On the heels of her successful eighth album, T.K.O., singer & songwriter Mya has dropped a new video for her latest single, “G.M.O. [Got My Own]”. Released officially as a single (and not featured on T.K.O.) August 31, the song has been steadily climbing to the top of the list in terms of fan-favorites. Featuring Tink and produced by MyGuyMars, the single is available for purchase via itunes and Google Play Music, and streamable via Spotify. Check the video out below…
Mya | G.M.O. [Got My Own]
(New York, NY - September 20th, 2018) - R&B crooner, Antonio Ramsey proudly announces the release of his highly anticipated EP, "
Funktrap: The Unveiling
". The six-song funk-trap-vibe-filled body of work will be released globallyon October 11th, via all steaming outlets. Earlier this summer, Antonio released the in-your-face single, "Trash" to rave reviews. Prior to that, he introduced the smash and well received song, "Rituals".
“FunkTrap: “The Unveiling” is the product of determination, Faith and not giving AF! I wanted to create something that felt authentic to me that other people in the world could relate and rock to,” says Antonio. “Whether it’s the guy that caught his girl banging on his Gucci throw, or the girl who wants to know what the hell happens to y’all Rituals. There’s something for everybody and I’m glad to finally be sharing FunkTrap with the world!” he adds.
The Unveiling track breakdown
"FUNKTRAP: THE UNVEILING" Tracklisting:
1. Skurt Skurt featuring Hopp
2. Rituals
3. Trash
4. Swim
5. 2 Way Street
6. All Night Long
In other exciting news, Antonio Ramsey will be gracing the cover of the next issue of U.G. Digital Magazine. look for the new issue to drop in mid October!
Antonio Ramsey aka Mr. Funk Trap is currently on the road on the highly energetic "TheUnveiling" promotional tour in in support of the upcoming EP release; stops include; New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Chicago, just to name a few.
"Antonio Ramsey, an acoustic amalgam of southern swag via his Miami roots and Atlanta affiliation, with easy West Coast vibes" - Upscale Magazine
(New York, NY – September 20, 2018) – BSE Recordings proudly announces the release of female Hip-Hop recording artist, T BARZ’s debut album, “GENESIS”. The highly anticipated album will be globally released on October 12th, 2018, via the BSE Recordings imprint. In support of the upcoming release of "Genesis”, T BARZ stopped by CBS9 Great Day Washington TV morning show and performed the uplifting song, "Won't Be Long" lifted from the "Genesis" album.
*** CBS9 Great Day Washington Performance clip) - https://www.wusa9.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/great-daywashington/from-poetry-to-musical-lyrics-with-t-barz/65-8257713
T BARZ has been making a mark in the Hip-hop world by slowly creating buzz surrounding her freestyle skills. The Alabama-born emcee is a force to be reckoned with. This past summer, T BARZ kicked-off her weekly freestyle series, “Barz on Thursdays”, and every week she kept listeners and hip-hop aficionado’s wanting more. The time has come for the world to get a taste of this lyrical queen.
“This has been something that I’ve wanted the world to hear for years. When I first started working on the album, I knew I wanted the end result to be what it is today. Genesis is me…from beginning to end and I am very proud of the work we have put into this project. A representation of me in music form with a bit of something for everyone to enjoy and relate,” says T Barz. “The unique album cover also symbolizes what this album means to me. The beginning. With this being my debut album, I wanted to come from the bottom and blossom into this beautiful tree filled with life. The graphic artist was able to bring my ideas and vision to life and I could not be happier,” adds Barz.
Standout tracks on “Genesis” includes the title track, “Genesis” where T Barz just simply flows on the track with no hooks, just barz. “The Life” is a vibe song as Barz was inspired by an almost summer day, 70 degrees to be exact, top down while riding on an old-school ride driving through the neighborhood thinking about those goals that you want to accomplish. Then, there is “The Illest”, the in-your-face song where Barz proves why she calls herself the illest lyrically and no one can tell her otherwise. On “Bottles” she touches on a topic that affects many of us in the community. Alcoholism. She lends her experiences on what she has witnessed with others and simply shares a word of encouragement to those that are facing this battle or have faced it in the past. “Won’t Be Long”, is what she calls her “healing song”. It’s the song that lets you know that in due time, things will be just fine, and no matter how long you think it takes, it will be fine.
