Welcome to the latest edition of the DV8 Weekly. Thank you for your continued support. Email comments to dv8weekly@gmail.com. DV8 Technology Issue (print) is on the way.
-Mr. Shadeed DV8 Weekly Editor-
TYLER PERRY...U GO BOI!
by SunThat Producer, Director, Actor etc. Tyler Perry has really defied the odds...he went from homeless to worry-less. He is a millionaire and the first African American to own a multi-million dollar film studio, which was built on the South side of Atlanta, Georgia in College Park, the roughest side of town. At Greenbriar Mall, located not far from his studio, broad day light robberies and shootings are common. I am so glad he-and Magic Johnson- have shown their true commitment to bringing jobs and class to low income areas such as this.
He is a wonderful talent and blessing. Did you know the man only has a GED? Did you know he was abused as a child? He is a living testimony!
And If you haven't seen his most recent film, "The Family That Preys", you are really missing out. I mean the movie was so outstanding it received a standing ovation at its conclusion, and that happened in a theater in Dallas, Texas where folks hardly ever get excited about anything.
"Preys" is a story with all the ingredients for a fun, romantic, dramatic heart-wrenching display of cinema excellence at its best. Please go see it or rent it. You will laugh , you will cry, you will lose your mind with a rollercoaster of emotions.
The link below, which was emailed to me by my cousin, shows the house from his -also good but not as awesome- movie, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman". It is actually his real home!
To save money on the making of the film he followed his assistant's advice and used his estate in the movie, however, he regrets it because since then fans camp out there everyday.
But this is a gorgeous home.
Take a look and you be the judge.
http://www.9620cedargroverd.com
Brittney Joiner (Bri) Exclusive Interview by: Chef Carlton Haynes
The singer, song writer, choir director and musician herself she knows the
importance of polishing her own star. She is now being recognized as the next
young female bringing heat out of the Midwest, being compared to the likes of
Aaliyah, Hanna Montana and Raven Symone ....That's right DV8 fans she is all that
This is The Chef and I'm telling you this young lady is the total package and is only
15 and she is blazing the stage with her confidence, innocence yet cool
disposition folks I'm talking about Brittney Joiner AKA (Bri) .
Bri the multi-talented female artist from St. Louis has been crankin’ out tunes for a long while and she is only 15, with her own unique style. She will one day be the queen of R & B and hip hop. Her latest single Hopscotch is quickly making its move at all the radio stations in St. Louis area with her album coming out right behind it.
I had the chance to meet up with Bri to get a little insight about this beautiful you lady so we can see why she is that star in the making.
The Chef - I would like to take this time to welcome Bri to the DV8 interview session.Bri – Thanks for inviting me
The Chef - So Bri can you tell our viewers some of the things you’re working on now?
Bri – Currently I am putting the finishing touches on my demo and I am about halfway done with my album
The Chef - What is an average day consist of for Bri?
Bri – A day in the life of Bri is not the average. (lol) I wake up go to school come home do my homework, rehearse my dance moves for the stage hit the studio with Laudie, Sir Issac, Tim or Phil which can take anywhere from four to seven hours on a week night come home finish my homework and finally sleep
The Chef - You’re such a young talent just starting out. How do you overcome the nervousness that comes with being on the big stage?
Bri – Well, I have been in love with the stage since birth! Fine arts have been a huge part of my life since I was three years old. Sometimes if I get nervous I will just tell myself push harder and give it all I have there is no way someone wont like what they see
The Chef - Okay tell me about this Hop Scotch song and dance.
Bri – Hopscotch started out as a joke really. Sir Issac, Tendai Morris, my mother and myself were in the studio and we wanted something fun, catchy and bouncy but also original at the same time we came up with the concept of hopscotch and later added Prep Boi and Diamond Doll to the song as well
The Chef - What were the challenges you faced trying to make it in the entertainment world?
Bri –HATERS! There were and still are a lot of people who try to discourage me and stop me by creating rumors or just being plain ignorant but I pay those types of people no attention because whether they know it or not they only create more fuel for me to keep going on harder and stronger than I ever could be
The Chef - Was there anything that you were afraid of that you had to overcome to achieve your goals.
Bri – No not really, I am confident in myself and I have a lot of self respect and of course my mom all of these things help me get through everything that comes at me
The Chef - What kind of advice would you give another young person who wants to get into this business?
Bri – I would just say don’t be afraid of criticizing people. There will always be people who don’t like your material but chances are they are the people who can’t get you a record deal. Have respect for yourself as well as your fellow artist and don’t let the little things get you down keep pushing and don’t be afraid of the stage! lol
The Chef - What’s the most important thing you’ve learned as you’ve develop your career?
