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There is a new addiction going around that we don’t talk about. It’s not something we buy, smoke, or drink. It’s more of something we consume; that thing is REALITY TV (cue gasp and scary music). Reality TV is an epidemic. It’s enticing and a guilty obsession. But more than anything, it’s misleading – especially when it comes to love.

Unless you have been avoiding TV and Twitter, then you already know about Love and Hip Hop. The premise of the show is to give viewers an all access look into the women behind some of the biggest names in the Hip-Hop industry. You follow the trials and tribulations that happen with dating or marrying a rapper. Great idea until you put C-List rap artists and booty models as your stars.

The worst part is the relationships portrayed. I know I shouldn’t knock them if this really is their reality, but their reality is glorified as if this is what modern love is and that’s totally wrong. I can hear people now saying, “This is real – This is what people go through!” But that doesn’t make it right. If I am a drug addict and all I see around me and on TV are drug addicts not interested in getting clean, then I am more likely to justify my drug habit since this is my reality; it’s what everybody is going through.

It pains me to see women wanting a relationship like a reality TV star. People forget about editing, scripts (yes, reality shows have story writers) and acting. Real love isn’t this struggle of pain and loss of self-respect. You staying with a man who cheats constantly because you saw that “Erica and Scrappy” made it, is playing Russian Roulette with your love life.

Real love will not compromise your dignity or be more pain than joy. Reality TV love relies on what brings in ratings. Real love lasts longer than 45 minutes or a season. Next time you find yourself saying, “I wish I had a (insert reality TV star) type of relationship, turn off your TV and love for real.

::Nikki True, VANE Writing Contributor::

Real Lovev s Reality TVContributed by Nikki True

Consequences, and spouse, of Love And Hip Hop

Lifestyle | Relationships

Being born in 1988, I caught the tail end of the era where all rap, whether it be “conscious,” “gangsta,” or any subset, had purpose. It all had meaning, and something could be taken from it in a positive manner amongst the wave of elder folk telling us how bad it was. It was among my years in high school all the way to present times that rap music such as that has faded to black. Two separate genres have formed, Hip-Hop and Rap. These two genres used to be interchangeable, but much like the terms Black American and African-American have turned different ways at their fork in the road; one must come to grips that there is divide.

While there are no Tupac Shakurs or Biggie Smalls around anymore, and classic icons such as Ice Cube who have turn commercial, the pie slice for Hip-Hop music has gradually gotten smaller while commercial rap has taken off and infiltrated pop radio instead. Lately, we have been fortunate for a

few young artists who are trying to resurge Hip-Hop. The likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T. and Childish Gambino are all setting their feet in the ring to compete against “party rap.”

However, as a high school teacher, all I hear amongst the hallways are the lyrics to songs that discourage the students from actually focusing in the schoolhouse. The mainstream, commercial rap has infiltrated our society and taken a giant slice out of the media pie. In all honesty, more often than not, it is the commercialized music that all the radio seems to play.

I often ponder why our culture has gotten so entranced by music that is being driven by the type of people who once attempted to rid America of Hip-Hop music. As they claimed, it was a determining factor in the way the youth were misbehaving. My concern is that if we as a Hip-

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Lifestyle | Evolution

Hop culture don’t stand for the rights of our music, and attempt to gain more publicity for it, we may see the very genre we love fade completely to the underground. Albeit that’s not completely horrible as a teacher, but it is completely scary.

The resurgence of Hip-Hop needs to commence. In order for us to once thrive again of great music, we must continue to push our up and coming rappers to the forefront. I know this is difficult to believe, but the majority of us reading and writing these articles are full time employed, and can afford to purchase albums as we once begged our parents to do when we were jobless youths. If we want to see our music skyrocket back to the forefront of the mainstream, it is our responsibility to make that happen.

Gone are the days that lyrics are broken down by peers looking to delve deeper into their music.

Born are the days where every song has subjected everyone to think that education in any sense is not the way. I can hear it in my students’ tones, vernacular and lack of care. It is us who can correct this and make a difference.

::JordanMarks, VANE Writing Contributor::

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Zak Bonzie aka Zone is one of the premier artists within Oklahoma’s budding hip-hop demographic. Zone has been certified as a local favorite, and is next up to represent a market untouched and a story untold by the music industry. Patiently waiting for his chance, Bonzie lives in the studio perfecting his craft and is relentless in his pursuit to represent his side, our side, of life.

