In this new feature, we connect with master tattoo-artist and rap star Boneface Ink to talk his new album, mixtape, and more…
Bone Thugs N Harmony: 25 Years & Counting!
Bone Thugs N Harmony have been dominating the industry together, and as solo artists for 25 years. Quite amazing for a group that many have at times ruled out of the picture. Nevertheless they’ve remained strong, and continued to release great music for their fans. Take a look at the last 25 years with Cleveland’s thugs…
Swizz Beatz Drops Visual for New Single, “Pistol On My Side” feat. @liltunechi ...
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...
RIP @MacMiller ...
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?
New Issue on the Way.... Vol. 2, Issue 8
It's about that time again! We've got a new issue on the way, and it's about ready to explode. Cover artists include Memphis soul-siren Porcelan, R&B superstar Antonio Ramsey, and Entertainment Lawyer Eb Reinbergs! We've got a lot more jammed into this issue, including a look back at Bone Thugs N Harmony and their 25 years in the business, and exclusive with R&B singer Omar, and much more. Look for a mid-July release!
Ruben Studdard Announces the Recent Passing of His Older Brother....
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.
[ARTIST FEATURE] BROOK BROVAZ - THE OVERSTANDING!
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!
New Issue of U.G. Digital Mag Slated to Release April 30!
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.
NEWS: @Beyonce Announces New Grant Program Aimed at HBCUs...
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.
NEW MUSIC: @Tinashe : Joyride
R&B songstress Tinashe is back with a new album for all you music fans! We'll just say this album is bangin'!
Check out the iTunes stream below, and be sure to download your copy today! You won't be sorry!
NEW MUSIC: Nicki Minaj is Back With Two New Singles...
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....
NEWS: @IAmCardiB Breaks Apple Music Streaming Record....
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!
NEW MUSIC: @Iamchantemoore .. "1 of 4"
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!
NEW MUSIC: Drake .. "Nice for What"...
Drake is back with all-new heat in "Nice for What"!
Listen to the new track below...
NEW MUSIC: @PorcelanMusic ... #LoisLane
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
Atlanta Rapper 550 ( @550Papertrail ) Debuts New Video, “Steppin’ On Hoes/Lights”...
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!
[NEWS] KXNG CROOKED RETURNS WITH ‘GOOD VS EVIL 2: THE RED EMPIRE’.... [ @Crookedintriago ]
Almost a year ago (11-11-16 to be exact) today, Kxng Crooked released a manifesto in the form of Good Vs Evil. To rewind, Donald Trump had just been elected the 45th President in one of our most controversial presidential elections, divisiveness infiltrated every aspect of the populous, governmental agencies were willingly pumping poison into its communities, protests were raging in the streets, unprovoked police brutality was rampant (with zero accountability) and the societal divide widened with each passing day.
With a seemingly basic disregard for human rights, it was understood that we were living in a complicated and dangerous time. People were in search of answers and a unifying message; Kxng Crooked’s Good Vs Evil could not have appeared at a more needed time as he delivered a project that stared into the face of oppression and struck a nerve.
Though it seems counter-intuitive and unimaginative, the year that has passed in-between has led us even further astray. In 274 days, The Donald Trump era has borne witness to fake news, championing racism, bigotry, separatism, sexism and a general contempt for rule of law. Further, he continues his quest to eradicate the health care of millions, advocated a foreign government meddling in an election, diminished our standing in the International community and has displayed more concern about selling pumpkin MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats and the behavior of NFL football players; then he has for the well-being of the citizens he is sworn to uphold.
Welcome to the new normal!
Thankfully, Kxng Crooked’s Good Vs Evil 2: The Red Empire picks up right where its predecessor left off. On the surface, Good Vs Evil 2 is the epitome of woke; a politically and socially conscious decree that demands to be heard and processed. At its core, it’s designed to be the theme music that Colin Kapernick and a generation can proudly knell to.
“When I first started creating Good Vs Evil I wondered how I would get my audience to listen to a project covering social injustice, racism, classism etc. in a climate where most rappers are making music about poppin' Xanax and drinking lean” Crooked commented. “My immediate afterthought was who gives a fuck what other artists are doing, Hip-Hop needs this album! Look at the world today. We have a president whose ex-wife is on record saying she was raped by him. We have police officers who are on film killing unarmed citizens with no consequences. We have entire cities like Flint, MI drinking poisonous water. Good Vs Evil 2 is just as necessary as part one. From the production to the content to the music sequencing to the artwork everything is designed to provoke thought. And the shit slaps too!”
