At the respective ages of 15, not too long ago for high school graduates Darius Person and Victor Stephens, the two teenagers who had bonded over a respect for one another’s style and drive, joined forces in an effort to “go get doe.”  Bread Cheese and Doe, the brainchild of that effort, is now a start-up clothing company with wares displayed on the racks of such popular Atlanta boutiques as Adrene and Vinnies Styles in Little Five Points.  While other high school seniors were preparing for a prom that was a week away, Victor and Darius were celebrating the success of their first fashion show- a long way from the lockers where they began selling sunglasses and mix tapes.  Not long after Darius received his scholarship from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Victor was accepted at Auburn University, The Real Atlanta catches up with the hard-working twosome a week before graduation.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Congratulations, both of you.

Victor and Darius: Thank you.

TRA: Victor, I heard you were accepted into Auburn’s business school two years early.  That’s quite a feat.

Victor: When I did the application I incorporated everything that I was doing, including [Bread Cheese and Doe], and I guess somebody read that and was like, “We need to go get him.”  So we’ve had a lot going on.  We were featured on Thrillest blog.

TRA: Tell me about Thrillest.

Victor:  It’s done in Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, even Japan.  Like, for real?!  So it’s like the who’s who of what’s hot for the top ten cities.  And we were featured in the fashion section of what’s hot so. . .

TRA: So while you were dancing at your senior prom they were already hyping about your fashion line in Japan?

Victor: I guess so. I pray so.  A lot of different feedback we’ve gotten off of that.  And actually a little further back we even met Johnny Cupcakes.  He came down for his annual Suitcase tour and we got pictures with him, we got a spot on his blog, and they had us on a video.  His Mom fanned us on Facebook.  When you go on her Facebook fan page, she’s only a fan of four pages.  Her son’s page, our page and like two other pages.

TRA: Nothing like a proud mama.  And to be in such exclusive company at such a young age is impressive.

Victor: Yeah we’re 18.

TRA: How old were you when you got started in the fashion industry?

Victor: People always ask are you a fashionista or whatever, and it’s not really that.  It’s our mentality, you know.  That’s what our brand is- it’s a mentality.  We’re trying to go accelerate and do something that we started in December 2008.

Darius: About a year and a half ago we were in Victor’s attic just throwing around ideas.  Before that, Victor and I met in tenth grade and we were always just business minded and had the mentality of going and getting dough.  Which is what the brand stands for.

TRA: BC&D, right?

Darius: Right- Bread Cheese and Doe Clothing’s mentality is “Go Get Dough.” Which is what we stand for- going out after your dreams and what you believe in.  So we got together and laid down the foundation of what you see today as BC&D.  About a year and a half ago is when it really started to take off.

TRA: You were fifteen when you came up with the idea?

Victor: Fifteen, sixteen.  It’s funny because me and Darius have only known each other for like two years, and even though it seems like we’ve known each other a lifetime, I met him literally like, in the tenth grade in Language Arts class.  I’m like, “Who is this guy?  Why does he wear the same shoes I wear?” You know, like, “Why are we so cool?” [The two laugh.]  But really we clicked right away.  There aren’t many people I know who I can call on my phone, like, “Yo.  I’m tryin to sell sunglasses.  You down?”  He’s like, “Yeah, whatever, let’s do it.”  Just to be able to talk to someone about moving forward with something worthwhile, like, “Yo, let’s do it.”

Darius: A month after we met we were selling sunglasses out of our lockers.

TRA: That’s how you got started?  Selling sunglasses out of lockers at the high school?

Darius: I mean, it was a source of commerce [He laughs].

Victor: That, and we had mix tapes.  We had the Andre 3000 v. Kanye West mix tape.  On the illegal side, we had American Gangster like five weeks before it came out, and were selling those to teachers and janitors.  The movie came out in November and we started selling it in October.

Darius: That was so soon after we met that it just goes to show you the partnership is here for bringing in the dough.  We saw the vision in Victor’s attic.

TRA: You already shared a business mindset that I think that even Denzel Washington and Andre 3000 could appreciate.

Victor: You know, it was a really clean cut copy of [American Gangster] that I had found.  I was like, “Whoah, this doesn’t come out for a little while. This could be a good copy.”  So I put it in and it was like pristinely clear!  It had the main menu options and everything.  I was like, “Whoah! Let’s get twenty dollars up, let’s go dub a hundred copies of this.”  Sure enough, we were sold out in like a couple of days.

TRA: So when did Bread Cheese and Doe shift from selling other people’s ideas and other people’s intellectual property to marketing your own ideas?  After the attic meeting, what were the steps to starting your own clothing designs at the ages of 15 and 16?

Victor: I mean the house wasn’t exactly where it all began.  Before that too, we printed t-shirts for all the local high school organizations. I was doing the debate team stuff, the Junior class stuff, and it was like, “You know what? I’m doing all this other stuff for people.  What can we do for ourselves?”  And that thought had been going for a while, but you know ideas are just ideas, and it was raw.  It was just like, “How are we gonna fill this canvas out?  This blank sheet of paper?”

TRA: Tell me how Bread Cheese and Doe went from the canvas to having your first fashion show just shy of prom week?

D: Immediately after [the attic meeting] we started to get the word out.  We probably put about twenty designs together.  And within a month we were releasing our first shirt that was the original staple shirt.  If you have that shirt, you’ll probably be a millionaire.  It was a chef we had drawn up.  With the bread, cheese, and doe logo.  It was a yellow and white shirt with turquoise paint.

TRA: Are there any left?

Vic:  Those were gone the first two weeks out.  And then like the week after that Obama had gotten inaugurated.  I remember that was January 19^th.  So we designed “What Up Barack” shirts the week he was inaugurated and the next week they were gone.  So everything went with the time.

TRA: It sounds like you couldn’t make them fast enough.

Victor: We tried to keep everything going, but we don’t want to over-rush the market.  So it was like 24 shirts and I guess when you start doing something you never realize how fast it’s going to grow. A year ago I never would’ve thought I’d be doing a fashion show.  Getting interviewed, getting column write-ups from people.

Darius: A month after we started selling tees we’d be out and see people wearing our shirts.  It was surreal.

TRA: Where were you the first time you saw somebody wearing one of your t-shirts and how did you feel?

Darius: I was actually at the mall.  And I saw he a guy in a BC&D button.  I was like, “Wooow.”  So over the next couple of months we would meet people.  We met this ten-year-old kid who was wearing the Black Bart tee that we did.  It was this ten-year-old white kid that we didn’t know who had our shirt on.  It was like, “How does this happen?”  It’s amazing.

TRA: That is amazing.  So how do you come up with ideas for your designs?  Obviously I get that Barack was gonna sell, and that was a perfect opportunity.  He was trendy.

Victor: That was like pop culture’s Superman.  But more specifically with the stuff we’ve done for the Spring collection…  Of course Outkast inspired the name if you’re familiar with Aquemini.  That was Andre 3000’s bar:  “Street scholars, majoring in culinary arts, you know, how to work for Bread, Cheese, and Dough.” And so that’s the brand and I was like, “Well I got this man’s bar as my brand so I definitely have to pay homage.  I wanna do a t-shirt.”  Also as a huge Simpson’s fan, I like artwork; I like animation.  But it was like, “Let’s get Outkast.  Then we got the Bart idea from our man Jabari Graham, who does Arts, Beats, and Lyrics here in Atlanta- a huge urban art show that gets all the Graffiti artists from the area together.  He said one day, “I remember growing up in the ‘90’s the Black Bart thing was hot!” And the original Black Bart, if you remember, they were about the Apartheid.  Then came the Michael Jordan Series- so you see a lot of old vintage ones on E-bay.  It was like pre-Mandela, End South American Apartheid with Mandela wearing a Michael Jordan Jersey on.  [Jabari] was like, “Man we should re-vamp it and try to do something with it.”  And then in the following few days I had an artist friend, Kendall Putmon, put up a few designs sketches together, before you know it, we were printing the t-shirt.  Getting ready for the spring fashion show.

TRA: So there have been a lot of people involved in making this happen, but mainly you two.