“GENESIS” Tracklisting:
1.Genesis
2.No Label
3.The Life
4.Two Way
5.Get It Girl
6.The Illest
7.Bama Flow
8.I Wanna
9.Dunno Why
10.Flexin’
11.Bottles
12.Won’t Be Long
"BARZ ON THURSDAYS" (Freestyle Series Links):
* "HIP-HOP" (Freestyle #1) - https://youtu.be/SaGkWkCqQPE
* "FACT & FICTION" (Freestyle #2) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XVVgPFTXIc
* "1998" (Freestyle #3) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epnJ-8-SPy8
* "FRIENDS" (Freestyle #4/J COLE cover) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXCPr_WxJl8
* "JORDAN 88" (Freestyle #5) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DosaBwJmJzM
* "TASTE" (Freestyle #6) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9jXThKT2vI
* "QUEEN TALK" (Freestyle #7) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTo5OSicNi0
ABOUT T BARZ:
Born and raised in Mobile Alabama, Felecia Nichole Tunstall musically known as T Barz realized her gift of writing in 2009 when she started writing poems which turned into spoken word that she performed at local functions. Within the past 5 years Barz has gotten more in tuned with turning her spoken words into musical pieces. She is overall multi-talented with paid skills in acting and dancing with styles in Hip Hop and Lyrical. T Barz is a triple threat with a strong work ethic. Her lyrics speak on her life experiences in music, hip-hop, love, personal struggles and victories. Her message is both powerful and positive. Last fall, T Barz released her debut single, "Flexin" to great success topping the Rap/Hip-hop charts at #1 for (3) consecutive weeks.
Get ready for a queen to claim her throne in the hip hop world!
Just as Swizz Beatz promised, he’s released a video for the new single, “Pistol On My Side“, featuring Lil’ Wayne. The single is set to appear on Swizz’ long-awaited album, “Poison”, which should be dropping soon! With Wayne lacing the track, and Alicia on keys (you just need to see it...), it’s cerrtainly a sign of greatness to come in this new release. Check it out below, and post your thoughts...
Saturday, September 8, 2018 - As you’ve likely seen by now in the news, we’ve lost yet another musical icon to drugs. This time, it’s 26 year old Philadelphia rapper Mac Miller. This is a tragedy in the worst, and not just in terms of the loss suffered by the entertainment community. A lot of people are affected by this senseless death; that obviously being family and friends. Young people today are suffering from so many things and in so many ways it’s ridiculous, but let’s be clear. It’s not a generational thing; this has been going on for years and years and years ... on top of years. Many are quick to say it’s our generation, or it’s the younger generation, but that’s just not true. Of course, that doesn’t make it any better. Many are often using drugs to mask the effects of things they’re dealing with, but we have to find a way to help them see that it’s just not the way. Now, being clear, I have no clue if he was in a depressed state and using drugs for that purpose, or what his reasoning was. It doesn’t change the fact that we need to get in touch with our true emotions, and seek the right kind of help if it is the case. Secondly, we have a lot of people who are around us when things are good and when trouble comes, they all disperse. Looking at Miller’s social media in the wake of his passing, so many are commenting on how he was they’re “brother” and how close they were, how they just talked, or toured together, or whatever. So the question arises; why are they not being truthful with him and working to show him the right way? Why are they not trying to steer him away from drugs? Are they using too? Who knows, maybe someone was in his ear, but chances are a little slim. Typically, celebs have “yes-men” in their corner who tell them what they want to hear as opposed to what they need to hear, so it’s hard to tell. One thing is for certain: he’s gone now, and it didn’t have to be this way. Just an amazing talent, and more importantly, an amazing human being gone. One can only hope that things will get better and people will begin to stick together and help each other through these types of struggles. What are your thoughts?