Good Vs Evil 2 is just as incendiary, authentic and unapologetic as its predecessor and that is evident by the projects cover art and first single, “Truth” (Why You Mad) as one half of Slaughterhouse (Crooked and Royce 5’9”) reunite to drop bars on the right wing. “There are a few messages I wanted the artwork to communicate” Crooked asserted. “One is the thin line between good and evil. Sometimes there's light in villains and darkness in heroes. I also added a figure that may be a bit controversial and that's the widely accepted image of Jesus Christ. No shot at Christians, but that particular image of Christ symbolizes death, slavery and colonization to many. Most American slave masters and the Klu Klux Klan members hang that image on their walls and truly believe themselves to be Christians. I'm trying to open doors to taboo conversations. And lastly, the Trump figure is “Red Hood,” the albums new enemy of justice being inducted into the Tyrants club and kneeling like the football players for what he believes in; hatred and division.”
No Justice, No Peace!
KXNG Crooked Good Vs Evil 2: The Red Empire 12-8-2017!
Listen to Kxng Crooked f/ Royce 5’9” “Truth” (Why You Mad): https://soundcloud.com/kxngcrookedcob/kxng-crooked-f-royce-59-truth-why-you-mad
Kxng Crooked’s Good Vs Evil 2: The Red Empire is now available for pre-order at iTunes with “Truth” (Why You Mad) as an instant grat track: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/good-vs-evil-ii-the-red-empire/id1300407009?ls=1&app=itunes
[EXCLUSIVE] KIMBERLEY T. ZULKOWSKI: GRANDMA'S HOUSE
Kimberley Zulkowski is well on her way to becoming a powerful name in Hollywood film. Her name and brand is behind the film, Grandma’s House, which is currently being featured at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival. Starring Loretta Devine, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Jordan Calloway, Paige Hurd, Coco Jones, Alex Thomas, Flex Alexander, and so many other powerful Hollywood figures, the films aims to pay tribute to the many grandmothers who assume the position of “mom” for their grandchildren, and their communities around them.
Truly a story that will resonate with many, Grandma’s House is screening this week in Cleveland, Ohio for GCUFF’s annual event.
We had an opportunity to sit and talk with Kimberley about the film, and the mark she was hoping to make. Check out the story below!
U.G. Digital Mag: Thank you so much for the opportunity. Your film immediately struck my attention.
Kimberley Zulkowski: You’re welcome, thank you.
U.G. Digital Mag: You have an amazing project here. Congratulations are in order for getting it to the festival.
Kimberley Zulkowski: Thank you.
U.G. Digital Mag: Is this your first time doing GCUFF?
Kimberley Zulkowski: This was my first film, and it’s in memory of my grandmother who took me in at 14 out of foster care. It’s based on her life and the pillar she was in the community. During those times, the grandmothers really took care of children, and it’s very different now. You don’t have that dynamic anymore because the grandmothers are still dating like the daughters and grandchildren are dating. There’s no sense of morals and values, like cooking in the kitchen with grandma, peeling potatoes and making homemade food, and her teaching you. I felt like our generation this day and age needed a reminder. It’s also to honor those who go unnoticed and work so hard to care for their grandchildren as their own. It was a tribute to my grandmother, and grandmothers everywhere.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s an awesome story. Comedians make reference to this type fo story in their routines all the time, but it’s never been covered this way. My grandmother carried the same nurturing spirit. You have such an amazing cast involved, from Loretta Devine and Alex Thomas to Stephen Bishop and Wendy Raquel Robinson. How did you determine who you wanted?
Kimberley Zulkowski: Well, for Ms. Loretta Devine, it was a given. I wrote this script with her in mind. Seeing the characters she’s played in her career, she’s been the grandmother for so many people. If there was anyone to bring my grandmother back to life on screen, it would be her. I reached out to her agent, letting them know this script was made for her to play this role. We were not interested in anyone else. She read the script and she could relate, saying it reminded of her own grandmother. She was all in. She has been amazing.
U.G. Digital Mag: That had to be a good feeling, not just reaching out to someone you’ve admired, but having that person even agree to do it.
