Interview by: Camillia Harris.

I met the R&B singer Ray Lavender at Café Nineteen in Atlantic Station to interview him.

As I sat in front of Mr. Ray Lavender. His intriguing eye-catching, million dollar smile, with an innocent cocoa brown complexion, comforting a warm charisma captures my attention, to say the least. From the moment he introduced himself, I knew this interview would come at ease. Although I would have preferred him to sit across from me, he sat beside me and warmly introducing himself “Hello, I’m Ray Lavender”.

TRA: Who is Ray Lavender?

Ray:   I’m from Monroe, Louisiana. Earl Ray Lavender is the representation of two people. I am a strong representation of a true Gemini. Earl Ray Lavender has a mission to get the key to the state of Louisiana. Earl Ray wants to definitely keep within the standards of making his mother and father proud. I would have it no other way. My energy and hard work pours into my music. My passion shines through my words. However, Earl Ray becomes strictly Ray Lavender the moment I perform. So let me give you the brief introduction of Ray Lavender. Ray Lavender is very passionate about his music. When he gets on stage he turns into this sexy, powerful, pelvic thrusting man. Ray is a beast, and the Gemini shines at all time. When performing, I need to be the main attraction. I don’t need the women looking at their husbands and boyfriends. I need their undivided attention. I seek the lusting moments of the women and the energy they bring. Ray is here to entertain and to take your mind places you never been before.

… I don’t need the women looking at their husbands and boyfriends. I need their undivided attention.
…

TRA:     How long have you been singing?

Ray:     I have been singing since I was 4 years old. I sang my first lead in the church choir, singing ”White Christmas”. Believe it or not, I am the only singer in my family. I loved listening to the radio. I became very intrigued on how artist performed and how it made me feel when I heard their songs. By mocking, imitating, and rehearsing the words, you can say I taught myself how to sing, or it was merely a God Gifted talent, gaining recognition. A few of my favorite songs of all times are, “Let’s get it on”, by Marvin Gaye, and “As We Lay”, by Shirley Murdock.

TRA:     Describe for those that don’t know you, your sound?

Ray:     I would say I have a gumbo of rhythm. A mixture of Babyface, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cook, and R-Kelly blended together. If they had a baby, it would be me. (laughing). I am full of soul. I have been asked to sing a lot of pop, but it’s hard for me to run from the soul that’s embedded in me. It’s in my blood stream.

TRA:     Who are some of your musical inspirations or mentors?

Ray:     Babyface, Sam cook. (I’m a big Sam Cook fan). Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Elvis. Between Elvis and Mike [Michael Jackson], I have mastered satisfying the crowd with my pelvic thrusting motions.

TRA:     What record label are you apart of, or signed to?

Ray:     Interscope Geffen [Interscope-Geffen-A&M] & Konvict Musik with Akon.

TRA:     I’m familiar with “My Girl Got a Girlfriend”, which was a hit, what have you been doing since then? Any movies, tours, TV shows?

Ray:     I have been getting my life together. Once I did My Girl Got a Girlfriend. God really showed me a lot of faces. Those that were around me and in my inner circle were stealing from me. A lot of people were around me for all the wrong reasons. I’ve been staying under the radar. I’ve been real good at starting things that create a fire that’s hard to put out. I love putting out a dynamic record and making you love it. So I’ve been getting all my music together while making sure that the right people are around me and that it’s a hit. While getting things together and trying to make it happen in the back scenes, a reality show found me. Donald Trump personally had the producers of the show come find me. The show is titled, “Donald Trump Presents The Ultimate Merger”. The show is in regards to the well known Ms. Omarosa which is scheduled to air on June 17^th at 9pm.

… Donald Trump personally had the producers of the show come find me.
…

TRA:     How is it working with Omarosa?

Ray:     She is very intelligent. I understand why Donald Trump picked her. She has a go-getter attitude. She is dominant in her stance as a woman. The average man would be intimidated by her. However, being who I am made her adapt to my world. I sang for her. Whoo, whoo, whoo…(laughing). There was another performer on the show Al B. Sure.

TRA:     Can you give one word to describe her?

Ray:     One would be [insufficient], so can I give two?

TRA:     Sure

Ray:     Her world. (laughing)

TRA:     What is it, you think, that persuaded her to be into you?

Ray:     I have a charm that is out of this world. I know what to say and just when to say it. I am a man of truth. I will tell you just like it is. I keep it one hundred percent real. On top of that I am genuine. One thing a woman will know is that when I have a focus on her, my eyes will never wonder.