With his unprecedented sound and image, Bonzie is prepared to take on any challenge to silence critics. He is a humble rapper, authentic in his approach and remains true to his lyrics. He strays away from the cliché rapper image by only rhyming about what he believes in and does. His dynamic style of music is able to connect with a multitude of audiences, which is an imperative in today’s music industry. Unafraid and unforgiving is Zone’s presence on the mic, but the humble rapper from Norman, Oklahoma has a side to him

that is also approachable and endearing. However, once the music is on and the lights are down, his formidable size is matched by a persona unseen and unmatched. His rap style is incomparable due to his unique sound and delivery. His music possesses lyrical content that is meaningful and at times empowering, something the rap game has been missing beyond our Drakes and J. Coles.

Bonzie is of African descent, giving him a unique perspective about life and a broader scope in regard to his content. Conscious of his multicultural background, Zone is attempting to bridge the gap between contemporary Rap here in the states, and that of which overseas (specifically Africa.) Songs with N- Dex and R2Bees prove that Zone is multifaceted in his approach to his music, but is also open minded in working with artists that differ from his style and technique. The music industry lacks this sense of camaraderie,

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Entertainment | Music

subsequently killing morale and originality. Bridging this gap would not only bring upon immense amounts of revenue, but also introduce the world to completely new styles and sounds without being apprehensive about the unknown. Zone has the potential to revolutionize the music industry with this concept, and the potential bring substance back to the industry.

For instance, Zone’s latest compilation, “Animal”, realizes an imperative typically unfavored by local talent. The imperative being bold enough to create an identity for Oklahoma. “Animal” utilizes original compositions that accentuate Zone’s unique style along with relatable content to those that populate the state. Adhering to the codes of true MCing, potent lyrics drive the mixtape while the original production gives way to aspiring artists to do the same. The project was set to challenge Zone and provoke the initiative to defy the status quo. We

have all become accustomed to the harsh reality of contemporary rap becoming less cerebral and materialistic; but what happened to those nostalgic of good overall music? The answer to that is they are still around yearning for substance, however accepting the new novelty rap has unfortunately become. Animal quenches the nostalgia by allowing by passion to influence his sound, not greed nor opulence. Animal as an entire project has been a critical success via social networks, vlogs, and most importantly word of mouth. This type of support illustrates Oklahoma’s willingness to stand firmly upon quality, diligence, and grind.

Zone is ready to set the stage and open doors for Oklahoman artists and perhaps become a staple within the music business. Zone is also a positive representation of the community in which he thrives. He continues to go to school, work, and record. He is a symbol of hard work and dedication, seemingly the antithesis of the unsaid “rapper rubric.” He also represents the non-conformist ideals of not letting others decide your future, but is a firm believer of following your dreams, undeterred. This ideology really connects with the adolescent youth not only in this state, but also across the country. Promoting positivity and good times, Zone is usually a jovial individual with an optimistic attitude becoming of a superstar.

::Brandon Matthews, VANE Writing Contributor::

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A name is a powerful thing. This proves to be true for Roosevelt IV, aka Rozie Turner, a native OKC rapper and barber, whose name has been passed down for five generations. The men in his family paint a colorful picture on their family tree full of fatherly figures.

Growing up, Turner heard stories about Roosevelt I, his great grandfather, and the gambling shack he ran in Guthrie for the black men in town. As a kid, Turner lived under the wing of his grandfather, Roosevelt II, who performed cover songs at jazz clubs throughout the city. Turner admired his huge presence, heavy voice and his ability to entertain a crowd.

Turner recalls his own father, Roosevelt III, as being more like a big brother who would play Nintendo with him and his friends. On his off days from working as a firefighter, he would pick Turner up from school in his drop top dressed like Biggie in a silk shirt and silk pants.

“My dad’s swag was ridiculous,” Turner laughs. “[But] the main thing I learned from my dad was to provide.”

Turner fondly remembers the role his father and grandfather played in his life during a time when many men were absent from the home. Now a full-time father and a working musician, Turner has two sons, Roosevelt V, and RaeJon.

“Being a dad is the single most important thing I do,” Turner says. “It made me a man faster.”

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Turner’s plan was never to stay in Oklahoma or to make music but instead he dreamed of playing professional football. His dreams were taken for a loop when he experienced a knee-blowout in a game during his senior year of high school. Shortly after, Turner found himself depressed and with his dreams of the NFL out of the picture, he became careless, he says. Soon after, he and his high school girlfriend were expecting a son.

“I had a kid at 19, and back then I just had to get a job and pay bills,” Turner says. “I had to become a man at an early age and my oldest son became my biggest priority.”