Kimberley Zulkowski: Yes, and she’s been great. She came to the red carpet premiere we had in Milwaukee, and she’s just been amazing. Her heart is really in the project. For Wendy Raquel Robinson, I wanted her to bring out the many personalities that my aunts had. She represented multiple people with her situation, her recovery, and wanting her children to not struggle with relationships. I’ve seen what she has pulled off on television, and thought it would be an appropriate role for her. We approached her agent, and they went with it. Same thing with Alex Thomas and Jaszmin Lewis. The great thing with Alex is this was his first feature film. He did an amazing job. It was a different character for him to play. I was very pleased with his performance. Coco Jones was a big Disney star. Actually, I wasn’t sure who I wanted to play her, which was a portrayal of me. My children were saying “mom, you have to get Coco Jones”. She was interested. It was a matter of putting together a solid script where all the characters were just as important as the matriarch. They realized they would get adequate exposure.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s amazing. I look at all of the characters, and even the ones we didn’t mention and realize how big this will be. I almost missed Flex Alexander as well. What did you want to get out of this film?
Kimberley Zulkowski: I wanted to take people down memory lane in a good way, and remind them of the individuals who took the time to take care of them. It gives them an opportunity to do it for someone else. You’ll see in the film that grandma Margie is everyone’s grandma, including foster kids. Her home is a safe haven, and she doesn’t judge you. You can make your mistakes, and when you fall, she’s there to pick you up. That still is not to be abused, because she may not always be there.
U.G. Digital Mag: This will open a lot of eyes. There’s a lot of people who think it’s easy to get to this point with a film, especially when there’s a lot of big names. Why was it important for you to connect with GCUFF?
Kimberley Zulkowski: It’s still very difficult for us. We don’t have the distributors knocking down our doors, or the same platforms that our counters have when they make a film. There are very few black festivals. You want your film to be seen and shown, but you have yo go back to your people for it to happen. The urban film festival is our voice. I’m grateful for GCUFF because it’s a way for exposure that our films, sadly, will not get because it isn’t a studio film. There aren’t millions of dollars to advertise. It’s a work in progress, and a lot of people wish they could wake up and be a Tyler Perry, or have their own network like Oprah. It’s few and far between for us to have that platform. It’s still a white dominated industry. I don’t say that negatively, but it’s time for that tie to be split equally.
U.G. Digital Mag: I think it’s reality and you make many great points. This is definitely a way for people to see your product. We’ve had so many come and do this festival, big and small. It’s an amazing avenue. I would love for readers to know more about additional projects that you have in the works.
Kimberley Zulkowski: Absolutely. We just finished editing a project called 53206 Milwaukee. It’s extremely special and dear to me. It’s about the struggles we face in the inner city. 53206 is the worst zip code in Milwaukee. There are homicides here in the city every day, and people don’t know about it. You think Milwaukee, and you think dairy land. There’s a black population falling every day. We are a minority of less than 200,000, and we are being shot and killed everyday. A study came out showing it as the worst place for black people to live. It’s the most segregated city there is. We are ten times more likely to be shot and killed there than Chicago because of the population ratio. So, what I did was take the homicide stories within a year, and represent those stories, talk about those victims, and show the world what we’re going through in Milwaukee in the eyes of our youth. Three weeks ago, I buried a little boy who was ready to go fishing with his father. He was running in the house to tell him mother they were leaving. A shootout happened and he was shot In the head. Four months before that, we buried a nine year old little girl. Our children aren’t making it to teenagers, let alone adulthood. This film talks about what’s happening, but also represents all urban zip codes in the world where violence is increasing, and the victim’s voice s not being heard. One of the great things is I took all cast from the city of Milwaukee. I brought an acting coach down from L.A. who taught them how to act and do the scenes. They did an mazing job. You would never believe these individuals have never acted before. Only people who have been through it can tell a story the way that we told it in this film. We had extras show up while filming because the entire city was excited. Even two of those extras during the process of editing were killed. Melanie was 14, sitting in her kitchen. She was killed in a shootout. Clinton Washington was in one of our scenes, and he was killed two weeks after we did a picture wrap. It’s very real, and something we hold to show the world what’s going on in the urban inner city, and the talent that goes unnoticed. If someone took notice of that talent and grabbed hold of these children, the result would be a feature in Hollywood like what we made.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s amazing to hear that. I had no idea this was the way it was in Milwaukee. When do you see it becoming available to everyone?
Kimberley Zulkowski: We just submitted it to Sundance, and now we are making it available to all other festivals. We literally just submitted to Sundance. Sadly, my producers feel like they have to accept the film; I err on the side of caution, and ask why would they? Perhaps they should, but how many of our films do we ever see there? I’m going with a plan B and making it available to all the other festivals.
