Roe City Lights Volume1 Issue3

VOLUME 1 NUMBER 3

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VALENTINE'S EDITIONwww.teambayoupresents.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3EXECUTIVE EDITORKATIMA EPTING

PRESIDENTMARCUS BAKER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BIG HOOTGRAVE DIGGAMASHI PEREEVANDY JENKINS VITUS SHELL

GRAPHIC DESIGNERVITUS SHELL

STORIES

FEATURE STORYBATTLE OF THE SEXESBY KATIMA EPTING LOCAL OPINIONSLOCAL ARTISTLOCAL BEAUTYLOCAL BUSINESS POLITICSWHAT’S HAPPENINGS SPORTS CORNERWORD FROM THE STREETZENTERTAINMENTINDUSTRY INSIDERGRAVE’S CORNER

For advertising, please contactROE CITY LIGHTSTEAM BAYOU MANAGEMENT1002 WINNSBORO RDMONROE, LA 71202318.387.9511 www.teambayoupresents.com

A note from the editor:1 Corinthians 13:4 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. Love is one word that is greatly used, often defined, but very seldom is it demonstrated. Many talk about love, but don’t know what it truly entails. Many say that love hurts, but I disagree! I feel it is the LACK of love that hurts! When one thinks of love, receiving is often an afterthought, but in actuality love works better for us when we give it. I am grateful that God has allowed me to attend a church under the leadership of a true man of God. I never will give man God’s credit (I can’t!) but I will give credit where it is due. Dellwood Church of God, under the leadership of Pastor Da-vid Profit, has demonstrated the true meaning of love. I heard once that you can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. Pastor David Profit has given to his church members and com-munity on numerous occasions. He has allowed God to work through him, to collect money for ev-ery family in his congregation. Dell Wood Church has also been undergoing a fast hat has allowed the preacher and members to be an asset to the community, with help that has extended way beyond the church doors, all the way into Haiti! A love like this should not go unrecog-nized or unappreciated; therefore, I use this article to say, “Thank You Pastor David Profit

for the love you’ve given to others. Thank you for obeying one of God’s greatest commandments”. I know that there are others out there showing love but it is still my prayer that more individuals and churches become cheerful givers and give back to their community. Let me leave you with this: Love is scary to those who fear it; unrealistic to those who fake it; shallow to those who don’t know its depth; unbelievable to those who doubt it; unreach-able to those who don’t reach for it, but it’s EVERY-THING to those who believe in it! Love is real and God is love! Since God will never and can never fail, love won’t either!R.I.P. “Hollywood”, Charlene Galloway & “Big Sam”(These views expressed are those of my own. These are not the views of Roe City Lights as a whole. This is truly my thoughts and my corner.)

The Word Of The Day By: Brother Vandy Jenkins “A Prisoner For Preaching The Good News about Jesus Christ”Text: 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Loving OthersThe Lord put it on my heart today to deliver a message about “Loving Others” because loving your neighbor, is the second most important commandment. Jesus stated in Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT), “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ In John 13:34-35, Jesus states,” So now I am giving you a new command-ment: Love each other, just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. Can I say today brothers and sisters that we are all disciples and followers of Christ. As Christians today, we should be patient and love one another as Christ love us. We should be kind to one another and not jealous, boastful, or rude to one another. Amen. So as I close with my message today, of “Loving Others,” I encourage Christians today to be devoted in “Loving Others.” Why? Because love is the quintessential nature of God, and God will last forever and he want us to last forever. In John 4:9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. And it was nearly 2000 year ago Jesus stated in John 15:13: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another. Jesus demonstrated his love for us by sacrificing his life at the cross so that we all today would have a right to the tree of life. So as Christians, we need to remember that we need to love one another as Christ loves us. Amen. Thank You and May the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you always.

LOCAL OPINIONS

“I Wish We Did It.”Trey Siongs“Doing Me”Fantasia

Mia Dunn

“With You.”Lil Wayne

Fran Boyd

“Lovers.”Baby Face

Larone Green

“I Always Fall.”Jamie Foxx

Donta Robinson

WHAT LOVE SONG RELATE TO YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?