Bri- I would say the most important thing I have learned is better stage presence. Not to say that I didn’t have it when I first came in the game but as I began to do more shows and get my name out in the world I learned what my audience liked to see and didn’t like to see and the crowd and the fans are really the people who make the artist into what they become, without them what’s the point?The Chef - What do you want people to take away with them after watching, listening,or reading about you?
Bri – I want my crowd to leave my performance saying WOW that girl might be short (petite) but she has a powerful, captivating voice and she can command her stage NO DOUBT!
The Chef - So what do you see yourself doing after finishing high school?
Bri – After high school I plan on being a singer, actress and model and already have my career as a national artist booming by then however I also plan to attend college. Most likely a school of music in either New York, Florida, California, or Chicago
The Chef - Can you tell our readers what to look for when your album comes out.
Bri – When my album drops I want the world to get a feel of what my life is like. All of my songs reflect me and things that I have been through so when the album debuts I want people to be able to connect my music to their life as well.
The Chef – You’re a teenager. do you make time to do things other teenagers your age do like sleep overs, movies stuff like that?
Bri – Honestly, I very rarely get to hang out with my friends as much as I want to. I am usually in the studio, at a performance or at rehearsal. But I won’t say never because I do get to hang around sometimes we might hit the mall or a movie.
The Chef - So stage plays is something you truly care about is it going to be a main stay for you?
Bri - YES!!! I love the stage and I try to see as many productions as much as possible. I just saw The Color Purple at the Fox Theater here in St. Louis and it was AMAZING! Something about the stage and performing and watching other talented people show off what they can do brings up something inside that I just LOVE.
The Chef - What is your favorite food to eat?
Bri- lol funny question…I like Soul food but only by my granny especially her sweet potatoes, my mom’s food, and my auntie. I love sea food too. Well I really like all foods as long as it taste good?
I just want to say a star is born everyday and I heard this many times before but today I witnessed it first hand. Today I can honestly say that there is proof of at least one bright star's birth!
I just want to thank Brittney and her crew for coming out and having this interview with me and I know there will be many more in the future because she has the potential to make it .
If any of you would like to book Bri to perform at your next event you can contact Lil Rashkals Ent LLC
Be Mad Entertainment Exclusive Part II
By: Chef Carlton HaynesIn our last DV8 Weekly Release we delivered you Part I of this exclusive interview with Be Mad Entertainment.
Below is Part II of this interview. Enjoy.The Chef - With what you’re doing now, what do you see Bemad LLC achieving in the next 5 years?
Darrio - In five years I see Bemad L.L.C as a main staple in the music industry.
We are fortunate enough to have some artists in the wings that will be the next stars in hip hop and funk. We have a production team that most definitely will be a staple on the airways.The Chef –Do you run the day-to-day company operations or are you an artist as well?
Darrio -I leave the writing, production and performing to my business partner/brother.
The Chef - It seems like your brother is holding it down. What is your role within Be Mad LLC?
Darrio -I'm the A&R and I also oversee FULANI 1 Management which is a division of Bemad.The Chef - And what is Bemad's role in the Lion King Project.
Darrio -We are one of the partners of the Lion King project in which he is responsible for bringing in talent, setting venues and providing promotion.
The Chef - And how could an up and coming artist get involved in the Lion King Project?
Darrio – An up and coming artist could get involved in the Lion King project by providing an original track along with a bio to darrio@worldstage.biz, to be considered for the project.
The Chef - So Is Joe Lee McCoy or Sky Shelton doing any touring at the moment? If so tell our readers where we can check them out
Darrio -Currently there are no tours scheduled Joe Lee McCoy was affected by the hurricane and it will be early next year before any tour dates are confirmed. Sky Shelton is currently in the studio working on some new material, to be performed live with a band.
The Chef - So if I was an artist and wanted to join your stable what would I need to do?
Darrio -First of all, an artist must be serious about their music. Secondly, an artist must be willing to do what it takes to be successful. Finally, an artist must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices to further their career. If an artist is honest, as well as humble, than the next step is to provide us with a demo and bio to george@bemadllc.com
The Chef - So if I had to cook for Darrio what would it be .
Darrio - As an entree I would prefer some steamed funk with some sauted blues, sprinkled with a little pop. For the main course, I would have a good portion of rhythm with a side order of sweet beats covered with honey vocals. Now that is good ol’ food for the soul.
I would like to take this time to thank all of Bemad crew for hanging around for this interview and to Darrio and his brother for the insight, I truly believe you will see them doing great things in the future and I ask that all of our DV8 fans go out and pick up a copy of Joe Lee Mc Coy's album . It's out right now and look out for Sky Shelton.
