august 2012

T h e M a g a z i n e f o r M u s i c / / A r t / / C u l t u r e

LIONINTHEMANE

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New Contenta d v e r t i s e

t o p r o m o t ewith us

See Page 5

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s

A L L N E W ta l e n t

a r t i c l e s

a r t & d e s i g n

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Abdul Ilyas...................................................14Bostonian born and raised, along with nine brothers and sisters.His successful acting career landed him numerous opportuni-ties in major television and film productions.

Bobby Stone................................................. 6Not only has he played a role in Rap War Volume 1; which was featured on HBO & Showtime, he has also managed to exhibit one of the best stage performances throughout NYC, the Dirty South, and the DMV area.

Lion in the Mane......................................... 22A band with spontaneous yet powerful guitar melodies, a solid, driving, and supportive bass along with the charismatic and flashy chops that roar from the drums.

Yung Citizen............................................... 16Local newspapers picked up on Citizen and published a few articles related to his journey and promise. Always being the consummate entrepreneur, he sent a track to the well-known rapper Neako.

Jessica HewettPassion for Fashion......................................12Guys are laying baggy jeans to rest and are assuming a casual look with more fitted jeans. These jeans or pants still look good with sneakers, loafers or boating shoes.

Fel isha JoynerMTV........................................................... 21The first video featured on MTV was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles followed by “You better run” by Pat Benatar. Music Television’s original purpose was to play music videos.

Brooke Shackleford-OgwuEvery Woman’s Mission...............................27All women possess a more in-depth value, whether rich or poor, married or single. We have an aura of influence within which, according to woman’s character she is exerting a certain amount of power.

White Space Designs....................................10WhiteSpace Designs; the brand of creativity, originality, simplicity and complexity. Created by Rashaad Bilal, an up and coming graphic designer. Previously a still life artist, he attended college to become a graphic designer.

Summer Olympics........................................13There were many highlights of the 2012 Olympics. History was made this year as we celebrate the victory of 16-year-old gymnast Gabby Douglas.

Tiah Coffey................................................. 28Her first real modeling opportunity was in 2011. She modeled for a hair salon called the Duby Shop during the CIAA tourna-ments. During that exciting time in her life, she was approached by modeling coach, Lynn Wayne.

This is the August issue, and we are very excited about it! Our writers were eager to share some of their thoughts from women’s equality to the latest fashion trend. The articles are a must read. Also, this issue is showcasing up-and-coming talent in music as well as acting. These talented individuals would love for you to get to know them through the pages of our magazine. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this issue because it was especially created with you in mind!

letter fromovaground mogul

CO-CEO // Curtis StokesCO-CEO // Jasmine WallacePRESIDENT // Andre Hayden

V.P. & CREATIVE DIRECTOR // Rashaad Bilaleditor in chief // doreen thompson

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m o d e l o f t h e m o n t h

team #ovagroundmogulC o n t r i b u t i n g W r i t e r s

C o n t r i b u t i n g P h o t o g r a p h e r s

S o c i a l N e t w o r k s

jessica hewett

felisha joyner

brooke shackleford ogwu

bregga

starlight photography

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Joshua Aurelius Galloway

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Mason Taylor Photography

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model of the month* S e e p a g e 2 8 f o r m o r e

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OGM Exclusive with . . .

BOBBY STONEThe Leader of The New Old School, Bobby Stone, representing

Crown Heights, Brooklyn continues to make significant strides in the music industry. Not only has he played a role in Rap War

Volume 1; which was featured on HBO & Showtime, he has also managed to exhibit one of the best stage performances throughout NYC, the Dirty South, and the DMV area. His latest album entitled “The New Old School 1.5” is receiving great feedback from fans, DJ’s and industry insiders. Bobby Stone has performed at many venues on

his musical journey such as Karma Lounge, Club Pyramid, Sapphire Lounge, Club Sonar in Baltimore, The Brass Monkey, Five Seasons in

Baltimore, Mardi Gras in Rhode Island, Nuyorican Lounge, Delux Gal-lery, Club Petra (Sub - 0 DVD), and at Prestige performing with a live band.