REST IN PEACE TO JOHN ‘ G ‘ AKA HOLLYWOOD SIMS

Candace MorganQ: Who are the best performers in the bedroom?A: It depends upon the person’s prior experiences, it could go either way but it’s usually the woman in my opinion.

Q: If a person cannot fulfill you sexually, could you truly be in love with him?A: Yes you can be truly in love with him or her. most of the time when we are after a person only for the physical it’s usually lust and not love, and sometimes you can be in love with a person and have never been intimate with them. You can fall for their personality, the way they carry themselves or just because they were there for you at a special time. Q: Does size really matter?A: Ummmmm yes! And if they say no,they are lying!

Q: What is love to you?A: Love to me is the unconditional emotion that you have for your significant other or other family members that can not be swayed by their actions- good or bad. It is the true acceptance of a person’s imperfections, faults, and all that comes with them- good and bad and even if it does not work out, you still have a place for them in your heart.

Tamiko Dailey Q: Who are the best liars- women or men?A: I would say it depends on the situation! When a women is caught lying normally, she’ll give in. Men, you can see them and they still lie.

Q: What is the main reason a woman cheats?A: Lack of satisfaction

Q: What is your ideal man?A: Someone who loves his family more than he loves himself and is a good provider.

Q: good looking and classy or ugly and freaky?A: I would have to say good looking and classy. You can always teach someone what you like! Q: Marriage or single life?A: Marriage if you are with your best friend- someone who knows you better than you know yourself!

February is the month of love. When this month comes everyone knows that it’s Valentine’s time! It’s al-ways good to hear how others feel this time of the year; so Roe City Lights asked four of the most popular people in Monroe some very exciting questions regarding love and relationships between women and men. Take a look at Stylists Tamiko Dailey, D.J. B.J. Bell, Comedian/Entertainer Robert Powell and Business owner/musician Candace “Candy Rain” Morgan and see what they feel regarding love and relationships!

B.J. Bell

Q: Marriage or the single life?A: I prefer single because it’s a lot of drama in the marriage life. I can go home when I want, and just do what I want to do. Also, I have a trust problem (probably because I’m wide open), but if I’m married and I catch my spouse cheating, I would probably have to contact EZ Bail Bonds because certainly a GOOD PERSON would have fallen on BAD TIMES..

Q: Have you ever awakened beside someone you didn’t even know?A: Unfortunately yes. I guess I had beer goggles on because when I woke up to use the bath-room, I looked at the other side of my bed and it was a cougar over there. Well, not actually a cougar- but someone who could go as a cougar. She had to leave immediately! Q: Good looking and classy or ugly and freaky?A: Are you serious? Of course ugly and freaky... I mean those too pretty girls just sit in front of the mirror and in bed they just lay there.

Q: What’s the number one lie women tell to you regarding sex?A: Let’s see, the number 1 lie I get that women tell me is they have that “good good”.. I mean what the hell is “good good”? All sex to me is “good good”. I mean, I never had that “bad bad”.. Hold up, maybe once.

Q: Name three ways that describe how you like love-making? A: Stupid, Sloppy and WIDE OPEN!

Robert Powell Q: What is the main reason that a man/woman cheats?A: Boredom. Routine. Society for economic purposes has bred us to enjoy and seek out new things. In the past people had one wife, and one husband, one house, one car, one television, one job forever, but in this new society everybody wants NEW. New phone, new house (they actually call some homes starter homes), new televisions, ipads, new women, new men.

Q: Who puts on the best performance (acting) in the bedroom- women or men?A: Women. They have to- in order to stroke our egos. They could probably read a book while we were on top of them some nights.

Q: If a person cannot fulfill you sexually, can you truly be in love with her?A: Absolutely Not.

Q: What’s the worst excuse you’ve ever given for not lasting long in the bed?A: It’s been too long or I’ll do the man-ly thing and blame it on you.. (you was too wet..shame on you)!

Q: Have you ever imagined the person you were sleeping with was someone else?A: Yes- sad, but true.

I am Kourtney K. Dillard, a 18 year old graduating senior at Richwood High School. I was born in Syracuse, New York, but I reside in Monroe, Louisiana. I am a honor student maintaining a 3.8 GPA. I’m an active student participating in The Mighty Ram Marching Band, as well as Concert Band, and National Honor Society, just to name a few. After graduation I plan to pursue my education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a biolo-gy major. I have aspirations of continuing to medical school to emerge as an Anesthesiologist.