Victor: Yes.  You know, we always try to incorporate people and let everybody exercise their talent.  Doing this gave me an opportunity to meet people and kids all over Atlanta and all over the world who are doing the same thing.  It’s just that nobody necessarily has the direction to what they’re doing, they just have a raw talent.  And everybody needs direction, or they need somebody to lend a helping hand and that’s what we’ve been able to do. So that’s definitely my favorite part about being a clothing designer so far.  Our company motto is, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”  And we feel like we have one of the strongest teams as far as clothing starting out in the industry.  We have dope designers- one kid goes to Georgia Tech and another kid is still in high school.  It’s kind of like a new conglomerate.

TRA: You have youth’s momentum in your favor.  So, did somebody get in touch with you about the Fashion Show or was it someone from this network you’ve created?

Darius: It was us.

TRA: You put together the entire fashion show?

Victor: It was us.  We did the production, we had the talent, and the venue.  We were the coordinators and the designers for it.  We had Miss Gretchen Smith help us with the styling.  Miss Gretchen is a local stylist who coordinated all the models for us.

TRA: So how was the turnout for the show?

Victor: It was a very respectable, very good turnout.  A lot of apprehension prior to it, though.

TRA: I can imagine!

Victor: You know it was our first time coordinating an event, or participating in the coordination of an event, and of course I had a lot of doubts, a lot of anticipation for it.  But it was an excellent turnout, and we got a lot of love from it.

TRA: Was there one particular meltdown moment or was it all smooth sailing?

Victor: The meltdowns occurred beforehand.  It was like, “Whoah!  What are we doing?  This is retarded!  People might not come- we didn’t do this in enough time.” But all of that was beforehand.  By the time the event came it was like, “All right.  Blackberry is full.  Let’s make some phone calls; let’s get some people out here.  Now, you do this.  You do this.”   You know, “Let’s keep it professional; let’s keep it going smooth.  And let’s show these people a good time.  Let’s show ‘em what we’ve been working on.”

TRA: Following the fashion show, you were picked up by Adrene Boutique on Peters Street and by Vinny’s Styles in Little Five Points.  How is the boutique business?

Darius: Sold out, I believe.  So it’s great.

Victor: It was great.  That’s something you always want to hear.  Sold out!

TRA: Are you restocking for Summer?

Victor: We’re definitely going to be making a staple with Black Bart for the Summer collection.  We’re going to design something for the ’96 Olympics, so it will be a fun collection that brings back some old memories.  You’ll be saying, “Wow, I remember when that happened!  I remember when [Interstate] 75 was two lanes!”  And that’s what we want to do is to remember: this is our city; this is what goes on every day.  This is where the Atlanta you see today came from.  You know Jabari Graham went to a neighboring high school- Lithonia High.  Now he has a successful promotion company, Shamless Plug.  I mean he did the Goodie Mob concert.  Who can be more Atlanta than Goodie Mob? You know, his Urban Arts show sponsored by Gentlemens Jack!  Then you’ve got me and Darius.  I mean we’re from Decatur, Georgia.  Most people don’t know what that is, and we just want to showcase our city through ourselves and other people that grew up around us.

TRA: So you’re really trying to represent Atlanta in your fashion and your style.  Do you plan on expanding that to other cities?

Darius: I think so.  If you see brands like I’d say The Hundreds, those brands have infiltrated the South.  Kids are walking around, and you’re like, “Are you from the South, really?” So we want to take that same idea of showing California culture to Atlanta and showing Atlanta culture to let’s say New York and California.  And then we want to show the world.  So we’re just coming to plead our case to the world saying, “This is what we’re about.”  We’re about getting dough, and going after what we believe in.  We’re going to sell you Atlanta, and this is our collection.

TRA: Atlanta is becoming the next international city.  L.A. and New York are there already.  It’s like we’re not even up and coming anymore.  We’re arriving, and I feel like you guys really embody that.  It’s exciting for young artists in Atlanta to see that and to see you guys be so successful.  So, with one of you at SCAD and one of you at Auburn, do you plan to continue this partnership?  If so, how are you going to accomplish it?

Victor: Teamwork makes the dream work, you know?  We have a staff of young people who are on the same level trying to accomplish the same type of goals.  David Smith from Georgia Tech, I previously mentioned Kendall Puttmon from North Druid Hills High, Tyler McCullers from the The Yard Radio is helping out, Matthew Moses from Shalimar Media Group. Doing this project has been a way of connecting people.  So it’s not just a Vic and Darius thing anymore.  We got all the dough getters.

Darius: We don’t see us going to school as the end of BC&D.  We see going to school as us having an opportunity to expand our brand to different parts of the South.  I mean [Victor] is going to Alabama and I’m going to Savannah.  We see it as a way to tell more people about us- not a stoppage.  As you can see, we’re in stores.  It’s kind of a progression.

TRA: So your college experience is just a way of furthering your business.

Darius: Absolutely.  It’s all about organization and good time management.  And being able to see how to keep a calendar and keep yourself grounded.  Knowing what’s important helps put things into perspective.  Of course getting your classwork done is number one.  You don’t have to go to that party on Friday- you don’t have to go to that party on Saturday.

TRA: Or you can go in a BC&D shirt!

Darius: Right, or you go to rep your brand.   BC&D is kind of incorporated into our lives.  Like while we’re at school, we’re selling the product.  Like we’re wearing the BC& D and people are wearing it.  It’s just another extension of Bread Cheese and Dough.

TRA: So what began as a long term project has continued.  You’ve kept the same vision.

Victor: We make every place our workplace.  If Darius is at school he always has his camera.  He shot our 2010 class documentary.  I’ve always been there- selling t-shirts, selling mix tapes, selling whatever.  Then it’s standard to me selling my own brand.  So wherever I go I make it my workplace, or a place where I can leave my staple or my business card.  I want people always say, “Hey, that’s the guy you want to go talk to.”

TRA: So when is the Summer line coming out?  Is there a set date?

Victor: No set date.  We’re working around the Spring feed and enjoying that success.  And while we’re working on that we’re working on releasing the Summer collection.

Darius. We’re graduating this coming Sunday, so I mean, yeah, it’s been a busy month, but it’s obviously all worth it.

TRA: How do you feel now that high school’s over?  What are your feelings now?

Darius: Better make it a dough-getter summer.

[We all laugh.]

Victor: We’re not gonna stop!

Darius: [Not being in school] is giving us more time to work on our Summer Collection.  We plan on hitting ArtBeats and Lyrics, with the more Black Bart stuff.

Victor: We were at the ABL Show in Charlotte and Alien (B.O.B.’s former drummer.)   is on the drums just beating it. You know he must’ve gone through every genre and pulse of hip-hop.  We went from TuPac- Gangsta Party, to Atlanta- Bombs Over Baghdad, To New York- The Rock, and the guy was just killing it.  Throwing sticks out into the crowd- the crowd throwing it back.  He’s standing on top of the base just going in with it.

Darius:  He was doing all that in our Black Bart tee.  The shirts were being sold at the show, and it wasn’t like they were featured, he was just there showing love.

TRA: So hello world, goodbye high school.

Victor: A lot of people are caught up on hype- everybody wants to be that cool person.  But I think what’s definitely been a help for us is we’ve always reached back.  We were always helping whoever wanted to be down.  We put somebody to work.  Whoever wanted to be down we were always there for them.  I might not necessarily know what you need, or I might not deal in it.  Take my good friend Ahmed. I got her an Atlanta internship at the Atlanta Bar Association.  Now that doesn’t deal with Bread, Cheese and Doe, but it does.  She’s trying to go get dough.  She’s trying to be an entertainment attorney.  So I said, “Wait a second.  Let me give a call to my attorney.” He’s like you know, “Go down to the Atlanta Bar Association.” And you know she got her job, and we’ve done that for a lot of different people.

TRA: Networking is crucial.

Vic: That’s the most important thing.  You know it’s not about necessarily how much money you make, or how famous you are, or how many friends you have on Facebook, or how many follows you have on Twitter, but those moments of integrity really going after your dreams, saying, “I’m gonna do this!  And it’s going to get done, and it’s gonna be done like this!”  It’s those moments of integrity that really make life worthwhile.

TRA: So what is it that keeps you guys grounded?  When you’re young you have so many distractions.  What helps you maintain your vision and your inspiration to keep this company going?  What keeps that drive?