With thoughts of his grandfather’s music career in the back of his mind, in his twenties, Turner decided he wanted to perform and get into the

studio. He started out performing in a gospel group called All or Nothing. After the group went their separate ways, Turner started serving under a gospel-rap group called Mobsters of Light. After working with them, helping sell CDs and working at their shows, Turner got the inspiration he needed

Entertainment | Music

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to make his own music. He began emailing lyrics back and forth with members of Mobsters of Light, and after encouragement from several group members, Turner released his first EP in 2006.

Turner describes his music style as a gumbo of Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop and Soul. As a kid, Turner spent the majority of his time in church with bible studies, choir rehearsals, weekday services and Sunday service. His music today is driven by what he believes and it is his perspective that makes his music unique, he says.

“Being from Oklahoma City makes me different,” Turner says. “We are in the buckle of the bible belt.”

The different messages of love that Jesus portrays throughout the Bible are what Turner hopes to invoke in his music. Though he talks about temptation, he says, he follows a moral code that he hopes to convey to others.

“My message is faith, hope and love,” Turner says. “I want to take pieces of my life and inspire other people.”

Though from Oklahoma City, Turner spent most of his time listening to music not from the area. Some of his music influences include Nas, Biggie Smalls, LL Cool J and Wu-Tang Clan. His greatest influence was Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, whose high-pitch voice Turner admired when, as a kid, his own voice did not change the way he wanted it to. Gospel musicians, such as Hezekiah Walker and James Moore, have also influenced his sound.

Turner’s second album, “Roosevelt”, is set to release in April but is guaranteed to be out no later than the summer, Turner says. Birthed out of the end of his second marriage, the album is a biography of Turner’s life and talks about what he has learned. His divorce, which ended after seven years, taught

him about not quitting and about being true to who you are. “My pastor says I am a bigger and wiser person because of the marriage,” Turner explains, which he hopes to convey in his music.

The album’s title track “Roosevelt” talks about lineage. With verses one and two dedicated to his father and grandfather, the song talks about the curses passed down from each generation and the hope that his family is getting better in time.

Another song on the album, titled “Bad Mother”, talks about the frustrations of being single and not knowing what you want. On the track, which features L.T.Z. and 12, Turner focuses on the idea that some women enjoy the cat and mouse game, or the chase, more than they do actually being in relationships. “Queen,” which was released in February for Valentine’s Day, talks about women loving themselves and supporting their men at the same time.

Since his first album, “Blood of a King”, Turner says he has grown into his own skin and his ability to stay true to who he his. The first album, similar to his latest, was inspired after the end of a marriage.

“I always do an album after I get a divorce,” Turner

laughs. “I am a relationship kind of guy.”

As far as creating music, it is not bad relationships that solely inspire him but the power of inspiring other people. Turner hopes to leave people with messages of forgiveness for others and self-love. As a man who has had several difficult relationships and experienced child molestation, Turner’s passion is to encourage people to keep going.

“For me, music is not so much about selling CDs or being on a stage, but when people get the message that is the best part,” Turner says. “I want people to walk away and say they are better people.”

When he is not making music, Turner spends his time working as a barber. With dreams of opening his own barber shop and entering into the music industry full-time as a writer, it can be difficult at times balancing, he says. His main job, however, will always be as a father.

“I have to live right because I know my sons are watching me.”

::Stephanie Taylor, VANE Writing Contributor::

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Entertainment | Music

As a pastor’s daughter, Cicely Johnson grew up under the watchful eye of the church in small town Ardmore, Okla. Today her church background has translated into the discipline and hard work ethic needed to succeed in the music industry. Now under the performance name Cicely J, she is working her way up the ladder of becoming a successful singer.

“I know it will be a lot of work,” she says. “But I want to be a name that people know.”

Cicely J, who is one of four daughters, has been singing since she was a little girl. After singing in her church’s choir and in numerous music programs at school, she realized at a young age that music was her gift. With music influences ranging from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan and Keke Wyatt, she has much inspiration to draw upon.

Though a newcomer to the music business, Cicely J is not new to performing. She has several musicals and showcases across Oklahoma and Texas under her belt, including the 2011 Oklahoma State Fair, 104.9’s Hometown Sounds competition, and with The Poteet Theatre’s productions of The Color Purple and Hairspray. In early 2012, she also traveled to New York City, where she performed at BET’s 106 & Park.

Cicely J describes the work she is doing now as something like a starter job. The benefits from performing are huge for her career. Each time she performs, she says, she builds on her showmanship skills and learns different styles of music.

“I get more experience singing and dancing,” she says. “Through performing you also learn how to work with different types of people, how to network and it is good for your performance resume.”

