a lot of people who are into my music were like, “I hope it isn’t one of
those ‘I Need A Man and My Man Hurt Me,’ yeah, ‘Momma, I Burnt The Chicken’.”
[Those plays are] almost like blackface in a sense. I’m not knocking it, I just
never wanted to do it. Once I’m on stage everything is just great and my
creative juices start flowing. I did a play in college with Wesley Snipes,
which was the last play I did many, many years ago.
Jawn: How close is Pretty Tony, the character you play in
“Men Cry in the Dark,” with you and your life?
CW: Real close, you know being young and making records, and
being fortunate and unfortunate at the same time. I had a child at a young age,
I got a child when I was 19-years-old so I had a lot on my shoulders. When I
got out I had just started performing I had kind of just broke up with my
baby’s mother so the world was open to me. You know I had the #1 record and my album
was almost platinum and after that I’ve had problems with women. Once I got out
there and they were coming in droves and as a young man I took advantage of it.
I was a womanizer.
Jawn: Since you brought up your baby’s mom and being a
womanizer, can we talk about the rumours of you being violent in past
relationships with both Stacy Dash and Halle Berry? What happened with that?
CW: See, when I say womanizer I don’t mean abuser. I had a
relationship that was turbulent with my son’s mom, Stacy, but it was turbulent
in two directions. The stuff they wrote about Halle Berry was totally false!
They said something like I bust her eardrum and I’m tired of it. I never said
it [before] but I’m so tired of people thinking that I’m the guy [who did it].
Wesley Snipes busted her eardrum, not me! I’ve been married happily for 10
years and my wife and my son and my nieces and nephews all love me, and I’m
just into the simple realness of life now.
Jawn: What about the story about you tearing up Andre
Harrell’s office and breaking up furniture at Uptown Records?
CW: My career is a blessing to me, it took me by a storm in
my 20’s and I just honestly wasn’t into giving up my soul. When you don’t want
to bear your soul for this business and not go to all the industry parties … I
remember one time Russell [Simmons] and Andre told me they were going to
introduce me to the right people to have around me. I look at Andre ten years
later and he still is sitting in parties lonely and he is still getting a check
but money doesn’t make me and I will never sacrifice my principles. There is
only one thing I fear and that is God and I’ve always put him in front of me. I
have not always done the right thing. Honestly, I did have an incident with
Uptown Records and I wish maybe that I could have kept my cool. All the other
things that were written about me talking about how I didn’t show up to events
and stuff. Anybody that knows and was involved with Uptown knows that we were
booked at eight places at the same time and you’re going to miss seven of them.
That was the most chicken and grits operation that I have ever dealt with. It
was an experience, I learned from the good of it and I learned some bad from
it. Me and Andre are cool, I mean we don’t have any bitter fumes or whatever, to
be honest, after all that happened he offered me the job that he gave to Heavy
D. That was my job because Andre has always known I’m like a schoolyard lawyer.
Jawn: So you have always been pretty business savvy?
CW: That’s why there are a lot of the major problems in a
career. Anytime an artist can tell a business affairs person verbatim what is
going on in a contract and what this language means, they don’t want that! So,
they hold the pen, they hire the publicist, they have the relationships with
the Post, the Times, the Chronicles, and other press. Like I said, as long as
God can see my heart, I don’t care what man says and I have always been like
that.
Jawn: I must be honest. You definitely seem like a
mellow-type guy to me. At least right now, we’re talking about some serious
issues and allegations, and you haven’t raised your voice or gotten the least
bit upset talking about any of it.