U.G. Digital Mag: I look forward to seeing the full film. Are there any final words?
Kimberley Zulkowski: I want to thank everyone involved with GCUFF. Without festivals like these, people like me would not have a platform. This is important and needed. I’m thankful to everyone, and grateful to be a part of it, and to the participants and viewers who will watch. I look forward to the feedback.
[EXCLUSIVE] @A_ParkerJones [April Parker-Jones]: IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG...
If Loving You is Wrong has become one of the OWN Network’s most popular series. In fact, it’s become insanely popular as each week, viewers are learning more and more way they relate to each of the show’s characters. Today, we were blessed to sit down with April Parker-Jones, who effortlessly portrays the role of blue collar mom Natalie Henning. As the fiancé of Lushion, portrayed by Charles Malik Whitlock, she’s very much like many of today’s everyday women. She works hard to make sure she and her family are good, and she nurtures her relationships and friendships the best she knows how, but she can flip the script and get wild on you when the moment calls. Natalie doesn’t take any less, and that characterization by Jones has placed the show as one of OWN’s top-rated shows to date.
Take a moment and check out this clip from the show...
Below, Jones talks with us about the show, and why she’s so grateful to Tyler and OWN for the opportunity, as well as what’s to come in her future!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart and Courtesy of OWN
U.G. Digital Mag: Before anything, I have to thank you. This is bucket list material right here [laughing]. I’ve loved your character since this show started, and have watched since day one. Between this and The Haves and the Have Nots, I watch religiously. I also work for a hospital, and I have always had my iPad or phone with me to watch when the show airs through the app. When I tell you, my wife and I have been waiting for this week’s premiere. Your character is amazing, and I just have to thank you for this awesome opportunity in speaking today.
April Parker-Jones: James, that means so much, and I have to ask you what about Natalie you like so much.
U.G. Digital Mag: For starters, Natalie is a mirror of my wife. Natalie works her tail off to be sure her kids are taken care of, her man is taken care of, and when it comes down to it, the way you marched down the street for Alex when you thought she was messing with Lushion, that was my wife all day. Even down to the friends I have ion Facebook, she will be quick to say if she doesn’t like someone and look for me to delete them.
April Parker-Jones: She loves you.
U.G. Digital Mag: My point exactly. I love that in your character. Natalie is so down to earth.
April Parker-Jones: I’m so glad to know you feel that way. I feel that way about Natalie, and I think that’s what makes her so relatable. Tell your wife I said thank you.
U.G. Digital Mag: I certainly will. Obviously, we’re celebrating this show, but we also celebrate you because this year makes 15 years that you’ve been out her entertaining us, and working regularly. The grind is evident. How is it to know you’ve made this mark in your career and the industry?
April Parker-Jones: When you put it that way, it kinda puts things back into perspective because as artists, we’re on a mission of constant grinding. We forget to celebrate our achievements. Thank you for pointing that out. I’m going to consciously make time to sit back and look at what I’ve done and say “you’ve done alright”. To me, in my everyday life, I’m constantly saying what do I have to do next, or I may feel I need to do this or that. I’ve got to do more, or accomplish more. We have to stop and celebrate those small victories. That being said, I still feel like the best is still yet to come for me in my career. I’m so grateful for where I am now. What I’m most grateful for is my most high creator in God allowed me to see this accomplishment, being on If Loving You is Wrong at this age and stage in my life and career, where I can appreciate it. I’m more mature, and I understand the impact that being on this show has on people, especially living back on the east coast now. I see people in everyday life who may recognize me from the show, and I see the impact it has. I’m so grateful that God waited until this point in my life to give me this blessing. It’s been great. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
U.G. Digital Mag: For obvious reasons, with the show being connected through both Tyler Perry and Oprah, I think those reasons alone would make anybody jump at the opportunity, but what drew you to Natalie?
April Parker-Jones: Well, when I had the chance to audition, my agent and manager sent me the breakdown for the black characters, so those being Kelly, Marcy, and Natalie.