Though always a part of her life, Cicely J’s path into music wasn’t completely straight. After high school, she attended Oklahoma State University, where she studied psychology, but she says that music always was in the back of her mind. While in school, she was a part of several music performing groups, including the University Singers and The Burning Black Gospel Singers. After graduation, the music dreams

that she put on the back burner during college started calling.

“I knew I’d always have a fall back plan with my degree… but I knew in my heart I wanted to sing,” explains Cicely J, who decided against attending graduate school to pursue a music career.

Today, she is in full pursuit of those dreams. Currently, she works at a bakery as she continues to perform and record music. Cicely J’s long term goals are to move to Atlanta, which she describes as the haven for black music. In the meantime, she says she will continue to do more musical theatre and work on generating a buzz around her music.

This summer she will be performing in two musicals with the Poteet Theatre, Disney Music and 9 to 5. Both performances are scheduled for August at Oklahoma City’s St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. She is also working on a mixtape that is scheduled to drop in late May, with the single track, Imaginary.

Cicely J dreams of singing at Madison Square Garden and winning a Grammy. While she aspires to be a household name, it is not the fame that motivates her. The most rewarding part, she explains, is when people tell her that she did a good job or when younger kids say that they want to do that too.

“Hearing those things is rewarding to me,” she says. “It means I am doing what I am supposed to do and that I am inspiring people to follow their dreams.”

Cicely J’s music can be accessed on soundcloud.com and datpiff.com.

::Stephanie Taylor, VANE Contributing Writer::

Entertainment | Travel

Whether you’ve just recovered from All-Star weekend and you’re ready for a new adventure, or you’re simply in need of an adult spring break destination, consider Washington, DC. The nation’s capitol is more than just the setting for a sometimes dysfunctional government, or hit TV show Scandal. It’s also a trip worth taking to discover the treasures in our nation’s capitol. I’m about to embark on my first spring here, but from what I’ve heard, springtime in the capitol is a sight to behold.

One of the biggest draws during this time of year is the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Each year DC celebrates the lasting friendship and relationship between the United States and Japan through the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. This year the festival takes place March 20th through April 14th. Expect to join more than 1.5 million visitors to Washington, DC to enjoy this special event.

While you’re spending time around the Tidal Basin, where the cherry blossom trees are planted, you should take advantage of the close proximity to the National Mall. One of the best things about DC is the abundance of free activities. The beauty of seeing the Washington Monument’s magnitude, or the somber majesty of the Lincoln Memorial more than make up for the amount of walking you will do. And yes, you will or at least you should do a lot of walking. Of special note is the relatively new Martin Luther King Jr. statue that stands across the Tidal Basin from Thomas Jefferson’s memorial. While experiencing the intoxicating beauty of the cherry blossoms, make sure you take time to appreciate the free history lesson.

In addition to the monuments and memorials outside, the collection of Smithsonian museums are tributes to knowledge that you can take advantage of indoors. My personal favorites are the American History Museum, Hirshhorn Museum

and Sculpture Garden and the Portrait Gallery; but there’s something for everyone at the nearly 20 Smithsonian museums. Most Smithsonian museums are open seven days a week except on Christmas Day.

For other options to fill your itinerary, consider signing up for emails from Goldstar, LivingSocial, or Groupon for the Washington, DC area. You’re probably familiar with the latter two sites, but Goldstar.com is a website that helps you save on live events in selected cities. You can find selected theatre and music events that might interest you during your stay in DC and be able to take advantage of deeply discounted tickets. Recent specials have included discounted tickets to the extremely popular and fun International Spy Museum as well as tickets to the Washington National Opera. I would never plan another trip without first searching Goldstar for tickets to hot events.

Where to eat

Where to start? With thousands of restaurants to choose from, DC is a foodie’s dream. To give you a recommendation on where to eat for everyone’s favorite meal, brunch, I recommend you heed the advice of the lovely ladies from B*ches who Brunch. They do a wonderful job of cataloging their way through the variety of brunches that DC’s restaurants have to offer and give their honest opinions about the pros and cons of both the food itself and the ambiance of each restaurant.

Planning your trip

When flying from Will Rogers Airport, do yourself a favor and fly into Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Although it might cost more than flying in the alternatives, Dulles or Baltimore International, the benefit of being able to jump on the Metro

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and get to your hotel in the district will have you patting yourself on the back. The DC Metro system is easily navigable with maps both in trains and in the station. Also, don’t rule out using Metro buses as a way to get where you’re going and also see parts of the city on the fly.