I work at Raising Cane’s.

Motto: People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be.

LOCAL BEAUTY

LOCAL BUSINESS

Local Business (Whittley’s Groceries)By: Katima Epting

WHERE IS THE LOVE? Local Business Owner Raymond Whittley is owner of Whittley’s Groceries on Winnsboro Rd. He’s not just a business owner; he’s the only African American with a true grocery store in the city of Monroe. I interviewed Mr. Whittley and found out that his business is not doing as well as he expected. He’s been operating the establishment for over two years now and is still lacking in the support of his people. Whittley said that it has been heartbreaking to see how little support he has gotten since he’s been in the community. Very few Blacks shop with him but will carry their business to others, when he says that he gives back to the community and has done so for years. It puzzles him to see his own leave out of his store because of prices and buy the same thing from another race for only a few cents cheaper. He explained how people don’t quite understand the complexity of his situation. Even though he has gone throughout the whole store cutting prices, it is very dif-ficult for him to offer the same prices as other stores because he (because of the color of his skin) does not get the product at the same price as other races. It bothers him to see how racism still plays a big part in our society but even more so, how his own people cannot see what happens be-hind the scenes; therefore, he has decided to speak out on the issue. Whittley said that his coming here was to make a difference, but with very little support, he hasn’t been able to do as much as he had envisioned. He has had many out of pocket expenses that customers have no idea about. He wants desperately to give back to a community who needs it most. He has hired black employees and wants to employ more if/when business increases. Whittley said that he is only one person, but he still believes that he can make a difference. He says that he has set up the Eric McFarland Whittley Life Skill Center, opened up a school to help drop- outs go back and get their GED and so much more that the community knows very little about. Whittley claims he gave up countless of dollars and left another state to come here and make a difference. He has walked out on faith and even though there is little support, he still believes that things will turn around. He sure hopes so. I just want to ask, “Where is the love?” Why is it so hard for us (the Black race) to support each other? Why do we feel like helping another is going to hurt us? A house divided against itself will never stand. A race divided against itself will never prevail. We march and sing, “We shall Over-come Some Day”, but what day? How? We can’t overcome, if we’re always trying to take each other under. We’re a blessed people that live like we’re under a curse- one that puts us against each other. When are we going to wake up? This applies to the business owners, doctors, lawyers and all citizens. Helping someone else for a change, may actually bring change to your life. Let’s not wonder any longer when we (Blacks) open up an establishment- “Where is the Love?” Let our actions answer the question saying, “The love is right here!”

Conversation with Ouachita ParishPolice Juror Pat MooreBy: Marcus Baker

It’s been said, “Never trust a politician.” According to Webster’s a politician is a person who is active in party politics, a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about helping the people they represent. With that being said, I had a chance to speak with one of our local politicians, Ouachita Parish Police Juror Pat Moore. Mrs. Moore made the above statement seem irrelevant. In our interview, I heard her compassion and commitment to those who she represents in District F. Mrs. Moore has been on the police jury since 2007. She is one of two females that are police jurors; the other being Ms. Ollibeth Reddix. She mentioned how challenging it is for them to get things accomplished in their district due to their colleague’s not hav-ing a real understanding of their district, which means having to go above and beyond their call of duty. Police jurors have a certain authority. They have a

budget and general fund that conducts the order of operation of the fire department, Green Oaks Detention Center, mosquito control, OCC, Section 8 Housing and etc.,. As the people who live in these districts, we have to be knowledgeable about those who represent us and what they can as-sist us with. Juror Moore spoke openly about being committed to fixing the streets in her district, lowering the recidivism rate at OCC and working hand in hand with the councilmen that’s in her district (Councilmen Red Stevens and Eddie Clark). Therefore, my question is: How can a politician trust its constituency? Juror Pat Moore is the police juror for District F, which encompasses the southeast portion of Ouachita Parish, Charmingdale, Tanglewood, Huntington Park, Pine Bayou, King Oaks, Boscow, Green Acres and Buckhorn Bend. I would like to say: “Let’s trust our Police Juror; she is not a politician, she cares.”