Darius:  I think just staying focused on what we’re after, because in the end our aim is to get all our ideas out there.  We stay grounded by having good people around us so that if somebody’s acting up, we have to say, “Stop that.”  And get back on track.  That’s what it’s all about- looking out for each other.  Like I said, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Victor: When it comes to the people that I work with, everybody’s family, you know?  Our photographer, Aniz, came over to do a commercial on us and he ended up staying for Easter Dinner.  It’s all family.  That’s what keeps the drive going is by knowing that what we’re doing is not only progressing us but also the guy sitting next to us and the guy sitting next to him and the guy sitting next to him.  You know, I go to school with some of the most talented people there are, but because of the lack of help from others we can’t necessarily make it as far as we want.  I always wanted to be that person that helped the next guy in line.  I just didn’t want to do something for myself.  Yes I do have a family that I want to see well taken care of, but at the same time, I want to be able to look at the next person’s family and be proud that they were able to do the same thing as I was.

TRA: So where do you see your dream fashion show?

Vic: I don’t know.  On the moon!  [Laughing.] You said dream!

TRA: So you don’t see any limits.

Darius: The sky’s the limit, but not even the sky cuz like the quote goes, “The sky’s not even the limit ‘cuz there’s footprints on the moon.”  Basically, we just see Bread Cheese and Doe everywhere.  Within the next ten years, we want to be in New York and L.A.  Actually within the next five years, next year-

Victor: Next Day!

Darius: Next day, tomorrow!  We just expect to keep progressing and steamrolling and take this moment we have now and just keep capitalizing on it.  Roll into the Summer collection, then Winter.  Then do it all over again.

TRA: What are you most looking forward to learning from your college experience that you can then incorporate into BC&D?

Victor: I really want to get more into the cut and sews, really going across seas, picking out different fabrics.  Really what I do now is print on t-shirts.  I have pins, I make hats and different things like that, but I really want to be in the grassroots of textile.  I want to make the shirt, cut this jean, make the coat, make the bag, and the luggage.  It’s a real creative process where I have an opportunity to go all the way down to the t’s as far as getting fabrics- getting the cut and color of everything.  I really want to get into that.  And I think there’s always more to learn as you progress.

Darius: I mean, better ways to go about marketing your product, producing your product.  There’s always room to learn.  And we just try to learn from other’s mistakes and try to work on what we’re doing and succeed with it.

TRA: So right now your brand is unisex and geared towards everyone with the t-shirts and the buttons.  Do you see yourself doing a women’s and men’s clothing line?

Darius: I mean being a doe-getter is unisex.  So we don’t really see ourselves more focused on a men’s brand, or a women’s brand, or a kid’s brand.  We’re all about expressing to the world about being what being a doe getter is all about and in turn people showing us love back.

Victor: I think we’re firm believers in John Rockefeller’s life.  He is our ultimate guide and he said, “Every man has the right to earn a living for his family.”  So he was constantly involved in giving back.  Whether it was through the Rockefeller University, giving money to Chicago, building up different platforms.  He was constantly working with other people, and people will always remember that.  It’s all about building good relationships with people.  And that’s what’s important in doing whatever it is that you’re doing.

TRA: Any last words?

Darius: You can check out Bread Cheese and Doe at www.gogetdoe.com.  Follow us on Twitter @gogetdoe.  I just wanna thank everybody that’s been down with Bread Cheese and Doe. Keep going after your dreams.  That’s it.

Victor: Best of luck to all the people we work with.

Darius: And we would also like to give a shout out to the graduating class of Southwest Dekalb High School 2010, and also all the graduates around the world and the country.

Vic: Whether street scholar or otherwise!  Graduating from Northwestern or graduating on the street- good job!  Keep your head up.

TRA: Thank you so much!  Congratulations and good luck!

BC&D’s most recent creation, the “Make It Hot” tee designed for rapper Nesby Phips, is now being produced and distributed by the legendary Damon Dash.  For purchasing info, or for the latest on BC&D, visit www.gogetdoe.com.

Torn, written by Tiffany Brown & Lynnette Roberts, Executive produced by Ex- NFL player and Super Bowl champion Dorsey Levens. Torn features a cast of accomplished actors and former professional athletes who have successfully transitioned to stage performances.

Torn will hit the stage on July 14^th and be shown till the 18^th at the 14^th Street Playhouse in Atlanta.

Torn is a Christian drama that touches into the relationships of today. While watching the cast rehearse at Eyedrum, the reality of this play is one that many of us can relate to on a daily basis.  Torn tells the story of a couple’s relationship that has hit its breaking point.  With deception, various obstacles and consequences, the question still remains as to whether or not this couple will be able to mend what has already been Torn.

As I prepare for my interview with Lynnette, Tiffany and Dorsey, I am in admiration for the talent before me that is preparing for a play that is sure to hit the stage big and become a phenomenon. The actors have engaged me and are making me anxious to see the ending result. I am astounded how Torn is an illustration for the truth of so many relationships of today. The story line is about issues, choices, and consequences, the ultimate gratitude that can make or break our relationships. I look forward to seeing the great successes that are to come with this stage play.  I must say, this is a well written story that is sure to attract the attention of the community. In the production, Tiffany is directing and Dorsey is the assistant director, along with stage manager Shay.  Shay also stars in the play with the stage name Misha Moore.  Tiffany describes Shay as having a true passion and unraveling experience in acting. She says that Shay serves as the coordinator of on and off stage managing and she is an integral part of the production team. With all the action taking place at Eyedrum during the rehearsal, I was able to pull co-writer Lynnette for majority of my inquisitive questions and snag Tiffany and Dorsey at intervals.

Here is the interview I was able to get from a few members of the team.

TRA: How well do you all know each other?

Lynnette: We met at our home church, called Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Marietta, GA.

TRA: How did Torn come about?

Lynnette: The church has an event called, “Expressions” that we host annually. We thrive for ways to display and introduce Christ in different ways, in order to attract the audience that wouldn’t normally come to church. We put on a play, Tiffany was the Drama team leader and I was over production. Dorsey was an actor in the play at the time, in which he still holds that same role currently. After such an excellent response and standing ovations, we knew this was one that needed to be brought further into the community.  We wanted to bring more recognition by taking it in front of hundreds if not thousands.  With Dorsey’s belief in the play and funding, we were able to make it possible. The message in Torn is so powerful and it doesn’t come as your traditional gospel play. Our hope is that Torn will come as a tool for people to understand the logic of their relationships or marriages, and knowing what it will take to make the marriage work in addition to what it takes to keep it together.

Dorsey:  In February we had two shows at the church consisting of 550 people, and we sold out. It was a great feeling to see and hear the testimonials of people coming up to the different cast members and telling them how it touched their lives. It was comment after comment. From that point on, funds were needed, and it was a great opportunity for me to give towards something so awesome. I was able to come in and get behind the scenes, and learn things as I move forward, learning from Lynnette, Tiffany, and Shay.

With his pacing, and stern directives, I had to know Dorsey’s character off stage for Torn.

TRA: Who is Dorsey on set?

Dorsey: I bring to the table outside of acting, the muscle behind Tiffany’s voice. I’m real stern. I don’t like people being late. Everyone wants to be great, but you have to put in the work. Greatness is not rewarded it is earned. You have to take personal accountability. We are a team, no part is bigger than the other. Everyone has to do their part to the best of their ability. We all have to put in the work. My Job is to keep everyone focused and on the same page as we move forward.

TRA: Can you give me a basic description of Torn in your own words?

Lynnette: Torn will allow you to see that every decision has a consequence, rather good or bad. However, keeping God in the midst of all decisions, allows for better understanding. Torn will give a firsthand look of how and why it’s important to hold on.

Tiffany: This story speaks in regards to relationship that has been severed. They have allowed interferences from outside to disarrange their foundation.  Torn takes you into the basics that exist in any relationship and/or marriage. Allowing you to see the real life relevant issues and those arguments are normal things that couples face.

Dorsey:  It’s a Christian based play, not overly religious. We hope to bring non- believers to the church. Torn doesn’t consist of real preachy dialogue however, there is reference to scriptures from the bible in play. For the most part, it’s just real life. We have no specific target audience, it’s just for everyone.

TRA: Where was the name “Torn” derived from?

Lynnette: Basic brainstorming. And just thinking of what a lot of relationship experiences and that is “Tears”. It becomes complicated and overwhelming in a relationship when there are tears that need to be repaired. With every decision, you make that choice to tear or build upon your relationship. Whenever you have a constant flow of un-happy tears, then something is “torn” and needs repair.

TRA: Who are the main characters?

Lynnette: Brice and Dana Kelly

TRA:  What can the audience expect from coming to see this play?