CW: See, I’m talking to you now and you seem like a cool
person. That’s why I feel compelled to say what I just wanted, to explain to
you. It probably doesn’t mean anything to you or me but just for the record, I
would just like to explain that you seem like the type of person that will put
down exactly what I say. Like, I said I haven’t done everything right in my career
and going away had something partly to do with me. I just needed a break. I
have brothers come to me like, “How could you just leave Halle Berry?” I’m
like, ‘How could you leave the last relationship you was with?’ [Halle] is just
a woman but because her name is in lights, people are damned near ready to bare
their souls. They would probably crucify Jesus again just to get with her. But
for me I don’t put women on a pedestal like that and if you read the Bible
you’re not supposed to. You’re supposed to respect them, take care of them,
love them and that’s what I have learned in my new relationship. It was funny
because my wife is younger than me and it was taught to me through the [Bible].
That book is a guide for me when I do tempt to deviate at times. That’s where
I’m at right now. This play is rekindling me with the people that were down for
my music, and me and it’s been great seeing them again. It’s funny because the
stars that get all the good write-ups, you go and meet them and they are total
assholes. But me they persecute, and they always have, and you can ask anybody
on the cast, I do my thing, I mind my business, and that’s that it!
Jawn: I’m glad you were able to share your thoughts and
finally tell your side of the story, doc. I’m also glad things are looking good
for your career.
CW: Thanks for your time, Jawn. I appreciate it.
His
1995 album said it best, Chris is “Not A Perfect Man,” but he is sure striving
to be a better one. Check him out in “Men Cry In The Dark” – tour dates are
available at MichaelBaisden.com – and his latest CD, “Real Men Do,” is
available at CDNOW.com and Amazon.com.
EVANDER
HOLYFIELD ON BOXING AND HIS RECORD LABEL
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Kenya
Yarbrough
What’s
realer than “Real Deal” Holyfield? Probably his gumption. The 40-year-old boxer
is not only on the hard road to glory to become the undisputed boxing champion
of the world, but is also generously giving back to the community and following
an entrepreneurial spirit. Evander
Holyfield is defying age and continuing to box, in good form. The former champ
is taking on the #1 IBF contender Chris Byrd on December 14 in Atlantic City.
Holyfield’s attempt at the IBF crown will be broadcast live on HBO (10 p.m.
ET), but he says he’s already ready to take on the current champ Lennox
Lewis. “Hopefully Lennox Lewis will
accept the challenge,” he said in a recent appearance, “and we’ll fight at the
beginning of next year.” Well, while
all that’s getting worked out, and while Holyfield prepares for his upcoming
battle, the star athlete is putting some of the sparring energy into some other
projects, like the Holyfield Foundation, which helps to enhance the lives of
youth worldwide by establishing programs, scholarships, and facilities
dedicated to their spiritual, educational and athletic development. Through the
foundation, and the help of his Holyfield's Holy Warriors volunteer corps, he
hopes to give the inner city youth the kind of support he got from his family
and his coach while growing up.
In addition to his community spirit, Holyfield’s entrepreneurial spirit is in
high gear. The boxer is a partner of the Major Broadcasting Cable (MBC) Network
venture, which is giving BET a little competition. Still, Holyfield says that
he holds BET up as a model for the new network. “We’re in 20 million homes now,” he said of the network. “We
look to BET to measure our [own] growth. We understand that BET didn’t start as
a 24-hour channel. We’ve been on air for three years and we’re getting better
everyday. We look forward to being like BET.” (Be careful what you ask for,
dude.) Perhaps, while he was considering
taking over the airwaves through television, he thought, “why not radio?”
because Holyfield also founded his own record label and already has a few acts
making some noise in the charts. Aptly titled Real Deal Records, Holyfield’s
label already boasts several acts on the roster after just one year. “I’m a people person, and I do love music,
and I realized boxing would come to an end,” he confessed. “So I wanted to
expand into something I do enjoy. It started with me helping a lot of artists
that couldn’t get onto big record labels. Then someone asked, ‘Why don’t you
get a record company?’ I had the money and I was able to get some people that
know about the music business. I have six artists. One of my artists is called
Lexi. She just came out with an album, she’s a good artist, she’s gospel. I
have a rapper called NuWine, I have a girl group called Exhale, 4-Shades --
they’re an R&B act coming out, and other artists.”