May 30, 2018 - Birmingham, AL - In sad news, singer and songwriter Ruben Studdard has announced the unimaginable tragedy in the recent passing of his brother, Kevin Studdard. Many American Idol fans got a chance to meet and become acquainted with Kevin Studdard while Ruben was on the 2nd season of the show.
Kevin was with Ruben all the way from auditions to the final show. "My brother is and will always be a part of my life. He was one of my biggest fans, supporters, confidant and best friend." "I do not know what the future holds, but we will keep moving as only he would want me to do. I ask all my friends and fans to please keep the Studdard Family in prayer as we go through this very difficult time."
Kevin Studdard had just turned 44 years old in May 20, only a week before his untimely death.
Come along on the journey of Brook Brovaz, who after establishing themselves as super producers within the industry, and shifting over to the artists' side with the release of their new album, The Producer's Perspective.
Check out their feature by clicking HERE!
U.G. Digital Mag: Joi Gilliam
The time has quickly come for a new issue of U.G. Digital Mag! Boasting cover stories with media maven Diamond P. and soul musician and veteran Dungeon Family alum Joi Gilliam, Vol, 2 Issue 7 is already being touted as one of our best offerings to date.
U.G. Digital Mag: Diamond P.
Others featured in this new double-cover issue include Chanté Moore, newly-coined reality tv fixture Chitoka Light, Amartré Productions, and much more. Also highlighted in this edition is the return of the popular column Legendary, in which we pay honor to one of many of our entertainment legends.
Vol. 2 Issue 7 will be available in digital newsstands April 30, in addition to availability via www.UGDIGITAL.com and the Urban Grandstand Digital mobile app experience. Single issues and subscriptions are available in all platforms. For more information, visit www.UGDIGITAL.com.
April 18, 2018 - Fresh off her epic performance for this year's Coachella, Beyoncé has announced that four Historically Black Colleges & Universities will receive the newly-established Homecoming Scholars Award Program for the upcoming 2018-2019 academic year. The schools are to include Bethune-Cookman University, Wilberforce University, Xavier University, and Tuskegee University.
The new grant program was organized directly through Beyoncé's BeyGOOD initiative, and will award winners with a $25,000 grant toward their education expenses. The program will expand to all qualifying students at the four universities, regardless of gender. "We salute the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities," states Ivy McGregor, Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations at Parkwood Entertainment which houses BeyGOOD. "We honor all institutions of higher learning for maintaining culture and creating environments for optimal learning which expands dreams and the seas of possibilities for students."
Disciplines being awarded will include literature, creative arts, African-American studies, science, education, business, communications, social sciences, computer science and engineering. All applicants are required to maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5. All finalists and winners will be selected by the universities, and winners will be announced this summer.
Friday, April 13, 2018 - New York - Rap star Nicki Minaj has been out of the limelight for the last few months, as she's been working diligently on new material for her fans. The rap queen has stepped out of the darkness with two new singles. Listen below to "Chun-Li" and "Barbie Tingz", and comment back on what you think of the new singles....
Friday, April 13, 2018 - New York, NY - It's looking like Cardi B has got the world of hip-hop fans in the palms of her hands. Just a week beyond the release of her new album, "Invasion of Privacy", the New York rapper has broken yet another record, this time with Apple Music. The album, since it's release, has streamed more than 100 million times, besting Taylor Swift for the "most first-week streams by a female". "Invasion of Privacy is expected to top the Billboard 200. Cardi B's popularity has soared throughout the past year with release of her music, and the climb shows no sign of slowing any time soon.
If you haven't had an opportunity to hear the album, you're in luck! We've got a stream below for you. Check it out now!
Chanté Moore is back with an all-new bangin' EP, titled "1 of 4". Chanté is delivering some serious heat with this offering, picking right up where she left off with last year's "The Rise of the Phoenix". Check it out below!
Drake is back with all-new heat in "Nice for What"!
Listen to the new track below...
