By Nikki D. Bosompem. Authors of urban literature, also known as street literature, have steadily made a formidable presence on bookshelves since its humble beginnings in the early 1970’s. The pioneers of urban literature boast such authors like Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines who opened the doors to a world of survival on the streets by doing whatever was necessary. For them, that meant unabashedly writing stories about what really went on in their lives as hustlers.

By Nikki D. Bosompem. This was my first visit to the High Museum of Art since I was a small girl and it’s been 20 years since I stepped over its threshold. I have always wanted to go back to the High (as we Atlantans call it) because my experiences were enthralling but as adulthood ensued, I never made the time. I was born in the 70’s, raised during the 80’s. I was bathed in culture

By Camillia Harris. Stacia, a native of Cleveland Ohio, comes to us with the sounds of Reggae and Soul. Stacia has a passion for soul music so she creates music geared towards life, love, and liberty. Stacia says, “Music has always been a love of mine.” Her musical experiences derive from her childhood. As a child she played in the orchestra, played the violin, and was a member of her high school gospel choir. Stacia started out doing background vocals for various local hip hop artist and live music with local musicians, which helped build her self-confidence to embark on her own dream of becoming an artist.

By Dee Corley. Orchid Daze: Tower of Flowers at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, The Greatest Show on Earth: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Choose a Magical Night for Your Valentines Day at The Mansion on Peachtree, Mardi Gras Madness at Serpas Restaurant, Victory Beer Tasting fun at Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge, Enjoy a Night of Laughs at The Punchline Comedy Show, Donnell Rawlkings at the Laughing Skull Lounge, Nigel Dupree with Breaking Vegas and Citizen Icon at The Hard Rock Café, The Larry Griffith Band at Beluga Martini Bar, Last Comic Standing Winner Josh Blue at the Punchline.

By Summer Stanley. What has always been my general love for food has lately morphed a more concentrated obsession. Not unlike Gawain seeking his Grail and armed with the passion of a religious zealot, I have searched far and wide for the best macaroni and cheese Atlanta has to offer. Surprisingly, it wasn’t at some picnic-tabled barbecue dive, and neither was it at some million-star, million-dollar, rapper-owned hot spot. It turns out the place to go to get your mac’ on is also full of candle-lit nooks for getting macked on.

By Summer Stanley. As per usual, Luckie Food Lounge is in full swing with a full crowd on Wednesday night. DJ Infamous and co. man the turntables as the star studded, dudded-up crowd bump n’ grind to Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, and of course, the man of the hour, birthday boy Gorilla Zoe.

By Nikki D. Bosompem. Remember PM Dawn, Arrested Development, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul? These were just some of the rap groups who chose to flow about social issues over the more popular “gangsta rap” themes seen in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

By Camillia Harris. Martin Crosby of Digital World Music has the creativity, the spunk, the charisma, the experience and the Northern flava to go along with what he has to offer as a producer. Martin originally from Cincinnati Ohio, now based in Atlanta, creatively displays more than 15 years of experience. As a producer along with engineering skills, Martin has an exceptional talent in writing and creating music.

By Camillia Harris. Per Wikipedia, Gospel Music is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music. If you’re longing for some true spiritual and inspirational music, then on January 30^th, you definitely don’t want to miss a night that will be most talked about in Atlanta.

By Summer Stanley. Whether you are heading to a metal show at Lenny’s or to the bottom of a pitcher at 97 Estoria, chances are you will pass through the Krog Street Tunnel. Intersecting Dekalb Avenue and Wylie Street, the graffiti-blanketed tunnel conjoins more than Cabbagetown and Inman Park. From the humblest tag – an artist’s signature, to intricate pieces – in the sense of slang for masterpieces – the tunnel is a cultural hub. Along with its 4 and ½ star ranking on yelp.com, the tunnel has that other factor which makes something a place: pathos.