The khoLi-oLi Catch UP! ... The F*I*X // WOC // DE LECHE: Philly Black PRIDE

What can I really say people? Last night was AMAZING ... but not like ... ohhh ... it was just some dope poets! or some dope singers! or some dope dancers!

But because it was ALL of that and MORE in ONE PLACE! Like Really! Like I KID YOU

NOT!

Okkkk ... I see you don't believe me. -_- .... Well then let me just give you a brief rundown of some of the folks who blessed the mic ... You READY?!? I doubt it. You might think you know ... but trust. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!

First of all ... BE EXCITED ... the first two women you would have seen last night were my JOVI BABY and Selina Carrera!

Ya! I knowwww ... I almost got a lil' hot too! It's OK. My friends areeee indeed sweltering!

AND THEN ... as if THAT weren't enough .... the list of those who graced the mic (oooh, you knowww, in NO particular order ....

1. Brinae Ali

who if you didn't know ... goes a lil somethin' like this

AND this

and clearly if you clicked on the link you know that she SINGS TOO! AND DID SHE last night!

okkk okkk i digress.

2. Jus Greg (who, yes, I KNOW ... you have seen in the Brave New Voices

episodes with the Philly Youth Slam Team ... and YES ... you can see them NEXT SATURDAY @ The Rotunda in Philly!)

3. AUTHENTIC's own AUTHENTIC CHICK OF THE MONTH Ms. Wise

4. Lyrispect

5. Lady Sarkazym

6. Mara

7. Moses Malloy

8. Rhapsody

9. ME MYSELF and IIIII ... uhhh ... don't play me ... you KNOW I oft times call myself a poet.

"which means i did lie, i do lie, and i am presently lying because the craziest thing i ever heard after spittin' one of my poems ... was somebody talkin' bout they wanted to be deep JUST LIKE ME."

10. BEST PART ABOUT IT IS THERE WERE SOOOOO MANY MORE ... I can't even remember the names! If I'm forgetting anyone ... PLEASE charge it to the 4am drive back to NJ and this 9:39 am blog. NOT ME.

okkk ... i'm gonna stop rambling now ... i think the $5 entry and $3 happy hour and random break dancers and several poets and singers both male and female im forgetting to name and MASS of pretty people speaks for itself. ya. you right. it does. ::giggle::

AND .... From Last Week ...

YO! I still have very few ACTUAL words to give about this conference ... right now it mostly sounds like

....

ah ah ahhhhh ... you know where to go if you want more words ... and more pics from The F*I*X!

www.kholioli.com

- khoLi.

AUTHENTIC CHICK OF THE MONTH: Ms. Wise

Tell us who you are ... using your favorite lyrics from your favorite album/poem. Feel free to explain if necessary.

“These streets hold my deepest days
This hood taught me golden ways
Made me, truly this is what made me
Break me, not a thing's gonna break me

Ohh, I'm that history I'm that block
I'm that lifestyle I'm that spot
I'm that kid by the number spot
That's my past that made me hot….”

Nas. ft Chrisette Michelle (Can’t Forget About You)

Not necessarily my fav song…but on my top list indeed.

Who have been your top five influences musically/poetically?

In order:

1. Prince Rogers Nelson aka Prince aka Mr. Purple Rain

This man is a musical genius. And did I mention he’s beautiful?? A beautiful musical genius. He’s always made the art….the art never made him. And his fans appreciate that…..The millions of fans who will sell out a concert if he had one 2day, over 2 decades since he first started in the game.

2. Shyster aka Ms. Betty’s Son

Philadelphia poet who has remained true 2 his mission….2 save the children and the streets.

3. Taalam Acey

No need 4 an intro. This poet is just vicious….lyrically blessed….and dedicated 2 his craft. He gives me hope and encouragement 2 keep doing what I do.

4. Lauryn “L Boogie” Hill

Maaaaan “talented” doesn’t describe this woman!! She’s simply illl….dope…gifted!! I can relate 2 the deep-voiced tomboyish young lady from The Score as well as the flourishing woman in The Miseducation. And Un-plugged was just beautiful!! Don’t sleep on it! Like the rest of the music world, I wish she would make her way back in2 the game…. We need you Ms. Hill.

5. The Notorious B.I.G.

Wow…I can only pick 5, huh? Ha…Well Biggie has 2 be on the top 5.…definitely. Who in the game has yet to do it better?? Ok, some may say Jay (who would’ve been my #6) but he’s yet 2 possess that raw feel that Big bought to the game….

Have the people that you worked with influenced you or your art in anyway.

If so, who and how?