POLITICS

Neville Tigers’ point guard, Kadarrius “KD” Turpin is a sophomore and basketball great. Being a part of the 23-3 winning Neville High School basketball team means a lot to him and others. Under Coach Craig and Coach Downs, Turpin says that he is learning a lot on and off the court. They encourage him to keep his head right. Kadarrius has a 3.0 GPA and feels that education is very important. He loves basketball and knows he is going to go far in it, but he wants to have his education to fall back on. He reflects on how he was once told that he was too little to play or that he would never make it. It didn’t matter to him because he says that he believes in himself and contin-ues to work hard and press forward. He wants the university that he attends to be one that has his best interests in heart, while also be-ing the best for him. Even though Michael Jordan, Coby Bryant and Carmelo Anthony are amongst his greatest superstars (current and former players) in the NBA, he feels that his uncle (who is a former ULM basketball player), Jontae Turpin, is his favorite. He also looks to Lacedarrius Dunn as one of his favorites. He says that his near future goals (along with his teammates) is to win the state champi-onship for the next two years. His future goals are to go the NBA. He says that his family has supported him throughout his whole life, especially his uncle “Tae” and his mother. He also says that a special mentor, Vandy Jenkins encourages him to do his best. Turpin says that he loves all of his fans and appreciates their support. Neville has only a few regular season games left. Make sure you go check him out! The sky is the limit for Turpin. Don’t be shocked to see him on a future NBA roster and on television, playing for one of your favorite NBA teams, shining like the star he is!

(According to Turpin) Stats: Avg assists- 10 per game Avg. points- 12 per game Avg. rebounds- 6 per game Avg. steals- 4 per game

With February being Black History Month, Roe City Lights would like to give back to our people by sharing a few great Black History facts. This information was taken from Search Biography.com in celebration of our wonder-ful heritage. Enjoy as you are enlightened!

Fact #1: Nathaniel Alexander was the first to patent the folding chair. His invention was designed to be used in schools, churches and at large social gatherings.Fact #2: Henry Blair, the second African- American to receive a patent, invented a corn seed planter in 1834 and a cotton planter in 1836. He could not read or write and signed his patent with an X.Fact #3: C.B. Brooks invented the street sweeper in 1896. It was a truck equipped with brooms.Fact #4: Henry Brown created what is now known as a “strongbox”, a metal container to store money and important papers that could be locked with a key.Fact #5: Otis Boykin invented electronic control devices for guided missiles, IBM computers, and the control unit for a pacemaker. Fact #6: In 1897, African-American inventor Alfred Cralle patented the first ice cream scoop. His original design remains in wide use, even today.Fact #7: African-American mechanical engineer, David Crosthwait, Jr. created the heating systems for the Rockefeller Center and New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Fact #8: The first sociology department in the U.S. was established by educator and civil rights leader, W.E.B. DuBois.Fact #9: Garrett Augustus Morgan created the gas mask- then be-came renowned for using his mask to save workers trapped in a toxic fumed-filled tunnel. Fact #10: George T. Sampson invented a clothes dryer that used heat from a stove in 1892.

SPORTS BLACK HISTORYTiger LoveBy: Katima Epting

HEY HEY HEY , IT’S TIME FOR ME TO TELL YOU “WHAT’S HAPPENING? “

Hi I’m Mashi Peree’ and I’m back to bring you What’s been happening around roe city! Friday nights are the best or at least the best I ever experienced- drake tone! Lol. Webbie concert at Dominoes was a night I only remembered because I had pho-tos! It was off the radar! Dominoes has opened up the floor plan and it looks better than ever! I also got to party with our very own Louisiana Cash because he was in the spot also. Want to give special thanks to Mo, Boss, and Frank Geezy for showing me much love!

Also I parted at club Rozay that same night with D. White and his guests! I loved that spot! Made me feel grown and sexy! Make sure when Any of the White brothers throw a party you in there ; that’s if you’re grown and don’t leave the sexy at home people!

We have a lot of events coming up and if you want to be what’s happening you better make sure I’m there! See y’all in the streets until next issue.