TRA:     We’ve been embraced over the past decade by a new generation of listeners. What do you think is the appeal for the musical fans nowadays?

Ray:     It’s real simple. They like simple one-two-three music. Something they can sing and dance to. Nowadays the melodic lines are very important. Akon, has a song entitled, “Smack That” as an example. It’s straight to the point. The words are easy to remember, easy to vibe to, and the reality of our today. People want stuff they can rock with. That’s why simple is better. Listeners don’t want to have to figure it out. They want to one-two step and drink. There is nothing better than an 808 drum in music.

TRA:     What is an 808 drum?

Ray:     It’s a deep bottom, heavy base drum.

TRA:     Do you think R&B has changed for the good or bad?

Ray:     I can’t say for the good or bad, but it has changed. The old was traditional. The slow songs that we used to thrive for that talked about love, being passionate and making love is not the main focus anymore. Nowadays we say what the fans like to hear, “My Girl Got a Girlfriend”. We are straightforward and to the point and you have to adapt to what the world accepts.

TRA:     I had a chance to listen to, “Text Me a Pic”. I’m almost certain we all can relate to that title. Tell me what was going thru your mind and the reasoning’s behind this song?

Ray:     I have a different reality than others while traveling on the road. There are women out there whose main goal is to set me up, or to get with me, in some fashion or another. So that I don’t fall victim to the average groupie. I feel that if and when my girl texts me a sexy picture, more often times than another, it keeps me from straying too far into what I shouldn’t want.

TRA:     Interesting. Do you have other songs that may have direct but hidden meanings?

Ray:     Yes, I have a song called, “Checking My Phone”. We all have gone thru a case of someone checking our phone or we have been the phone checker. I feel that this is a total violation of privacy. It actually hurts when you go looking and you find what you are looking for.

Sidetracked from the interview momentarily, we glanced at passer-bys, which happen to be women, and we made a few comments, and gave a few opinions in areas of women needing improvement or in my opinion, women just simply out for a gold digging moment … (laughter).

Ray:     It’s sexy to me when a woman has it all together. She has her own intellect and persona of who she is, and what she wants. Not just what I have.

TRA:     Any artist you want to work with in the near future?

Ray:     Timbaland, Will I Am, Brandy, Kirk Franklin, Cold Play (soft rock group), they have a song called, “Clocks”.

TRA:     Do you have any upcoming events any time soon?

Ray:     I will be performing at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on July 4^th. I have a show scheduled in Mississippi and New Jersey in August. I will be doing a party with Al B. Sure and Isaac Keys on June 20^th, which is my birthday. Of course I have a lot of promotions with the Donald Trump show and pre-parties to attend. So I am hoping to keep my plate full.

Ray:     I have my own production company now called  Ray’s World Music. I have my own production team that is working under me that consist of song writers, artists and producers. J-Hot is my main producer. Kaira is another producer. I have K-Hill on production. I have two artists by the name of D-Rose and Day-lyric. I am hoping to make promises of a pop artist as well.

TRA:     Any collaborations coming into play anytime soon?

Ray:     None at this time. This first album I want it to be all me. I gave them Fab, I gave them T-Pain. I gave them Stack Quo. Now they need Ray Lavender. I want to be a household name. Now I want the fans to get into who I am and remember me.

TRA:     Tell us something we wouldn’t know about Ray lavender.

Ray:     I am a very down to earth, humble guy. I like fishing. I can definitely ball, I am a true basketball hooper. It’s in me. It’s my natural “high”. I love bowling. If you can’t bowl at least a 200, you may not want to bowl with me. I am a song writer. I write all of my music. I don’t even use a pen. The songs that I do with no pen are usually the ones that are a hit. I write how I am feeling at the moment. That’s how I get the essence of the song. If I can say it and remember it, then it’s going to be easy for someone else to remember it. Which is what I want.

TRA:     Upon introduction Earl dived right into Ray, so since Ray is who I started with, then let’s end with Ray. Any final words?

Ray:     When I’m on stage I feel that I am the one, whether I’m opening the show or not. And if they didn’t come to see me, after my performance they are going to google and find out about me.

