by Fabiola Noel | Jun 3, 2021 | Editorial Pick, Latest, Trending |
On September 17, 1967, in the crime-ridden and drug-infested ghettoes of the Bronx and Harlem, a gift from God was delivered: Malik Yoba. No silver spoon, white picket fence, house on the hills, or any type of relief during his early years of childhood—the streets of NYC in the 60s and 70s were vicious, and only the strong survived. By the age of fifteen, he had cheated death when a bullet was lodged in his neck. The bullet was removed, and Malik Yoba’s journey was just getting started.
Labeled as a “misunderstood child” during his early years, he possessed unusual compassion for inner-city youths and categorized many as the victims of widely held racial and social misperceptions. Malik Yoba engulfed himself in volunteering, mentoring, and inspiring the lives of the future leaders of tomorrow. Most people are totally unaware that Malik Yoba taught inner-city youths in the areas of acting and music.
Before he launched his illustrious career in Hollywood, the seeds of his success were already being planted within the youths of NYC.
In 1991, Malik Yoba auditioned for the blockbuster comedy movie Cool Runnings. Yoba’s role as a feisty and hot-tempered member of the Jamaican bobsled team was significant and necessary for the chemistry of the film. Movie critics were not convinced and panned the movie as merely average. However, audiences disagreed, and Cool Runnings soared in theaters, exceeding 68 million dollars. Malik’s flight of success took off and never came back down.
Soon, he landed the coveted role of J.C. Williams on the runaway FOX TV series “New York Undercover.” Playing alongside Michael de Lorenzo (as Eddie Torres), the show enabled viewers to see Harlem, crime, NYPD, rap music, and the entire City of New York from a whole different perspective. New York Undercover is one of the most successful TV shows in FOX TV history. The most important factor is its impact on pop and hip-hop culture. Celebrities worldwide craved to be a part of the show.
Everyone from Tyra Banks to Taye Diggs appeared on the show, and fame followed everyone. The show was the perfect balance between real-life issues and Hollywood drama. Viewers connected emotionally with each character, and public reaction was overwhelming. The essence of J.C. Williams was the talk of every local barbershop, beauty salon, and family BBQ everywhere. Malik Yoba and Michael de Lorenzo were the best duos in Hollywood since Earvin “Magic” Johnson and James Worthy. FOX and Malik Yoba were the new sensation on television, and the rose was growing through the concrete jungle. New York Undercover lasted four seasons and wrapped in late June 1998.
At around the same time, Yoba returned to activism with full force, helming a series of interactive lectures for troubled urban youth called “Why Are You on This Planet?” The program combined exercises in reading, writing, art, music, and visualization to teach children self-empowerment and the wisdom of solid decision-making. “Why Are You on This Planet?” qualified as an instant, triumphant success and continued seemingly without end; in the meantime, Yoba perpetuated his dramatic efforts as well, with contributions to innumerable motion pictures. In addition, he gave a pair of small, impressive performances in two very different 1997 indie dramas—first as Detective Carson in James Mangold’s all-star New Jersey policier Cop Land (1997), then as a studio engineer in George Tillman Jr.’s ensemble comedy-drama Soul Food, alongside Vivica A. Fox and Vanessa L. Williams.
From 2011 to 2012, Yoba appeared as former FBI Special Agent Bill Harken on “Alphas,” a science fiction drama series about a team of people with special abilities who belong to a secret department attached to the DOD. In 2013, Yoba joined the cast of “Revolution” as Jim Hudson, a former captain of the Monroe Republic. In 2015, Malik Yoba made history alongside FOX once more as he was cast as Vernon Turner, Lucious Lyon’s business partner and chairman of Empire Entertainment in “Empire.”