U.G. Digital Mag: They are great.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of OWN
April Parker-Jones: They’re amazing. Everybody is so perfect for their part. It’s amazing to me how everyone fits perfect. They sent me the breakdown, and asked me who I connected with. Immediately, when I read Natalie, I didn’t even need to read the others. I connected immediately because she is so much like me, and so much like women I grew up around. She’s like so many of the women who are still a part of my life, so I connected with her right away. Naturally, when it comes to giving life to Natalie, and giving Natalie a voice, it ain’t too hard. It ain’t much of a stretch [laughing]. It really comes easy to me in comparison to so many of the characters I’ve played on other shows. It’s been a stretch for those because I’m not a doctor. I’m not a General for the military. I’m not a Pediatrician. So those required more acting. Natalie has been a joy because it has come so easily.
U.G. Digital Mag: You do an amazing job in her character. You’re strong when you need to be, but you still manage to show the softer side when needed. This week, when you came back and said you helped Kelly get a gun, it was cool to see the softer side.
April Parker-Jones: Yes, and I’m so glad that Tyler allows us the ability to show those nuances in our characters. He’s great about allowing us to explore those things, and I do believe it’s necessary. She is a woman, and she has feelings, and is not a superhero, although she wears a cape [laughing], life so many of us women do, but she is human, and very sensitive and insecure in her own way. I’m glad the audience got to see a softer side.
U.G. Digital Mag: Now I would be crazy not to ask, and you can answer this however you want [laughing], but what is the biggest thing we can expect in this season? I’ve been waiting for Eddie to go down for so long [laughing]…
April Parker-Jones: I think we have all been waiting for Eddie to have his day, but I can’t give away too much. I will say that Natalie will continue to explore the softer sides, but you’ll see the old Natalie when it’s necessary. She’s going to be a wonderful sounding board and support to her co-stars, and just stay tuned. Look, you never know what’s going to happen with Tyler Perry in that mind of his, but I will say that the season will keep you glued to your seat, and you will tune in to every episode.
U.G. Digital Mag: This past Tuesday, I was so thrown off by the finale from last season being an hour and a half, so I was confused at midnight when the new episode had not started yet. Nevertheless, it was great when I did see it.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart and Courtesy of OWN
April Parker-Jones: James, I just thank you for supporting If Loving You is Wrong, the OWN Network, and Tyler Perry. I’m so grateful that black people get to have this platform to express themselves and be creative. We’re getting so many more opportunities, and I feel I’m beginning to see the shift for black actors, and people behind the scenes getting more opportunities. It’ll continue to grow as long as we continue to support it.
U.G. Digital Mag: One of the final questions I wanted to ask was about other projects. You’ve done so well. I spoke to people in my family about connecting with you, and my mom knows of you from The Young & The Restless, my wife has watched you on both Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder, and so many other projects. What do you see in the future?
April Parker-Jones: I’ve been so blessed to work on a project all summer in Los Angeles, and I don’t yet have clearance to speak the name of the show or network, but I will say we wrapped yesterday for the season. It’s a character extremely different from Natalie’s character. People who have watched me over the years have seen me in this type of role before though. The episodes will not air until next year, but when I have clearance, I will certainly let you know more about it. We’ll have some time, but it’s been great to be blessed with this summer job. I would love to do more film. I really don’t have as much film under my belt, so I would love to transition into more film, in addition to the television work. I’m open; I’m grateful; and like I said before, I feel like the best is yet to come. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me. Im ready.
U.G. Digital Mag: There are mounds in store for you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. For people who want to connect with you online, how can that happen?
April Parker-Jones: On social media [Instagram, Twitter], they can check me out at @a_parkerjones, and on Facebook it’s April Parker Jones.
ROGER ORTEGA [@RnBPoPWrytr]: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
We recently had to catch up with writer and musical superstar Roger Ortega, and the conversation was amazing. We get to hear all about his most recent project, The Lottery, and what else he has in store now that the music is pumping out consistently again. Check out the exclusive below!
Thank you so much. You have so much going on. Obviously, your progression is something to be noted. I love what you’re doing. This is especially good because we work to promote and push independent acts, so in that respect, there’s so much to talk about. It would be good to start with what brought you into music. I know you’ve been here…
It’s funny man. Long story short, I was born into a musical family. I didn’t want to do what my dad’s band was doing, but I listened to them practice. I knew this was what I wanted. At 14, I put together a group with my cousin and another guy. We changed members and names, but maintained the R&B and Pop feel. Eventually, we got a record deal.