Holyfield’s got the foundation, the network, and the label, but he says at the
end of the day, it still comes down to boxing. “I’ve been fighting for 32 years now, and I have a lot of
experience, but I still have a strong desire and a strong passion for boxing,”
he said. “I love what I do. My goal is to be the undisputed heavyweight
champion of the world. Each and every time I go out there, I go out to be
better than I was the last fight. I look forward to being the undisputed
champion of the world.” And while he’s
fighting for that championship, Holyfield admitted that it doesn’t take a
heavyweight title to be a true champion. He reflected upon Ali as a champion
fighter and a champion citizen and explained that he wanted to mirror “The
Greatest” in both aspects. “When I
first started boxing, Ali was [going] to box George Foreman, but even then,
everyone still considered him the greatest, even though he wasn’t the champion.
[He’s] an individual that’s done so much for a game that when he’s not the
champion, he’s [still] called a champion. Being the champion is more than just
boxing; it’s how you carry yourself as an individual. The people that I call
champions are people that are able to make people not quit and not give up.”
SPEK
IS BACK WITH "DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF"
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Tamara Smith
[simplymagic@rogers.com]
Toronto-based emcee Spek is best known as a member of the group
Dream Warriors. After a five-year hiatus, Spek is back with his debut solo
album, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." His groovy single, "Smell the Coffee," is heating up
the airwaves and the accompanying video is on rotation on MuchMusic, Musique
Plus, MTV Canada and MTV UK. From
1994-1997, Spek was a member of the Canadian crew Dream Warriors, best known
for their international hit "My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz
Style." He recorded two albums
with the group, "Subliminal Simulation" and "The Master
Plan," before deciding to leave the group in search of growth as a solo
artist. During his break, Spek spent the last few years honing his production
skills and learning to play the guitar.
Utilizing his newfound production skills, Spek co-produced "Don't
Sweat the Small Stuff" with producer Brian Rose. Ed Raso, known for his
work with P. Diddy, J. Lo and Lil Kim, mixed the album. The Millionaires lend
their vocal assistance as well, appearing on five tracks. "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"
comes with a funky, mellow, folk-inspired brand of hip-hop, influenced by Simon
and Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Soundgarden, Mazzy Star, Radiohead and De La
Soul. This one's definitely a necessity for anyone who is tired of typical
beat, obscene lyric-filled albums. It's full of street-smart, positive and
conscious hip-hop. "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" is available now at
a store near you. For more info on
Spek or to check out a selection of songs from the album and the "Smell
the Coffee" video, check out www.speks-place.com.
ARIE
ALL RIGHT WITH NAACP: SISTERS GONNA WORK IT OUT, SISTERS GONNA WORK IT OUT!
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
*India.Arie tops the music nominees for the 34th annual NAACP
Image Awards. The Motown artist scored five nominations, including outstanding
female artist and album ("Voyage to India"). Erykah Badu has four
nods; Mary J. Blige and Kirk Franklin earned three each. Along with Arie, the outstanding female
artist field is rounded out by Ashanti, Badu, Blige, and Missy Elliott. The
outstanding male artist list is made up of LL Cool J, Mos Def, Musiq, Nelly,
and Carlos Santana. The awards --
which also honour achievements in television, film, and literature -- will be
taped March 8 at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles and will air March
13 on Fox.
WILL
& JADA REALITY TV? NOT SO MUCH, BUT
THEIR FAMILY VALUES ARE HITTING THE SMALL SCREEN
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Will Smith could soon be joining the UPN family. He, along with wife Jada Pinkett-Smith
are executive producing a family sitcom based on their own family. Word has it that
while the duo are attached to the concept and production of the series, neither
is expected to star in the show.