Stone has collaborated with Math Hoffa (Battle Rap Champ) and 40 Cal (Dipset) among a few other rising stars in the Hip Hop world. While main-taining his own internet radio show on blogtalkradio.com/bobbystone called “The New Old School Radio Show,” Bobby has been dedicated to playing independent artists every Sunday at 6:30PM. Bobby Stone also recently part-nered up with producer extraordinaire GQ Beats, who has produced for Fabolous, Maino, Wacka Flocka and many more. Fans are waiting to see what these two geniuses are cooking up in the lab. Bobby Stone’s smash hit ,”If There Were Two of Me”, produced by Infamy is accompanied by a creative, suspenseful and entertaining video on Youtube.com and has al-ready received over 20,000 plus hits, and this video was also a smash hit on Forbezdvd.com and managed to peak 30,000 views in one day on the popular Hip Hop site. Bobby Stone countered with another smash single “Stay Out My Phone” ft. Juicy Stone produced by Gran Fortune. This single is accompanied with another engaging video on Youtube.com and has been adopted by many other internet sites. Just when people thought Bobby Stone was just lucky with his musical endeavors, he came back and hit them with “The New Old School Anthem” single. This video which was filmed, directed and edited by Bobby Stone, is also available on Youtube.com. Recently, Bob-by Stone partnered with DJ/Producer/MC Gran Fortune of Cajo Communi-cations and DJ Emmo for their upcoming album “Fortunes Of Stone” slated for a 2012 release. Until then you can check out “The New Old School 1.5”.

q & a w i t h t h e l e a d e r o f t h e n e w o l d s c h o o l // b o b by stone

What type of audience would you like to reach with your music?

Does your music have a story? If so, what is it?

What makes what you do different than other artists?Where do you see yourself in five years?

Who had you have the privilege of working with?

What future collaborations are in the making?

The demographics on the social media outlets reflect that my audience is primarily grown folks, ranging from 25 to 44. They are mature peoplewith real issues and concerns, but I would like to capture any audience that is willing to listen. If somebody on planet earth does not know who Bobby Stone is, I will need to review, rectify and record something that will capture every audience without compromising my integrity for this great gift we got called Hip Hop.

Yes. My music is built on stories. For example, “If there were two of me”, which is now on Youtube.com, reflects a time in my life when I was tryingto go to the studio, trying to complete courses in college, and raising my boys. I wished there were two of me to handle all that was on my plate at the time. “Brooklyn Blues” touches on some of my struggle, losing friends that I lost at WTC in 2001, I used to work there as a greeter on the 107th floor every day. The single, “Stay out my phone”, which is also on You-tube.com, kind of speaks for itself. It shows how men and women feel about the hot topic of going through each other’s phone. So my story is so much similar to a lot of other people’s stories; we work hard and wish there were two of us to be with our children and at work, we’ve all lost people we love, we’ve all had phone issues with mates and this why I think people have been relating to me on a larger scale now. My story is “our” story. All of us don’t sell crack, and bust guns all day, that’s NOT my story.

I’m doing what everybody else is not doing. I think this is why I have been successful at a lot of showcases. Take 20 artists and I guarantee you 17 of them will rhyme about cars (even though they took the bus to the show),sexing broads, busting they gun, rocking ice and selling drugs. In no way am I hating, do you! But to answer your question I’m different because I’m Different; I can educate you, I can make you dance, I can make you laugh, I can make you cry, I can amaze you with wordplay and get gully cause that’s what Crown Heights Brooklyn breeds. Find another rapper that nice, that’s real with a Masters degree from Hunter College.

In five years, I want to be on top like your magazine nah mean. I want to bring out other artists and develop them. I want to write and let other people shine. Definitely want to give back to the community and put some attention on youth development because I can’t be old and have these young dummies controlling the world. We have to remind them that KRS -1 said “YOU MUST LEARN”. I agree, but they aren’t being taught right, so in five years I would like to set up an effective program for the youth.

I’ve worked with GQ Beats (“Big Poppa’s Revenge” on Youtube.com), he’s produced for Maino, Fabolous, Wacka Flocka etc etc. So it was definitely a privilege to work with someone that has tons of joints being played on the radio. I’ve worked with rap battle champ Math Hoffa, 40 Cal from Dipset, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Korrek, and DJ Jronin. Not really working on too much future collabs, really focused on THE NEW OLD SCHOOL sound right now.

q&a continued

If you had one wish, what would it be?

Who do you look up to?

Do you have any shout outs?

What are some of the challenges / weaknesses you had to

overcome to be where you are today?

Who is that one person that you wish can see you perform during

your next performance? Why?

I wish there was a way to gather all the wack rappers around the world, send them on a space shuttle to another planet and never bring them back. That would be super dope.