God Bless,Mashi Peree’

ROE CITYLIGHTSLOCAL HAPPENINGSCap’s Birthday Bash at Members Nightlife- Fri-day, Feb 25, 2010. Special Celebrity Guest will be in the Building. Doors open at 11 and 1st 100 get in for $20. First 100 Advance Tix are just $20. Hosted by BJ Bell, Gravedigga & Dj Starr. Advance tickets sold at Discount Liquor and Citi Gear. Free Food and Free Drinks All Night!!!

Pimp Tyte Ent. presents 1st Annual Pisces Blues Bash at The American Legion Hall- Sat-urday, March 5, 2011. Performing live Omar Cun-ningham, Ghetto Cowboy & William Calhoun. Doors open at 9 and Show starts at 10. DJ Scott Banks on da 1’s & 2’s. Tickects $15 in advance & $20 at the door. All Pisces Get in for $15 Anytime. For Tickets Sales & Table Reservations call 318.801.4152 or 318.267.8794. Tickets Available at S&S Photos and Best Buy Resturant. Giving Away 2 Bottles of Moet.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Bobo’s Sports Bar & Grill- Monday Nite Football Mondays, Snap Snap Tuesdays Poetry Nite, Thursty Thursdays Live Dj Ladies free before 9, Drink spe-cials all nite, Feel Good Fridays $3.50 drinks all nite, Martini Saturdays, Big Six Sundays with Domino Tournament.

Club Dominos- Each every Saturday it goes down with Go DJ Star and DJ Phat on the 1’s & 2’s. Doors open at 10pm. 3 Dance floors.

Club Mandalay- Thurday Nites, Local Artists, $4 Entry. Drinks Free before 12. DJ Regg on the 1s & 2s. Freaky Friday & Wildout Saturdays for Gentle-men. $5 Entry. Sunday Nite, $4 All nite.

Club Maxwells- Friday Ladies Nite. Saturday Ni-tes, Special Events Nite (Parties, Receptions, Etc) Doors Open 10pm. Party Booking 318.280.9621

Club Nuvvo- Each and Every Sunday Nite with the Go Dj’s amd Kuntryboyz Ent in the building. Doors open at 10 and Ladies $5 before 11.

Club RoeZay- First Class Friday each and ev-ery Friday. Dj Slym B on the 1s & 2s. The Ulti-mate Ladies Night Every Saturday. Ladies $5. Hosted by 100.1 the Beat BJ Bell & DJ Make A Move on the 1’s & 2s. No Tennis Shoes, No T-shirts, No Shorts.

To be added to the Local Happenings Cal-endar, please contact 318.557.6303 or email [email protected] before the 1st or the 15th.

WORD On the Street

by Big Hoot

Fellas!!! Its that time again where love is in the air and Cupid is shooting his arrows. One thing I know about a special Valetines Day is that it can rekindle a fire and give a new look and spark to a relationship that was old and cold. I know your saying “I’m just to busy so I send her flowers and candy to her job.” Okay that’s fine, but a busy couple should work together to plan ahead and map out a long awaited evening of romance and in-timacy. Make sure the kind of have a babystter are just staying the night over a close and trustworthy relative house. Or if you want to surprise your partner when they arrive home. Make sure, I repeat, make sure the home is cleaned. Its very, very hard to fell romantic and sexy in a messy house or cluttered room, I’m just saying. Also, have some candles lit, the lights low and a mixed cd of some soft music (Maxwell or Bri-an McKnight) you can’t go worng. Have a nice dinner prepared . Pasta!!! Most women love this dish. Make sure you have a nice wine to compliment the meal, such as Moscato or Mer-lot. I perfer Merlot myself. Your evening is not disturbed. Phones should be put away. These are a couple of tips to let your significant other know they were thought of on this special day. P.S. I give you permission to name the baby after me.