Yoba’s role is dynamic, challenging, inspiring, dark, and vintage Hollywood showmanship. Being the unsung hero of the Lucious Lyon Empire is a very intricate role and the perfect balance between obedience and power. When you watch Malik Yoba on the screen, you can hear, see, and feel his journey in every scene. Malik brings you directly into the moment, and he always leaves his audience wanting more. When you think of the impact of Malik Yoba not just in Hollywood but on the inner-city youths of NYC, the reflection of his power shines brightest.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 2, 2021 | Editorial Pick, Latest, Trending |
“FRIEND OF MINE” BY KELLY PRICE
“THE THINGS YOU DO [BAD BOY REMIX]” BY GINA THOMPSON FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT
“HONEY” BY MARIAH CAREY
“SUMMERTIME” BY BEYONCÉ FEAT. DIDDY
“BREAKDOWN” BY MARIAH CAREY FEAT. BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY
“MO’ MONEY MO’ PROBLEMS” BY NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
“LOVE @ FIRST SIGHT” BY MARY J. BLIGE FEAT. METHOD MAN
“LET ME BLOW YA MIND” BY EVE FEAT. GWEN STEFANI
“Can’t NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN” BY PUFF DADDY FEAT MASE
“CAN’T LET HER GO” BY BOYZ II MEN
“ONLY YOU” BY 112 FEAT. NOTORIOUS BIG
“NEVER LEAVE YOU” BY LUMIDEE
“I’LL BE MISSING YOU” BY DIDDY FEAT. FAITH EVANS AND 112
“SPENDIN’ MONEY” BY R. KELLY
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY” BY NEW EDITION
Puff Daddy ft. Busta Rhymes and The Notorious B.I.G. “Victory,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Carl Thomas, Ginuwine, and Twista “Is This the End,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Foxy Brown “Friends,” No Way Out
“Niggas Bleed,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Another,” “Playa Hater,” “Nasty Boy,” “You’re Nobody (till Somebody Kills You)” from the album Life After Death.
Brian McKnight: “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time)” from the album Anytime
I’m sitting in my living room listening to the album “Personal Conversation” by Case (S/O to Case, your music is the perfect tempo to create a classic article) and watching one of my favorite TV shows, “Jeopardy.” The “cool factor” of Jeopardy is even if you don’t know the answer, it’s super intriguing to find out the absolute truth of the question. So when I research all of the “true” classics Stevie J has produced or contributed to, I find myself in another episode of jeopardy.
Hidden genius is a beautiful quality because it doesn’t seek attention, superficial attraction, or seeks its own interest; the motivation is fueled by passion and relentless ambition. The characteristics of Stevie J are a perfect blend of God-given vision, gargantuan inner drive, unflinching confidence, and an ounce of insanity. Ok, I love Case, but the “Red Berry” Ciroc is kicking in, so I fast-forward to “Can’t nobody hold us down” off the “NO WAY OUT ALBUM.
“Normally, when you hear a sampled song, it doesn’t reinvent itself; however, that’s part of the secret formula for Stevie J. Stevie J has an amazing ability to complement a track with an untraceable production approach and signature melodic finish.
The footprints of legends can only be followed and not duplicated, and that’s why his trademark sound will and must be publicly declared. I’m so amped right now!! Music is the soundtrack to life, and when “VICTORY” comes on, so many visions and thoughts are racing through my mind. I’m pacing through my condo rapidly like I’m in the ring of a championship fight.
Yo, the sun don’t shine forever
(You can turn the track up a little bit for me)
But as long as it’s here then we might as well shine together
(All up in my ears)
Better now than never, business before pleasure
(The mic is loud, but the beats isn’t loud)
P-Diddy and the Fam, who you know do it better?
Timeless music!! How did Stevie J know what to add or cut from this sample and then make it work? Success has different outlooks, but the ingredients are always consistent. Stevie J hears a sound only he can ascertain and develop. When he enters into a studio, the room feels, smells, looks, and resonates with an ambrosial atmosphere.
Every great performer, athlete, entertainer, and etc has this creative arena within their mind which enables supernatural results and unfathomable heights of a phenomenon. I just finished listening to “PAIN” and “Is This The End” blares through my speakers like a Hip Hop symphony. Ginuwine, Twista, & Puff Daddy own this track like it is a birthright, and it flows like a sonic motion picture in “HD”.