There has been a select few that have influenced (and supported) me and I never hesitate 2 shout ‘em out. But in particular, I have 2 big up my main producer, E-The Poet Emcee from Baltimore, MD. He’s not only a man of talent, but a man about his business. He’s taught me that it’s ok 2 mix business with your art…..as long as you stay true 2 craft….and most importantly, yourself. Besides, if it’s what’s you’re good at, why not succeed off of it??

Besides other poets, what has helped you expand your art over your career span?

My words are healing somebody….I know it. I’ve been told. I can see it in their faces….when I’m at a show….or a workshop….I’m changing lives. We (The spoken word artists) are changing lives. God gave us this gift 4 a reason.

What's the perfect Ms.Wise poem song/poem for the club?

Haha….the club though?? Ummm….I guess “My Chucks” Definitely a head banger.

My Chucks - Ms. Wise

(UHHHH ... Ms. WISE ... DON'T BE LIKE THAT >>> JUST answer the question! Give the people what they want! lol)

The car?

“Reason” The production on this track is sick!! Shout out 2 Philly’s own Maxx Steele.

reason.mp3 - Ms. Wise

The bedroom?

lol…“Who I Am Is”

Who I Am Is - Ms. Wise

The kitchen?

“Time”

An early morning jog?

Something from the upcoming CD….I got some hip hop tracks 4 yall

Shopping?

“The Professor”

The Professor - Ms. Wise

What do you have planned for the world in 09?

Well, the 3^rd cd is scheduled to drop on March 26^th. “The Death of Roxanne” This is also my birthday!! Yessss ((snaps fingers)) lol. I plan 2 have two events on this day, including a listening party and a show/slam. Other than that, I will be holding events on a monthly or bi-monthly basis 2 keep the arts flowing throughout Philadelphia, Jersey, and surrounding areas on behalf of myself and my new crew (The R.A.B. crew…ask about us*). The fall (September) will launch my high school tour that will take place in the areas of Camden, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore MD and Washington DC. Of course, I’ll be involved with slam. My first big move with slam this year was my recent win in the Woman of the World qualifier here in Philly. As a result, I will compete in The Woman of the World International slam in Detroit, MI from March 18-21^st. As much as I used to criticize this aspect of poetry (and sometimes still do), slam has helped me grow as an artist. 2009 is going to be MY year….just wait and see.

What's the Soundtrack for your life? Pick 7 songs/poems (NOT YOURS).

1. Taalam Acey- Love Yourself

2. Stacy Epps- Floatin

3. RES- I’ve Known the Garden

4. Prince- The Beautiful One’s

5. Janelle Monae- Sincerely, Jane

6. Shyster/ Chris Cream- Rising

7. Nas ft. Chrisette Michele- Can’t 4Get About You

Finally, tell our readers the best way to keep their hustle Real and AUTHENTIC in 09.

“Shelter in your humility like the home that you’re living in.

Let your artistry pay your soul bill in place of your Benjamins

‘Til your spirit rocks, sold-rock, unshaken by any men……”

Extra stuff:

-originally from Camden, NJ/residing in Philadelphia PA

-2008 Philadelphia Grand Slam Champ

-2008 and 2009 Philadelphia female slam champ

-placed 8^th in the nation (Woman of the World Int. Slam 2008 Detroit, MI)

Find more photos like this on AUTHENTIC

So ummm ... Just in CASE you're a stalker like US!

Find Ms. Wise on Myspace or AS ALWAYS BEING AUTHENTIC or on TWITTER or FACEBOOK!

Did I miss anything?!? -_-

OH WELL. STAY REAL. STAY AUTHENTIC.

MUAH!

AUTHENTIC WOMEN: Shawnon Corprew

Soooo ... you know what happens here EVERY THURSDAY!

AUTHENTIC gives all our favorite chicks ... meaning YOU! Yes YOU! ... a little thank you for showing us so much support!

How? We let you hype yourself! duh! (ya'll don't be payin' attention. lol)

So this week, we want to feature one of my favorite HU ... and NOT that other one ... HAMPTON (::crowd roars. chants:: "i love i love i love my H. IIIIIIIII. U!") comrades!

Who? Why NONE other than Shawnon Corprew! Here's what Shawnon had to say about herself:

Basically, I'm a poet coming into my own. I'm participating in the Black Extravaganza at HU (ok now when u click that link ... dont ask any questions ... but u will see kholi standing all prim and poet-like in the background)for the first time and I'm sooo excited about it! I just want people to be more exposed to my poetry and such.

My name is Shawnon and my blog link is http://curiouslovechild.blogspot.com and that's where my newest pieces (as well as ramblings) are.

I BET YOU ALREADY KNOW WHERE ELSE YOU CAN CHECK SHAWNON OUT! Don't you?!?