Checkout music by Big Hoot at www.myspace.com/bighoot318

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

From ages ranging from 25-26, Mississippi’s “JSmooth”, Houston’s “Supa” and Atlanta’s Kortoydrey all make up the R&B group- Illusions. After interviewing J Smooth of Illusions, I learned some interesting info on the group. I asked where they got their name and was told that they give off other images and don’t look like they sound and that they have voices that were sent from Heaven. The group is influenced by artists like H-Town, Keith Sweat and Genuwine amongst other real R&B greats. They’ve been working hard since August 2006 and don’t plan on stopping until their goal has been reached and exceeded. With strong hits like “Up in you”, which I was told- tells how they put it down; “Beautiful Poison”, which describes a strong addiction to women and how poisonously ad-dictive women can be and “That Girl”, which shows the kind of girl they desire (ladies- I was told that there is no discrimination of size, race or anything like that.) Illusions’ artist, J Smooth says that the group is bringing real R&B moves, real vocals and whatever else fans could imagine, to the industry (the whole package). They sent a request to all the available ladies for Valentine’s Day: “Baby just give me all your loving and let me swim in your beautiful poison.” J Smooth describes an Illusions’ date consisting of dining, flowers, singing, feet rubbing, massaging, caressing, lap dancing, kissing and the rest is left to the imagination of that special lady; anything for the woman to know she is special. Ill Ent. Is the record label that they’ve established and they do their own beats, recordings, etc,. They want other artists to know that they are R&B artists who don’t limit themselves to just R&B music. They are open to all genres of music. Look out for these stars on the rise. Illusions will be performing at ULM’s Kasual Korner, on the 7th floor of the library on February 15. The event is being spon-sored by the Kappa’s of ULM. Be there! Also, look forward to their promotional cd- Beautiful Poison , with their latest hits. This is not an illusion; this group is really striving.

Contact info (given by J Smooth): Email: [email protected] Phone: (318) 791-9139

ILLUSIONS

Leverage Your Way to Successby SCOTT JAMES

In the course of your journey as a musician there will be some things that go right for you. What you choose to do about those things will go a long way towards determin-ing your success (or lack thereof).

The concept of leverage is all about finding your opportunities to capitalize on the things that will give you the best return for your efforts. Like a lever, where you can generate tremendous force without tremendous effort, you have opportunities to get powerful results by using the right things to your advantage at the right times.

For example, let’s say you know in advance that your show this weekend is going to be a lot of fun with a great turnout because it’s the bass player’s birthday and you’re playing at your favorite spot in your home town. Get it on tape! Hire someone to cre-ate a professional recording or run a promotion encouraging fans to tape the show. Depending on the venue you could maybe do a promotion of $5 off at the door for anyone who brings a recording device. Next thing you know you’ve got a bunch of videos in circulation that show a packed house of fans having a great time. Put the best stuff on your website.

Promoters don’t want dramatic, clever bios and pretty pictures. They want one thing – heads through the door. If you’ve got actual proof that you play to good crowds who love you, right on the home page of your site, then you’ll do a lot more to capture the attention of the people who can put you in prime slots opening for bigger bands at bigger shows.

Take one success and parlay it into another. This is one thing that I think a lot of young creative musicians miss. Talented artists often find it difficult to compromise in their early projects. They want to achieve perfection, but lack experience, so as a result it can be really tough getting the right other people to play along and bring their vision to life. The real world will only give results based on what actually happens and can be verified, not by what’s in someone’s head.

What usually works better to start with is to get out and create tangible results, like playing shows and recording music, even if they’re not ideal. When you’ve got some-thing to show for your efforts you end up with more experience and credibility and you have things that you can leverage into better situations in the future. It’s all about the things you can hang your hat on. The good things that happen aren’t just ends in and of themselves. They’re stepping stones to get you to the next level.

Do you have a killer website that makes you look good and that does a great job of enticing fans to sign up for your mailing list? Then put the URL under each of your videos on YouTube (*tip* if you put in the ‘http://’ then it will be a clickable hyperlink). Did you get a great quote from a magazine or someone with high status? Put it on all of your promo material! Did you win a fistful of money at a battle of the bands? Triple your money by investing in some new shirts. Train yourself to look for these opportunities and when things go right – be ready to capitalize!

INDUSTRY INSIDER ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Production company Morgan Creek announced that the new Tupacbiopic is scheduled to begin principal photography in the late spring and early summer with director Antoine Fuqua.

The Tupac film, which will be shot in Los Angeles , New York, Georgia and Las Vegas, chronicles the life and legacy of Tu-pac.

While the cast is still being developed, James G. Robinson, David Robinson and LT Hutton have already been announced as producers of the film.

The film has also received the blessings of Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur-Davis, who will also partake in the film’s produc-tion as executive producer.