I look up to my mom and pops. I’ve never seen two people work so hard in my life and maintain the family vibes at the same time. Their love for God and family is just admirable to me. They are loyal, unconditional loving folk. My mother taught me how to write, she used to tell me creative stories. My father made me get on stage at church when I didn’t want to, thus Bobby Stone.

• All praises due to the Most High.• You guys at OvaGround Mogul for holding me down and

recognizing my craft, talent and work ethic. • THE NEW OLD SCHOOL• INFAMY• KAFLOW/REAL DEAL RECORDS• OLIVER TWIST/THE BLOK RECORDS• DJ EMMO/THUNDAGROUND• GRAN FORTUNE/CAJO COMMUNICATIONS

The biggest challenge that I faced and still face is doing a lot of things on my own. Creating, recording, and performing is what an artist should be doing. However, I’m also marketing, investing, promoting, advertising, traveling, filming/editing my own videos, bargaining, and every other “ing” you can think of. This is a strength and a weakness. Things can happen much faster with other people completing tasks. On the other hand they can ruin stuff too. Also the more I do by myself, the less people to share the pie with. But, I want people to eat with me, so roll with THE NEW OLD SCHOOL, there’s a welcome invite if you are serious about this game as I am.

Don’t wait till the cake is made to eat, help me bake the muthaf**ker. Follow me on twitter @bobbystonemusic

Eminem, Wyclef, Nas, or Jay-Z. Sorry just couldn’t pick one (lol). Why? Because I think they would appreciate the artistic quality I present, and then change my life in 2 seconds (lol). If they saw me perform and didn’t like my “ish”, I promise I would go to that planet with all those wack rap-pers that I mentioned above.

@bobbystonemusic Bobby Stone on Facebook http://www.youtube.com/user/bobbystone7?feature=watchWWW.THUNDAGROUND.TV

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Stay tuned classmates - The New Old School means class is in session! Peace and Blessings from The New Old School.

P a s s i o n f o r

F a s h i o n

P a s s i o n f o r

F a s h i o n

It’s true! When you look better, you feel better. This upcoming season is going to catch us feeling good! In 2012, most people say that their fashion is heavily influenced by price, comfort,

and creativity. A book should not be judged by its cover, but a person’s appearance allows the world to establish an impression about him or her before a word can even be spoken. As summer comes to a halt, here are some of my fashion recommendations that will keep you looking fresh as everyone goes back to school, back to work, takes that final summer trip, or just upgrade an aged wardrobe. The ladies made this summer hot with bright neon colored tops, t-shirts, and tanks. As fall approaches, tribal prints and vintage tops with lace and rosettes are a staple item in every closet. A hot item for women for the past few years has been the skinny jeans. Skinny jeans, and also leggings, remain a staple in ladies closets because of the versatility they offer. You can wear them with tunics, t-shirts, or blouses. At the same time, they compliment boots, pumps, sandals, flats, and in some instances, sneakers. And guess what guys? Lil Wayne has given the ‘OK’ for you to wear them too! Guys are laying baggy jeans to rest and are assuming a casual look with more fitted jeans. These jeans or pants still look good with sneakers, loafers or boating shoes. Polo shirts and button down shirts remain classy looks that can be dressed up with a slim fit khaki pant or worn with jeans. When the temperature drops, we hope to see our men dressed in vests, blazers, and cardigans; which are all hot fits of the season. The prep look is always in style. The best

thing about fashion is it is completely up to the individual’s comfort, personality, and originality. Style is an outward expression of a person. For example, Willow Smith’s bold and playful style allows even a stranger to see that she’s an edgy trendsetter. Knowing what works for your body type is of the utmost importance. As a rule of thumb, if you don’t feel confident wearing it, then maybe you shouldn’t be wearing it. In fashion, we see some trends that make a comeback, such as the bell bottoms, while some vanish as quickly as they came, such as the tall white t-shirt. But in the words of Yves Saint-Laurent, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” This spring and summer, many people completed their looks with a hat. Ladies made the fedora hat look sexy wearing straw or even bright, bold summer prints. As we transition to fall, the fedora still turns heads, with darker prints like tweed and stripes. A big hit for the men is the snapback hat. No matter your team, regardless of your sport, this can add swag to a casual suit, or add color to a plain white t-shirt and jeans or khakis. Accessories definitely make an outfit. Some of today’s best outfits are created due to a flashy belt, gaudy necklace, unique scarf, or blinged-out watch accenting something plain and simple. Outward appearance is definitely not everything and style weighs much less than personality. However, in today’s world where we seek success, recognition, and try to empower others, we must present ourselves in a neat and orderly manner. Putting your best foot forward shows that you expect to be taken seriously. Obey your passion for fashion.