No?!? Well, let me help!


Find more photos like this on AUTHENTIC


Stay Real, chicks. Stay AUTHENTIC.

Wednesday's Word of Wisdom

"I said nothing . . . . She was looking at me, expecting something. She wanted me to tell her that I knew what it was like, but I wouldn't tell her." - Corregidora, Gayle Jones (1975 , 64)

Gayl Jones (born November 23, 1949) is an African American novelist, poet, playwright, professor, and literary critic from Lexington, Kentucky. [1] After earning the Frances Steloff Award for Fiction while attending Connecticut College, she graduated with a Masters in creative writing at Brown University. The same year, she published her first book Corregidora.

Silence is an oft forgotten skill. In a day of internet, e-mails, text/instant messaging, smart phones, and the like, we're all innunadated with the need to speak, most times saying needless nothing. As in the scene above, Women of AUTHENTIC, we "[look] at you, expecting something." Unfortunately, in today's male-dominated, heterosexist, etc. society, sometimes the fear and discomfort of your powerful silence creates unncessary and fruitless action that manifests as

women putting in work to be, and aid in, the exploitation of a man's fantasy of womanity and beauty.

Don't just say anything. Say something from head to toe, from heart from soul. Be heard AND listened to.

It's Hump Day, ladies. Take a moment to shut yourself away and embrace the power of your silence. Like granmamma used to say (and all ya'll granmamm's used to say this),

"Think before you speak."

You may find that you're speaking much without uttering a sound.

AUTHENTIC Women, you are brillant and strong and beautifully vulnerable and intelligent and great...without uttering a sound.

Happy Hump Day!

News For YOU!

So ... i don't know if you know Nick, from Namaste Studios ... but YOU NEED TO KNOW HIM!

We're going to do a full write-up on the studio later ... but I just got a little bird just put it in my ear that he's looking to work with and develop new artists.

This is NOT a place you come and purchase "studio time". When I first met them, I was excited that the pressure was OFF, not ON to work with music. No, we don't believe in that. We believe you should have all the time you need with your song(s) and projects. The clock is not ticking. You don’t have to accept a take you don’t like ‘cause your bid is running low. You're investing in your future, in works that will, forever, represent you. Everything you need is at your fingertips. If you need to start, finish or think about an upcoming project, the studio and/or the entire facility is at your disposal. You should not feel overwhelmed while working, this studio is an escape from your daily hustle.

Come, relax and do…whatever. If you just need mixing and mastering or help with an idea. We can call in the team or you can bring yours.

WHEREVER you are in or out of the country, I'd love to bring you in to take a tour, talk with our engineers and music writers, and get behind a microphone that can pick up thoughts three rooms away and take her for a practice spin!

Give me a call when you're ready to propel.

-Bethsheba A. Rem

757.449.0068

Sheba@roughlanguage.com

www.oyaxclusive.com

CEO Oya Xclusive International

The umbrella company for:

Queen Sheba

Below the Radar – Events and Cool Stuff to Do ®2009

Leo Rising – Where Fashion Meets Function

Bordeaux and the Beat – The Local B&B for World Wide Artists

NAMASTE Studtios

Assistant to Nick Chahwala


...

Thanks, sheba! You know we'll hit you with the update! But for know, chicas! Do your thing! uhhhh ... call, cutie!

Stay Real. Stay AUTHENTIC!

Wednesday's Word of Wisdom

Somethin' New fo' dat aaaa .... **OOPS** ... right .. i must learn to watch my mouth.

ANYWAYS ... I realize ... (yes, now that I am considering how AUTHENTIC is going to pull of TWO YES TWO MAJOR EVENTS THIS SPRING ... EXPOSE: Art for AIDS AWARENESS ... and Philly Ladies' Pride ... ) ... that sometimes you need a lil' pick me upper! And you KNOW that's what we're here for!

So you know ... we'll try this out ... tell us how you like it!

Wednesday's Word of Wisdom is gonna give you a lil somethin' to get that hump out ya' back ... just when you ned it ... on HUMP DAY!

Today's Word of Wisdom is brought to you by Gwendolyn Brooks.

(click pic for more wiki info)

Born	Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks June 7, 1917(1917-06-07) Topeka, Kansas, USA
Died	December 3, 2000 (aged 83) Chicago, Illinois, USA
Occupation	Poet
Nationality	United States
Writing period	1920-2000
Genres	Poetry
Notable work(s)	Annie Allen
Notable award(s)	Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1950)
Spouse(s)	Henry Blakely (m. 1939)

and what does Gwennie (cuz we cool like that) have to share with you today?

GIRLLLLL!



....

"We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond."