The Handicapped Chef, Carlton Haynes is owner of Triple H Catering and Consulting service/ for more information E-mail us thehandicappedchef@gmail.com
General Tso’s Chicken
By: Chef Carlton HaynesGeneral Tso's Chicken, is actually an American creation. It is a sweet deep fried chicken dish served in American Chinese restaurants and also very popular at the buffet line. Regardless of its origin, this is an easy dish to make at home without the gloppy sauce and soggy thick breading that you get from the take out place and you don’t have pay the expensive price for it but is suppose to be considered Hunan cuisine.
The origins of the dish are unclear. The dish was previously largely unknown
in China and other lands home to the Chinese diaspora.[1] Thus, General Tso's Chicken is most likely an American invention in the history of American-Chinese food.
The association with General Tso, or Zuo Zongtang, a Qing dynasty general and statesman, is unclear. One theory is that the dish was a classic specialty from Hunan province, invented by General Tso's wife and served for him and his officers, although this theory is generally considered to be apocryphal. Hunan cuisine is traditionally very spicy and rarely sweet. Instead, the dish is believed to have been introduced to New York City in the early 1970s as an example of Hunan and Szechuan-style cooking. The dish was first mentioned in The New York Times in 1977
General Tso's Chicken
Ingredients :
1 pound chicken meat cut into large chunks
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp white pepper
1 egg white
3 tbsp of cornstarch
1 tbsp of oil
4 green onions – cut into thin strip
6 dry hot peppers – cut into ½” length
1 tbsp of chopped ginger
2 cloves of garlic - choppedSauce:
2 tsp of cornstarch
1/4 cup water
3 tbsp of sugar (more or less depend on the sweetness you like)
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp of white vinegar
2 tbsp of cooking wine
3/4 - 1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp of pepper1. Mix all the sauce ingredients and set it aside for later use.
2. In separate bowl, mix chicken, soy sauce and white pepper. Set it aside to marinate for 30 minutes. Stir in egg white and add in the cornstarch and mix until chicken pieces are coated evenly.
3. Add the 1 tbsp of oil to the chicken as this will help to separate chicken pieces. Deep fry chicken until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Remove all the oil from the pan and leave about 1 tbsp.
4. Stir-fry garlic, ginger and peppers until fragrant. Stir sauce adding to wok. Bring it up to a boil and when sauce thickens add in the chicken. Stir and toss until chicken pieces well coated with sauce. Add in the spring onions.
5. Dish out and serve with warm rice.
So if you love that quick as easy Asian Cuisine you need to try this recipe then you can e-mail me with a comment telling me how you love it.
The Handicapped Chef, Carlton Haynes is owner of Triple H Catering and Consulting service/ for more information E-mail us thehandicappedchef@gmail.com
Two Sides/Same Goal
By: Ashanti WhiteBlack conservatism. It is considered the greatest sin of the largely liberal African American community. While Clarence Thomas and Condelezza Rice are dismissed for their views, Bill Cosby recently came under fire for his “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” statements that some perceive as an attack on the poor black community. His narrow views of racial uplift as well as his motives were initially baffling, but upon honest consideration, one realizes that regardless of his reasons, he is correct. Underprivileged women need to stop having children that they can’t take care of. Disadvantaged individuals need to pursue and appreciate education and refuse to settle into a life of subservience when fulfillment is craved.
Opponents touted that Bill Cosby overlooked the underlying issues that cause poverty. Institutionalized prejudices should be addressed, but the reality is that the only person that one can control is self. The excuse that “The Man” is holding you back is outdated. Throughout history, children of the African Diaspora have overcome tremendous odds to succeed. Despite his enslavement, Jupiter Hammon published his poetry and essays. Hiram Revels became the first African American Congressman during a period when former slaves were trying to settle their foundation. Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar when many African Americans were still blacklisted from Hollywood. Only a fool could argue that the conditions under which they lived were better than today.
That relentlessness at is the root of black conservatism. An accomplishment for one is an accomplishment for all. I have broken down the door so you can walk through. I have set an example that you can exceed. One only has to observe the swelling pride at Obama’s presidency to understand how a single gain can inspire us all. That sense of pride is one that is severely lacking in the liberal mind state. A man proud of his race, of the fact that no person could stop him from achieving his goals will be more likely to be a better husband and father to his children. An accomplished mother will challenge her children to aspire for more. Those children will pick up on that pride and exude that confidence in their educational pursuits. Bill Cosby does not want a patch for an ailment that requires surgery.