passion for

There were many highlights of the 2012 Olympics. History was made this year as we celebrate the victory of 16-year-

old gymnast Gabby Douglas. Douglas has taken the title of the first African-American to win a gold medal. Until this amazing moment, Dominique Dawes was the only

African-American to bring home a bronze medal in 1996. Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova winning her

first singles gold medal. It seems that this is Serena’s year for tennis because one month ago, she won her fifth Wimbledon title at the All England Club. Also, one of the four fastest men in history, Usain Bolt (Jamaica) won the gold medal in the 100m. This is his second consecutive

time. He is the second Olympian to win the 100m twice. Another history-making-moment was double amputee

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa competing in the 400m in track. The Blade Runner, as he has been nicknamed due to his prostheses, was the first amputee to ever compete

on the Olympic track and came in second. Michael Phelps, the most accomplished American swimmer, also

brought home the gold in the men’s 100m fly. His success was despite the fact that he didn’t get off to a great start.

This goes to show that anything is possible when your mind is focused on your goal. While this does not include

each success, we are very proud of every qualifying Olympian. As of August 7th, twenty-nine gold medals have

been awarded to the United States; fifteen silver medals, and twenty bronze medals. I, personally, do not consider

myself a big sports fan, but as I sat in a local sports bar and grill, it was like music to my ears to hear the crowd

cheering, not only for the home team, but for whoever was in the lead and for whoever was giving it his or her best.

The Olympics is not just an event for the entertainment of sports enthusiasts, it is also a way to reflect on what

dedication can do for anyone and where hard work can take a person. From this year’s Olympics thus far, I have

learned an important lesson: It’s not a matter of who brings home what medal, but what’s important is who is

determined to give it his or her all, their absolute best.

London is the host country for the event this year. The Opening Ceremony began on July 27th. The Summer Olympics games are scheduled to last until August 12th* o v a g r o u n d m o g u l / / o l y m p i c s

SUMMEROLYMPICS

*B Y J E S S I C A H E W E T T

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ABDUL

ILYASBostonian born and raised, along with nine brothers and

sisters, Abdul Ilyas has managed to make his mark in the world. He fluently speaks Arabic, Jamaican, and Creole,

and he believes in taking care of himself; body, mind, and spirit. Abdul began modeling in 2000. He received early stage and runway training in Boston, MA, thus leading to him posing for a billboard that was placed in several cities. In addition, Abdul has graced the screen more than a dozen times. His successful acting career landed him numerous opportunities in major television and film productions. His television career spanned from 2001 to 2003. Overall, he has done several jobs in modeling, print, commercial, video, movies and background work. Abdul’s motto, “giving it the best that I got” helped him maintain a “never give up” attitude when dealing with life’s adversities and challenges. His determination, in part, is due to his parents. Abdul’s parents raised him with strong family values and work ethics, which helped him tremendously as an adult. However, there was a turning point in his life when his father had a stroke. Abdul decided to put his acting career aside in order to care for his father. Unfortunately, his father died four years later. Unwaveringly, he refused to give up knowing he would be in the entertainment industry. He just wasn’t sure in what capacity. He never really had dreams or aspirations to become an actor. But as destiny would have it, he stumbled into his acting career. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And talk about timing! While hanging out with his friends, Abdul was chosen to participate in a Reebok/WNBA commercial, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Remarkably, his father was able see the commercial before passing on. In addition to the commercial, Abdul landed several acting jobs on major prime time television shows and movies. Through sheer determination, commitment , and without an agent to assist him, Abdul promoted himself while in Los Angeles. He believed in himself and made it all happen. Some of his television projects were CSI: New York, Girlfriends, The Shield and several other shows.

Video work with Kanye West and a Michael Jackson reenactment.

Film background work in “Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang”, “Be Cool”, and “War of the Worlds.”