Memphis, TN has long been known for its rich musical history. The city has bred a new star in chanteuse @PorcelanMusic, and we’ve got the new single, “Lois Lane”, right here for your ears!
In this gem, Porcelan sings of her ideal beau...
"Every woman wants a strong man in their lives that makes them feel secure," mentions Porcelan. "The ideal fancy is to be swept off your feet and protected by a strong man who will rescue you from anything that can bring you harm, and Superman's love for Lois Lane, symbolizes that," she adds.
PORCELAN is currently on her national promotional tour and has just been confirmed to perform at "Center Stage" at the 2018 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this upcoming 4th of July weekend.
Check out the new single below, and be sure to follow Porcelan on social media at @PorcelanMusic
Today, Atlanta trap rapper 550 debuts his brutally honest “Steppin’ On Hoes/Lights” music video. Directed by Do It All DP, this is not your typical street record flaunting their video vixens. Instead, 550 pulls back the veil on the seductresses to expose their trickery and trifling ways and flips the game on them.
STEPPIN ON HOES / LIGHTS MUSIC VIDEO
550 explains, “Most women will show you fake love and attention for material shit. I learned from experience that women will cross you out for designer shoes and bags. So I decided to put materialistic things over these females. Now I’m iced up, bossed up and cashed out! Running a check on these hoes… Steppin on ‘em.”
Watch below!
Originating from Memphis, TN, Project Pat began his career by making appearances on his brother Juicy J and DJ Paul’s early releases. After serving several years in prison for robbery charges and disappearing from recording, he re-emerged in 1999 with the solo album, Ghetty Green, which was released on Juicy J’s Hypnotize Minds label. He then became an unofficial member of Juicy and Paul's newly established group Three 6 Mafia; and first gained mainstream attention when he provided the hook for the group's hit single "Sippin' on Some Syrup.”
Project Pat released his breakthrough second studio album Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin' (which went Platinum) and the projects singles "Chickenhead" and "Don't Save Her" gained heavy national radio airplay and became staples on BET & MTV. Shortly after the release of Mista Don't Play, Pat was charged with a parole violation and began a four-year prison sentence after illegal guns were discovered in his car during a traffic stop.
After his release from prison in 2005, Pat released his highly-anticipated Crook by da Book: The Fed Story album and aided by the first single "Good Googly Moogly" featuring DJ Paul and Juicy J made an immediate impact on the Billboard charts by selling 40,000 copies in its first week.
After Pat released Crook by da Book, he secured a release from Columbia Records and signed with E1 Music to release his fifth studio album Walkin' Bank Roll (which debuted at #45 on the Billboard 200) and his sixth studio album, Real Recognize Real was his first release for Asylum Records and it included his hit single “Keep It Hood” featuring OJ Da Juiceman and it debuted at #8 on Billboard’s Rap Chart.
In 2015 Project Pat released Mista Don’t Play 2 in a joint deal with Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Entertainment, which featured appearances from Khalifa, Wale, Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, the late Doe B and production from Mike WiLL Made It.
Over the last few years, Project Pat has stayed busy by contributing to high profile releases from Juicy J (Stay Trippy), Rick Ross (Hood Billionaire) and Wiz Khalifa (Blacc Hollywood).
Now, Project Pat announces his ninth-solo album, M.O.B., which will be released on 9-8-17 by Cleopatra Records and via an exclusive premiere with XXL, Project Pat releases the album’s first single, “Money,” featuring Juicy J.
Listen to Project Pat f/ Juicy J “Money” (Produced by xtcbeats): https://soundcloud.com/macmediapromo/project-pat-ft-juicy-j-money-produced-by-xtcbeats-1
Checkout the XXL Premiere: http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2017/09/juicy-j-project-pat-new-song-money/
Pre-order Project Pat’s M.O.B. album at iTunes and receive “Money” as an instant grat track: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/m-o-b/id1276263233
Read Project Pat’s “Made In America” feature with Noisey: https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/6vw93r/project-pat-on-growing-up-in-the-projects-and-gettin-them-booties-movin
Tracklisting for Project Pat’s ‘M.O.B.’ Album:
1.) “Pockets Hurtin’”
2.) “Slangin’ Butta”
3.) “Wit The Shii”
4.) “Extortion Game”
5.) “A Real One Will”
6.) “We Dem Ones”
7.) “Very Paranoid”
8.) “M.O.B.”