Ray represents confidence, hard work and determination. I am so driven that I push myself to indescribable limits. I call myself the R&B Godzilla. I feel like a monster when I am in the booth, so when I hit the stage, I’m like this big ball of energy that you cant move and that you are going to like. When the fans see me, they want to scream, they want to jump on stage, and they want to hear the sounds of smooth rhythmic R&B. As my mother would always say, “it’s not a coincidence that these people like you and love your sounds.” I represent “sexy” and “greatness”, and because of that, it makes them [the fans] want me more than ever. My mom couldn’t have put it any better. Another sure representation of me is that when it’s important, I am always on time. I require promptness. I want to close in saying, I’m sorry to my fans. Due to unfavorable business decision, it caused me to pull back and regain a greater focus. But I plan to make it up to them by giving them this album, giving them the movie roles, and giving them all that Mr. Lavender has to offer. If they loved my music then, then the Gorilla in me is about to explode. I want to create a state of shock to the airwaves.

… I represent “sexy” and “greatness”, and because of that, it makes them [the fans] want me more than ever.
…

TRA:     Do you have a website that fans can go to?

Ray:     Website: Raylavender.com, Myspace: myspace.com/raylavender

TRA:     Myspace. You don’t have a Facebook page?

Ray:     There is an imitation of me on Facebook that literally portrays being Ray Lavender. So fans be aware. We are in the process of contacting the necessary executives of Facebook to get this matter resolved, so until then, do not try to communicate and reach me expecting the real Mr. Ray lavender to respond. His is truly an imitation.

As the interview came to an end, this handsome, energetic, flirtatious  Mr. Ray Lavender had the audacity to mention that he is going to beat me in bowling. “We will see”.

TRA:      Ray, It was a pleasure interviewing you. I look forward to the promises of your future and career in music. I can’t wait till the album drops, and see the fans drooling all over you….(laughing) Good luck and best wishes.

Contact/Booking info:

Management: Robert Miller 810-210-7616

Pops: 678-698-8870

Back in the 80’s, when hip hop was fresh on the scene, the industry was primarily dominated by males.  Female MC’s were few and a novelty.  The only female DJ I can remember who reached a semblance of notoriety was Spinderella from the popular group Salt-N-Pepa. Since then, there has not been much female representation on the turn tables.  The fact that men were always central and present behind the tables did nothing to deter DJ Princess Cut, of College Park, Georgia, from observing, learning, and then “touching the tables” herself in a quest to master the testosterone saturated world of the disc jockey.

Princess Cut was surrounded by music all her life which lent to her natural ear for putting tracks together. She attended Tri Cities High School, which she calls “the school of the stars,” because musical successes like Outkast, Xscape, Gorilla Zoe, and D. Woods originated from the performing arts school. As a child she learned to play the piano, and participated in dance from her formative years to her teens. Her brother is rapper Eldorado Redd, who DJ Princess Cut watched as he created music as well. This continuous exposure to the arts from childhood onward demonstrates the strong musical foundation that was laid for Princess Cut. When she was young, she may not have realized the merits of the education she was receiving from her brother or as she tickled the ivories on the piano she did not want to learn. But as she came closer to completing her Psychology degree at Georgia State University, it became apparent that those lessons were definitely needed because she soon discovered she had an affinity for touching the tables.

While at a bar in College Park about seven years ago, Princess Cut showed an interest in the skills of the DJ and started asking him questions while she watched him spin. She was hooked after her dainty and manicured fingers graced the glossy LPs. Six weeks later she bought her own set of tables, her prized Technique 1200’s. Since then DJ Princess Cut has steadily gained a following as well as lucrative contracts with some heavy hitters. At the time of my meeting with her at her home, she had just returned from touring with Southwest Atlanta’s own Goodie Mob and was on her way to Lenox Mall as she has been their official DJ for three years. Not only does Princess Cut get to display her skills with some of the best in the industry, she also travels all over the world playing to crowds of thousands. During her second year as a full fledged DJ, she experienced an opportunity that many other DJs just starting out may not get and that was to perform in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. Playing in Bahrain was the beginning of DJ Princess Cut’s international exposure which has steadily and exponentially increased year after year.

While her new mix tape featuring the soulful, reggae beats of Bob Marley played in the background, DJ Princess Cut told me about her musical influences as well as the challenges she faces as a female DJ.  As a former dancing student, Princess Cut readily named Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad as two of the most powerful influences leading to the success she enjoys presently.  She also credits Erykah Badu, Ladybug of Digable Planets, and Teedra Moses to her success.  As far as challenges are concerned, it cannot be denied that what DJ Princess Cut does is primarily a job mastered by men, but with confidence and influences like those mentioned above, DJ Princess Cut has been able to prove herself as good as or even better than some of her male counterparts.  She revealed to me that at times she would have to endure people “standing over my shoulder to make sure I knew what I was doing,” but she did not take offense.  She knew that with time as her name grew and her apt skills were talked about throughout the industry, a trust and rapport would be established in relation to her name.