Print work in Sports Illustrated for Kids, Slam Magazine, Source Magazine, and Reebok International Clothes and Shoes.

his other works include:

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M U S I CY U N G C I T I Z E N ’ S P A S S I O N F O Re X C L U S I V E I N T E R V I E W A N D Q & A W I T H O V A G R O U N D M O G U L

Yung Citizen was born into a regular middle-class African-American family. He is the youngest of three children. His parents settled in

Charlotte, NC in the early 80’s. Needless to say, they have enjoyed the young music producer that Citizen has become and believe in his journey going forward. At an early age, Citizen was musically influenced by many R&B artist, but the strongest was from none other than the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. His collections of Jackson’s concert videos were many. His parents also remember the countless number of mornings he would catch a quick glimpse of his favorite movie, “The Five Heart Beats”, before heading off to school then again in the evenings after homework was complete. After graduating from First Assembly High School in Concord, he headed to college to play football at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. It became very apparent that football was taking its toll on his music interest, so after two years, he decided to leave the football field and focus on his music. While at Catawba, Citizen established an R&B vernaculars program inside the music department known as Ur’bnSol. A performing group was later established with the same name in which Citizen managed, directed and rehearsed their performances

during his junior and senior years. He also took piano lessons to assist with his chord arrangements and compositions, and although not confessing to be a singer, took voice lessons to better demonstrate to other artists his interpretation of the songs. Music is his passion. During the summer of his junior year, Citizen wanted to improve his skill in music production so he found and secured a summer internship opportunity at JAMBOX Entertainment and Recording Studio in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The experience was invaluable and will remain with Citizen forever. Lee Evans, Cathy Palmisano and the rest of the team took Yung Citizen under their wings and provided training on music production and the finer aspects of music and business marketing. While there, Citizen also created a music track that was eventually released by an aspiring artist known as B3B3 titled “Take Me Away”.

During his junior and senior years, Citizen devoted countless hours per week creating and developing music in his dorm room and inside the campus recording studio. Students began to notice the music and raved about his talent. Even then, many were raving about his promise. To further validate acceptance of the music,

Citizen would conduct performances on campus and at local establishments in Salisbury, North Carolina. Local newspapers picked up on Citizen and published a few articles related to his journey and promise. Always being the consummate entrepreneur, he sent a track to the well-known rapper Neako who used it for his song titled “Whippin, Whippin” which was featured on a recent mix-tape and subsequent video. His senior project consisted of a live performance of original music by Citizen and he was accompanied by another aspiring artist known as J-Real. The music performed is on the mix-tape titled Raybans and Regrets. In May of 2012, Yung Citizen graduated from Catawba with a degree in Music Business. After graduation, Citizen moved back home and continues to work on his craft. The family’s bonus room is being turned into his studio. Continuing to share his music with the world, Citizen has recently provided music tracks to JoJo Simmons and another producer connected to the Maybach Music Group. Although nothing has materialized from these encounters as yet, Citizen will continue to aggressively market his music until a record contract is secured. He is committed to his music and will continue to perfect his craft and share his sounds with the world.

What makes Yung Citizen unique?

You’ve recorded a mix-tape (Raybans and Regrets) with rapper

J-Real, which was incredible!

What are some future collaborations you’re interested in doing?

Your Resume is very impressive. What would you say is your biggest accomplishments thus far? And what else would you like to achieve?

If you’re asking about me personally, I’m a young man who is obsessed with becoming the best music producer I can be. As for

the music, I would characterize my music as having a HipHop, R&B and Pop influence. When I sit in

front of the piano, the computer and the pro-duction board, my goal is to create sounds

that are memorable, uplifting, and inspir-ing. I want to produce music that will

eventually be #1 hits for many artists. I have a passion for my sound and I am driven to find a place for it in the music industry.

Quite a few rap artists hit me up on Twitter because they have heard some of my beats via various media streams. As they express interest I forward them a few samples to continue getting as much exposure as pos-sible. If I had the opportunity, I would love to intern for a minute with Ryan Leslie and Pharrell Williams. I am a huge fan of both. While at-tending middle school, when my dad would take me to school or pick me up from practice, I’d pop the N.E.R.D. CD in the player. I even got my dad liking the sound. In later years I discovered Ryan Leslie and dreamed of following in his footsteps. I have much love for many artist but I be honored to produce a hit single for Kanye West or Anthony Hamilton.

One huge accomplishment was graduating from Catawba College.

It was such a great experience for me and I was allowed to really express

myself musically. I will never forget those individuals who helped make that possible.