9.) “Ain’t No Passes”
10.) “Lit’ Em Up”
11.) “O’s” f/ Young Dolph
12.) “Money” f/ Juicy J
Three-time Grammy winner DJ Premier, one of the definitive architects of New York hip-hop, brought a new type of life to NPR’s Tiny Desk: their first concert helmed by a DJ.
A packed house of head-nodding journalists grooved through their lunch hour to a nine-song medley of iconic Premier productions while decompressing from the unrelenting grind of the news cycle. The set list rested on the undeniable footprint of Preemo’s classics, but this was more than just another DJ mix. His touring outfit, The Badder Band, overlaid Premier’s blends with an undulating electric bass courtesy of Brady Watt, a steady accent on the one from drummer Lenny Reece and boisterous horns from Mark Williams and Jonathan Powell.
But it was Premier who remained front-and-center, commanding the crowd like a true party rocker. With throwbacks ranging from Gangstarr’s “Step into the Arena” to an amped rendition of Jeru The Damaja’s “Da Bitches,” embellished by The Badder’s jazzy horns, Preemo concluded the set with a “Moment of Truth,” featuring the exalted rhymes of his posthumous Gangstarr partner, Guru.
Tiny Desk concerts are short by design, so naturally the format could barely scratch the surface of Premier’s vault of street anthems, done for the likes of the Notorious B.I.G., JAY-Z, Nas, Kanye West, Big L, M.O.P., Mos Def, Group Home, Jeru the Damaja, AZ, Snoop Dogg, and many more. Even after a career spanning almost three decades, the man born Christopher Martin has managed to stay authentic to his analog grit and sample-chopping integrity, as if he were still an underdog.
Watch DJ Premier & The Badder Band’s NPR ‘Tiny Desk’ Performance: http://www.npr.org/event/music/543717146/dj-premier-the-badder-band-tiny-desk-concert
Check out the new single, “Free,” from DJ Premier’s New Artist Torii Wolf featuring Macklemore & DJ Premier.
Listen to Torii Wolf f/ Macklemore & DJ Premier “Free” (Produced by King Of Chill):
We’re thrilled to bring you get another great exclusive right here at UGD! This time, we’ve connected with Sir Brodie, who has become one of the more prominent faces on the Starz hit series Survivor’s Remorse. In just five years, Brodie has built a significant name for himself, having made appearances in a number of popular shows. It’s with Survivor’s Remorse that he’s beginning to make his biggest impact, as the world is beginning to see how amazing an actor he truly is. Take a read below as we chat about the show and all else he’s got popping off these days.
Survivor’s Remorse premieres its fourth season tonight!
U.G. Digital Mag: In coming together for Survivor’s Remorse, I’m embarrassed to say I really just caught all three seasons of the show man. It’s really good work. I know you come along in season three, but it’s really good. Talk about your character?
Sir Brodie: My character is one of Julius’ friends. He was the uncle to Cam. Julius was Mike Epps’ character, and I was one of his friends from Boston. I came in during the funeral, as you know his character was killed in an accident at the close of Season two. Pookie is more the level-headed friend. He’s the one that all the rest of the boys trust. When you see him in season three, he’s more concerned about sending off their friend with respect and dignity. Another friend in the scene by the name Cakebread is more the “fuck-up”. He’s the comic relief [laughing]. At the end of the season, you see M-Chuck coming to Pookie to find out who her father was.
U.G. Digital Mag: Right. She had been asking for a while. So many viewers have ideas, and of course, you’re seen throughout the new season. You’ve got to give us some intel about the show man [laughing]. What can we expect for the new season?