Lynnette: I think they will feel that it’s real. They would be able to identify or know of someone that represents the dialogue in Torn. They will walk away feeling and understanding the truth, honesty and inspiration of the characters. They will be able to relate to the characters and the experiences that may very well be personal within their homes. They are going to laugh. The ultimate goal will be achieved if they walk away with some insight on their own personal life. A lot of people don’t know what it takes to work on or even hold on to a relationship. For some that didn’t grow up in two parent households, they can be unsure of what that really means. A woman must gain the understanding of knowing her role as a wife and respecting her husband.  My favorite quote in regards to a severed relationship is, “You both have been here physically, but you left a long time ago, emotionally”. We have to know that there is more to a relationship than just sexual emotions. There are recreational, spiritual, intellectual, social and physical emotions. The sooner we understand and respect those emotions in our relationships the sooner we can grow and have a better hold before walking away.

Tiffany: They can expect to get hit with real hard truth while enjoying a fun play, with faith based undertones. They will get a mixture of drama, comedy, and inspirational messages delivered in a format that is uniquely Christian drama. Torn is not your typical play. Although it is Christian based, its originality began as Christian outreach to engage and attract our non-believers, therefore the language is flattering to attract the audience no matter what your faith based stance is.

TRA: Can you say that this play is a direct relation of the reality of everyday relationships?

Lynnette: Definitely, what’s so cool about this story is that the gender perspectives and roles are what we actually say.  Being written by two women, we surely scrubbed the story for reality and truth. We had to make sure that our information was as accurate as possible. We met with men and women. In meeting with the married couples, they told us about mother-in- law issues, respect issues, etc. We actually had real life stories to pull from, and we were so grateful for that.

Dorsey: Yes, being engaged and knowing married people, the reality is that there is always going to be issues in the marriage. Everyone has been in relationships, everyone has ups and downs, the question is what do you do about it and how do you hold on.

Tiffany: Yes it is. There are so many issues that relationships face in this new century. You have Facebook interference, where old friends and old lovers are reconnecting and rekindling at any given time. Technology is rapidly expanding and relationships are rapidly ending. Ryan Cameron of V-103 music station had Dorsey on the show, and he homed in on how Facebook is re-connecting past relationship and chapters that people have closed in their life, which is not good. People are starting to losing interest in their relationships instead of rebuilding.

TRA: In every beginning you must have a destination, so with that being said, what is the goal of Torn?

Lynnette: Our goal is for people to see that there is hope in your relationship when and if you make the decision to make it work. So often relationships are treated like a cactus, which requires a little sun and water to grow. With a real plant just a little wont work. You have to give it time. It may have to be replanted and it requires nurturing at every stage. That’s the same attention our relationship requires. We want people to commit to the journey of their relationships. You have to put in the work and make the decision not to go. You can’t rebuild by yourself, it takes two people.

Dorsey: The sky’s is the limit, we haven’t placed any boundaries. We will do our best and see where it takes us. (While interviewing, a lead singer in the play captures our attention, right in the midst of our conversation, her voice was beautiful). The lead singers are phenomenal. It’s not the typical gospel play, they are not singing the entire time. They sing in between each scene. As the set changes, the music begins. I must say, the singers are admirable, their vocals are an excellent collaboration, signifying the greatness in this play.

Tiffany: Our direction is going right to the big screen. This is our formula for a movie.

TRA: Do you plan to write and direct more?

Lynnette: Yes, I love writing and I feel like I am in the position to do more. We are not short on stories, just short on stories speaking to the spectrum and relations to our community. There are so many stories to be written and we want to bring them to the community. Tiffany is working on a new theatre company called Higher Calling.

Tiffany: Yes definitely. My plan is to start on other projects. I think my focus will always be geared towards relationships. It may be familial relationships, but the focus will be in that arena. I definitely want to focus on stories that are relevant and current with issues affecting our communities and relationships as a whole.  They will always be faith based.

Dorsey: If the opportunity presents itself. I have surely learned from Tiff and I comfortable with the producing part of it. Directing takes experience and Tiff got 20 years of experience, 13 years more than I. The experience and grind that I have gained as an assistant, has formulated my preparation of moving forward in the direction of these roles.

TRA: Tell me about Higher Calling Theatre Company?

Tiffany: God gave me this vision about 7 years ago to create a Christian theatre company. Although there are several in the metro area, … I had the desire for a contemporary faith based play, not just a mere entertainment and faith based. You have your playwright Tyler Perry, etc. that have shows and a production company, … in respecting and realizing my surrounding of other great statures amongst the talent, my long term goal, is to have a playhouse solely dedicated to these works. I want to have a full season of shows that people can come to throughout the year, and the focus will be faith based.

TRA: Any ending comments for the audience to know:

Lynnette: Come out and enjoy and well prepared Christian based play that will surely give you a different outlook on your current relationship or relationships to come. You will definitely leave with a different outlook on what you could’ve done differently, what you can do better, and how you can repair what’s Torn.

Dorsey: We have a talented cast with great energy. This play takes you on a roller coaster. It is serious, funny, emotional with everything intertwined. There are a lot of names that people won’t recognize, but when they leave the playhouse, they won’t forget who they were.

Tiffany: This is going to be a totally different experience. Come out, take a chance on our playwright and staff members. You will enjoy the show, and I promise you will leave with a good message and a refreshing experience.

As I wrapped up my questions, and took a last glance at the cast and the great minds behind a promising play, I left saying to myself, “Show time!”, because Torn is sure to gain the recognition it needs, in addition to repairing our community as a whole. This play is revitalizing the hope that is needed in keeping relationships and marriages together.

Atlanta’s 14th Street Playhouse, July 14^th –18^th, Wednesday – Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 3pm and 8pm; Sunday at 3pm and 7pm.

For media inquiries and credentials please contact The Profiles Group at (770) 222-2229 or profilespr@aol.com.

Links: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135087099839804&index=1

For those that don’t have a visual, in my opinion, Arle mirrors the actress by the name of Stacey Dash with an Ethiopian appeal signifying grace and beauty. This phenomenal woman has her own unique flawless identity. The Bay Springs, MS native, describes herself as an entertainers’ entertainer. Being a nurturer by spirit, she engulfs the melodies of others’ happiness. In speaking with Arle about her home town, she says, “I love home, it’s peaceful and its my hideaway for total rejuvenation”.

Arle describes herself as being free-spirited, talkative, and a go-getter.

She says she has the edge of a city/country girl all wrapped up in one. Arle states that her character name came from a friend. He would always describe her as being just a step away from Hollywood, due to her style, charisma, character, and class. She states that when he sees her, he would say, “Welcome to Hollywood”, so he decided to format her into the diva that Hollywood was missing and call her “Arlewood”. Another friend consistently asked her about a internet show that was becoming very popular, where the host combined character distinctions and various self intros. With fine tuning all the courage and the support from those that had a vision and great outlook on the future of Arle Michels, she was given the suggestion to videotape herself. Arle knew that center of attention seemed to follow her, especially when she walked into a room. In  framing these various mental notes,” Welcome 2 Arlewood”, was developed.

After working in the school system and being an advocate for children with no voice, she knew that she had mission to accomplish. She mentions that it was hard to leave her students. After losing her job with a day notice, she realized that now was the time to venture and step out on faith. Keeping in mind that change is a challenge, she states, “I’m definitely not one that’s going to jump off the building”. Behind Arle stands great recognition and accomplishments. She did an episode on “House of Payne”, by Tyler Perry. Arle stated that while looking at Oprah and Tyler, made her realize that personal success is defined in paving your own way. She said, she needed to make her own individualized platform, specific to Arle. Having great support and outstanding successful parents, she knows that the sky is the limit.

Arle says, “Welcome 2 Arlewood is a variety show and it is evolving as I go”. Arlewood takes you into the lives, the minds, and the characters of different individuals. Some may relate and some may not, but you will understand. Welcome 2 Arlewood is nothing like anything else. However, you can get a feel for similarity, if you can think back to the “Tracy Ulman Show”, “In Living Color”, and a mixture of “Regis & Kelly”. The characters will have you laughing and yearning for more. Arle mentions that she is working towards her ultimate goal of 8 characters. Please allow me to introduce the characters, as she introduced them to me.