“I am confident that Morgan Creek will stay true to the com-mon goal we share of depicting Tupac’s life in a way that will allow the world to see the authenticity of his artistry, his hopes and his life goals,” Afeni Shakur said in a statement about the film.

The production will showcase his meteoric rise to stardom as a musician and an actor, while also showcasing some of his moments in prison, and the controversial time at Death Row Records.

“I am honored to be part of the process that is bringing his life and legacy to the big screen,” LT Hutton added. “I am thank-ful to Afeni Shakur for giving this project her blessing and to Morgan Creek for giving it the green light.”

Universal Pictures will distribute the film in North America, while Morgan Creek will co-distribute the film with Morgan Creek International overseas.

Courtesy of allhiphop.com

Rapper Dorrough was arrested this morning in Dallas, Texas, when DEA agents kicked in his door over suspicion of drug trafficking.

While the exact charge against Dorrough is not known as of press time, a source close to the rapper said that 10 agents kicked in his door earlier today, with guns drawn. According to the source, agents did not find any drugs or weapons on the premises.

“Dorrough has obtained powerful counsel and one of his attorneys is a Senator,” a source told AllHipHop.com. “Dorrough will make a formal statement with plans to clear his name later this week.”

Dorrough is best known for his hit singles “Ice Cream Paint Job” and “Get Big” which was turned into a remix featuring stars like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Bun B., DJ Drama and Yo Gotti.

Former Young Money rapper Curren$y has found a new major label home with Asylum/Warner Bros.

The New Orleans native was once signed to imprints from Lil’ Wayne, Master P and C-Murder before his current recording home, but eventual fared best as an indie sensation.

In 2009, his career truly saw a resurgence with the release of This Ain’t No Mixtape and Jet Files through Amalgam Digital. In 2010, Curren$y received acclaim for his Pilot Talk and Pilot Talk II albums through

Damon Dash’s BluRoc Records which is distributed through Def Jam Record-ings. Both albums made AllHipHop’s Top 40 end of year honors for 2010.

Presently, Curren$y preps his fifth and sixth studio albums, Muscle Car Chron-icles and Pilot Talk III. Until those are released, Curren$y will release Covert Coup with Alchemist on April 19th. Below is a list of tour dates for the rap artist. Venues were not presented by Asylum.

“Well, it’s that time of year again- Valentine’s; you know, when you buy the one you love chocolate, roses, sim cards, take’em out to eat- do something special or even pop the big question: “Baby where you want to eat tonight?” Honestly, I think Valen-tine’s is over rated. You don’t have to tell or show them on February 14, “baby I love you” or “I have feelings for you”. That is something that should be done year around. Valentine’s is just a grown folks Christmas; it’s a way to make money. Every restaurant is gonna have that deal. Every jeweler you go to- got that special ice that you really want and we not gone even talk about the hotel spe-cials. At the same time, some people really do get emotional behind Valentine’s Day; you know like, girlfriend number 2, or that special friend or that one I’m just cool with. You know- we just kicking it, but on Valentine’s Day, you better get them some balloons, some candy or something. Let’s keep it 100! If you smashing, feelings are gonna come about sooner or later because true enough- sex is a physical thing but it’s more emotional than any-thing. Fellows, you can say what you want, but you

you be digging them chicks when you be digging them chicks and ladies- even though you know that man may have a woman, but for that five or ten minutes, or maybe 30 minutes that he’s digging- you are really digging him too, but you got to keep it in the back of your head- You’re just a friend-you know and that’s just one of the benefits; but on Valentine’s Day, no one wants to be alone, plus- Everybody got their income tax checks! Ladies, you got to be careful about that too. You know that’s when the ex-boyfriend wants to come back around, baby daddy starts straightening up, act-ing right, wanna take you out- do a lil something, something and soon as that check runs out baby- he runs out right along with it. So, to all my single folks, remember that Valentine’s is just another day and to all my folks that’s in relationships- if you want to be single- don’t get your loved one some-thing for Valentine’s Day! I’m sideways ‘til the next time and remember- Think B.I.G. Believe in God and you can email me: [email protected] or follow me on twitter: digga318. Peace!”

GRAVE’S CORNER