With all of DJ Princess Cut’s accomplishments to her credit and all the other projects she has in the works it can be said that she is the modern “Rosie the Riveter.”  She is making quite a name for herself in the male dominated field of the DJ, she runs her own record label called, Sweetbox Music, Inc., and she sees herself starting her own foundation in the future with the focus on young girls and self esteem. But in the midst of all that, she has managed to remain grounded, humble, and thankful for being given the gift she possesses in the form of “touching the tables and gracing them with femininity.”

Learn more about DJ Princess Cut’s impressive attributes and where to get her mix tapes.  She just released her collection honoring 4/20 featuring the work of Bob Marley.  Go to www.badazzyellagul.blogspot.com and look for her at these sites as well:  www.facebook.com/djprincesscut , www.youtube.com/SweetboxTV and www.twitter.com/DJPrincessCut.

Join  the African Children’s Choir on A Journey of Hope

Monday the 8th

This, folks, is an amazing story of restoration for these children and many more from Africa’s poverty and disease stricken Uganda and surrounding areas.  These children come from a twenty five year history of performing in what is known as Music For Life, in an effort to better their lives and the lives of many of the children they have left behind them on their journey to America and Vancouver.  Monday night you get the opportunity to share in this celebration and in the amazing transformation it brings to their lives.  To learn more about this story log on to http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com for a short video of recent events.  It will touch your heart and bring excitement and a new belief in humanity to your soul.  You really should see this.

Monday night the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center will be the place to share in this event, and you don’t want to miss it.  The songs of the children will ring in your hearts for…there’s no telling how long.  Get over to www.cobbenergycentre.com now for your tickets!

Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance at The Cobb Center!

Wednesday the 10^th

Not everyone has seen what was originally known as the River Dance, but if you’ve ever seen it you’ll never forget it.  Michael Flatley says this show is proof that you can do what you can dream, a dream that for him came to be in a two year frame of time.  Full of energy, Celtic song and traditional Irish dance this is a powerfully entertaining show, one that quite honestly makes you want to get up there and join in the fun!  They make those steps look so easy … until they start doing jumps and such in mock battle. Don’t miss it, get your tickets at www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Wow, There’s Lots Going On at The Cobb Performing Arts Center This Week

Yeah, we’re not done yet, it’s a packed week of amazing shows at the Civic Center this month, like it was everyone’s off week and we got really lucky here in Atlanta.  Super, check it out!

Jamie Cullum, The Pursuit
Friday the 12^th

… and …

Craig Ferguson

Sunday the 14^th

So you don’t have to travel very far to get tickets … www.cobbenergycentre.com

Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theatre, A Fun Getaway With Dinner

All Week

This is a blast!  For three and a half hours you get an interactive dinner show combining tons of laughs and a five course meal.  The show takes place all around you between courses, since there is no real stage involved.  So everyone in the room gets a front row seat so to speak.  The best part is that you get to participate in the action if you so choose.  Well, I don’t know, the best part could be the food, really.  To each his own opinion.  Still, you get a nice wine with dinner, and that might help you to loosen up your professional stiffness and become part of the play rather than just the audience partaking of a fabulous five course meal.  Expect to pay around $60, including the tip and wine.  www.agathas.com

Princess Diana Celebration Month at The Atlanta Civic Center

There’s plenty of opportunity to get over to the Civic Center to see the Diana: A Celebration exhibition. Check out the dates, and there are a lot of them, at www.atlantaciviccenter.com

At The Masquerade This Week …

Crime In Stereo, The Wonder Years

Tuesday the 9^th

Destroy The World, 7 Sisters Entertainment

Wednesday the 10^th

OTEP,  Envy on the Coast, Fall of Troy

Thursday the 11^th

The Chariot, Deathloch, Reverse Negative and more

Friday the 12^th

Infected Mushroom, Full Metal Prophet, Babylon System, Chris Grass, Captain Crunk,

Saturday the 13^th

Left Lane Cruiser, Dead Rabbits, Rabbit, The Hot & Cold, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Suckers and Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers

Sunday the 14^th

Tickets are in the $10 range and you can get them at www.masq.com.