Sir Brodie: Man, I think you’ll expect a lot more comedy. Tichina is hilarious. The cast is hilarious.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s funny that she [Tichina] hasn’t been in a role like this before. She has such longevity and we’ve seen her in so much, but this is perfect because she’s taken it and run with it.
Sir Brodie: I know. With Survivor’s Remorse, the writing staff actually gives the lead characters a lot of room and opportunity to come in the writer’s room and discuss their characters. They have a lot to do with how it all unfolds. They allowed me this past fall to come into the writer’s room and discuss Pookie’s character.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s amazing because it doesn’t solidify anything in stone necessarily, but it gives the idea that you’ll be there for some time.
Sir Brodie: Man, we’re praying for that [laughing].
U.G. Digital Mag: I know man. I say let’s put it out there. It’s really good, but even outside of the show, you’ve done really good work. I see you’re also a part of an upcoming episode of The Haves and the Have Nots, which is one of my favorite shows. Actually, we just connected with Jon Chaffin this morning, who plays Warlock on the show. Talk a little about your spot there?
Sir Brodie: My role is that of a police officer. We actually shot that, man, it’s probably been a year or more ago. I can barely remember what was going on. I know we were investigating something in the hotel. I don’t even want to give that away [laughing]. Somebody’s been killed.
U.G. Digital Mag: They’re going to kill me man, because I’ve been digging for info. I’ve connected with a few people from the show over the past few weeks.
Sir Brodie: Yea, but I know we’re investigating. Honestly, I never know who it is based on the script I had, so I don’t know. I’m playing a police officer, basically when the cop shows up on the scene. It’s a small role, but a major blessing to do it with Tyler Perry. All of us actors in the game, especially here in Atlanta, are dying to work for Tyler Perry.
U.G. Digital Mag: Man, the actors here in Cleveland want to work with Tyler, so I know it’s a huge blessing [laughing]. I think it’s amazing for you. What I think is that it speaks volumes to you as an actor because you’re getting these parts in prominent productions. Blue Bloods, MacGyver, and more. Sleepy Hollow. I think it’s great, and the opportunities are flooding in for black actors in general. As I watched these three seasons, I started pinpointing who I wanted to connect with, and you were right at the top of the list. I thought it would be great to hear the experiences you’ve had with the show, and how it’s helping your career. I look from the outside obviously, and feel like it’s doing tremendous things for you. The growth is exponential. The show is huge.
Sir Brodie: It’s the biggest booking of my career. The experience of those great actors, and being around them is great. RonReaco is amazing. I couldn’t believe he didn’t get any awards last year. Starz is a subscription channel, so a lot of people don’t get to see it like they can see Empire on network television. But once they see it, they continue to watch. We don’t lose fans. I enjoy the show because it’s real. They keep it on the real and hold no punches. It’s funny and dramatic. You have all the elements.
U.G. Digital Mag: I can tell they give you free reign and allow you to develop the character into something believable. This is stuff that is really happening.
Sir Brodie: Yea, but you’ll like Pookie. He’s the OG from the neighborhood.
U.G. Digital Mag: It was weird when you first came in because I thought from that point, you’d be there the entire season. Of course, you came back eight episodes later for the “Father’s Day” episode. But this is real stuff. When RonReaco came in contact with his dad, people live that everyday. What are some of the other things going on that are coming up?
Sir Brodie: We have an independent movie in Atlanta, The Products of the American Ghetto, and it’s based on a book written by Tierre Ford. It talks about the Atlanta landscape when crack cocaine came on the scene, and the drug war between the Atlanta dealers and Miami dealers. It touches on the Miami police when they implemented the red dogs, which was a task force designed to clean the streets of drugs. They were given free reign in Atlanta.
U.G. Digital Mag: There’s a lot of powerful people in here, like Robin Givens, and Darrin Dewitt Henson.
Sir Brodie: Right, there’s a lot of good names here. They’re actually premiering it here in Atlanta on the 23rd of this month. Next Wednesday. That movie will do well in our community here. I play an OG character in that movie as well. I seem to get them roles, and I channel my father. That’s coming. I just finished shooting an untitled project. It’s an Al Pacino film based on Joe Paterno. That’s all I can really say on it.