While there I established the Ur’bnSol vernaculars for the music department and

performed my mix tape (Raybans & Regrets) for my senior project. Any other school, I may not have been allowed

to realize my true potential. Much love to my Catawba College family. Since leaving school, I work part-time to allow time for me to continue pursuing my music career. My dream and my #1 goal are to become a well-respected and highly sought after music producer in the industry.

One on One // Yung Citizen

You’re truly a mogul. You’ve marketed your own music, managed a music group (Ur’bnSol) and produced tracks for artist like Neako. What words of advice would you give an aspiring musician/producer?

You have to be true to your music and totally committed to the journey. Dreams do come true if you have a goal and are willing to work hard. A goal without a plan is just a dream.

What was the largest audience you have had the privilege of

performing in front of? How do you feel when you’re on stage?

I have performed in front of small campus crowds while at Catawba as well as clubs within the Salisbury community. But I only did that so folks could hear my music. Although I enjoy being on stage performing, my greatest pleasure comes from creating music for others and enjoying their journey to a #1 single. I’m a music producer so I am very comfort-able remaining in the background. But you never know, there could be a project in the future that would have me on stage and out front. But first, I want to establish my music through other artists.

There’s word of a new mix tape coming soon? Can you tell your

fans a little about it?

This mix tape will be another compilation of songs that express my inner most feelings. The plan is to release it in September. I have been asked many times what inspired me to create a particular beat. To be honest with you, I hear rhythms and melodies in my head and I begin creating the melody on my piano. Then I move to the bass line and determine what other strings and percussions would be a good compliment. Within a matter of hours I’ll have the framework for an incredible beat. Sometimes I hear a famous rapper or singer on top of the beat which further inspires the creation. There is one track that will be on the mix tape that I could see Ne-Yo or Usher using on a future release. This mix tape will be distributed as broad as we can to introduce my sound in hopes of inspiring artists to want to work with me.

We all become stronger through the challenges we face in life.

What would you say has been your biggest challenge?

Trying to get my music career off the ground while staying on task to graduate from college. One down and another still on track. And I’m extremely grateful to OvaGroundMogul for giving me the platform to introduce myself to a larger audience.

Whom do you credit with your success so far?

Do you have any shout outs?

Besides music, what are your other interests?

What motto do you live by?

First of all, I have experienced a few small successes but by no means is this journey anywhere close to being over. I have so much more to learn and accomplish. Much of who I have become starts with my parents. They did a tremendous job raising me and encouraging me to work hard and believe in my dreams. Regarding the music, the track I produced for Neako was a blessing in a number of ways. It provided early confirmation that my dreams were possible. And it inspired me to continue working even harder.

Certainly, a big shout out to Neako who ignited a flame that will burn forever. Next, a few local artists who are on their grind as well, J-Real and Deniro Farrar. And finally my family in Charlotte, Atlanta, Alaska, San Francisco, Wisconsin as well as my extended family at Catawba College ( Dr. Fish, none of this would be possible without you).

My primary interest is the music. I have put other things on hold to ensure my total focus is on the music.

I live by the motto “Choose2Succeed”. This is a program my dad cre-ated two years ago that encourages youth to pursue their dreams and the importance of making good choices in life that have a direct rela-tionship to their opportunity for success. It has been an important part of how I live my life. Check out the website, www.choose2succeed.org, and I’m sure you’ll find it worth sharing with others.

@ y u n g c i t i z e n

Originating in New York City, MTV launched on August 1,1981, with an image of the Apollo 11 moon landing highlighting their MTV flag. The

first video featured on MTV was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles followed by “You better run” by Pat Benatar. Music Television’s original purpose was to play music videos by hosts known as “VJ’s” 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. MTV originally wanted to be a rock music station, so artists such as Prince, Donna Summer, Musical Youth, Eddy Grant, Grace Jones, Tina Turner and Herbie Hancock weren’t shown...yet. Musical Youth and Michael Jackson are a couple of artists that helped bring R&B and pop music into the equation. Shortly after, artist such as Janet Jackson, Run-DMC, The Fat Boys and the Beastie Boys were featured on Music Television because of the Hip Hop in its creation years. By the 1990’s MTV had a vast variety of R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, and Metal music. In 1993, West coast rappers were added to the play list. In 1997, Pop and Electronica was introduced to MTV. Electronica acts were started with artist such as The Crystal Method, Mody, Daft Punk. In late 1997, the Spice Girls, N’Sync, Britney Spears, and Mandy Moore inspired the pop segments. By 1998, MTV decided to merge their “Total Request” and “MTV Live” show naming it “Total Request Live”; which would later be known as TRL hosted by Carson Daly. Other TV shows MTV established were “Say What?” and “12 Angry Viewers.” Over the years, as MTV progressed, they continued to play music videos but slowly passed off the tradition to their sister channels as they ventured into reality and scripted TV shows. AMTV started in 2009 and till this day is the only music video selection shown on MTV. To keep music fans updated with their favorite artist, MTV launched “MTV Unplugged” in that same year. Currently MTV is known for their reality television shows, scripted series, and award shows which are targeted to young adults and adolescents. OvaGround Mogul congratulates MTV on 30+ years of a job well done!