Arle-The Diva Herself

Shockqueenetta – Tiger Wood’s African-American mistress

Brie – The Boojie Reporter

Honey Seville – Young lady that is trapped in the 70′s

With her next season, she wants to introduce a guy, an elderly lady and a real country girl called, Candy Cane Buckles. Currently she is still internalizing and working the roles.

Arle wants to continue to strive for a variety show mixed with hosting and celebrity interviews. She believes that laughter is food for the soul, and at times she is okay with raw and uncut.

Arle says that her father advised her to never feel bad and in any environment never feel embarrassed. He states, “You need to be able to feel good despite your circumstances, whether you’re in the penthouse or the outhouse”. Arle states, “I want people to feel comfortable and I hope to never appear offensive in any manner.”

As the interviewer with the pen, I must say that Arle is hilarious, yet a great speaker with a presence that demands attention. Arle definitely kept my fingers moving. I’m sure I could write a book on Arle with sequels. I could tell just from interviewing her, that her passion for speaking symbolizes her talent in acting. Some of Arle’s upcoming projects are sure to be worth your time and money. Arle will be featured in a play called, “Torn”, From July 14^th – 18^th at 14^th Street Playhouse in Atlanta. Some of the featured cast includes Arle, Dorsey Levens (Super Bowl champ), Ryan Stewart (2 Live Stews), Corinne Van Ryck de Groot (Prize
Fighter/American Gladiator) and Koran Joseph Riley (Former NFL
Player/Actor). Arle will also be working on a pilot, where she will co-host, interviewing people that have traveled abroad with no return, which are considered to be, ex-patriots.

Arle talks about all the places she has been and all the places she plans to go. She states, “With all the opportunities that have presented themselves to me and those that are yet to come, I say, “Arlelujah”.

Arle ends with stating, everyone needs an outlet, an emotional freedom outlet. I want to be inspirational to others. I want people to know that they too can dream and allow those dreams and goals to foster into to great personal successes. I hope to always encourage and be of Great Spirit to those that may idol my personal stance as a woman. I want people to know that my start was my own personal perseverance. I’m a people pleaser. I like to know how you feel, what you are thinking, and what you like and may not like.”

Arle mentions that she wants to take the show from “Arlewood” to “Arleworld”. She wants to showcase her own fan base of Arlewood citizens.

Tune into the shows on YouTube to get a feel for this natural born artist, and

Please stay tuned to more on “Welcome 2 Arlewood”!

Contact Info:

Arle Michel

Email: arlemichel@gmail.com

www.YouTube.com/ARLEwood

http://www.facebook.com/Welcome2Arlewood

Ph: 678-428-2100

Please join me in welcoming, Atlanta’s own country music artist, Leslie Christian.  

Leslie is country music’s latest Black female vocalist.

Leslie comes from a family of vocalists, which are her biggest supporters. Her mother and father initially met singing for various bands. So it doesn’t surprise you where Leslie’s musical talents derived from. She has been singing all her life. Leslie states that she always participated in talent shows and was always singing background for her sister in shows.  A greater focus developed for country music in the last ten years. Leslie conveys that she listens to all types of music. In country music, some of her biggest influences are Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans.

She talks about how at first her family couldn’t understand her love for singing country music but her desire, perseverance and phenomenal soulful voice, gave them great clarity on why it fits her and why rising to the top in country music could be her ultimate destination. Originally from Shelby, North Carolina, Leslie has made great things happen since she migrated to Georgia in 1994.

Leslie has been up and down the road to Nashville, Tennessee, which of course, is known as a major hub for country music. Leslie is recording her album with well known country music producer, Gordon Mote. Gordon produces Christian music and is a country music’s icon. Leslie wants to follow any direction he gives. Not only does Gordon believe in her, but his wisdom, guidance, experience, talent and display of will power over life’s adversities as a blind man who consistently strives for success, completes the formula for her success in singing.

Most of her recordings are within major studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Her authentic sound and tracks were recorded in the Tracking Room, a famous recording studio in Nashville, and her vocal recordings were done at another famous studio called, Beech Creek Studios out of Nashville as well. Beech Creek is highly known for their producing of children’s Christian music.

As I sat across from Leslie and one of her managers, Jason Freeman, I was trying to visualize the hard work and dedication that was described by their words. The working relationship is  admirable and one to be remembered and none the less, respected.

The most intriguing part of this interview was when Mr. Freeman spoke of her talent. His belief in her appeared very heartfelt and genuine. I said to them, “There is nothing better than having someone believe in you more than you believe in yourself, especially when you have already set the standard high for your own beliefs and success.”

While interviewing I noticed that Leslie’s remarkable talent in music is magnified by her a great skill in writing.  Leslie acknowledges that writing is her passion, and she wants to write for all genres of music. She currently writes songs with Adrian Porter, b.k.a. “AP”.  Leslie wrote all the songs of her album, My Life is a Country Song, which is a bird’s eye view about her family.  Leslie states that she loves to write music that people can relate to in all walks of life. However, she has mentioned that all the songs written are similar experiences of her personal life.

While speaking with Leslie and her manager Jason we are finding out that one of their many goals is that they want Atlantans to get behind them on this musical ride. She wants to have the support from the city she calls home. Jason states, “I want Leslie to be recognized as a successful black female country artist. There is no studio magic in her voice. All her tracking sessions are authentic.”  He along with Leslie says that she wants to be remembered, with hopes of her music granting access to becoming an icon in the genre.

Leslie mentions that she just finished a phenomenal photo shoot in Colorado on a 200 year old farm in the Colorado Mountains. Former Playboy Playmate, “Hope Marie Carlton” directed the entire shoot. Hope did everything, from fabulous hair and make-up, to being her personal stylist while on set.

 While interviewing and capturing the beauty, talent, and drive of this young lady, definitely of my own opinion, “Leslie has it together”. Leslie did this entire album with all her hard earned money. She paid for everything. She writes her music with no melodies. She has a gift of her own. She mandates the continuance of writing good songs because, she says, “good songs are never outdated”. Years from now she wants her songs to be like those of Michael Jackson, and various other artist, that no matter what century it is, the song will be played and it will still blast the airwaves and move you like no other.  Jason expresses the opinion that what he finds so unbelievable about Leslie, is that not only is her voice pure and confident but also so at ease. He says, he took his already elevated belief in Leslie to another level, when she recorded her vocals while having major voice complications. “Her music flows regardless”, goes Jason. 

 With several interviews under her belt, recently recording with Sara Evans, being a guest on Obnoxious TV here in Atlanta, video snippets on Facebook, and more prominent projects to look forward to, there is no stopping now. Leslie’s goal is to sell the album and become one of Atlanta’s newest unforgettable faces and voices to music. Her video snippets on Facebook include songs such as, “Hit the Road Jack”, “You Don’t Love Me” and “She Ain’t Half The Woman I Am.” Stay tuned for Leslie’s phenomenal debut and information on her upcoming listening party. Download her on iTunes, and feel the vibe of her unique style for writing songs.  You can follow her and become fans on Facebook as well.  Leslie states, “It’s not about selling the most records, I do it because of my love for music”.  Leslie believes that her heart will always be in country music. With a completed product, the backings of Gordon, along with Ben Fowler a well known mixing engineer out of Nashville, and her managers Jason Freeman and her father, Leslie is sure to break some hearts.

While reaching for attainable goals and consistently displaying vocals that are sure to send a chill through your bones, Leslie’s intentions are to make a lot of noise.

Good ole country noise that is!

Stay Tuned for more on Leslie Christian.

Contact info: free43@bellsouth.net

www.facebook.com/LeslieChristianMusic

Saila better describes herself as an, “Urban soul gospel recording artist”. You may wonder, what is urban soul in the gospel lime light? She describes her sound more like neo-soul and funk mixed together. She has a wonderful personality a hidden treasure of beauty and a testimony to acknowledge it. She released her first unsigned CD, “A Changed Soul”, in 2004. In 2005, she released yet another unsigned CD “Free to Be”, which earned her many tour dates in the US. She was featured within the TD Jakes MegaFest, where she was able to inspire, inform, and introduce to her audience that her sense of being free speaks through her music.