U.G. Digital Mag: That’s cool man. I saw that project coming, as well as The Products of The American Ghetto, and saw the caliber of people involved. I imagine it will do well.
Sir Brodie: Then we’re just out here grinding, and auditioning. It’s a lot of projects shooting here in Atlanta now, so the actors here have a chance to be involved in a lot more. Before, we would all go to LA, but now you don’t have to leave. if you want to be a working actor, you can do it here in Atlanta.
U.G. Digital Mag: You’re right. Honestly, I’m seeing that in a lot more cities now. You can do what you want there, and it’s amazing how much Atlanta has grown. It’s ironic because I’ve considered relocating there. It’s amazing how many more opportunities are there. A lot of that is because people there are doing so much, including Tyler Perry, to make those opportunities available.
Sir Brodie: Definitely.
U.G. Digital Mag: What things are you looking forward to doing in the future?
Sir Brodie: Eventually, I want to do some of my own projects. When you create your own, you have a lot more creative control. I have that desire. I started acting five years ago, and it’s been a learning process. It’s definitely been a fast learning process. Most people say it takes ten to fifteen years to really make it, so I’m still in my grinding mode, and feeling the business of acting out. Hopefully, I can do a few projects on my own. I have a few ideas. I guess if I can put a wish out there, I want to play in a remake of Shaft and actually be Shaft.
U.G. Digital Mag: I can see that happening, and it would be a good thing. I say put it on the table and it will come.
Sir Brodie: Absolutely.
U.G. Digital Mag: Obviously, many people look to get into this amazing field of acting. What advice do you offer? I ask that because things are moving great for you. It often does take fifteen years or more. Things are really happening for you at a rapid rate, and it’s great. Surely, you’re working hard, but you’re following your dreams. What advice do you offer?
Sir Brodie: It’s the same advice I give for anyone looking to do something with their life. You first have to desire it and have it in your heart, and be willing to put in the effort it takes to see that come to pass, coupled with a lot of prayer. Whatever you want to do, you have to learn it. I had to learn the craft of acting. I took an acting class every week for three years because I wanted to do this. I said it when I started, that some people have natural talent. That’s good, but It takes more than that though. You have to make the commitment to train and educate yourself. Be willing to work for free and understand that. I was in projects for three years and wasn’t getting paid. It was free stuff, but I got that advice from Greg Allen Williams. I was a background performer on Necessary Roughness, and he told me that if I wanted to do it, don’t worry about the pay. Don’t worry about if the project is great or not great. You need to learn every aspect of it so you can recognize a good project, a good director, and a good DP, so you have to do it all. Young directors and filmmakers are the future, and many of them don’t have money to pay you to work with them. You have to establish those relationships. I went to class and started networking. People were calling because they knew I would say yes [laughing]. You have to work hard and network. Whatever role you book is for you. We’re not really competing because what’s for you is for you. You have to be out there though.
U.G. Digital Mag: I love the fact you said work for free. That’s goes for any profession. I take that back to my own personal experiences in Journalism. In the beginning, I was willing to do it for free. My thing was I have a job, and I have money coming in, so I can do this for free, and I wasn’t scared to say it. The experience and knowledge trumps. If that means I need to intern or work for free, I’ll do it. Many times, that’s your only way in. Especially with Journalism, you need two to three years of experience for the entry level stuff. It resonates for sure. I tell people that, and many frown, but it’s essential.
Sir Brodie: If you have a passion for it you’ll make it. I can act all day long. I love to do it. The grind and struggle works at building you and building your character. When the success comes, then you won’t squander it. I enjoy the present moment. Tomorrow is not promised. Enjoy the moment now and hope for tomorrow.
U.G. Digital Mag: I love it. Where can people keep up with you online?