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Celebrating 30+ years of MTV

By: Felisha Joyner

Originally known as “The Atlas”, “Lion in The Mane” is a band with spontaneous yet powerful guitar melodies, a solid, driving, and supportive bass along with the charismatic and flashy chops that roar from the drums. In addition, the harsh sincerity of the lyrics and vocals is a force to be reckoned with. But, how did this great band come into existence? Jon Masters (Believe You Me, Woodale, Made for the Silver Screen) had something to do with it.

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Upon Jon’s arrival, he responded to an advertisement for a lead singer posted

by New York native bassist Henry D’ Allacco (Last Dying Word). After nailing the audition, Jon discovered that additional band members were needed. Jon, then, convinced fellow musician/guitarist Dmitry Libman (Believe You Me, Winter Park, Hillside) to make the move to New York where they, for the past 5 years, continue to work day jobs while relentlessly writing and recording each night at their NYC loft studio. Upon the departure of drummer Jason Juliette and the untimely loss of guitarist Joe Calvert, Jon contacted Florida-based drummer extraordinaire Johnny

Coryn (Radio Reset), and convinced him to drop everything and move to the Big Apple.The band brilliantly executed the debut of its incredible wall of sound to a sizeable passionate audience a t T h e M u s i c H a l l of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York o n D e c e m b e r 1 4 , 2010 . Subsequent stellar performances inc luded Ar lene’ s Grocery in NYC, The

Bitter End in NYC and the Hard Rock in Boston. Interestingly, word of the band is starting to spread to radio (WCYY-Portland, Maine and WBCR-Brooklyn, New York) as well as major and independent record labels. Over the past year, the band put out an EP (The Way We’re Wired), released a music video, showcased for Columbia Records, played dozens of shows, and performed at SXSW, Florida Music Fest, LAUNCH Fest, including a residency at Arlene’s Grocery. The band is currently in pre-production for a full-length record this summer with plans to release in the fall with label support. The “Lion in The Mane” is on the “short list” as they have established themselves as one of today’s most promising new bands.

Lion in the Mane is an interesting name. Is there a meaning

behind it?

There’s tons of meaning behind our name. I think it means the most if you take something for yourself from it. All we can say is, read your Fitz Ludlow and listen to your Counting Crows.

Lyrically, musically and emotionality there is tons of different inspiration we pull from; whether it be what we listen to, what we write, what we experience in life, who we meet, who we lose, what we gain, how we grow. Life is a highway. I wanna ride it all night long!

That is a really nice thing to say. But if we are on any list at all, can it please get a little shorter?

It was the most fun, but also the most work ever. We woke up at 5am that day and went all the way till 3 or 4am the next day. There were some highs and lows, but the energy for the rooftop scene when we were actually playing all came fairly natural. We try to move around on stage as much as possible, so that came naturally. It was also like 30 degrees that night and the wind was crazy on the rooftop, so the more we moved, the warmer we got. Dmitry’s side of the stage had no wall, so it was literally like a 6 story plunge down to the ground. We kept telling him, “don’t keep going over there”, but he’s a pro! We played recently with the band “Music From An-other Room” and the first thing they asked us was “Do you guys really rock that hard on stage?” So we had a lot to live up to that night, but after the show, Steve from MFAR came up and said…. “Alright, I believe you now”.

Alcohol, monthly brawls, party’s that have nothing to do with music. Kidding! But I think our own set of friends really keep us sane. Respect is probably the biggest thing to help us keep this thing going!

What is the inspiration behind your music?

How does it feel to be on the “short list”?

We loved the video to your hit single “The way we’re wired”.

What was the energy like during the making?

What is needed to work as a team with so many different personalities?