IMAGE
AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED: "BROWN SUGAR" AND "BARBERSHOP"
LEAD THE PACK
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
The 34th annual NAACP Image Awards were announced Thursday in
Los Angeles. Among the leading nominees are Fox Searchlight's "Brown
Sugar," MGM's "Barbershop," Fox's "The Bernie Mac
Show" and Showtime's "Soul Food". In the motion picture category, the romantic comedy "Brown
Sugar led the way with 7 noms. Close behind "Sugar" was
"Barbershop" which earned 6 nominations. Love went out to Ice Cube,
Cedric the Entertainer, Anthony Anderson and rapper, now actress, Eve Jihan
Jeffers. (Wow, wonder Jesse and Al Sharpton think about that?) The awards, which
will be held on March 8 at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, will be
broadcast March 13 on Fox. For a complete list of nominees, go to: www.naacpimageawards.org.
WE
THE PEOPLE: PEOPLE'S CHOICE NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
The
people have made their nominations and hot celebs Halle Berry, Eminem, and
Jennifer Lopez are among the chosen once again. Nominees for the 29th annual People's Choice Awards were
announced earlier this week, and in addition to the aforementioned trio,
Jennifer Anniston, Tom Hanks, and Debra Messing were among those garnering the
most votes. Also in the tops is
"The Bernie Mac Show," "Everybody Loves Raymond," and
"Friends." Other nominees
include Denzel Washington, Nelly, and "Cedric the Entertainer
Presents." The People's Choice
Awards, is one of the few awards programs decided solely by the public, and will
take place Jan. 12 in Pasadena. It will air live on CBS at 9 pm ET, and will be
hosted by Tony Danza.
THE OPRAH WINFREY ACADEMY FOR
GIRLS? YUP - THE SCHOOL IS IN S. AFRICA
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Media maven Oprah Winfrey gave $10 million to Nelson Mandela for the
construction of a South African Girl’s school. The donation is chump change for Winfrey. Reuters reports that
her net worth is nearing $1 billion. The
academy will open in January 2005 and will take 450 girls aged 12 to 18. Most
will be picked from disadvantaged communities. “We are looking for strong, brave girls with heart,” Winfrey
said. “I believe girls are going to take over the world. Men have been in
control long enough but don’t worry, we’re prepared to share power.”
THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 12
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Kenny Moran, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
FRIDAY, DECEMBER
13 AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
WHEN BROTHERS SPEAK
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
Jane Mallet Theatre
27 Front Street (east of Yonge)
$21.00-$26.00
Purchase
Tickets
Info: (416) 822-1465
EVENT PROFILE:
Founded and produced by local spoken word artist
Dwayne Morgan, When Brothers Speak has been
recognized across North America as the largest annual event of its kind,
attracting over 600 people last year, and featuring six Black, male artists,
who are currently at the top of their field, performing their original works on
love, sex, politics, current affairs and everything in between. This year promises an all-star line up
featuring New York City’s Jamaal St. John and Osagyefo,
Washington DC’s Komplex, New Jersey’s Faraji Salim, as well as
Toronto’s Unblind and Dwayne Morgan. For artist bios visit www.upfromtheroots.ca. With the success of the 2001 edition of the
show, this year marks the first time that the show will be held over two
nights. Tickets for the show are already on sale via the St. Lawrence Centre
Website www.stlc.com, in person at the box office, 27 Front St. E @ Yonge, or
by phone at 416.366.7723.
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 15
UP
FROM THE ROOTS THANK YOU PARTY
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas St. W.
10:00 pm
$7.00 without ticket stub from show
EVENT PROFILE:
This
will be a night of partying, networking, and great entertainment, inside of the
This show will be free for everyone who comes with their When Brothers Speak
ticket stub, and $7 for those who missed the show. We will have performers from
both sides of the border, as we showcase hip hop, dance, soul, and poetry as
only we can. Check out www.upfromtheroots.ca
for
more info on confirmed artists. Lorraine
Reid, Tamla Matthews, DJ Complex, and Nikki at Up From The Roots year end
event inside of the Lula Lounge
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 15
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and
David French.