Ground Transportation

Buy a Metro SmartTrip Card. This reloadable plastic card ($5.00 for the reloadable card and an initial $5.00 in fare to spend) will help speed up your trip instead of having to buy one-way fares constantly. Also, it makes a great keepsake from your trip to DC. When using the escalators in Metro stops, be aware that people use the left side for walking. Do them a favor and stand on the right side.

With so much to see and do, you won’t be able to cram it all into one trip, but that’s part of the fun of trying. Consider it your patriotic duty to try to take in as much as you can of this remarkable city.

::Kayle Barnes, VANE Writing Contributor::

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InTheCityVANE is a magazine for the Socialite!Here are a few opportunities for you to get social in the Edmond, Oklahoma City,and Norman areas. Check out these Restaurants & Bars... And, don’t forget totell ‘em VANE sent ya!

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Republic Gastro pubTypically serves beer and wine, alongside its high end

food menu, with a UK twist.

Signature Dishes: Fish and Chips, and Republic Burger- Caramelized onion-apple wood smoked bacon relish, blue, arugula, and fried egg, served on a pretzel bun

Drinks: Over 100 unique beers drawn from custom taps, close to 250 hand selected bottles from around the world

Hours of Operation:Sunday through Wednesday - 11:00am to 12:00amThursday through Saturday -11:00am to 1:00am

5830 N. Classen Boulevardat Classen CurveOKC, OK 73118

Phone: 405-286-4577Fax: 405-286-4585

Oklahoma CityNonna's Purple Bar

Upscale bar located in Bricktown, known for their cocktails, and great Italian food, and baked goods.

Signature Dishes: Nonna’s Favorite-Served a giant signature meatball seasoned with Nonna’s secret blend of herbs and spices ~ served over spaghetti with Nonna’s marinara and creamy homemade alfredo

Signature Drinks: The Carlson- A cocktail made with vodka, onion, pickled garlic, and a slice of bacon served over crushed ice.

Happy Hour: Half priced apps, 3:30-6:30Live Entertainment- Every Friday and Saturday night

Red PianoUpscale bar located downtown: known

for diverse drinks

Signature Dish: Calamari

Happy Hour: 4:30-6:30pm on domestics 7-9pm Half Priced apps

Tuesday: Martini specialsWednesday: Margarita specialsLive music: Tuesday- Saturday

Hours of Operation: Hours are from 11:00am to 12:00am, Monday thru Sunday.

The Red Piano is at the corner of Park Avenue and Broadway.

Social | Out & About

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Café 501Known for their fresh baked goods,

lunch menu, and wines

Signature Dish: Fresh Produce, Salads, and Coyote sandwich onion and cheese chibatta bread chipotle mayonase chicken grilled jalepeneous, maple glazed salmon, and brick oven pizzas

Signature Drink: Extensive wine list, strawberry lemonade martini, Mimosas during breakfast and brunch

Culinary drinks: Muy-Thai – Gin, muddled cucumber, ginger simple syrup, and lemon grass.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday Brunch: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Edmond

Lottinvilles American Restaurant/Bar,

“meat and potatoes with a twist”

Signature Dish: Rotisserie chicken marinated with olive oil, lemon, and rosemary.

Signature Drink: Pineapple martini, pineapple vodka made in house

5 dollar margaritas5 dollar Absolut club special drink

Happy hour: 3-6pm Everyday with complimentary black bean nachos

Hours of Operation: Mon - Thu: 11am to 9pmFri - Sat: 11am to 10pm

Sunday Brunch: 10:30am to 2pmSunday: 5pm to 9pm

801 Signal Ridge Drive Edmond, OK

The Garage American style bar catered to the College Student

Signature Dish: Burgers

Signature Drink: Moscow Mule cocktail- Stoli vodka, fresh squeezed lime, and ginger beer served in a copper mug

Happy Hour 3-7pm with $2.75 domestics Thursday: Bingo night

Friday: Ladies Night with $1 domestics

Hours of Operation: Sun - Mon: 11 a.m. - 12 midnight.

Tue - Sat: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m

307 E. Main, Norman, OK 73069 (405) 701-7035

Norman

Seven47 Signature Dish 17 entrees under $10

Signature Drink Frozen Screwdriver, Frozen Redbull Vodka

Happy Hour 5-7 Monday-Friday with $2 domestic beers

Monday: Happy hour all nightParties: Throw one party each month

Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 5pm-2am

Kitchen open is until 10pm Monday-Thursday 11pm Friday-Saturday

Sunday Brunch/Lunch 10am-3pm

747 Asp AvenueNorman, OK 73069