Who could make “death” sound so good? Stevie J!! The overall instrumentation and sonic delivery of this track are matchless in this current era. My adrenaline is wearing off a little, so as I sit by red berry Ciroc self-down, I flip over to the track “HONEY” (Bad Boy Remix). This universal track connects with every race, gender, and a hater! Jadakiss rips it from the beginning, Styles P supplies his signature gritty undertones, Mase provides the perfect god-flow finger roll, Puff is simply being Puff, Mariah is like cool whip.
She’s good on top of any dessert! Stevie J’s behind the scenes influence is visible throughout each verse, hook, string, chord, and baseline. Stevie J is James Worthy on the fast break, and nobody finishes better. Who can make a pop record cross over to streets better than Stevie J along with the Hitmen production team.
Stevie J understands the language of music, and that’s an inborn God induced gift. Possessing the ability to coordinate over 7 instruments simultaneously, manage sound, tones, voice inflection, intonation, and most importantly, artistic chemistry.
I stop and do a 100 quick push-ups to get my blood flowing and raise my adrenaline. I switch to “Mo Money More Problems” from the 10X platinum “Life After Death” album. Once Big said ”
Uh, uh, B.I.G., P O, P P A, no info, for the, DEA
Federal agents mad cause I’m flagrant
Tap my cell and the phone in the basement
My team supreme, stay clean triple beam lyrical dream
Man, need I say more about this classic record that Stevie J was a part of during the meteoric rise of Notorious B.I.G. How many producers/people would Sean Combs trust with the music and career of B.I.G?
How many producers possess the patience, instinct, and overall musical acumen to deliver for arguably the greatest MC of all time (Its always a toss-up between B.I.G & Tupac). Stevie J’s catalog is responsible for the biggest hits during an entire decade only and not to mention after the 90’s.
When I think about the song “I’ll be missing you” and the impact the record has made worldwide and continues to assist in healing the emotional wounds of people, I often wonder the metal state of mind he commanded during those studio moments.
Knowing that B.I.G. was recently buried and the entire world was waiting and needed this record for their eternal playlist. Stevie J, Puff, Faith, 112, & Sauce Money engineered one of the greatest songs of unity in the league of “We are the world.” Everyone in the world felt compelled to mourn and be inspired at the very exact moment.
Once again, the beautiful mind of Stevie J provided the finely detailed production assembly of emotion, chords, guitar strings, blissful sounds, and undertones of Faith and 112 and made history again. But, unfortunately, most people admire, detest, applaud, aspire to, and reject Stevie J every Monday night via VH1.
The television showcases a very small portion of his life. Stevie’s life is an authentic soundtrack, and we’ve only heard a few tracks of his life. In 2016, Stevie J will ascend to new heights and release new musical jewels for the world to love again.
Stevie J is mentally, physically, and spiritually in the best shape of his life, and he’s leaving no stone unturned. Multiple movies, TV shows, business ventures, and more occupy his current and 2016 roll-out calendar.
The infamous Stevie J bus has turned into super-ultra RV, and more people have come aboard for apparent reasons. But, when you closely examine his catalog, journey, sound, music production, Faith, and God-given talent, there can only be one title: “LORD OF THE STRINGS.”
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Derrick T Lewis | May 31, 2021 | Business News, Latest, Tech News |
Delivery giant FedEx has partnered with Accion opportunity fund to launch its own E-commerce Learning Lab program.
The FedEx guided program aims to aid diverse business owners who may be trying to expand or develop e-commerce operations as a result of the pandemic.
The program will provide hands-on training from experts in the e-commerce field to 150 minority and female small business owners through the use of various workshops and other one-on-one training. These business owners will also be given free technical support to help create and or maintain any of their virtual operations or stores. These operations range from marketing and promotions to order management and fulfillment.
The chief marketing and communications officer for FedEx released a statement addressing the fact that the pandemic has impacted many small business owners, especially women and people of color. She goes on to say that this program will work to even the playing field among women and minority business owners. She also mentions that this is a perfect time to launch this project as eCommerce volumes have continued to grow. She closes by saying that the launch of the FedEx Learning Lab will help businesses meet customer needs in new ways while also providing programming that will allow businesses to effectively operate through these unpredictable times.