...



what can i say ... i needed that. it's why we at AUTHENTIC do the work we do. it's why we go hard for ALL our girls! THAT ... and cuz ... ur like ..... ummmm ... THE FREAKIN' BEST!

Who loves you baby?!?

duh. Stay Real. Stay AUTHENTIC.

AUTHENTIC Women: Queen God!s

Do YOU know this woman?




If the answer is "NO" ... SUCKS for YOU! [everyone boo now!]

Luckily, AUTHENTIC is here to save the day for you ... AS ALWAYS! AND ... we do it out of Love!

Click the bio to visit Queen God!s's MySpace.

And if you just can't get enough of her ... Well, I've shown you a little more love below.







What do you think? Can you stand the reign?

$500 Rough Language Poetry Slam

AUTHENTIC IS PROUD TO SUPPORT ...

$500 Poetry Slam Featuring Eva Kennedy and Gritz and Jelly Butter!

1st 12 poets only! To register click on my page and register via PayPal and get advance DISCOUNT TIX there! This event always sells out! Don't be the one we turn away!

FMI: speakyourpeace@roughlanguage.com 757.449.
0068 Sheba





FIND OUT MORE HERE


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AUTHENTIC "SOMETHING SEXY" SERIES LAUNCHING

So ... we know you've been waiting!

AUTHENTIC officially launched the "Something Sexy" Series on October 24, 2008.

And don't you want to know what was so sexy about it?!?

well let's just go down the line ...

The launching of this event was a poetry slam / live art extravaganza. Or maybe it just felt like an extravaganza ... either way ... AUTHENTIC teamed up with some pretty heavy hitters to get things started!

The event was hosted by Queen Sheba.

If you haven't heard of her ... (then you're crazy) ... then we'd like to give you a brief rundown.

Anyways ... Sheba hosted a $500 slam for us at The Bubble House. The slam featured 15 poets coming their hardest. And when I say hard, I mean Ainsley Burrows hard; I mean Joshua Bennett hard, I mean Amun Miraj hard, I mean ... well i mean ... Ms. Wise (the winner of the slam) hard!

Think you can’t get diversity, sexy, soul, world music, exciting, entertaining, sassy, classy and intelligent all in one package?! You must not have met Queen Sheba!

Even before Queen Sheba was named one of the 1 Ranked Poets in the World, as of the recent National Poetry Slam Team win August 11th 2007 in Austin, TX a veteran member of the Slam Charlotte National Poetry Slam Team, she hasn’t (and won’t) stopped moving.

(you can soooo check her myspace or www.queensheba.org for more info)

Anyways ... Sheba hosted a $500 slam for us at The Bubble House. The slam featured 15 poets coming their hardest. And when I say hard, I mean Ainsley Burrows hard; I mean Joshua Bennett hard, I mean Amun Miraj hard, I mean ... well i mean ... Ms. Wise (the winner of the slam) hard!

But poetry wasn't all we had!

Selina Carrera was our featured performer!



and we even had LIVE ART!

Who might this be?

None other than the flyest FlyGirrl you MORE THAN NEED TO KNOW!!

Whether working with computers, canvas or people, Stacey is the epitome of a multi-tasker. she is a highly acclaimed graphic designer, flourishing artist, widely sought after promoter and owner and (co)-creator of squarebiz, allstar collective & FLYGIRRL. Her new venture that houses all her creativeness through art, design and events.


With one door opening after another, Stacey's next venture in life was to start a promotion and event planning company, Squarebiz along with her partner, Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson of The Roots. That was where it all started, in 2001. Her renowned organization has been a staple of Philly nightlife with constant events which includes the infamous, Tastytreats every saturday night for 6 years.. Squarebiz has worldwide fans, as she has produced events with super-stars Prince ( managed and planned his 3 private afterparties for his philadelphia tour ), DJ Jazzy Jeff, Gangstarr, KRS-One, Lil' Louie Vega ( MAW ), Tony Touch, Little Brother, Kool Herc, Beverly Bond, Jill Scott, John Legend, Jamie Foxx and many others. She has also been responsible for branding a merchandise line, those infamous "jawn" t-shirts as well as creating a much needed urban newpaper for Philadelphia, The Jawn.

VIMBY - Tasty Treats

We also had Philadelphia's favorite jeweler, Amun Miraaj, giving us a bit of eye candy for the night.

And YOU know ... a party ain't really even a party without AUTHENTIC's own ...
DJ VICTORIA!



(we know ... feel free to swoon here)

Want to know about DJ V? Just ask!

"its me, two turntables, and a mixer"

Ya.. that's all she's giving.




As always ... stay tuned to www.onlyauthentic.blogspot.com for more!

"... don't act like we neva told ya!"