Saila is definitely an eye-opener to the music ministry. She was featured as a new artist in The Jace magazine, and described as a new Mover & Shaker by Divine Magazine. Beyond her music, Saila has a radio program called, The Saila Rachelle Radio show in the Atlanta area. She has also made various acting appearances in the New Birth Inner City, Zenith Capitol Group, The Jace voice-over commercial for radio, actress in Violet, an off Broadway musical, Schoolhouse Rock, Live, and Action Movie II, Episode I. She has been featured on stage with Kierra KiKi Sheard, Deitrick Haddon, Canton Jones, Cee Cee Michaela, Gary Anglin, Antonia Lawrence, Raymond Boyce, Lonny Hunter, Andrae’ Crouch, Shekina Glory Ministries, and many others. In addition she is the CEO of EllehCar Entertainment, LLC.

As a Gospel Artist, On-air Personality, & Actress, Saila displays the gifts of many talents, but one solid foundation of Christianity.

Originally from Detroit Michigan, Saila has resided in Atlanta for over 5 years. In 2007 Saila had a financial setback that left her homeless and forced her to relocate back to Michigan to pick up the pieces again. During her homeless experience, her aunt who was like a mother to her, whom later died of breast cancer instilled an undeniable wisdom that she carries with her daily. During her aunts last days of life, she pushed Saila constantly, leaving the words, “You are going to be alright”, to ponder on with her for the rest of her life. Saila later matured to the belief that her return to Michigan was God sent.

… As a Gospel Artist, On-air Personality, & Actress, Saila displays the gifts of many talents, but one solid foundation of Christianity. …

She didn’t have a car, didn’t know what the next step would actually be, but she did know she had a mission, and that was to inspire one if not many through her words of ministry. Saila stated that she always had plans to return to Georgia, she was just uncertain of if and when the timing would be suitable based on her current situation and soon to be past obstacles. With all the negative talks from others during her downfall she believed that the wisdom from her aunt and the blessings from her God would not let her fail. The past has definitely shaped and purposed her future. This interview with Saila will give great clarity on what gospel and having a Christian foundation has done for her. This time around Saila is giving it her all. She is eager but yet patiently waiting for a successful outcome in it all. Learning from her experience the hard way, she remains realistic of her expectations. As an unsigned artist and working independently on this album, Saila is hoping to touch and connect with every age group as well as reaching the unsaved.

She realizes that she must maintain balance, that she must keep a positive surrounding and a spiritual foundation for her continued growth. Her new CD is scheduled to release in 2010. She will be scheduled to tour many events, concerts, and churches in the US and Internationally. On this album she is working with producers, Marvin Thompson Jr. and Darin Whittington of New York and with the contribution of many others along the way. Darin who has produced secular & gospel music has worked with general music artist and on many film projects. With the great talent behind her and encouragement to continue her journey, she is positive that the outcome will be greater than before.

Although her 1^st single title is yet to be determined, she tells people, “I’m at a new season”, meaning she is at a point in her life where she has accepted who God has made her to be, musically and spiritually. Saila doesn’t plan to single herself out to just singing at gospel concerts. Although she wouldn’t consider herself an opening act for Soulja Boy or Beyonce, she definitely has no problem bringing a spiritual setting to any genre outside of Gospel and inspirational music. Saila mentions that she is expecting scrutiny in this reasoning, and she is OK with that, because her mission is more than the negative reactions of eyebrows raised. Saila states, that if she could inspire thousands of people through her music ministry at a comedy show or local act, then she plans to move her feet. She says, “If God didn’t fail me then, he sure isn’t about to fail me now, because I’m operating in his due season and according to his will”.

She remains optimistic and continues to reach higher heights. She says that she wouldn’t necessarily consider herself an inspirational artist until God places that calling on her. Right now her mission is to bless, heal, and inspire. She feels that everyone, regardless of their walk in life will be blessed by her music soon to be released. Although she is very excited, she remains calm and steadfast waiting on the Lord. Saila’s prior season anthem was, “Never Would Have Made It”, by Marvin Sapp. Again she is in a new season, so her song to carry her through will come out in her music yet to be released.

Saila will be covering the GMA Dove Awards in Nashville Tennessee this year. She will also be featured on the Antidote show coming up on Comcast local airing stations, while remaining a part-time worship leader at New Birth Inner City located in East Point, Georgia.

After returning to Atlanta for permanent residency, Saila was asked to return to radio as an on-air personality whose program aired during the Bernice King Show. With intentions to reach out to the youth within the urban community, she had a Back to School radio special for 8 weeks which covered various topics for teens and parents.

The special aired on the 1570 AM and aboard online. With great success, it enabled Saila to move to her own program time slot on Sheridan Broadcasting’s 1570 AM – The Light. Due to her busy schedule and concentration on her upcoming projects and gospel album, she can be heard on the airwaves of the Saila Rachelle Show and online once a month.  Saila wants people to know that, “What God has for you, is for you”. Whether good or bad, you have to roll with the punches and pick up the pieces of your life and concentrate on your destiny.

With a beautiful smile and a respectful presence, she said in a low modest humbling tone, “Atlanta has been very good to me”.

Please stay tuned, because Saila is sure to hit the airwaves with enduring inspirations that we will all cherish and appreciate.

For booking info, contact 404-552-5200 or Email: booking@ellehcar.org

Website: www.sailarachelle.net

When you hear the words “Grave Yard Shift” the first thing that probably comes to mind is that late night stretch dreaded by most employees. In some sense that’s the concept behind the six member hip hop clique, who call themselves Grave Yard Shift. I recently caught up with a few of “The Yard” members to talk about their concept of “individual collectivism.”

Just like the groups’ name, the day was dark and the sky threatened rain. When I walked inside of The Landmark, I spotted The Yard members, Skitz, Anonymous, and Noonie holed up at a table near the rear of the eatery.  As I reached the table I waved casually at the trio and made a remark about not wanting to get caught in the rain.  The slim, dark skinned man, who calls himself Anonymous, cracked a joke that was a bit too off color for me to include in this interview. Now, with the ice broken, I smirked and took a seat to begin my round of questions, still concerned about the rain.

TRA:  So how did you guys come up with the name Grave Yard Shift?

Skitz: The name Grave Yard Shift was a result of the hours and time we put into our craft as a collective. When everyone else is asleep we’re making the world spin.

TRA:  I understand the Grave Yard Shift is a collective of six individual artists. How does that work out in terms of projects and releasing your material?

Anonymous:  We are made up of six members, but like you said, we’re individual artists. So we base projects on individual productivity. Your own personal work effort dictates your progress. Then there are certain projects where we might work together for chemistry purposes. Like Skitz and Noonie pair well together. Me and Skitz pair well together, too. It depends on the music we’re working on at the time. Plus we are in different locations, too so that plays a part sometimes.

TRA: What do you mean by different locations?

Anonymous:  Well the other three members you don’t see here today, actually live in upstate New York.

TRA: So how does that work with the three of you here in Atlanta and the other members in New York?

Skitz: Well actually, we have H.B. in South Florida and we got Pretty M Dot and Squad in New York. It works well; it gives us an opportunity to be omnipresent. We can be many places at once as a brand. If H.B. is performing in Miami, it’s Grave Yard, ya dig? It’s the same with us and Pretty M Dot and Squad. Where ever we are, we are under the umbrella of Grave Yard Shift. This is a brand and a movement.

TRA:  O.K., I feel you. So what can listeners and consumers expect to hear music-wise from Grave Yard Shift?

Skitz: We are a collective of greatness. The people can expect to hear art combined with dedication to hip hop, the old and new school. We are artists, not rappers. Make sure you print that. We respect all artists in the game. Our music is such a diverse collective of talent because we all come from different walks in life or different generations of the music. I was born in Florida and raised in New York so I am a combination of both of those elements.  Noonie is from Long Beach and you’ll notice right out the gate his swag is different from the other members as far as appearance. Pretty M Dot is just that new age sickness. His flow is crazy. Basically we got it sewed across the board. We got every genre of hip hop covered.

TRA: That is really awesome! So what’s your latest project?

Skitz: We about to drop That Old Thing Back which is a mix-tape. We got the Eye On the Prize video out right now. Pretty M Dot is about to drop the Pretty Please album. Noonie is finishing up his mix-tape and Anonymous is wearing a lot of hats right now (laughs)… We got a lot coming for the people. I don’t want to be long winded trying to explain everything, but just look for the name Grave Yard Shift to be making an impact in 2010 on many levels.

TRA:  So are you guys signed to a label?