Almost like a new edition…lol
Right. And New Kids on the Block played a big factor. One morning I saw them on TV, and was like who are these guys. Being a solo artists as a kid, I felt like I’d have more support with a couple other guys on stage. Eventually, some faded away, and I found more guys. We got a deal in Kansas and moved to New York. Universal was buying out everybody. We got locked into this deal where they just wouldn’t do anything with us. We eventually got out of that deal. By age 24, I said I was done. I went on about my life, but would write more for the love of it. Through a random series of events, at 37 I got a deal. I started off as a writer, and eventually they wanted a record. I quit at age 24 because I thought I was too old. How would it be at 37? I reluctantly said yes, and it ended up being number 62 on iTunes. I kept at it, and worked on a second album. The Lottery came out last year, and hit number 8. There’s so many good songs on the album, and you learn from your mistakes. You put all this work into an album, and you are to let it breathe. With the new single, The Worst Hangover, it’s actually a remix to the album’s first single. It’s doing pretty well. Not the same rules as an independent artist. You don’t necessarily have to do something new every year. You can work with what you have.
Now that you’re independent, how does it feel, having been with a major before? I see a lot of artists who don’t do well in the transition. Many artists don’t realize the level of work. How has it been for you?
I hate being told what to do, and am a lot less motivated when I am told what to do. So it’s one of those things where I’m in control. Failure or success comes back to me. My team is amazing, but they’re name is not the brand. If it doesn’t work out, it’s on me. I can sit with a little more pride when things go good.
I think it’s cool. What you have is hot and in so many ways, you break the stereotypes, and break the color lines. What has been your experience with connecting with other artists? I turn 40 this year, so I appreciate the fact that you pay respect to the artists before you of our era. I find it so funny that because of this new edition movie, our kids know all about New Edition now. My son is ten and is so enamored with Cool it Now like it just dropped yesterday…lol.
I think that has driven the direction of my music and where it comes from. Like you, I grew up on all that. It’s infused in my DNA. The Lottery album pays homage to a lot of those artists, and has a 90s appeal. That was one of the biggest things. I definitely wanted to be taken serious with this, but I knew my fanbase was 28+, and people who knew that era. That’s what was so cool.
I also think it’s cool because a big part of me misses that era. I make it a point to look back and connect with artists of that era now with the magazine. I like to be able to show what these artists are doing now, and how they impacted music. The blessing is I get to connect with my favorites, the ones who don’t get the respect. As far as shows go, what have your shows and tours looked like? Are you doing a lot of shows?
Yea, I have been. My last show will be in New Mexico. The last few months, I’ve had shows in New York, Miami, and so on. The shows have been great. One of my favorite shows was a tribute to George Michael.
Awesome. I grew up listening to him in Wham, and so much of his music.
He was one of the first to really cross over to R&B and radio play. I can remember hearing him on Hot 97. He had a lot of respect for R&B and Soul, and vice versa. I respect how he rode that line, and was one of the first major stars to cross over. I released a cover of Father Figure a few months ago along with a video. The video was to tie into the next video. That and The Worst Hangover is like a series. It was a cool concept.
I saw the father figure video, and I heard the single first on reverbnation. What are your plans moving forward and progressing?
What I feel like right now; someone asked me when the third album was coming. I don’t think I’m in a place emotionally to do a third album. I’m just writing right now. When something hits me emotionally, I’ll do a third album. With The Lottery, it was a lot of start and stop. I immediately went to work on the second album, but the owner of my independent label passed away and the label shut down. I lost a lot with that first album. All the stuff I had before was good, but not as good as this album. My dad developed cancer in the process and passed away as I started on the second half of the album. That gave me a lot for the album. I wrote three songs on the plane back from his funeral. One of those is Never Forget, which was a tribute for my dad. I also wrote The Worst Hangover, which is about losing someone and how you feel. I changed it to be more about losing a girl, but I pulled the pain from losing my dad. I also wrote a song called Put It On Me. Through darkness comes light and that’s where that came from. My plan moving forward is to work on singles and get as many people to hear my projects.
What else is to come for people to look out for?
There’s a song I’ll be working on for a project that my fans had been inquiring about. I can’t say much about it yet. I’m working on a song with another guy which will eat up a lot of time. Two guys from my group joined me for the George Michael show. I put up a video of us practicing Careless Whispers, and they agreed to do an album. That’s down the road, but right now, I’m focusing on me. I have to get to the Grammys, one way or another, even if I got to work the door [laughing].
Where can people check you out online?
Everything is at rogerortega.com. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
I look forward to your upcoming projects. You clearly love the music so much that you’re still here. I appreciate having the opportunity to connect with you. I feel like you’re breaking barriers. Thank you.
Thank you. I appreciate telling my story.