Sir Brodie: All my info is @actorsirbrodie, on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter…
U.G. Digital Mag: I can’t even lie man, I don’t know how you do the Snapchat thing, I can’t keep up with that one..
Sir Brodie: Yea, you do so many things. I film on one, and then have to figure out how to get it to the other one. Its a part of the business now. Production looks at it though. They want to know your social media following.
U.G. Digital Mag: Right. Again man, thank you so much for today. It’s surely an honor.
Sir Brodie: Thank you!
You’ve heard the debut single, Real One, from Chanté Moore’s upcoming album; now its time to peep the video for the latest masterpiece to come from “The Rise of the Phoenix”, titled “Something to Remember”!
"Something to Remember" was written by Chante' Moore and Felly The Voice and produced by Lil Ronnie for Beats 4 The Stars. "Being on the road as much as I am, staying connected to the one you love is vitally important. In those times when saying "I love you" is not enough... you've got to give them something to remember you by," says Chante'.
The music video was creatively directed by the one and only Frank Gatson Jr. "My goal with Chante' was to create a stripped down visual that concentrated on real black love as being very simple.... "Something to Remember," adds Frank.
Check the video out below, right here at UGDigital Online!
about Chanté
CHANTE' MOORE has been dominating the R&B charts for decades and this time is no different. She is currently enjoying the success of the smash mid-tempo love anthem, "Real One", presently charting as the #10 Top R&B song in the country. The world will experience the first collection from the master songstress in nearly four years!
Moore's most personal album yet, "The Rise of the Phoenix" is rich with emotion and personal revelations about Chanté's life and feelings. Infectious dance tracks, sensual ballads and anthems of heart-and-soul capture Moore's impressive vocal dexterity, songwriting skills and production ingenuity to thrill her legion of avid fans and quench the soul music lovers longing for real R&B."This album reflects where I am now in my life. I am perfecting myself. I continue to learn how to burn away the old mindset, the negativity that weighed me down so I can become the best me. I am the Phoenix rising and I'm living my life again!"
CHANTE' MOOREis currently on a national promotional tour in support of the single and upcoming album; cities include:Cincinnati, Birmingham, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Oakland, Los Angeles, New York andNew Orleans, just to name a few.
Hollywood, CA - August 13, 2017 -- Prolific writer, producer and television hitmaker Shonda Rhimes is bringing her Shondaland production company to Netflix under a multi-year deal to produce new series and other projects. Longtime producing partner, Betsy Beers makes the move to Netflix as well.
The move further unites Rhimes with Netflix. While Shondaland’s award-winning series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder air in the U.S. on ABC -- and will continue to -- How to Get Away with Murder streams everywhere else in the world on Netflix, with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal available on Netflix in many regions as well.
“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. “Her work is gripping, inventive, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, taboo-breaking television at its best. I’ve gotten the chance to know Shonda and she’s a true Netflixer at heart -- she loves TV and films, she cares passionately about her work, and she delivers for her audience. We’re so excited to welcome her to Netflix.”
"Shondaland’s move to Netflix is the result of a shared plan Ted Sarandos and I built based on my vision for myself as a storyteller and for the evolution of my company,” said Rhimes. “Ted provides a clear, fearless space for creators at Netflix. He understood what I was looking for -- the opportunity to build a vibrant new storytelling home for writers with the unique creative freedom and instantaneous global reach provided by Netflix’s singular sense of innovation. The future of Shondaland at Netflix has limitless possibilities.
Our current shows will continue to thrive on ABC and Shondaland will be there every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better home to begin my career. I continue to be grateful to work with so many talented people – especially our studio gladiator Patrick Moran and our most powerful and brilliant champion Channing Dungey.
Starting today, we are thrilled to begin creating new Shondaland stories with Netflix. Everyone at Shondaland is honored to expand both our audience and our creative identity with Ted and the entire team at Netflix."
Said Beers, "I am a huge fan of the talented team and amazing programming at Netflix. The ability to create content for our new partners is an exciting challenge. I am grateful to everyone at ABC for their continued support and I look forward to beginning this next chapter at Netflix.”