Conservatism is narrowly defined as “favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.” Opponents of the stance assume that the traditional values are confined by American standards, but our history does not begin with 1619. Africans have been achieving for centuries. That richness is what we should aspire to. To become a victim, to expect that others should save us, to holler that high expectations for African American children is wrong means that we will continue to accept the disadvantaged position that was placed upon us and cripple our children when their internal strength matters the most.
Bill Cosby sounds angry, but he is a pioneer in African American achievement. He has watched the vitality seep out of a community that was more rich under an oppressive regime. What is our excuse now? What is stopping us from achieving? Ourselves, and Cosby isn’t going to make excuses for the people that he loves. So I say, “Bill keep talking and keep writing because somebody will listen.” I know I am.
Agree or disagree? Email dv8weekly@gmail.com with your comments. Comments will be posted in a future release.
Kidz in the Hall Launch Exclusive Video Podcasts on Zune Marketplace
Kidz in the Hall is currently wrapping up a tour covering 36-cities tour to support their latest album The In Crowd. In support of the tour, Zune is releasing exclusive tour diary video podcasts that will chronicle the group’s current journey across the U.S. The initial episodes debuted on Zune Marketplace on November 5, and new episodes appear weekly through December 18. Kidz In the Hall fans can subscribe to automatic weekly downloads and then synch the episodes to their Zune device to enjoy them on the go.
In addition to the video tour diaries, Zune is producing episodes with both artists for “The Green Room" interview series, which consists of video podcasts that take fans behind-the-scenes through regular access to exclusive, backstage interviews at concert venues. Kidz in the Hall are creating custom playlists of their favorite tracks for Zune Marketplace, as well as artist "Breakdowns", where they discuss their albums track-by-track in their own words. Zune also created 25 custom devices for each artist etched with special artwork, which will be given away on the artists’ websites and through radio stations and other media outlets.
Fans can access all of this content by downloading the Zune software for free at www.zune.net. Zune recently launched new software and music discovery tools that help artists like Kidz in the Hall connect to new fans. Mixview is a visual recommendation tool that displays similar music and artists to allow a deeper journey into Zune Marketplace. Zune Channels adds a variety of new music to fans’ collections each week automatically through customized playlists programmed by expert partners and by the Zune software itself. Channels are free with a Zune Pass subscription, which provides instant access to millions of songs for about the price of one CD per month ($14.99). Visit www.zune.net/free to try Zune Pass for free.
Subscribe to the Kidz in the Hall podcast channel for free on Zune and follow the guys on the road. Go to www.zune.net/kidzinthehall to subscribe.
Access the Kidz in the Hall video podcast at: http://social.zune.net/my/ContentRedirect.ashx?mtype=Podcast&mid=bdd647e6-a7d9-49a3-9634-3bd68af2d39a
Remaining Tour Dates
11/21/08 Kansas City, MO The Record Bar
11/22/08 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
12/11/08 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre The primary party I co-hosted last night was fantastic.
The Political Process
by: Chef Carlton HaynesChef Carlton Haynes reflects on the historic 2008 election and its ramifications for the country.
Although my friend and I didn’t organize it in support of a specific candidate, the 200+ guest who attended turned out to be staunch Obama supporters. I made a beautiful Obama ‘08 cake (above), a man brought fresh donuts because they’re “O-shaped and delicious”, followed by the cocktail party my company provided, and most everyone sported both their trilingual “I Voted!” stickers and something almost forgotten over the past seven years: an exciting, infectious, heady sense of hope.
The Bush years have been disillusioning, disastrous for civil rights and international diplomacy, and have often made me ashamed at the subversion of American ideals.
Obama heralds the coming of a different America, one in which multiple languages, identities, and ethnicities are the norm, and in which those of us under 35 are thinking in new ways about race and gender.
There is a certain quality in Barack that exists in me and many others I know - a “double vision” that allows us to be deeply rooted in our American identities while still maintaining our curiosity, empathy and desire for understanding another’s condition. As Fareed Zakaria said in support of Obama:
“I’ve never thought of my identity as any kind of qualification. I’ve never written an article that contains the phrase “As an Indian-American …” or “As a person of color …”
But when I think about what is truly distinctive about the way I look at the world, about the advantage that I may have over others in understanding foreign affairs, it is that I know what it means not to be an American. I know intimately the attraction, the repulsion, the hopes, the disappointments that the other 95 percent of humanity feels when thinking about this country. I know it because for a good part of my life, I wasn’t an American. I was the outsider, growing up 8,000 miles away from the centers of power, being shaped by forces over which my country had no control.”No other political campaign has elicited so many blog entries, e-mails and phone calls from my friends, family and other people I respect (of all different races, ethnicities, and religions) asking me to join them in supporting Obama.