Get Your Game On at The Phillips Arena This Week …

Setting up your week in sports, here’s the line up this week at Phillips:

Thrashers vs Nashville

7pm on Tuesday the 9^th

N Y Rangers

7:30 Friday the 12^th

Harlem Globetrotters at 1pm and Hawks vs. Detroit

7pm on Saturday the 13^th

John Mayer

Next week John Mayer is in the line up …

… so you can get your tickets now by going to

www.philipsarena.com

2010 Atlanta Orchid Show and Sale at The Atlanta Botanical Garden

Friday the 12^th

It’s an orchid celebration at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, where the Tower of Flowers still cascades down and around you on into April, the Atlanta Orchid Society holds their orchid show and sale from 9am till 5pm this Friday through Sunday, and the orchid photography display in the gallery comes to a close on Sunday, the 14^th.  Spring is in the air, and your favorite orchids are calling your name!  Go delight your senses before they’re all gone.  www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Variety Playhouse Stage Shows

Cross Canadian Ragweed and Wreckless Kelly

Tuesday the 9th

Driveby Truckers

Friday and Saturday the 12^th and 13^th

Tickets www.variety-playhouse.com/

Sketchworks Comedy Club is Always A Hit

Friday and Saturday Nights

Go get your laughs in, and take a group of ten for just $10!

www.sketchworkscomedy.com

Country Music’s Sara Evans at The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Saturday the 13^th

Not to be leaving the Georgia Mountain Fair for last on the list, but this one is a Saturday event.  One that’s full of fun, natural beauty and history surrounding every step of your day there.  Sara Evans was named 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year.  Tickets for the concert run $30-40.  Take a look at the events calendar and fun stuff to do and plan to be there by going to

GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

One of the most valued traits that Atlanta has is the vast selection of things to do and places to go. Anywhere you look entertainment is never far away, and it can be found in any price range from free to the sky’s the limit. Places to go as individuals, as a group or as a family, it can all be found here in Atlanta. Shen Yun Divine Performing Arts Chinese Dance was one of those options that arrived in Atlanta just for the weekend of the 15th through the 17th of January at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Each piece of Classical music performed in the show is composed and performed by the Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra uniquely for a specific dance. The base instruments used by the orchestra are western and are accentuated by traditional Chinese instruments, intertwining both western and Chinese culture into the music.

Vividly colorful processions of dancers arrived on stage, perfectly timed and synchronized as they performed challenging and skillful folk dances. It was explained to the audience that gymnastics evolved from traditional Chinese dance. Stories of old come to life in these authentic and classical Chinese dances dating back a hundred years, and are performed true to historic form and with precision by the Shen Yun Performing Arts company. Shen Yun is the only company to hail this determination to remain true to Chinese heritage in their choreography.

The costumes capture the magnificent splendor of China’s history and display it within slightly updated designs, bursting with vibrant color and brilliance, all moving gracefully and powerfully to the rhythm of drumbeats. Virtually all of the ladies sleeves had flowing banner typed extensions which they waved in unison to the beating drums and the supporting orchestra.

The stories these dances are based upon come right out of China’s history. Oppression by the Red Guard was depicted in a couple of the routines. One story told of a good hearted man who was tortured and killed for teaching what he believed. The story ended as his spirit was taken away to the heavens. Although some are politically themed, these are stories whose virtues are highly honored in the Chinese culture and continue to be today. Each dance is a representation of a different ethnicity within China. Manchurian and Tebetan dances were just a couple of examples of the regions represented in the routines, but seemed to be the most colorfully performed of the night. One of the routines utilized brightly colored handkerchiefs that were impressively manipulated by the dancers, twirled on a finger or tossed in the air and recovered like a boomerang.

As the dancers took a break and changed for the next piece a solo performance took their place. Vocalists poured out their passions and could take you with them on spiritual journeys accompanied by piano. Musicians whose specialty is the two-stringed erhu played breathtakingly. This is an ancient type of violin originally designed for use within an orchestra but later updated for solo use. It can be made to sound much like the American banjo, or to sing sweetly like the wind whistling a lullaby.

The show wouldn’t be complete without the magnificent backdrops. Some digital, some painted, all are manually manipulated in sync with each step of the performance. Beautiful paintings from Chinese culture are used in the backdrop in every scene. Images of the spirits of ancestors appearing in the distance in the backdrop in one scene grew ever closer and finally appeared in the flesh on stage with just the right timing of the emerging dancers, as they came to carry away the souls of dead.

This was a magical show, not only entertaining but quite enlightening to the western audience. I would recommend it to anyone at its next appearance.