Skitz: No, at this point we are doing everything independently. Like I said earlier, we are spread out which helps out with our distribution. But we are looking for major distribution. We have a good following already. We are just looking to get a good distributor that can get us into the areas where we have a demand but no outlet. With the stream of ring tones flooding the market right now it got everybody trying to be single. Nobody has a relationship with the art or the music anymore. That’s why we are about to put out That Old Thing Back, so the hip hop community can remember it’s roots and see that the growth in hip hop doesn’t have to be limited to one style or one type of music. Hip hop was and still is the voice of the people who need a format for unique or abstract expression.

TRA: I like where you are going with your focus. And I agree with the fact that you say people need to be reminded of where and why hip hop originated. So, how often do you perform and where can people see you live?

Skitz: We perform as often as possible. We hit up showcases for open mics around Atlanta all the time. The best way to find out where we are going to be or what we got going on is to go to our website at www.gysnation.com.  The next big show we are doing is actually going to be in upstate New York in March.

TRA:  Is there anything else you want the people to know?

Noonie: Yeah…we ‘bout to make the world spin backwards…

As I closed out this interview Anonymous continued to flirt with our waitress. I saw the sky had cleared up outside. If the day is any indication to the group’s future, it looks like the dark hours they work into the night will eventually shine through.

Atlanta native Laurah Norton Raines is pretty busy these days.  Having achieved such accomplishments as writer, teacher, as well founder/editor of her own on-line literary magazine to boot, it is a wonder that she has the time to write such compelling, award winning short stories, such as Old Scratch and Medicine.  Both of these stories won first place in the Creative Loafing fiction contest in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  Also speaking to her impressive skill is the fact that she has been published in magazines such as Fringe, Failbetter, Night Train, and the Post Road Journal.  Her work is also found in various anthologies.

Laurah was gracious enough to sit with me in her office at Georgia State University, where she teaches American Literature and Freshman Composition, to tell me about herself, her writing, and who she thinks is just great in the genre of magical realism.

TheRealAtlanta.com:  Tell me about Laurah.  Where are you from?

Laurah Norton Raines:  I’m not really from anywhere.  For most of my life I have lived equally in North Carolina and Georgia.  I went to high school in Georgia, though. I did my undergrad at Gilford College, which is a Quaker school that offered many programs focusing on creative writing.  I then returned to Georgia, was given the Paul Bowles Fellowship while at Georgia State University, received my MFA in creative writing and was hired on at Georgia State to teach.

TRA:  How did you get started with writing?

LNR:  Well, I’ve been writing all my life.  My dad is a writer, and before I could write myself, I would dictate stories to him. When I went to college, I majored in English and was originally going to be a screen writer, but I found that in writing dialogue, you can’t really paint the picture, so I switched to creative writing.  After my undergrad was completed I went to work at Bank of America and would have panic attacks in the bathroom from being confined to a cubby all day. That’s when I realized that I needed to go back to doing what I enjoy, which is writing.  I then went back to school to work on my MFA.

TRA:  I read the stories you gave me which helped acclimate me more to your writing style and I found that you write about the mundane in everyday life.  Would you say that is pretty accurate?

LNR:  People say I’m a hyper-realist, but for me, I can’t really pin-point what kind of writer I am.  I just write.  People tell me what kind of writer I am but I have yet to confirm those observations. However, what I do in my writing is draw from particular time frames within a period.  It may be a minute occurrence within an hour that I write about.  I never write about events that extend over a great period of time.

TRA:  Well, Slow Freeze seemed to be spot on regarding real life scenarios.  I could definitely place me and my husband within the story.

LNR:  Yeah, Slow Freeze is a good example of my position of my writing and it is one of my most important pieces.  Yes, my stories are influenced by real life and Slow Freeze has been technically deemed as Creative Non-Fiction but it is a little different.  With this piece, I have taken real life events and “fictionalized” them which, does not happen in true Creative Non-Fiction writing.  In Slow Freeze the basic events are true with a slight change in the details. Typically, Creative Non-Fiction writers do not change the details in their writing. They approach non-fiction using creative writing tools. With that said, my story Off Highway 75 would probably be the one most fitting the Creative Non-Fiction moniker.

TRA:  Tell me the way you come up with your ideas for stories, and do you have a specific writing method?

LNR:  Some people are everyday writers.  I am not.  I don’t even write every week.  I usually get an idea in my head or a mental picture of something and think about it for a long time; a couple of months at least.  Then I begin writing it down. I tend to write in “spurts.”  As far as a method toward writing, I don’t think I have one.  I feel that a person should write in the way that works best for them.  Like in my case, if I feel too much pressure to write, it begins to feel like an assignment and that will not work for me.

TRA:  Right…so does that mean you are no longer working on the novel you mentioned some time ago?

LNR:  No I am not. I was working on a novel at one time because you have to write a novel to get tenure.  You can write a book of short stories, though, so I’m doing that.  I’m just not a novelist.  Novels take a lot of time in which to develop plots and I am more into flash fiction.  I love writing in tight prose.  Now, that does not mean I write in the minimal sense, but that my plots occur within a short span of time.

TRA:  Laurah, who are the authors that pique your interest?

LNR:  Right now I have an interest in magical realism and slip stream in which the piece falls within genres. So I am reading Kelly Link.  Her book, Magic for Beginners is one of my favorites.  I also love St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell.  I find their stories fascinating!  I feel their writing styles force readers into metaphorical elements and cause them not to take things so literally.  I find that I have to pick images that posses a universal quality when I read these authors.  I also like the fact that there are a lot of women writers who are representing the magical realism and slip stream genres right now.

TRA: I know…that is great…

LNR: Yeah, so I hope to expand my writing into that genre some time soon…

TRA:  Laurah, congratulations on all of the things you have done to bring light to the literary world.  Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and I hope to see your book of short stories on the shelves in the near future.  Can you tell the readers where they can find out more about you?

LNR:  Sure, readers need to check out my magazine, which is called Sub-Lit.  The website is http://www.sub-lit.com/.  There you will not only find some of my writing but that of other writers who are a part of the Sub-Lit team.

Despite the fact that a substantial snowfall blanketed Atlanta on Friday, February 12^th, the originally scheduled date for the Goodie Mob concert, the legendary Hip Hop quartet “made it rain” at 9 PM on Saturday, February 20^th to a packed Tabernacle Music Hall. Fans old and new came out and represented Atlanta and the love they have for the group as they cheered, danced, and rapped along to all of Goodie Mob’s hit songs. Opening the reunion concert was Atlanta native B.o.B. a.k.a. Bobby Ray, with his eclectic mix of rock and rap which set the mood for the upcoming Goodie Mob performance.  B.o.B. and his band rocked out the popular song, “I’ll Be In the Sky” along with a few other well-received songs by the young rapper.

Shortly after B.o.B.’s energetic opener, Goodie Mob burst onto the stage looking dapper and sleek in black outfits of various styles.  As each member of the group took the stage, fans hollered and threw their hands up in hot anticipation of what was coming next by way of musical entertainment offered up by the Goodie Mo-B, as they are sometimes referred to by fans. They wasted no time giving the  audience what they wanted as they launched into “Goodie Bag” from their Soul Food album, sending the crowd into an appreciative frenzy and that was just the beginning.  Goodie Mob performed many songs from their debut album including “Thought Process,” “Live at the O.M.N.I.”, “Sesame Street”, and of course, the unofficial Atlanta anthem, “Dirty South”. The group’s female mix master, DJ Princess Cut, added both a freshness and a unique sound to their classic hits by sampling various songs from other artists.

One of the highlights of the night was during the unselfish shout out made to their Dungeon Family brethren, Outkast, while the group took a short break.  Goodie Mob’s voluptuous dancers and DJ Princess Cut kept the crowd highly engaged as she played songs from Outkast’s legendary albums Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, and Aquemini. Reenergized and ready to finish off the pumped fans the group members T-Mo, Cee-Lo, Khujo, and Big Gipp glided back on the stage dressed in long pastel colored robes and this time, Goodie Mob graced the crowd with “Black Ice,” “Fly Away,” and “Beautiful Skin,” from their Still Standing album.  During “Beautiful Skin,” fans rocked and swayed to the powerful beats as Cee-Lo Goodie rapped about the pride black women should feel for themselves and demand from others. The music didn’t stop there, though. The members of Goodie Mob broadened their performance repertoire by giving their audience a taste of music from their solo projects. Cee-Lo Goodie broke out on the stage under a single spotlight and belted out his Gnarls Barkley hit “Crazy” while T-Mo and Khujo performed some of their duo ventures from the Lumberjacks albums.