Beyond the above reasons, some of the policy issues that made me decide to support him were articulated by Barack himself after his win in Iowa:
“When I am this party’s nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I supported Bush-Cheney policies of not talking to leaders that we don’t like.
And he will not be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether or not it is okay for America to torture — because it is never OK…
I will end the war in Iraq… I will close Guantanamo. I will restore habeas corpus. I will finish the fight against Al Qaeda.
And I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century: nuclear weapons and terrorism; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease.
And I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says, ‘You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now.’
[A more detailed list of his stances can be found, here, differences from Clinton here, and a more Obama info here.]
Obama’s speech on Election night struck me with its lyrical, inspiring cadences so I’m not surprised his supporters set one of his speeches to music, below. As the LA Times said:
In the language of metaphor, Clinton is an essay, solid and reasoned; Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility. Clinton would be a valuable and competent executive, but Obama matches her in substance and adds something that the nation has been missing far too long — a sense of aspiration.
As a friend wrote to me, “In addition to his tremendous leadership, vision, and character, Obama is the first candidate in many years who has inspired me to believe that I not only have the capacity, but also the responsibility, to impact the political process.
Yes, We Can!
PZI Jeans & The Ron Artest Foundation Team Up
To Help Hurricane Victims During The Holidays
Atlanta based PZI Jeans and the Ron Artest Foundation are teaming up to help Texas victims of Hurricane Ike get through the Holidays.
PZI Jeans has donated jeans, tee shirts and other garments estimated at over $96,000.00 to Hurricane Ike survivors. "Contributing to Hurricane Ike survivors is a way for our company to give back to people who have been left with nothing, especially the women who have been through a lot. We want them to look and feel beautiful for the Holidays. In many instances, the women are the glue that holds these families together," says PZI Jeans President and CEO, Daniel Jason.
Hurricane Ike has been blamed for 164 deaths worldwide. In the United States , 82 people were killed, and 202 are still missing. Damages from Ike in U.S. coastal areas are estimated at $27 billion. Ike was the third costliest U.S. hurricane of all time, behind Hurricane Andrew of 1992 and Hurricane Katrina of 2005. Many people in Houston are still trying to piece their lives together following this tragedy.
"I would like to thank PZI Jeans, my wife loves them and there is no better fit. In addition to PZI Jeans, Vitamin Water, Fiji Water, Sweet Leaf Tea are the other companies who have come to the rescue to help people in Texas who lost everything and the news media is not reporting it," explains NBA Basketball Star Ron Artest, who organized the relief efforts.
About PZI JeansAtlanta , Georgia based PZI Jeans was founded in 2002 by Mr. Jason and his wife, Claire Jason, who is also Vice-President and Creative Director of the company. PZI Jeans was recently tapped by Inc. Magazine as one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America . An accolade shared by companies as notable as Microsoft and Oracle.
PZI Jeans recently launched the "Reshape The Runway Contest", a model/ambassador search for women who proclaim the beauty of their curve appeal.
PZI Jeans are available in sizes 4-16 with 31, 34, 36 and 38 inch inseams so that women short and tall can buy her jeans off the rack with no more costly alterations.
PZI Jeans are available at select Macy's Stores and over 600 retail stores in the United States and overseas with plans to expand into South America . For more information about PZI Jeans and "The Reshape The Runway Contest", or to find a store near you, log on to www.pzijeans.com .
The Weinstein Company and Genius Products score a touchdown with the DVD release of the hilarious and heartwarming comedy, THE LONGSHOTS, rushing into stores December 2nd.
Based on the real life story of Pop Warner’s first female quarterback, THELONGSHOTS follows Jasmine Plummer’s journey from misfit to football hero under the coaching of her uncle, former high school football star Curtis Plummer. Blowing away the skeptics and the competition alike with her skills on the gridiron, Jasmine takes control and leads her team to the league’s Super Bowl.
With Ice Cube (Are We There Yet?, Barbershop) starring as Curtis Plummer and rising star Keke Palmer (Akeelah and the Bee, Madea’s Family Renunion ) as Jasmine Plummer, the cast makes this film a must-see. An entertaining film for the entire family, directed by former Limp Bizkit front-man Fred Durst, THE LONGSHOTS is sure to score this holiday season.
Street Date: December 2, 2008
Rating: PG
Running time: 95 minutes
Languages: English Dolby 5.1
Subtitles: English and Spanish
Closed Captioned
On The Road: Maxwell
Maxwell, a familiar face to many R&B fans is currently on tour in support of his upcoming album release. The singer is performing material from his new album which will be released in three installments.