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Progression! We were a fairly new band when the EP came out and think this new record will have a lot more substance. We tackle more content lyrically, we push the bar musically and really expanded our sound. It will be completely different. I think people who hear this re-cord will be able to relate to at least one song no matter what you are into. Our producer wrote us last week and said that it is a very “eclec-tic” record. Also we are excited that some of our good friends from other bands will be accompanying us in the studio with some guest vocals. We are really excited for this record!

Getting a response. I think the music industry is just packed full of bands. We show up to different cities and there are always like 5 or 6 shows going on, even on the same street. It’s difficult getting tons of people to hear you when that is going on, but when we get them there, it’s al-ways a great response. We played in New Jersey in March, opening for a band who had some hits in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. When we took the stage we felt the generation gap, but we were amazed at the positive feedback when we came off stage. We signed the most cd’s, shirts and posters that night than we did on the rest of the tour. We had to hurry to play Birmingham the next night, but we would have loved to stay lon-ger and chat with that crowd because of the buzz we made that night.

So many people have been involved in this project. We have the longest story ever. Henry’s parents probably helped the most at the start by let-ting us practice in their basement, but people like Joe Calvert, Andrew Canlon, Jason Juliette, Leyla Turkkan, Bill Whittman, Tim Ziobro, Pie Studios, Roxy Studios, Dave Brickley, and most importantly all of our families for being super supportive of this. They have all been amazing.

We are all so different. From Tech interest, coin collecting, partying, sports fans, writing, reading, traveling, surfing, skim boarding, skating, snow boarding, 3 hack smack! Oh, and ICING! Got ya!

The Dangerous Summer, June Divided, Believe You Me, In Like Lions, Look Mexico, Music From Another Room, States, Not Tonight Jose-phine, Red Bull, and Monroe, Louisiana (Up to it, Down to it!) Tony Chase for filling in for Henry in Florida! Ovaground Mogul Magazine and Music Clout!

We hear there is a full length album on the works. What can

your fans look forward to?

What would you say has been your biggest challenge as a band?

Whom do you credit with your success so far?

Besides music, what are your other interests?

Any shout outs?

You can listen to and //or follow Lion In The Mane at:

www.twitter.com /# ! / lioninthemane www.facebook.com/lioninthemane http://www.youtube.com/user/LionintheManeTV

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A ugust 26th, 2012, is women’s equality day in the United States. It was initiated and first established in 1971 by Bella Abzug, the first Jewish woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. This date commemorates the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment and the Woman

Suffrage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave U.S. women full voting rights in 1920. Currently, there are phenomenal women that have moved into top positions outside the home. For example, it is not uncommon to see a woman running for office in the United States nowadays. In the election cycles there are a lot of women in high-profile positions across the country. Now not only can women vote, women are being voted for. Therefore, women equality is more than just a day set aside as an observance, it can be called a badge of honor. Women have come a long way from 1920 where they struggled to gain equality. Equality means being of the same value, having the same rank, rights and importance or an instance of being an equation. Needless to say, it is an equation women have struggled to maintain. Speaking from a woman’s point of view, we are not only mothers, daughters, sisters or the softer side of man. All women possess a more in-depth value, whether rich or poor, married or single. We have an aura of influence within which, according to a woman’s character, exerts a certain amount of power. Every woman by her virtue or her vice; by her folly or her wisdom; by her levity or her dignity, is adding something to our national elevation. Even if women cannot reform the world in an instance, they have begun to work by reforming themselves, their households, as well as the lives they encounter. Taking advantage of this day should be every woman’s mission.

Every Woman’s Mission

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Brooke Shackleford - Ogwu

Tiah Coffey, of Charlotte, North Carolina is 23 years young. She has always felt that she had a purpose in life since she was a little girl. Out of everyone she knew, she has always been the tallest and the skinniest. Although she attempted to do several jobs while growing up, she never thought about modeling. As time passed, she began to become comfortable, happy, and thankful for her body and looks. Her first real modeling opportunity was in 2011. She modeled for a hair salon called the Duby Shop during the CIAA tournaments. During that exciting time in her life, she was approached by modeling coach, Lynn Wayne. She went to practice every other Sunday. She has also done promotions for Coke Zero CIAA 2012, and soon thereafter, she worked with Inkfest Live. She knows it’s the just the beginning for her.

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“My purpose is so close, I can touch it.”- Tiah Coffey

T I A H C O F F E Y

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Prepared by MagCloud for OvaGround Mogul Magazine. Get more at mogul77.magcloud.com.