The program is set to run over five months starting in September. This timeline allows FedEx to support the participants of the program with holiday promotions and technical support with managing orders during the holiday.
Participants must be relatively new businesses with no online presence, and they must produce shelf-stable general merchandise or food products. The participants also cannot earn more than $500,000
CEO of the Action Opportunity, Fund Luz Urrutia, said that this program will allow for the opportunity to help bring awareness to entrepreneurs who have been going unnoticed. She also says that access to resources and opportunities will set these businesses up for future growth and generate more economic possibilities for a diverse range of businesses.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Derrick T Lewis | May 29, 2021 | Business News, Latest, Trending |
Two African American women Letta J and Keshia Walker, have created a niche in esports.
Playing video games like Warzone and NBA 2K isn’t just a hobby anymore. Playing video games could potentially be a full-time job. However, some issues have arisen, such as online hate speech and the access minorities have to game careers. Even ESPN has discussed race and diversity relating to esports.
Letta J and Keshia Walker indicated that hate speech has become more frequent as video game streaming has become more popular. Letta J runs Soho Gaming House in New York, and she has created a space specifically intended for women involved in esports. Letta also founded COEXIST Gaming which supports all gamers that are interested in opportunity and growth.
Keshia Walker is a gaming champion who has experienced different levels of racism and discrimination throughout her career. Keshia Walker has gone on the be the founder of Women Got Game, a popular gaming tournament intended for women.
The gaming industry is exploding with millions of fans and billions up for grabs. Walker is also tapping into the career aspects of esports and gaming. Keshia Walker also owns a collegiate gaming company known as the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA). On the BCGA website, the company says that its main goal is to create opportunities for Black college students, which will ideally lead to corporate roles with gaming or other tech industries.
Keshia Walker has also been recognized as the first African American woman to own both a gaming and collegiate esports company in the United States. Letta J and Keshia Walker have both created opportunities for African American gamers that were unavailable to them previously. According to studies, African Americans between ages 13 and 24 account for 67% – 74% of recreational gaming, although they only represent about 3% of gamers in esports leagues. For the first time, students of color have the ability to participate in fun gaming competitions with scholarships in prizes while also learning about a variety of exciting career opportunities.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Jonathan P-Wright | May 28, 2021 | Business News, Editorial Pick, Latest, Tech News, Trending |
Apple crushed wall street projections amid a global pandemic. Wall Street analysts predicted that Apple’s revenues would fall around $77 million, but the tech giant raked in almost $90 billion in revenues from January until March of 2021 ($89.6 billion).
Apple also experienced stellar performance during this same quarter last year, with sales increasing by 54%, with most of the increase occurring before the pandemic hit the United States.
CEO Tim Cook expressed his enthusiasm in an earnings press release saying that the recent quarter reflected the ways apple products have helped its customers during these unprecedented times and also the optimism that customers hold for apple.
This tremendous growth in Apple revenues can be attributed to gains in services, iPhone revenues, and iPad revenues, with services revenues increasing by around 26%, iPhone revenue increasing by 66%, and iPad revenue increasing by 78%.
Despite the large growth in several areas, Apple’s big player turned out to be the iPhone 12, which showed an incredible demand. During the March quarter of 2020, iPhone revenues grew 66% reaching an incredible $48 billion. Apple revenues for the iPhone during the previous quarter were only about $29 billion.
According to Apple, more users upgraded to iPhones this quarter than any other in Apple’s history. This switch can be attributed to the new iPhone 12, which proved to be high in demand.
Apple showed dominance across the board with the top five best-selling smartphones in the U.S all being iPhones during the quarter. Apple also experienced a large demand internationally. The two best-selling smartphones in China were both iPhones, four of the top six best-selling smartphones in Japan were iPhones, the four most popular smartphones in the U.K were iPhones, and the top six most sold smartphones in Australia were all iPhones.
Cook also revealed that Apple faced virtually no material supply chain restraints. Cook credits this factor as one of the reasons for Apple’s success during the March quarter as many other tech companies have struggled to access a sufficient number of chips.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
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