MONDAY,
DECEMBER 16
CARL CASSEL GALLERY SHOWING AND CHRISTMAS PARTY
Irie Food Joint
745 Queen Street W. (just west of Bathurst)
Gallery Showing: 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Christmas Party: 10:00 pm – closing
Pay What You Can!
EVENT PROFILE: Carl Cassel,
owner of Irie Food Joint presents his first gallery showing, Interpretations of
Light! Carl believes that light defines
reality and thus that art is an “interpretation of light”. Carl, an artist as far back as he can
remember, will be showcasing 18 original pieces in various mediums. In pure Irie fashion, Carl is also holding a
customer appreciation Christmas party following the art showing featuring the
DJ styles of Carl Allen. Carl wants to
thank you, his patrons, for all the support over the course of this past
year. Come and join this celebration of
art and the festive season at Irie Food Joint!
MONDAY,
DECEMBER 16
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich
Brown, Andrew Craig and Shamakah Ali with various local artists.
TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 17
JAZZ TUESDAYS AT MUSE
Muse Bistro
369 King Street W.
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
EVENT PROFILE: The
ever-popular and hip Muse Bistro is beginning a new jazz night after work on
Tuesdays! Every Tuesday evening, join
us at Muse between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm for some of the finest jazz Toronto has
to offer. It’s going to be a very cool
vibe and remember that Muse has some of the best food in town! Join us in filling this night with smiling faces
and wonderful music.
TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 17
JAM SESSION
Lava Lounge
507 College Street (west of Bathurst)
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Calvin Beale, Michael Shand, Joe Bowden, Thomas Reynolds
and various local artists.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
THE NATIONAL BLACK ALLIANCE INVITES YOU TO
CELEBRATE WITH US
HOLIDAY GROOVE ‘02
Music By Mark
Anthony ‘ The Crowd Pleaser’
La Rouge Executive
Club
257 Adelaide St. West
9:00 pm – 2:00 am
$15 advance tickets. $20 at the door
Info.: sirjude@sympatico.ca
EVENT PROFILE:
The National Black Alliance invites you to celebrate with us at Holiday
Groove ’02 featuring music by Mark
Anthony ‘ The Crowd Pleaser’. Since
its inception, the National Black Alliance has raised more than $15,000 for its
respective member groups. These funds will help its member groups continue with
much-needed programming and outreach activities. This year's party will also include a food drive and toy drive
for those less fortunate. So please bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable
food item for the party and your gift will be distributed to a family in
need. Get your tickets from your local
Alliance rep:
AABHS - renee.henderson@sickkids.ca
BBPA - aulysses@sympatico.ca
BFVN - jdash@mccarthy.ca
CABJ - triciad@citytv.com
UFSC - altocamino@hotmail.com
UMAC - sirjude@sympatico.ca
We are the Alliance: Association for the
Advancement of Blacks in Health Sciences; Black Business and Professional
Association; Black Film & Video Network; Canadian Association of Black
Journalists; Urban Financial Services Coalition; Urban Music Association of
Canada.
THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 19
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Kenny Moran, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 21
SWOLLEN MEMBERS
Opera House
735
Queen Street E.
8:00
pm
GET TICKETS
EVENT PROFILE:
The
meeting of two West Coast rappers fuelled this talented Canadian band. In 1996, solo artist, Mad Child met Prevail
in his hometown of Vancouver. The two West Coast rappers joined forces and what
grew out of this merger is one of the most talented Canadian bands, on the
music scene. The group released three
independent singles before releasing Balance, their debut effort in
1999. A world tour and numerous performances followed until the band released
its sophomore album, Bad Dreams, in 2001. The same year Swollen Members
took home a Juno Award for Best Rap Recording for Balance. In 2002, the band
performed with Nelly Furtado and won a second Juno Award for Best Rap
Recording. Their music has been featured on soundtracks, computer games, and
other outlets. They've also worked with members of the Beat Junkies and
Jurassic 5, among others.
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 22
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and
David French.