For nearly two hours Goodie Mob put their all into performing for their fans that chilly Saturday night.  Even after being on the hip-hop scene for over 15 years, the foursome’s presence was still as fresh as it was in 1995. What was most impressive was the sense of camaraderie that was felt between the men as they moved across the stage. Goodie Mob proved they are still standing as one of the most prolific acts in southern hip hop and that nothing, including last week’s snow fall, can keep them from bringing the lyrical heat.

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.  Their form of employ certainly could not be compared to the norms that most Americans experienced in their work environments.  Goines and Slim needed to tell their stories.

Urban literature is typically and preferably written by those who have actually been a part of the mores and mechanisms of urban life.  Anyone who attempts to write a piece on urban literature who has not experienced the unique culture of street life will find a critical and unforgiving audience; there are elements to urban literature that must be satisfied within the writing to convey a genuine and convincing read.  Boldly stepping up to those expectations is author Aaron Bebo with his novel, “Change For A Dollar”.  Having emerged from street life himself, Mr. Bebo knows firsthand what it takes to write a book about urban culture that stays true and upholds the standards already set by the first trendsetters within the genre. However, Mr. Bebo’s writing is a little different.  He offers more of a look into the mind and circumstances of a hustler and gives reasons such drastic changes are made for money and status. I recently caught up with Mr. Bebo to talk about his novel and the why he will be doing something very different in conjunction with its’ release: Providing an accompanying soundtrack with the book.

Born and raised in New York State in the 1970’s, Aaron Bebo’s life was catapulted into the confines of drugs and violence early on.  However, he took the cards he was dealt in life and used them to his advantage.  Being in the streets from such a young age could have ended in disastrous results but for this urban literature author, those nascent experiences gave him the materials he would need to write the compelling piece that “Change For A Dollar” is.

For example, being in the streets calls for the ability to engage in sharp observations of people and surroundings in order to survive.  Therefore if you are astute, you become a master of gauging human behavior, mannerisms, and conversations.  Mr. Bebo takes the experiences he learned in the streets and seriously applies that knowledge to the development of his characters and to the plot. By the end of the novel, you intimately know his protagonist, Malcolm Andrews and can appreciate the metamorphosis Malcolm must undergo in order to become successful on the block.  Mr. Bebo has found that in urban literature, some authors choose to focus on the act of selling drugs, the cars, and the money that come with it.  It cannot be denied that these things, which Mr. Bebo calls “surface stuff,” are central elements of the lifestyle, but what about the emotional and mental workings that go hand and hand with hustling?  What about the person or people themselves?  What is different about this novel is that Mr. Bebo shifts the focal point from the material gains that most Urban Literature seems to be concerned about to the deeper, more abstract concepts that readers may not have considered before.  This new and more substantial subject matter coupled with the excitement and intrigue that accompanies the urban lifestyle gives readers the best of both worlds.  Mr. Bebo gives readers the superficiality of the material gains if one chooses to skim the surface of the novel and he gives readers who wish to examine the deeper layers of the piece what they need to dig in.

Additionally, Mr. Bebo wants to make sure he reaches those who may not be excited about reading his novel simply because they do not like to read or possibly cannot.  In order to reach a wider audience, Mr. Bebo’s plans to implement the innovative idea to release his book along with a soundtrack that follows the plot of the piece.  Music is a huge part of the urban scene and having a CD along with the book further represents the culture Mr. Bebo is writing about.

During my talk with Mr. Bebo, I learned that another concern for him was the craft of writing itself and the fact that credibility is key to producing a great product.  He feels that there are too many authors within the urban literature genre who do not understand that with good writing comes a responsibility to give readers a story that is convincing. Rushing to get a story down without thought and proper development makes for a book that will be lacking. He admonished that writing takes time and does not bring the instant gratification he was used to when he was in the streets.

Mr. Bebo does not look at the lack of instant gratification as a hindrance as he has gone through a metamorphosis much like some of the characters in his book. Those changes have lead him to where he is today as a hustler turned author.  Mr. Bebo can write about the changes that occur in life because he has experienced them and “Change For A Dollar” is his proof of that.

To learn more about Aaron Bebo go to his website at www.kingpen.biz for excerpts of other projects he is currently working on. You can also listen to music samples and read his essay, “Thangs Just Ain’t the Same For Gangstas,” which gives Mr. Bebo’s position as a writing educator and adviser.

Mr. Bebo currently resides in the Atlanta metro area.

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 with such exhibits featured at the High like the “China Exhibit” in which I can recall a memory of a huge card-catalog – like box filled with drawers of Asian spices one could pull out and sniff.  During field trips we frequented the museum when the “Sensations” exhibit came and we would stick our hands in holes filled with various items to heighten sensory awareness.  Not knowing what was at the end of that hole was what kept us loving when “Sensations” was at the High. My early contact with the High garnered life-long memories and now it was time for me to pass some of that on to my four-year-old and my girlfriend’s 15 year old daughter.

Therefore, on a day in late January, the three of us trudged through the cold and drizzle in search of artistic displays that could warm us at least visually and aesthetically. After checking our coats, (which is free!) paying the for the ticket (only $18, and tickets were buy one get one free on that day) the enthusiastic guide handed me a map of the museum and asked us, with even more enthusiasm if we were going to see the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit which was one of the featured attractions and one of the artists recently covered in my young friend’s art class. We headed up to the second floor of the immaculate space and made our way to see what gifts the great Italian artists and scientist left behind for us.

We were all excited to see authentic pieces of the work of the one of the most famous artists in the world.  The da Vinci Exhibit, which will be at the High until February 21^st, contained about 50 works but boasted only 20 pieces that were actually done by the hand of the artist himself.  Most of these were drawings done in the early stages of his career. At that time, according to the information written on the wall signs next to the pieces, da Vinci was very interested in horses and equestrian arts and many of the pieces displayed exemplified that. One of the most impressive features of the exhibit were the huge statues made by Giovan Francesco Rustici, giving evidence to the influence Leonardo da Vinci had on the younger artists following him. Moving through the exhibit, we could see three stages of Leonardo da Vinci’s career:  the beginning, when he himself was a student, the phase when he was perfecting his craft as a sculptor, and finally, as a teacher, when artists inspired by him learned from his expertise and benefitted from his guidance.

The High had so much to offer that the different exhibits felt as if they would never end! As soon as we thought we might be done discovering, we stumbled upon more to see.  Our observations ranged from the John Portman Exhibit on Art and Architecture showing models of buildings from around the world to paintings highlighting local culture by Hale Woodruff featuring the consequences of erecting “housing projects” like Hearndon Homes on Northside Drive.  A beautifully colorful and moving political piece, the painting entitled, “Results of Good Housing,” speaks to the era in American history when housing projects were seen as the solution for the poor (which equaled out to blacks)  to receive adequate places to live during the Depression.  In actuality, this undertaking further pushed blacks into the bondages of racism and stereotyping.  Right now, Hearndon Homes is being demolished for many good reasons. One of the positive effects will be eradicating racial scars of the past.

Some of the most amazing paintings were of the Civil War era from the American Art exhibit.  On the walls were expansive portraits depicting the beautiful landscapes of the southern most regions of America. The beauty of the pictures contrasted with the desolation of deserted farms and plantation houses as the War swept through the land and the slaves ran for freedom.

The African Exhibit featured many different examples of the rich culture of the African peoples and was refreshing after viewing paintings that were both pleasing to the eye and painful reminders of a shameful past the Civil War can evoke.  My daughter, whose father is from Ghana, was excited to observe pieces from his home land and we marveled over huge masks made from wood used by the Bwa peoples from Burkina Faso.  Pieces from Nigeria, the Congo, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast were also proudly displayed.

After three hours and complaints from my daughter that her feet were hurting, I turned to my friend and asked her if she was ready to leave.  She looked at me, gave me a hug, and told me she was glad we came.  She said she learned a lot and that she was anxious to get to school to let her art teacher know how much she had learned over the weekend.  I asked my daughter what she liked the most as we left the building and she said, “The Ghana stuff.”

The visit made an impression on all of us and definitely made me realize that going to the High is a great way to instill knowledge and culture within us without even leaving the city.  Take an afternoon, grab a friend or co-worker and check out all the wonders the High Museum of Art has waiting for you.